With Manual Guide i, the current Fanuc GE CNC controllers can be directly programmed onsite in a simple manner - regardless of whether turning, milling or combining machining processes

Manual Guide i, a user-friendly workshop programming from Fanuc GE, is constantly being developed. In addition to the improvement of diverse machining and milling cycles, it has new functions for multi-channel turning as well as programming in the tilted working plane. With Manual Guide i, the current Fanuc GE CNC controllers can be directly programmed onsite in a simple manner - regardless of whether turning, milling or combined machining processes will be carried out.

Thanks to the basic module and the modules for turning and milling, a user can limit himself to the essentials.

Each module initialises all cycles, leaving the user to easily and quickly program the respective machining process.

* All machining functions on one screen - the 'all-in-one-screen-design' provides the user with an overview of all machine functions on one screen.

On this an operator can read all axis positions and rotating speeds, detect where the machine currently is in the program, and display the tool paths or the workpiece in 3D in the simulation window.

To constantly maintain an overview, a bar with soft-keys facilitates intuitive menu selection. This also applies for multichannel turning operations.

* Intelligent functions - for the Series 0i-TTC CNC controller, Manual Guide i makes intelligent functions available, which simplify two-channel turning.

A process table, for example, displays the relation between the spindle and the turret via a timeline.

Standby times and travel paths can also be included.

An additional screen mask serves for simulation: both tool paths can be simultaneously displayed in the 3D model, which primarily serves for NC program control.

Lastly, the all-in-one-screen-design provides an overview on co-ordinates, machine status and the executed programs for both channels.

Even for three-channel turning, which is possible with the Series 30i CNC controller, Manual Guide i makes the corresponding functions available.

* Tilted work plane - there are new functions for tilted working plane (TWP).

With Manual Guide i, the TWP can not only be determined via Eulerian angles but also via the roll, pitch and yaw command (RPY), three points in the space, two vectors, angle projection or the tool axis direction.

In order to be able to easily utilise these options, Fanuc GE has developed a guidance screen which graphically supports the operator while requesting the required data from him in a dialogue.

Also new is the realistic simulation of the generated NC program for the tilted working plane.

It can either be shown as tool paths or as a shaded display.

* About Fanuc GE CNC: - Fanuc GE CNC is a leading global supplier in factory automation.

These include products and solutions for the machine tool market based on a wide range of CNCs, motion control products, monitoring and control software products, CO2 lasers and services.

Fanuc GE CNC is a joint venture between GE and FANUC and the company's European headquarters are at Fanuc GE CNC Europe in Luxembourg.

Tags: CNC, CNC Control, CNC Control Software, CNC Controller, cnc controllers, Machining, manufacturing, Mill, Milling, Turning

Mill/turn centre has a lower turret equipped with a 60mm Y-axis traverse that increases capability for new processing applications and cutting tools

With a lower turret equipped with a 60 mm Y-axis, Yamazaki Mazak UK said that the versatility of its Integrex e-420H-ST II mill/turn centre is considerably expanded. It delivers increased capability for new processing applications and cutting tools. The ability to mount turning tools, tailstock, steady rest attachment or special fixtures on the lower turret opens up numerous machining possibilities for delivering maximum productivity from a single machine tool.

The Integrex e-420H-ST II has upper turret axis travels of 845mm and 420mm (X and Y) complemented by a lower turret with axis travels of 232mm and 60mm (X and Y) and upper and lower Z-axis movements of 2088mm and 1893mm respectively.

Yamazaki Mazak told manufacturingtalk.com that the machine can meet almost any kind of production requirements.

These large and multiple axis movements are combined with powerful main and second spindles (4000 rev/min, 30kW), both equipped with C-axis, which is capable of the smallest of incremental movements.

For rotary tool applications the upper B-axis spindle is a 12,000 rev/min, rated at 22kW, while the lower rotary tool spindle is a 6000 rev/min, 5.5kW unit.

* Reducing manufacturing costs - this combination of machining capacity and power makes the Integrex e-420H-ST II a complete fusion of machining centre and turning centre to provide a machining platform capable of reducing manufacturing costs through improved productivity.

The Mazak e-machines fully embrace the Information Technology age and bring the idea of the 'intelligent machine tool' to reality.

The Mazatrol Matrix control has been developed with a number of intelligent functions that assist the operation of the machine and allow communication between the machine tool, control and the manufacturing/production system in operation within a factory.

These functions also provide both management and operator with a wide range of relevant production information and feedback.

