Posts Tagged ‘cam’
The CNC Family
You might have not heard of the CNC before, or what it does, or how it makes lofty manufacturing operations a lot easier. However, CNC machining is dubbed as one of the most important factors of most production processes. The common tasks CNCs machines usually perform are drilling holes, tool changing, cooling and lubrication of separate factory machines at the same time.
Let’s start with a brief introduction. CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control and it has been around since the early 1970’s. Before it was christened CNC, it was called NC, for Numerical Control. When computers were introduced during 1070’s, the name changed. It has stroked almost all manufacturing forms in almost all stages of production. CNC machines either substitute some existing manufacturing processes or combine work with them.
A CNC program is just any other set of instructions. It’s written like a sentence and the order of operation is chronological. The machine will then execute that set of instructions step-by-step. A special series of CNC words/codes are used to relay what the machine is supposed to do. CNC codes begin with letter addresses (like S for spindle speed, and X, Y & Z for common linear axis motions).
When certain codes are arranged together in a coherent method, this group of CNC codes create a “command” that is like a sentence. A common CNC machine will only be needing around 40-50 words/codes to program different commands. See, it’s not very difficult to learn.
Although CNC sounds very independent and do-it-all, there are a few words that you need to know to fully understand CNC operations.
THE CAM
CAM stands for Computer Aided Manufacturing. It simplifies the programming processes which are new, and added to the CNC program regularly. Of course, the easy applications can be programmed with only the simplest machines around: the pen, paper and calculator. However, more complex programs are vital regularly. It is when composing these programs become much more tricky and (worse) tedious.
The CAM is a program that runs on a computer that aids the CNC programmer with the programming. It also works hand-in-hand with the CAD (Computer Aided Design) design drawing (those designs engineers compose/nurture). With the CAM helping, redefinition of the work-piece configuration is not needed. What the CNC programmer is left to do is just to specify the machine operations to be executed and the CAM system will compose the CNC program automatically. Thanks to CAM, programming tediousness will not be a problem to the CNC programmer again.
THE DNC SYSTEM
DNC stands for Distributive Numerical Control. It is a computer that is connected with one or more CNC machines, forming a network. When a program is manually composed and ready to be loaded to the CNC control, it is being typed right into the control. However, this is like using the CNC machine as a luxurious keyboard.
Moreover, if the CNC program is achieved with the help of CAM, it is already in text form and ready to be loaded to the CNC control. The DNC simply distributes the CNC program to more than one CNC machine. Lately, the newest controls are more advanced in terms of networking capabilities and can be networked with, say, the Ethernet.
If it’s your first time to read and learn about the CNC, it may sound so mighty and ubiquitous. It’s about time you learn they also need help from some programming friends such as the CAM and the DNC. No man is an island; but hey, neither are CNC machines.
Posted in Uncategorized | 
Tags: cam, CNC, cnc operations, cnc program, computer numerical control, program, X, Y | 
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I got the background in machine, but need to learn how to programs cnc lathe &milling .?
Dear;
Please check for G- code and M- codes for these machine languages.
you can also search for them on the net. Alternatively you can get them in any CAM book.
Basically programming these machines is not much difficult task at all. The programming is just simple set of instruction which tells the machine about where to go and which tool to select etc.
You can get the basics from CAM books.
There are also some tutorials and practice softwares available for this. like CNC tutor etc.
All the best.!!!
Vector Blitz – CNC Car Model Manufacturing 2
Manufacturing a F1 in school car racing model using a CNC machine
Duration : 0:1:56
Posted in CNC Machining School |
Tags: Balsa, Blitz, cad, cam, car, CNC, Cut, cutting, F1, manufacturing, Vector, Wood |
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CNC Basics E-Course 4 | CAM | Learn CAM Video | CAD/CAM …
Here on the 4th day we talk about CAM. CAM stands for Computer Aided Manufacturing. During the CAM step of the CNC Process we use software to define how our CNC Machine should move.
There are a number of CAM Software packages on the market. They range from the inexpensive to expensive. Much of the cost depends on the number of Axis’s that the CAM Software has.
With the CAM Software we define things like stock, location, tooling, feed and speeds and the post processor we will use.
The post processor is very specific to our CNC Machine. It outputs g-code. We use the G-Code program in our control software next.
Tomorrow’s Lesson is CNC Control.
http://www.cncinformation.com
Duration : 0:9:31
CNC to Art Video 7 – Finalize and Export – CNC Artwork …
CNC to Art Video Series Video 7:
This is the CNC Video series on how to take an image to a CNC File. This process is one that many CNC Users want to know, but there is not much info on. Here is your chance to get the inside scoop.
For more information, please go to: http://www.cncinformation.com
We have converted our image and now it is time to clean it up and export it out. First we take a look at the image for defects. We find a few and use the Illustrator weld tool to get rid of them.
Next we export the image out as a dxf file. DXF Files are common currency between CAD Programs.
When we export, we go with the oldest type of DXF File available. I do it that way because I find it makes a simpler file that virtually any CAD Program can open and use.
Next we go into our CAD Program to resize our file to the proper dimensions.
Duration : 0:6:4
“Art to Part” CAD/CAM Demo
Demo video showing a part designed on CAD software being manufactured on a Mazak Integrex CNC machine.
Duration : 0:4:15
Posted in CNC Machining School |
Tags: cad, cam, CNC, Education, Erie, Institute, manufacturing, mazak, of, school, technology, training |
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Vector Blitz – CNC Car Model Manufacturing 3 (Full Process)
Full manufacturing a F1 in school car racing model using a CNC machine
Duration : 0:10:35
Posted in CNC Machining School |
Tags: Balsa, Blitz, cad, cam, car, CNC, Cut, cutting, F1, manufacturing, Vector, Wood |
6 Comments »
SprutCAM Expert Simple CAM machining on a TorMACH CNC machine
This video shows the simulation directly within SprutCAM of a simple CAM on a TorMACH CNC MIlling Machine.
