Parts processed on a CNC machine can be considered as geometric objects. During processing, the rotating tool and the workpiece move relative to each other along a certain trajectory. UE describes the movement of a certain point of the tool - its center. The tool path is represented as consisting of separate sections that merge into each other. These sections can be straight lines, circular arcs, curves of the second or higher orders. The intersection points of these sections are called reference, or nodal, points. As a rule, the CP contains the coordinates of the reference points.

Let's try to write a small program for processing the groove shown in Fig. 3.4. Knowing the coordinates of the reference points, this is not difficult to do. We will not consider in detail the code of the entire program, but will pay special attention to the writing of lines (frames of the program) directly responsible for moving through the reference points of the groove. To machine a groove, you first need to move the cutter to point T1 and lower it to the appropriate depth. Next, you need to move the cutter sequentially through all the reference points and move the tool up out of the workpiece material. Let's find the coordinates of all the reference points of the groove and, for convenience, place them in the table. 3.1.

Table 3.1. Coordinates of the groove reference points

Dot	X coordinate	Y coordinate
Tl	3	8
T2	3	3
TK	7	3
T4	7	8

Let's bring the cutting tool to the first reference point:

The next two frames cause the tool to descend to the required depth into the workpiece material.

N60 G00 Z0.5
N70 G01 Z-l F25

Once the tool is at the desired depth (1mm), you can move it through all the reference points to machine the groove:

N80 G01 X3 Y3
N90 G01 X7 Y3
N100 G01 X7 Y8

Now you should remove the tool from the workpiece material - raise it to a small height:

Let's put all the frames together, add a few auxiliary commands and get the final version of the program:

UP personnel	Frame description
%	Program start symbol
O0001 (PAZ)	Program number (0001) and program name (PAZ)
N10 G21 G40 G49 G54 G80 G90	Security string
N20 M06 T01 (FREZA D1)	Calling tool no. 1
N30 G43 H01	Tool length compensation No. 1
N40 M03 S1000	Turning on spindle speed (1000 rpm)
N50 G00 X3 Y8	Accelerated movement to reference point T1
N60 G00 Z0.5	Rapid tool movement B Z0.5
N70 G01 Z-l F25	Movement to a depth of 1 mm at a feed rate of 25 mm/min
N80 G01 ХЗ Y3	Tool movement to point T2 (25 mm/min)
N90 G01 X7 Y3	Tool movement to point T3 (25 mm/min)
N100 G01 X7 Y8	Tool movement to point T4 (25 mm/min)
N110 G01 Z5	Tool lift up in Z5 (25 mm/min)
N120 M05	Turning off spindle speed
N130 MZ0	Completing the program
%	End of program symbol

Mach3 is a program for controlling a CNC machine that allows you to automate workpiece processing processes. The use of CNC machines is relevant for large enterprises and small workshops. The difference lies only in the characteristics and sizes of the machines that are used in certain situations. Let's consider the issue of using Mach3 at the initial stages of its development.

• A modern milling machine equipped with a CNC module allows it to interact with a regular personal computer or laptop;
• By installing the Mach3 driver on your PC, you can develop control programs;
• Once developed, the program is loaded into the memory of the numerically controlled module;
• The computer’s task is to configure all the necessary parameters for the CNC operation;
• In addition to automating processes, through a PC you can manually control the movements of the cutting tools of the machine, control their movements relative to the workpiece or work table;
• The operation of Mach3 is based on the following scheme: computer - master - milling equipment. To carry out such management, you will need the appropriate program;
• Mach3 is an excellent example of modern software that controls and configures machines;
• Mach3 is designed to work with all Microsoft operating systems;
• The program works like a regular windowed application;
• Mac3 has wide functionality, intuitive interface;
• At the same time, beginners for whom CNC setting is something completely new should carefully study the instruction manual. It takes a minimum of time to adapt to working with CNC through a special program. This is due to a well-designed interface and an understandable control principle.

Preparing to work with Mach3

Photo Mach3 - programs for controlling a CNC machine

Numerical program control, that is, CNC, is an advanced development in the field of machine tool construction. The program simplifies management and automates all processes. Proper CNC setup using a program via a PC allows you to minimize the human factor and reduce the likelihood of errors to zero.

It is important to understand that if the settings are performed incorrectly, you can break the cutters, incorrectly process the workpiece, and damage the CNC module and other equipment components.

To avoid such mistakes and unpleasant incidents, you should start with proper preparation for operating CNC machines.