For example, the e-tower, which is integral with the e-machine, provides the operator with, for example, set-up support and access to operating and maintenance manuals and work schedules.

Management, in turn, can download programs, scheduling data and component drawings, while receiving real-time information relating to machine and job status.

** Yamazaki Mazak UK at MACH 2008, NEC, Birmingham, UK, April 21-25, Hall 5, Stand 5360. Request a free brochure from Yamazaki Mazak UK….

Tags: CNC Mill, cnc turning, CNC Woodworking, Mill, Turning

Machine builders and system integrators working on automation projects need to integrate movement and path control, connect drives and have functions such as visualisation, I/O processing and communication available to them.

Until now, this has been difficult because suitable systems for this type of homogenous integration were not available.

Anthropomorphic robots, complex CNC 3D processing, multiple linked-axis movements and single-axis positioning that can be modified in real-time have traditionally been separate areas of technology. However, B&R is introducing a platform that combines all components in one system. The Generic Motion Control platform includes drives, movement and path control, visualisation and I/O handling. In particular, path control with CNC functionality works as an integral part of the complete automation system, which can be configured with a single software tool.

The system is extremely versatile because the real-time operating system creates the environment needed for high-precision positioning tasks. CNC cycle times of 400us enable path precision in the sub-micron range to be achieved. Generated set positions are transferred to the drive without jitter via Powerlink. Additionally, the required I/O points can be added to the system in an extremely flexible manner.

Predefined visualisation components can also be used to create complex machine functions. In addition to 'classic' components such as parameter configuration and movement program operation, this also includes tools for simulation, logging and process diagnostics. This provides the foundation for custom visualisation. The flexible system architecture and the large number of functions make it possible to customise a machine line to meet specific application requirements.

The Soft CNC has an extensive list of functions. Part programs and movement procedures are programmed according to DIN 66025. Division into main and sub-programs allows clear management of NC programs. Helpful functions have also been added to the basic functions defined in the standard. The extended programming techniques permit the use of elements from a high level language, such as loops, conditional statements and branches.

Data from application programs on the PLC is exchanged using a powerful interface. Various access functions allow program execution to be controlled in real-time. Data, such as the tool radius or even end points of path sections, can be changed while the program is being executed, and certain data is available synchronous to the path.

Generic Motion Control

Tags: CAD/CAM, CNC, CNC Control Software, CNC Mill, CNC Programming, Computer Aided Design, Computer Aided Manufacturing, Learn CAD, learn cam, Learn CNC

A patented part accumulator system gathers parts automatically allowing the turning centre to run unmanned for extended periods whilst eliminating part damage

Hydrafeed will show its Rota-Rack rotary part accumulator, the Hydrafeed V65 short bar feeder and the new Autofeed full length barfeed system at the UK's MACH 2008 exhibition. These feeders will appear alongside established products such as the MultiServo 3-80 intelligent bar support unit, the MultiFeed MX1B system and the X-Tract CNC automatic part unloader.

* Part accumoulator for CNC turning centres - the Rota-Rack is a part accumulator for collecting components from CNC lathes.

The patented system gathers parts automatically allowing the turning centre to run unmanned for extended periods whilst eliminating part damage.

Ideal for limited space environments the accumulator comfortably accommodates parts up to 254mm long with diameters up to 76mm.

The compact system has an adjustable height and can be set at the left or right side of the machine to suit the specific needs of the end user.

* Short bar feeder - the Hydrafeed V65 short barfeeder can hold round, hexagonal or shaped bars from 5 to 65mm diameter.

Maximum capacity is ten 65mm diameter bars up to a stroke length of 1.2 or 1.5m.

The V65 is the ideal partner for unmanned production, said Hydrafeed to manufacturingtalk.com.

To maximise production the V65 has horizontal bar bandings that quickly and efficiently deliver the bar to the spindle, whilst an adjustable faceplate, Mitsubishi PLC controller and remote control pendant are included to enhance ease of use.

* Full length bar feeder - alongside the V65 will be the Autofeed full length barfeed.

It has a single guide channel set to deliver a wider range of bar diameters with models holding a 3mm to 32mm or a 5mm to 51mm bar diameter capacity.

With a standard length capacity of 3.2m with 3.7m option, the dimension range of the new Autofeed make it comfortably suited to fixed head lathes of sliding head turning centres.

The bar feeder can feed from left and right hand side of the lathe to give the end user greater flexibility with machine positioning.