This shows the 3+1 indexing and live 4th axis abilities of SprutCAM.
Duration : 0:4:21
CNC Basics E-Course 3 | CAD | Learn CAD Video | CAD/CAM Tips
In this CNC Basics Video we go over CAD. CAD Stands for Computer Aided Design. During the CAD step we take our initial design and translate it into the computer. We do this CNC Step so we can change the design, resize it, save it, transfer it to someone else, etc. Recording our CNC Design into CAD gives us flexibility.
During CAD we learn we first design parts, then assemblies, then groups, then machines. We also learn there are different types of CAD Software. 2D, 2.5D and 3D. These types also come in different software packages from inexpensive to expensive. You can spend up to the sky if you want.
The trick is to match the CAD Software Capabilites with your CNC Needs. You don’t need high power 3D Modeling CAD if you make simple parts day in and day out.
Tomorrow’s lesson is CAM. Computer Aided Manufacturing.
http://www.cncinformation.com
Duration : 0:8:43
Learn CNC Programming
Heinz Putz, Center for CNC Education offers CNC training DVDs to teach CNC programming.
Duration : 0:3:30
Posted in CNC Machining Training |
Tags: cad, cam, CNC, lathe, Machining, mill, milling, programming, Turning |
1 Comment »
CNC Basics E-Course 6 | CNC Machining | Learn CNC …
On Day 6 we learn about CNC Machining. This is where the rubber hits the road. Before this, we did virtually everything on the computer. Now we move into the real world. Machining is about removing material from a piece of stock until we finalize our parts.
One thing we learn is that manual machining and cnc machining have similar issues. There is coolant, chips dust and dirt no matter if you are operating the machine or the computer is operating the machine.
CNC Machining safety is important during this step. We need to wear safety glasses, protective equipment and appropriate shoes.
There are many different types of CNC Machines and types of machining. There are cnc routers, CNC Lathes, cnc mills, cnc plasma cutters and on an on. Each of these types of machines operates in different ways and you must learn their differences to be effective.
Tomorrow we go over various CNC Produced Parts and Projects. We look at the outcome of all out work and some of the possibilities.
http://www.cncinformation.com
Duration : 0:8:19
how can i create my own 3-axes CNC milling machine?
Tell me procedure, things used for creating machine, and other information.
I can share my experience. Many people elect to adapt a standard mill to CNC. Instead, I purchased a "CNC-ready" mill from TAIG (http://www.taigtools.com/) and a Xylotex drive box (http://www.xylotex.com/). As I’m sure you’re aware, stepper motors drive the mill’s lead screws and control the motion of the mill. I use a standard Windows machine running ArtSoft’s Mach3 (http://www.machsupport.com/) to control the mill.
To actually do anything useful, you’ll also need CAD software to design the parts you want to build and CAM software to generate tool paths from the parts you’ve designed. CAM software is frequently over looked by people new to CNC and can be far more expensive than CAD software. Common CAM packages are MasterCAM and BobCAD. I suggest searching around for a package you can afford.
If you go a route similar to mine, expect to spend about $2000 on the mill, drive box, motors, and accessories. In addition you’ll need a workstation to control the mill, software to control the mill, software to design your parts, and software to generate tool paths from the parts. I use mine principally for making parts for robots and it’s been great.
Good luck!
Posted in CNC MIlling Machine |
Tags: cam, lead screws, mill, mill software, software, tool paths |
3 Comments »
how can i create my own 3-axes CNC milling machine?
Tell me procedure, things used for creating machine, and other information.
I can share my experience. Many people elect to adapt a standard mill to CNC. Instead, I purchased a "CNC-ready" mill from TAIG (http://www.taigtools.com/) and a Xylotex drive box (http://www.xylotex.com/). As I’m sure you’re aware, stepper motors drive the mill’s lead screws and control the motion of the mill. I use a standard Windows machine running ArtSoft’s Mach3 (http://www.machsupport.com/) to control the mill.
To actually do anything useful, you’ll also need CAD software to design the parts you want to build and CAM software to generate tool paths from the parts you’ve designed. CAM software is frequently over looked by people new to CNC and can be far more expensive than CAD software. Common CAM packages are MasterCAM and BobCAD. I suggest searching around for a package you can afford.
If you go a route similar to mine, expect to spend about $2000 on the mill, drive box, motors, and accessories. In addition you’ll need a workstation to control the mill, software to control the mill, software to design your parts, and software to generate tool paths from the parts. I use mine principally for making parts for robots and it’s been great.
Good luck!
Posted in CNC MIlling Machine |
Tags: cam, lead screws, mill, mill software, software, tool paths |
3 Comments »
Haas VF 20 CNC machining a puzzle piece
If you are like me videos of CNC machines make you drool. This video shows the G-code the machine is using as it runs the part. The finished part is a puzzle piece with an inscription I made for my wife.
The inscription in case you miss it says: Camille, You are the “Key Piece” in our family. Programed in Surfcam by Joshua Chapman (less than a week after he first used Surfcam). Hey, no one else is going to brag for me, right?
Duration : 0:3:23
Posted in CNC Machining School |
Tags: aluminum, axis, cad, cam, CNC, computer, computerized, control, cool, educational, haas, Machineing, machinery, machinist, school, surfcam, VF20 |
2 Comments »
