CNC Machining Blog - Tips and Tricks for Machinists

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Posts about NC / G-Code Programming (3):

Choose Your Weapon Wisely: which 5-axis strategy is best for you?

Mike Cope Fri, Mar 22, 2013
Choose Your Weapon Wisely: which 5-axis strategy is best for you?

Just like the plethora of tool axis and collision control parameters that we discussed in last week’s blog article, CAM systems also have a diverse selection of toolpath strategies to choose from - and each of them have their appropriate place in 5-axis. But just like everything else in multi-axis programming, the programmers experience, and the actual machine configuration will play a big part in the selection of the suitable toolpath for a particular application. As I mentioned before, if you asked ten different programmers to program the same part, the outcome is likely to be ten completely different machining strategies. Other factors, like the number of pieces to be machined, the allotted time for completing the project, the specified material, and available tooling can also play a significant role in the toolpath selection process; but the skill level and experience of the programmer will always have the greatest impact.

5-Axis Programming: Understanding tool axis and collision controls

Mike Cope Mon, Mar 18, 2013
5-Axis Programming: Understanding tool axis and collision controls

If you asked 10 different 5-axis programmers to program the same single part, you would most likely get 10 different machining strategies. Depending on experience, machine configuration, CAM software, tooling, workholding, and a myriad of other criteria, everyone sees the path they need to travel just a little bit differently. But they all lead to the same place: a successfully completed part. This article will be part one in a multi-part series about 5-axis programming. 

CNC Motion Control System Explained

Mike Cope Fri, Mar 01, 2013
CNC Motion Control System Explained

I was recently asked to explain the motion control system used in CNC machine tools to someone in my family. Realizing that this individual didn’t have a background in manufacturing, and certainly had no experience with anything this complicated and technical, I had to relate my explanation to something common and simple: like driving a car.

5-Axis machining: It just ain’t that scary

Mike Cope Thu, Feb 21, 2013
5-Axis machining: It just ain’t that scary

5-axis won't bite

For some reason, 5-axis machining scares people. While talking with people at trade shows, or when discussing the potential of a customer’s parts being a good fit for 5-sided machining, you can just see an uneasy feeling begin to overwhelm them and fear begin to well up in their eyes. The mere thought of all of those axes moving at one time sends them wanting to run for the hills. But if we take the time to look at it logically and break it down to what is really happening, it isn’t scary at all!

Programming 3D Geometry without CAD/CAM Software

Mike Cope Tue, Feb 12, 2013
Programming 3D Geometry without CAD/CAM Software

For many years, Hurco has offered an easy conversational solution for programming simple 3D geometries at the control, without the need for expensive CAD/CAM software. With today’s WinMax control, it’s even easier and more powerful than ever before!

High-Speed Machining: It’s more than just a faster spindle

Mike Cope Thu, Jan 31, 2013
High-Speed Machining: It’s more than just a faster spindle

 

WHAT IS HIGH-SPEED MACHINING?

High-speed machining is usually associated with any spindle speed above 15k rpm, but it is much more than just a faster spindle. The whole machine must be considered when selecting a good candidate machine for high-speed machining. Thermal compensation, overall machine rigidity and construction, positional feedback, the motion control system, tool retention, and many other characteristics must be looked at in detail before determining that a particular machine is suitable for the task.

Hurco NC Merge: Programming software combines best of both worlds

Mike Cope Thu, Dec 20, 2012
Hurco NC Merge: Programming software combines best of both worlds

Hurco is well known for its powerful and easy-to-use conversational software, and for 2D and simple 3D geometries, the WinMax conversational control simply can’t be beat. But what about those jobs that share both simple 2D features and complicated 3D shapes that can only be programmed using CAD/CAM software? Hurco has an answer for that as well.

5-Axis CNC Programming Made Easier with Hurco's ASR Feature

Mike Cope Fri, Oct 19, 2012
5-Axis CNC Programming Made Easier with Hurco's ASR Feature


Hurco’s patented Automatic Safe Repositioning (ASR) feature is a very powerful tool for 5-axis NC or CAM programmers. One of the biggest problems when posting 5-axis NC code is configuring the post to always output safe, reliable data to reposition the tool tip without causing the machine to travel out of limits on rapid moves and display those annoying error codes that we all love to hate.

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