What is the most useful CNC-related software you would want to see developed?

[revygcam]

I would like to hear your response to the title question. Feel free to say what you have in mind and let's see if we can all come to some conclusions so that we wouldn't end up with software that few people would find useful.

I've decided to develop a new CNC-related software application that would be useful to as many people in this community as possible due to my interest in this subject. I would like the functions and features of that software to be decided by the actual users from the very beginning.

To maybe give you an idea of what I can and can't do: I've done software development mostly in 2D/3D graphics CAD and solid-modeling (17 years), and mechanical engineering design in automation/control/CNC (11 years). I also majored in underwater basket-weaving in college, so you know there's little I can't do. Hopefully what you want developed is within my grasp.

Please feel free to look at this as a chance for those of you who hate some of the features that you're given or want certain software to do certain things for you, to be heard by a developer and maybe get what you actually want/need from the get-go.


(P.S. Thanks to those who viewed and responded to my poll earlier this month about a new NC-Verification Software. Since your responses show that there may not be an immediate need for such a system within the CNC community, I've decided to ask the broader question above. The NC-Verification idea is still alive since there is some interest. I may decide to go ahead with it if I don't hear anything here.)

revygcam

[jphagen]

Would like to see a utility program to optimize the gcode file.
Would like to see it remove all the short moves into a long one.
When y and z do not change but x changes by .05 for 8 inches.
The same for y etc.

[gar]

070121-0817 EST USA

revygcam:

An operator interface like HAAS to run a Fanuc control.

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[Paul_S]

I think your question is overly broad. And I personally don't know all that is out there now.


There are two or more different ways of estimating chip loads for milling. Maybe such a program that gives the user the option as to which method will be used.

And roughing routines which will decided width and depth of cuts with feeds for the length, diameter, flutes of the cutter using the selected methods.

Also a compare routine between methods to show which would be the most efficient.

Now the newer Machinery Handbooks (25th-27th editions) have tool life tables. Maybe a program that makes such tables easier to use.

Utlimately a program that will scan the print - decide methods - output tooling programs - part programs - setup notes - and operator instructions along with inspection checks for the operator. I think some day. But not yet.

[lerman]

070121-0817 EST USA

revygcam:

An operator interface like HAAS to run a Fanuc control.

.

Since some of us are ignorant (well, I am, anyway), could you elaborate? What functionality and interface does a HAAS have that you would like? Is there a document describing this, somewhere?

Ken

[gar]

070121-2030 EST USA

lerman:

The HAAS generally requires very few key strokes to access different functions.

For example: To send a file via RS232 I simply select LIST PROG mode, place the cursor on ALL, then hit SEND RS232 to send all the files in memory; or place the cursor on any one Onumber program, then hit SEND RS232 and that one program is sent. If you use our E232 system for communication then we automatically generate a unique filename for each file sent, and you caan send individual files as fast as they transfer and you can move the cursor to another Onumber.

To receive an Onumber file at HAAS you simply put the cursor on ALL, then hit RECV RS232, and send the program from your computer.

To run a particular program that is in HAAS memory you place the cursor on that Onumber and press SELECT PROG if the program is not already selected. Next press MEM followed by START to run the program; or press EDIT to edit the program.

The HAAS MILL aned LATHE manuals are available on the HAAS web site,
www.haascnc.com .

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