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| CNC Operation Overveiw |
Introduction:Computer controlled profile cutters, milling machines and lathes can be utilised to increase productivity in industry and the workplace. CNC (Computer Numerical Control) is the industry standard that is utilised to comunicate with these machines. The basic command set that is used is G-Codes for example G01 is move a set distance, there is over 100 G-Codes in this instruction set. Luckily you do not need to worry about G-Codes as there are programs that automatically develop these instruction sets. To develop these G-Codes you utilise a CAD(Computer Aided Drawing) program to develop a 3D drawing and then use a CAM(Computer Aided Manufacturing) program to convert the 3D drawing into G-Code machine paths. These commands are then used by our program or any CNC machine controller to move your machine and produce the product you wish to manufacture. Computer Aided Drawing (CAD) Software:CAD software is the design program and creates 2D or 3D computer models that are utilised to create your product in the real world. There is a number of different CAD software packages some of the
AutoCad Software Making a Concept design Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software:Computer Aided software takes a 3D model and creates the tool paths and then from these creates your NC-Codes (Machine Commands/Directions). This program is used to set the speed of movement of the tool, the size of the tool and a number of other characteristics of the particular Job you are working on. Some examples are Master Cam, Solid Cam, Edge Cam and Sheet Cam. The more complex packages are capable of running a higher number of axis a standard machine has 3 Axis (Forward, Left-Right and Up-Down). You can get increased number of axis which are usually a rotation around these other axis. NC-Codes:NC code were developed to command milling machines with the smallest possible amount of data transfer and so a letter and numbering systems where developed. There is a small number of letters used the common ones are G-Codes and M-Codes. G-Codes essentially tell the machine where to move in a number of different ways. M-Codes tell the machine how to operate the different components of the machine, e.g. on/off of the plasma. These codes can be created directly from the CAM programs utilising a 3D Model. Simple Applications:A number of machines will alow for basic functions to skip the CAD and CAM proccess by utilising there own development components on the machines. These components ussually allow for machinists to do basic designs and production without being required to learn to use a CAD package. For example using CNC lathes by setting the different radius internal and external on a part and the thread to be cut in a table layout so that the lathe work can be done without utilising CAD or CAM programs. At this point Bajtech has only implemented movement to a point movements in our software to be conducted in this maner. We are planning to implement basic shape cutouts in the future. Bajtech Software:Our control systems are operating on both your computer(software) and within our electronics on our controller boards. The software on the computer takes your NC-Code and converts it based on your configuration and then passes it to the electronics on your machine. When the program reads the NC-Code it creates a simulation of how the machine will run so that you can see if there is any errors in your code before you run the program. The conversion within our software is setup to allow for the same G-Code to be run on different machines. This software also allows for nesting and basic line's and arc's to be drawn manually into the system. Utilising the easy to use interface you can step forwards and backwards in code, manual control of the machine, Zeroing of the machine etc.
Bajtechs Protoforge Running G-Code Bajtech Electronics:The electronics does all the instantaneous functions required to run the CNC machines. With the buffered NC-Code the electronics converts this information to direct the stepper motors to make the precise movements. These electronics also control the other machine functionalities including the Router on/off, plasma on/off etc. Using the electronics we can allow for manual control, overrides and high speed feedback loops to allow for PWM controlled systems. With Bajtech fully developing these systems it allows us to alter functionality to meet the customer's demands however required.
Linked together:The below Schematic shows the production process to develop a new product. There is a number of places to get 3D models to skip the design stage of this process. Once NC programs are developed they will be repeatable. With our nesting(locate a number of set of NC programs on the work piece) and homing functions (allow you to choose the Zero point on your Job) you can position them precisely on your job.
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| Last Updated on Thursday, 10 November 2011 06:32 |
most well known packages are AutoCAD and Solid Works. Utilising CAD programs to develop products can drastically increase the efficiency of product development and deployment. Some advanced features of these programs include: Visualise- Create a virtual representation of your final product Integrate all design components into a single model, Electronics, Mechanical, Hydraulics and cabling Within this software you can simulate functionality of products before you actually build the products.
