Learning Haas VF3YT

[clemens1292]

Hello,

I've been a fulltime CNC operator for two years now; mainly using a Wasino LG8 and Daewoo PUMA CNC lathes with fairly old Fanuc controllers.

However, I just received a new job offer that starts in a little over a week operating a brand new HAAS VF3YT with a brand new Fanuc controller and I'll be learning Master CAM throughout the process.

I was wondering if anyone has similar experience making the transition from lathe to mill. A long time ago I had some basic CNC Mill experience, but this is a little intimidating to me. The new Fanuc controllers have wayyy more buttons and less knobs, which I'm sure will eventually provide easier operation. And the touch off processes on a mill along with fixturing seems to be quite different.

Maybe there's a recommended CNC Mill crash course of some sort? I'm sure I'll survive, I'd just like to feel a little more sure of myself heading into this. I know the VF3YT has some sort of auto touch off device that the boss would like me to setup. NO IDEA what to do with that.

Any advice is appreciated, thank!

Alex

[WallyL7]

First off, congrats on the new job.

Second - Haas' have Haas controls...which pretty much kill fanuc in user friendlyness

[clemens1292]

First off, congrats on the new job.

Second - Haas' have Haas controls...which pretty much kill fanuc in user friendlyness

Thank you! Looking at pictures, I think you're right. I'm not sure why they requested that I understand Fanuc controllers then. It also has the detachable jog controller.

I guess the two things I'm really looking for are:


-Some sort of education on setting up CNC Mill Fixtures
-A user guide for the HAAS controller


As far as operation, I'd imagine general knowledge such as the right hand rule and other things I've learned as a lathe operator are a good start. I wouldn't mind grasping a better understanding of the LED automatic touch off tool they want me to setup either.... Sorry if this is too general of questions.

[jason roy]

It doesn't seem like an online forum is the place to learn things that are that in depth..Did you oversell yourself in the interview perhaps?

[KenFoulks]

Start by downloading the mill manual:

Haas Technical Forum: Manual Updates | Haas Automation, Inc. | CNC Machine Tools

If they hired you, they must be ok with your abilities.

There are some online schools and local colleges that offer training. Training can't hurt, but it is unlikely you will get very far in a week.

[clemens1292]

It doesn't seem like an online forum is the place to learn things that are that in depth..Did you oversell yourself in the interview perhaps?

no. only part of the job is operating. i also have a 4 year degree in manufacturing and solidworks certification, which is what they were looking for.


thanks kenfoulks. i think i'll do fine. i get nervous before just about every job i've started. always nice to do some refreshing.

[behindpropeller]

no. only part of the job is operating. i also have a 4 year degree in manufacturing and solidworks certification, which is what they were looking for.


thanks kenfoulks. i think i'll do fine. i get nervous before just about every job i've started. always nice to do some refreshing.

You will be fine. I learned cold turkey. Build all kinds of things with our machine. Have not crashed yet.

[txcncman]

As far as the programming, Haas syntax is very similar to most the Fanuc. You should not have a problem there. The differences come in the screens to access various input points. The newest Haas machines are waaaay out there. I just got a crash course (with no actual crashes) on automatic tool setting and probing on a Haas mill this morning. By the end of the day, I had a new job programmed and set up and running good parts. I have been running Haas mills off and on since 1998 and see a lot of improvements from then until now. Haas has force set up to a whole new level, in my opinion. Which is ok. Just means I have to learn more.

[KenFoulks]

A good start would be to familiarize yourself with the G&M codes that are different from Fanuc to Haas and lathe to mill. Especially learn the difference in setting and calling offsets.

[txcncman]

I was just told today by a Haas rep, that the Haas machine simulators can be purchased for about $1800.00 now. If I get any money back after filing income taxes this year, I am buying one.

[KenFoulks]

The Haas simulators are a great tool for training, program verification, and even programming. The Haas factory applications department currently has 28 simulators that they use all the time.

[clemens1292]

Awesome. Really great info guys. In college I took a course where I programmed in G&M Code and then in Master CAM for an older Haas, but that was 4 years ago and most operation was performed by the instructor. I do recall it being pretty easy for what I did though. Also since the machine I'm using is brand new I believe we'll have direct Haas support of some kind.
The guy that hired me actually gave me some time to check out the machine and walk through the controls. I managed to home it just by following the directions on screen with ease. It's a giant screen compared to the Fanuc I used and full color, it was definitely impressive and a bit overwhelming initially. Also the parts I'll be making are somewhat large compared to my previous job, with few callouts and the programs can typically run for an hour plus, with lot quantities of <50. My last job was high production, a ton of callouts and making 1000+ parts per day.