CNC Programming Tips the Professional Way
When a program is completed and sent to the Computer Numerical Control Machine, the programming process is over. All calculations were made and the algorithm fully written. But the question is the programmer?s job really finished? When is the programmer?s responsibility really over? And how can we evaluate the type of program that the Computer Numerical Control Machine programmer did?
The fairest and reasonable answer to those questions would basically when a part has been machined under the most optimized working conditions. Therefore the Programmer?s responsibility does not end after he or she finishes the program. We could say that the program at this stage is still very much in the development process, because most of the programming considerations were based on certain assumptions and there are a lot of external factors that may affect the outcome of the product.
Every Computer Numerical Control programmer should have an effort to be in the touch with the actual production. In the field of software development, Constant communication with your colleagues as well as actual machine operators of the CNC will help you to improve your own program. Because most of the time the CNC machine operators are a good source of constructive ideas, improvements and suggestions.
A good CNC programmer should talk, ask questions to them and most importantly listen to what they have to say. Programmers who never put their foot in the actual machining process and think they are always right are all on the wrong track. Exchanging ideas with CNC machine operators, asking questions and seeking answers is the only way to be fully aware of what is going on in the machine.
Whenever you start a Computer Numerical Control Program the first time it is important to check its Program Integrity. A new and unproved program is a potential source of problems. During Manual Programming in CNC, mistakes are more common than when the program is made in a CAM program.
A good way to look at a new program is through the machine operator?s perspective. Experienced Machine Operators take a direct approach when running a program for the first time. That means that they wont take any chances of mistakes with the actual running of a program therefore a good programmer must take note of any comments that the Machine operator will say about the program.
What does an experienced Machine Operator look for in a new part of a program? Most of the Machine operators would say that the first and most important thing to be checked on a Computer Numerical Control Program is its consistency. Therefore a machine operator looks at how a CNC programmer does its own programming, is the way you create your own algorithms the same as the other ones. Machine Operators take note with this kind of Information.
Upgrading your CNC Program
Whenever you upgrade your own program, it means that you are strengthening or enriching it, therefore making it better than it was before. Upgrading would be based on this standard, It is to decrease the production cost without compromising the quality of the part being manufactured or the safety of the Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator.
One of the Most Common forms of Program Optimization is doing some minor changes to the spindle as well as the feed rates of the machines. This process is called cycle time optimization, slightly increasing the spindle speed and feed rates of these machines will decrease the time it takes to finish the part.
And when we compare it to mass production, saving one second for each part in a batch of 3600 pieces would mean an hour saved. Efficiency in the rate of production is a very important aspect in Mass Production.
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CNC Machine Setup and Operation
Computer Numerical Control Machines are sophisticated instruments that only trained CNC operators should operate them. There are certain rules and guidelines to consider if you are planning to use a CNC machine by yourself.
CNC checklist before startup
Before starting up the Computer Numerical Control Machine, there are safety rules that must be considered first. First important aspect before starting up the CNC machine is to ensure your own safety, therefore wearing protective gear, such as eye glasses and short sleeved shirts is an important dress code during CNC operation. You should also be careful whenever you are handling tools and sharp edged work pieces to avoid any accidents. You must also ensure that the cutting tools are fastened in the machine spindle to avoid any movement during the cutting operation.
Actual Startup, Operation and Machine Setup of the CNC
The Computer Numerical Machine startup procedure varies depending with the type of machine being used but usually there is a main power switch or a circuit breaker to turn it on. Some machines also require hydraulics or air pressure before it starts up.
When the Computer Numerical Machine starts up, the machine usually starts at its Machine Home Position. The Machine Home Position allows the control and the machine to have a preset starting position for all its axes. After startup, the CNC machine must be sent to this position before the work begins. This position will later be changed to an appropriate location whenever you are machining a particular part of a product.
The Tool Length Offset Value or TLO is the distance from the tip of the tool from the spindle in the Home Position. The TLO must be set for each tool in the current job. The TLO can be set using a height gage, fixture location, as well as the reference tool. When these values are determined, they are stored in the Controller to be used during the program operation.
After setting the Tool Length Offset Value it is time to setup a part origin of a CNC machine. Setting up the part origin on a CNC machine is the same as setting up a conventional machine. It usually involves positioning the axes to a point where the plan designates as its origin. There are many ways to locate the position on the reference point, it is by using edge finders, wigglers or magnifying glasses.
After setting up the whole system for the Computer Numerical Control, it is time to Load the program to the machine. Program loading is different for each machine. Some machines have tape readers to input the program into the Computer Numerical Control Machine?s memory. Newer machines have internal or external floppy devices to input the program to the machine. After the program is loaded to the machine, the CNC machine is now ready to use.
There are certain instances when you have to change the tools in the Computer Numerical Control manually during machine operations. When a certain machining operation is complete, the program will move the aces to the tool change position and display the next tool needed. It is now the job of the Machine operator to remove and replace it with the next tool.
Extra Care must be taken whenever you are starting operations with the CNC machine, any mistake taken during the part of the operation may lead to serious injuries from the machine operator.