With additional features such as automatic bar centre height adjustment, LED light displaying bar remaining length condition and patented bar anti vibration feature, the Autofeed is destined to be a major success at MACH, said Hydrafeed.

* Intelligent bar support unit - also on show at MACH 2008 will be the established MultiServo 3-80 intelligent bar support unit.

Driven by the lathe, the rotating bar support unit turns at the same rev/min as the turning centre to act as a virtual extension of the lathe drawtube bore.

Alongside the MultiServo 3-80 will be the MultiFeed MX1B bar support unit.

Like the MultiServo 3-80, the MX1B has a bar capacity from 3 to 80mm with a reduction linear system to eliminate vibration.

Utilising a standard bar support unit, the MX1B accommodates round bars up to 1650mm in length with special oilon bushings to control and support the bar in the lathe headstock.

These established products will be alongside the X-Tract CNC automatic part unloader that has been developed to safely and efficiently unload parts too long to be caught in standard part catchers.

The X-Tract removes parts through the sub-spindle of twin spindle machines and can accommodate 1.2 or 1.5m bar lengths.

Hydrafeed will be demonstrating its products from the stand by using a mock lathe to demonstrate bar feeding, part removal and part conveying/storage.

* Hydrafeed at MACH 2008, NEC, Birmingham, UK, April 21-25, Hall 5, Stand 5482.

Tags: CNC Lathe, cnc lathes, CNC Parts, Computer Aided Manufacturing

What is G-Code?
G-Code is the common name for the programming language of CNC Machines.  Somewhat of a generic, catch-all type of term for CNC programming language.  Very few machines adhere to this standard today.  There are as many varations as there are manufacturers.
This is how I think of G-Code.  It is a simple language built off of the Cartesian Coordinate System for motion control.  That is a mouthful.  I don’t know if that is exactly right, but you will get my meaning in a second when we go through some code line by line.  You will remember your High School Geometry soon enough.  For the real pros out there, you know there is much more to G-Code then that, but it is a good place to start thinking about it.

You will see many variations of the G-Code name like:
Gcode
gcode
G-Code
g-code
G Code
G-Code

Are there other “Codes?”
In a word…Yes.  We will get to that in a moment.  G-code is also the name of any command in a CNC program that begins with the letter G.  G-Codes generally tell the machine to perform an action.  G-Codes can tell machines to move a certain distance in the X-Axis for example.  Or, make a rapid move to another location.  Or, move in an arcing fashion while milling.  An on and on and on.

Here are some examples of G-Codes
Remember these codes change to a certain degree between CAM Software packages and CNC Machine Manufacturers.
G00 Rapid positioning
G01 Linear interpolation
G02 CW circular interpolation
G03 CCW circular interpolation
G04 Dwell
G20 Programming in inches
G21 Programming in mm
G28 Return to home position
G40 Tool radius compensation off
G41 Tool radius compensation left
G42 Tool radius compensation right
G43 Tool offset compensation positive
G44 Tool offset compensation negative

Why does G-Code Change?
We humans like flexibility.  We also like standards.  G-Codes are standardized in a certain sense.  Once you start to be able to read it, you can read just about any flavor of it.  That is the standardized part.
All machines are not created alike.  Even identical machines are different to a certain degree.  They may not have the same tools loaded or they have been slightly modified to produce a certain type of part.  Interesting how people like to customize.
That is why G-Codes are not the same.  You need some flexibility in the programming to accommodate all situations.  Couple that with the fact that every manufacturer thinks their version is the best and you get a myriad of G-Codes out there.
Many manufacturers also try to force you to only use their code.  For example, they give you a design interface to make parts and a CAM interface to produce code.  They lock you into their “Black Box” so you can’t go elsewhere for service and support.  They lock you in their “Family.”  Sometimes they make up a completely different kind of G-Code language that no one can understand but them.  They do that to keep your hands tied up.

What is an M-Code?
M-Codes are related to G-Codes.  M-Codes control different machine functions.  Some of these functions are turning the machine on and off.  Turning the spindle on or off.  Turning a plasma torch on or off.  Turning coolant on or off.  You get the idea.  When programming your CNC machine you may need to perform these functions.
Like G-Code, M-Codes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and from machine to machine.  As you can imagine you would need an M-Code for turning a plasma torch on and off on a CNC Plasma Cutting Machine.  You wouldn’t need an M-Code to turn a spindle on and off though.  Hey, the machine doesn’t even have a spindle.  It’s a plasma cutter!

Tags: CNC Programming, G Code, gcode