Program name question

[l u k e]

I know that Haas program names have to start with an “O” then a number sequence “00000”. Can I also add a name so I know what it is without looking it up? Would this work> O10000(AM Beta Rail) and would I just save it from my cad/came program as such? It’s probably a dumb question but I can’t really find anything in the manual.

[Wizzard of H]

If you are looking at programs stored entirely within the control, those always are an O and a number BUT the first comment in the program shows up in the list of programs. That may help. You see such a list when you select List Prog.
Programs stored in USB, disk, or network look like standard file names.

[l u k e]

So I can name the program anything I want when I save it from my cad/cam and it will load on the control regardless of what the name is?

[Wizzard of H]

The number of the program you load can be anything from 0 to 99999. If that number is already in the control when you load it, the control will stop and ask if you want to over-write what is already loaded. The comment need not be unique but helps to identify the program function. The comment can be almost anything between parenthesis.

[l u k e]

If you answered my question I missed it somewhere.

[wms]

Would this work> O10000(AM Beta Rail) and would I just save it from my cad/came program as such?

Yes that will work..

And Yes you can save it as such in your cam program..

[Machineit]

On many controls the program name on the disk or RS232 sent file needs to be just the name, i.e. O34567. In the first line program itself you put the name(number) and then what it is such as:

O34567 (5170102 BASE PLATE 202i AND 202L)

Then after you load the program by the number only, the whole name will show up in the program listings.

I don't recall the year of your machine, but check be sure it asks for the overwrite permission. The older software will overwrite a program without asking permission. So if a program in the controller is say O12345 and you load another O12345 it will overwrite the first one and the first it is gone. So test it first.

One last note, back-up all of your programs. Once you erase a program it is gone for good and can't be retrieved. If you modify a program past a certain point, it can't be undone either. Different software has different limits on the number undo's allowed. If I am going to do a major modification of a program I copy the original and modify the copy, that way you still have the original to fall back on.

Once you master block copy and paste, block delete etc., then you can have a lot of fun changing programs. Remember that you can search for lines by typing part of it in the edit mode and hitting the down or up arrows too. Don't know where that line with the X-.0234 is, just type it and hit the up or down arrows. Many people use line numbering and some don't, but I generally do not. It's a user choice on CadCam systems.

Have fun!

Mike

[l u k e]

Thank you for the tips gentlemen.

[Delw]

heres how I do it

I use the customersname part number in my cad/cam files

for example
acme6397

then when I have it code the program I have all my program numbers say the same number but it also gives me the name and part number and description in the code generator file like so
%
o1111(acme6397 threaded ring);
Blah blah blah
%

send it to machine via any method

run program make edits and save it as a different program number to either store it in machine or pc it looks like this

%
o0001(acme6397 threaded ring);
(proven 03/16/09 Modified cad/cam file to proven machine file)
Blah blah blah
%

then save it as the name in the PC like it was org.
acme6397

the reason I do so is I dont give a ratts behind about the program number as it makes no difference to anything unless your running subs. I change the program number only after I modified the code so I know its been proven and it works fine on the material and the machine. I also ALWAYS add the date I changed the code file as with out it you dont know what you have, could be the stock code or could be a modified code etc etc.

Now when I need to run that program again, I goto pc and grab the name, look to see if it says proven send it to machine , load stock hit button and walk away.
I know the program is good and dont have to stand by the machine to make sure its right.

As long as you keep the same system and do it right you will never have any doubt.
now along with that there are also things to do to make life easier
make sure you have a M.O.T. Sheet(set up sheet) for every step. if you dont then you will never remember how you ran that part 3 years prior when you get it again.
also in the program I have my code spit out text saying, Blank is 2" x 4" x3/4" saw cut 4.1 1st operation"
this way I know for a fact that I need a saw cut blank that will finish at 4"

thats just my way, there are many ways to do it, I just found this one easiest for me and the way I do things.
You need to be maticulous in the way you do things and do it the same way day after day after day, if you dont you run around like a chicken with your head cut off.

Oh yeah it may seem I got way off topic the program number means NOTHING unless your running subs. , but these other steps and process are very important for organization.

Delw

[Pondo]

Also, keep in mind that if you number your program starting with a 9 it will bomb when you try to send it to the machine.
It'll not give you a clear reason it is not working, it just will alarm out. It's kind of frustrating if you don't realize that the program # is the problem.

[Pondo]

Are you saving your G code?
The way I run my shops, if you need to change the G code in the controller then you need to make sure to change the CAM program to reflect that. G code is 100% disposable and is deleted as soon as the job is done. The programs will be posted from the CAM program next time the job comes up. There are a lot of reasons for it, but mostly it makes it easier to keep the files organized and up to date.
If you are doing things by typing the G code on the PC or at the controller, then you need the extra discipline to keep those ducks in line.
I look at G code as just a way to get the CAM data into the machine, not as a product in itself - like a spoken word Vs. a book. The CAM program is the important data, not the G code.

[gizmo_454]

Originally Posted by Pondo Are you saving your G code? The way I run my shops, if you need to change the G code in the controller then you need to make sure to change the CAM program to reflect that. G code is 100% disposable and is deleted as soon as the job is done. The programs will be posted from the CAM program next time the job comes up. There are a lot of reasons for it, but mostly it makes it easier to keep the files organized and up to date. If you are doing things by typing the G code on the PC or at the controller, then you need the extra discipline to keep those ducks in line. I look at G code as just a way to get the CAM data into the machine, not as a product in itself - like a spoken word Vs. a book. The CAM program is the important data, not the G code.

This is interesting as I am a complete 180 from this. The CAM doesn't mean squat to me once I have my program. But then, I don't typically run the generated program verbatim in the machine. I tweak feeds, speeds, DOC's, etc. to make the machine run as efficiently as possible. But then, we are somewhat of a job shop/production oriented shop. If I can load an optimized program showing tool diameters and tools to be used, it is far more efficient than what you are mentioning above. Any non-necessary movements have been removed or sped up, etc.

I usually name the program by a part number and organize it by customer and machine. That way, the next time I need it, a quick copy/paste to floppy or usb and it's going to the machine to be running parts. Not wasting time re-optimizing.

But to each their own. There are many ways to skin a cat. It's what works best for YOU that matters.

Mike