"doo" wrote in news:1136751679.824163.22730
@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com:


I think some of you could point me in the right direction, let me
know your experiences, and give some advice, or even your preferences.
And as always, Thank You all in advance.

Ron,
Some things:
AutoCad, Albre, Inventor, ProE, etc are design software tools (CAD -
Computer aided drafting). They will not directly import into a CNC
machine. For that you need software CAM (Computer Aided Machining) that
will take the design model and generate tool paths, i.e MasterCam, Gibbs,
etc. CAM software requires a POST for the specific control on your
machine, because each controller and machine uses different G + M codes,
the post (post processor) must be 'tuned' to your specific control.
I would suggest the AutoCad course, AND the albre self-course. If you do
not understand how to draw in CAD, you may have trouble with CAM.
You failed to mention what control is on the mill. That would help with
answers regarding the CNC itself.
CNC uses G (command) and M (misc. function) and a coordinate system to
work.
G codes are the actual commands that make the machine do something with
the tool or coordinate system.
M codes are for doing things like turning the coolant on, turning the
spindle on (along with direction), all functions NOT directly related to
cutting parts.
Since there is no "Standardized" G + M code, you really need to have the
books for your machine. While the basic moves are pretty much
standardized (G1, G0, etc) The others can vary greatly from one machine
to another, even with the SAME CONTROL. It depends on how the machine
tool manufacturer set up the control and PLC.
Alt.machines.cnc would be the group for getting specific answers to
specific questions. Huge amount of knowlege over there from guys who do
it all day, every day.


--
Anthony

You can't 'idiot proof' anything....every time you try, they just make
better idiots.

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