Introducing CNC Construct Software for Manual CNC Programming

Part programming for computer controlled machining is so important to the manufacturing industry that many technologies have been developed to accomplish the task. Specifically, language based programming, graphical CAD/CAM, conversational controllers, and most recently, STEP-NC were all developed for part programming. G-code is the standard programming language used to guide machine tools and was developed by the Electronics Industries Association (EIA) in the early 1960’s. Programming at the G-code level is also referred to as manual programming. Although G-code is the standard language used to guide machine tools, programming at the G-code level is time consuming, math intensive, and accordingly, error prone. Conversational programming (aka, shop floor programming) has been developed as an added function of a machine tool control and avoids G-code programming altogether. The true power of G-code to guide machine tools relates to cutting accuracy and capabilities that can be done quickly with computer control compared to conventional machining. The most often used areas of advanced G-code programming to guide computer controlled machine tools include automatic tool changes, cutter length compensations, cutter radius compensations, canned cycles, and subroutine programming. Format examples: Examine the cutter coordinate/cutter motion sections of the three examples in Appendix C. Notice that 1) each cutter coordinate in the milling and torch operation has a leading “X” or “Y”, whereas the turning operation has a leading “X” or “Z.” Notice that the coordinates are 2) rounded to 2, 3, or 4 places. Software for Manual CNC Programming. CNC Construct can prompt for and add cutter on/cutter off commands to G-code program, and add prepatory commands from user-defined templates to G-Code programs. CNC Construct would make a big difference, and allow for much improvement in the understanding and application of manual CNC programming for the educational and industrial programs that incorporate it.