When is a CNC Program more than a G code program ?

... when it's a set-up sheet as well.

Most people are familiar with the ability of most CNC controls to include COMMENTS in the CNC G code program itself. Comments are designated in a variety of ways from :

1. ( THIS IS A FANUC AND OKUMA COMMENT ) ... any text inside (  ) is considered a comment.
2. ! THIS IS AN ACRAMATIC COMMENT ... any text following the ! is considered a comment.
3. ; THIS IS A FAGOR COMMENT ... any text following the ; is considered a comment.
4. and on and on we could go.

Comments can be a real help when they include operator messages ... such as :

M00 ( TURN PART AROUND )
or
M00 ! CHECK DIMENSION A

... but comments can go well beyond operator messages and can turn your G code program into a complete set-up doc as well that includes tool information, part zero locations and even stock descriptions.

Most people will create either a paper or digital tool sheet / list and / or set-up sheet / list that is stored and re-called when the corresponding G code program is going to be run again. The set-up personnel refer to these docs to set the machine up ... loading required tools and setting height offsets and work offsets. Works great ... no problems. But is there a better alternative? The answer is a "could be" yes. By storing this information directly in the G code program using the COMMENT capability of your CNC control. For example ... something like this :

O1234
( PART #1234 )
( PROVEN PROGRAM : 7/2/2014 )
( PROGRAMMER : JM )

( PART LOCATED IN VISE USING JAWS JW-1234 )
( STOP SET-UP IS RIGHT SIDE - WORKPIECE STOP AGAINST FLANGE )
( X/Y PART ZERO IS LOWER LEFT CORNER )
( Z0 = TOP FINISH SURFACE )

( T1 / H1 = #3 CENTER DRILL )
( T2 / H22  = 1/2 DRILL )
( T3 / H3 = .500 CARBIDE END MILL )

So what is the advantage of keeping this info directly in the G code program using the COMMENTS capability of the CNC control?

1. Harder to misplace ... if you're going to run the program, you need the program ... and all the set-up info is right there stored right inside the G code program.
2. Complete info is there for all to see at any time ... no rummaging for loose paperwork or docs.
3. Any edits or changes can be made directly in the program ... when the running program is saved after execution ... all the current set-up info is changed and saved as well including all updated data.

We often get asked ... "Won't this slow down my program execution speed?" The truth is that it will ... but it will also be so minimal that usually the cost savings of having comments and all the convenience that comes with it far outweigh any reduction in program execution time. Rummaging around for lost documentation or re-creating lost documentation would be the real money waster.

Just a little something to think about if you haven't considered COMMENTS already in your CNC programming. We touched on only a few points here ... but we're sure you can find many more benefits depending on the capabilities or lack thereof pertaining to your particular CNC programming operation. The fact is that expanding the use of COMMENTS in your CNC programming could be a real time and money saving alternative to digital or paper documentation.

Until next time ... Happy Chip Making !!

Please visit our website for the best in Real World Machine Shop Software ... 

just CLICK the pic below !!

Product Introduction - Chick One-Lok CNC Vise

I would say it is safe to say that the CNC machining center is an evolution of the manual milling machine ... bigger, better, faster and more efficient in many ways. The unfortunate fact regarding that evolution is that the ever popular vise for holding our work has not followed along very closely. As evidenced by our bruised and battered knuckles and the array of attachments on the market that cater to that piece of equipment.

But now ... after decades of trudging along and making due ... CHICK has finally brought a CNC designed vise to market. This CHICK One-Lok vise is not a traditional knee mill vise adapted for use on a CNC ... it is a vise specifically designed for the CNC machine.

The CHICK One-Lok Vise allows major advantages over the traditional vise in ways such as :

• Enabling dramatically faster set-ups and part changes
• Eliminate fixed jaw deflection and movable jaw lift for greater part precision
• Greater versatility with features like multiple location features ... moveable toe clamps ... and an integrated repeatable jaw system.

We don't have any affiliation with CHICK or this product ... just thought it was is a real nice product and we we wanted to make sure to bring it to your attention in our Blog. We've got some follow-up links below so you can get some additional information ... Be sure to check out the really cool jaw system !!

Click here for additional information on the CHICK One-Lok Vise

Click the image above to watch a video on the CHICK One-Lok Vise

Until next time ...

Happy Chip Making !!

Fanuc Macro Programming Series - Part #6 - Video Tutorial #1

They say the best way to learn is to see it in action. So this post we have a real treat in our Fanuc Macro Programming Series.

This post you get to listen to my "lark like" voice explain the method of assigning variables values and the building of a simple macro program to engrave (2) squares. It's not about the machining ... it's about the building and structure of the macro program.

It should be helpful in getting started down the road to building your macros, growing in complexity. ENJOY !!! ... but make sure you understand what's happening here so we can move on in later posts.

CLICK the Reel Icon Below to OPEN the Video Tutorial

Making Chips? ... why not make it a Macro !!
See ya next month !!