To hand Code? or to CAD Code?

[automizer]

I am wondering what everyone thinks about hand code vs useing a CAD package. I have be told that hand code is in the past and dosen't need to be learnt and I have been told that with out knowing how its done behind the sences you really don't know whats going on.

Thoughts?

[Switcher]

It would depend on the job your doing. Myself, I love to write the code by hand. Thats the most interesting part of CNC!

I chose hand code in your Poll, only because I like the thought of being able to control everything I do, in my programs. Don't get me wrong, CAD has its place.

I think everyone that runs CNC, should be able to at least, write simple programs, by hand.

[wjbzone]

Depends on:
-How much time it takes to hand code
-How much time it takes to CAM.
-Time to make Shop floor modifications vs Re-posting and re-transfering.

Also consider:
-Once you make a shop floor modification do you want to modify the CAM to match?
-If you make SF modifications and don't modify the CAM, you loose the benefit of the changes on future CAM programming. (Revisions and similar work)

Personally, I do a combination, initial program on CAM. Modify code as necessary on SF. Re-program on CAM only when too involved to do on SF. Insert the new CAM code into the as-modified SF program on a computer using a backplotter program to verify. Save As-Run programs after job is completed.
Bill

[HuFlungDung]

Even if you cannot be bothered to hand write it ( I don't most of the time), it is necessary to be able to read gcode and understand what a CAM system has generated for you. Like, I understand what arc center coordinates mean, but I hate figuring them out

Understanding gcode also pays off in understanding how to configure a post processor to generate the correct syntax of code for a particular controller.

I'm kinda glad I cut my 'cnc teeth' on old Bobcad Gold, because it made me pay attention and learn to carefully proof-read the programs It seemed great at the time, and to avoid doing hand programming was my first real incentive to even get a computer in the first place.

[championp]

This is the order in which I learned, and I think it is a good foundation for being a machinist or cnc programmer.

1.Learn to operate vertical mill, lathe, drill press, grinder, saws etc. This lets you see and "feel" and hear what's happening when metal is being cut.

2.Learn to set up and operate the cnc machine that you're going to use.

3.Learn to program the basics (tool changes, drill cycles, cutter comp, pockets, profiling, mdi etc.)

4.Then get into cam.


Just my opinion,
Chris

[CrashedFadal]

Both obviously have their advantages, with hand coding you have total control over how your program flows. But at the same time, CAM programs make programming complex parts easier and faster than hand coding.

Jon

[Chris Welton]

I'm not "allowed" to hand code the machines that I program, but that hasn't stopped me from learning about G and M codes and their underlying functions. I strongly feel that those who see a CAD/CAM system as a magical black box solution are missing out on a lot of important knowledge. I also don't understand how they have a chance in heck of being able to diagnose a problem when something goes wrong.

[CNCRob]

I do mostly cad unless its just moving a few holes or a simple line cut.

[Heavy D]

I program mostly by hand as I do a lot of parametric programming. I've only made 1 program entirley from CAM and I had no problems with the program...it was just very long. Now if I have a complex profile on a part, I'll do just the profile with CAM and throw it in my program.. I also do programs for high volume production and use a lot of variables,system variables in the programs for safety, pallet/tool identification, tool life and to make offseting more user friendly for the operators..

I have one program that can run 3 part families with 82 different part numbers. The only thing the operator needs to change are rings on the fixture and enter the part number in a variable. the program does the rest... CAM could not write such a program so they both have their place...

[jonbanquer]

Originally Posted by HuFlungDung Even if you cannot be bothered to hand write it ( I don't most of the time), it is necessary to be able to read gcode and understand what a CAM system has generated for you. Like, I understand what arc center coordinates mean, but I hate figuring them out Understanding gcode also pays off in understanding how to configure a post processor to generate the correct syntax of code for a particular controller. I'm kinda glad I cut my 'cnc teeth' on old Bobcad Gold, because it made me pay attention and learn to carefully proof-read the programs It seemed great at the time, and to avoid doing hand programming was my first real incentive to even get a computer in the first place.

Hu,

I loved the CAD end of BobCADCAM when it was DOS. The CAM end sucked. The CAD part of the program was freaking brilliant because you didn't have to use the mouse ! I never hear people say how good the DOS CAD end was. Maybe I was the only one who loved using it. No mouse required most of the time. I even liked most of the UI.

Something happened on the CAD end with the move to Windows. What a freaking mess it is now.

In any case, being able to understand the code at the machine and edit when you have problems is a critical job skill, AFAIC.

When my mind is deep in the code and I'm standing at the machine editing or creating a program I can see the tool in my mind as cuts the part. I'm like in another world.

jon


"I may have many faults, but being wrong ain't one of them." ... Jimmy Hoffa

[Bloy2004]

What a freaking mess it is now.

nice productive statement from last poster....guess who.



I think that knowing both hand and cad are essential.... some simpler programing is now done just by opening up a text file.....and writing...I can't say that for complexities though.
All depends if you are enjoying it ..or need to get a job done within a time constraint.
In short they both come in handy

[automizer]

all this talk about hand code as beeing good is not how I saw this thread going when I started it. But this has given me the eye opener I was looking for. I have had one small introduction to hand code and that is as far as any of the schools around me will take it. I have tried to read books on the topic bu you can only go so far. Can someone tell me where I can find tutorials on using hand code so I can try and get a better grasp on this greatly under estimated skill