1. Execute full connection machine tools You must make sure that the machine is prepared for work and receives high-quality power from the electrical network. For many machines, special programs are available that allow you to check the condition of the equipment and the serviceability of its individual components via a PC.
2. Install Mach3 on your Personal Computer or laptop. Make sure your PC is responding minimum requirements according to system characteristics. Mach3 is not a “heavy” program, so almost any computer can easily handle it.
3. The program may require Russification in some cases. The licensed version is made on English language, but special localizers are widely available on the Internet. It is not recommended to use pirated programs like Mach3, since such software can have serious errors that can damage your machine even if the settings were done correctly. The license costs about 12 thousand rubles.
4. Try to optimize the operation of the operating system by disabling all kinds of pop-ups and unused programs. Nothing should interfere with you while working with the machine.
5. Don't run Mach3 in parallel third party programs. Especially it concerns computer games, watching movies and other content that requires impressive resources from the PC. Otherwise, the setting may be incorrect, which will affect the quality of processing and the machine itself.
6. If at the same time you want to compose control programs for a CNC machine, or use your computer not only to work with Mac3, then divide HDD into subsections. For software for a CNC machine, install a separate operating system. Logical subsection hard drive must be completely dedicated to the control of the machine. This will allow you not to occupy the entire PC with CNC control issues. Use this operating system specifically for hardware settings, do not load extraneous software there, minimize the set of programs.

Working with the program

When the preparation stages are over, you will need to start setting up the Mac3 program itself.

1. Carefully study all the buttons that are available in the Mack3 menu. Many are frightened by their huge number. But having a Russified version will allow you to quickly figure it out.
2. Depending on the type of machine, you need to open the appropriate tabs. For milling equipment, you will need tabs for parameters of electric motors, part speeds, port parameters, spindle parameters, etc.
3. Once you purchase the licensed version of the software, you will find all the descriptions of the settings in the user manual. Or it can be found on the World Wide Web.
4. If you have conditionally correctly configured the machine through the Mak3 program, when commands are issued from the keyboard, the electric motors of the equipment will begin to rotate and move. It is important that the portal moves without jerking, neatly and freely. This indicates that the setup was done correctly.
5. Perform a run. This is what is called a trial manual movement of tools. There is a corresponding button for running in the Mac3 program.
6. The run is determined by the corresponding icon, which allows you to turn this trial mode on and off.
7. Pay attention to the jog ball. It should light up when running. It is used to control machine tools using the mouse. The closer the cursor is to the jog wheel when clicking, the higher the rotation speed of the electric motors will be. In addition to the mouse, you can use the keys on the keyboard to activate the tool.
8. Control of tool movements can be step-by-step or continuous. In the case of continuous, the machine tool moves constantly while you hold down the corresponding key or mouse button. Step-by-step mode assumes that after pressing the button the portal will move to a strictly specified distance. You can set the step size yourself.

Mach3 is offered to customers with detailed instructions manual. Based on the official manual, you can adapt the program to a particular machine. Proceed strictly according to factory instructions. Only they make it possible to correctly set the operating parameters of CNC equipment. If the setting turns out to be correct, the compiled control program will allow you to automate the machine and adapt it to perform certain operations with workpieces.

It is impossible not to help the lilac bear cub.

Everything was initially unified, but then distorted by evil manufacturers of hardware and software products.

This question is described in great detail on the website. http://sapr2000.ru(there are many useful links and articles there), in particular, http://sapr2000.ru/pressa61.html

and also described in detail and discussed on the forum, use the search. IBV explained these issues especially clearly. By at least By browsing the forum pages, you will be able to ask a question more specifically.

I’ll just tell you about the sequence of work associated with development control program(UP) or as it is also called - G-codes. This is how we and most other enterprises do it:

1. A computer model of the product being processed is created. It can be in a solid representation (Solid), in surfaces (Surfaces) or just a set of contours. Or all of the above in any combination.

This model can be transferred in IGES, STEP and other neutral formats.

2. The initial data on product processing and the created model are entered into the CAM system. Based on the entered data, the control program is calculated. The output is a processing text file that the system generates in its own format. It is usually called CLDATA or APT. It describes all processing - movements and technological commands for controlling the machine.

I'll try to contribute

For example, search here:

This is actually an international standard:

http://www.isd.mel.nist.gov/personnel/kram...3a.html#1008243

Here everything is in pictures:

http://www.cncezpro.com/gcodes.cfm

Here in Russian:

http://www.izhprest.udm.ru/majak600/

1. CAM produces the trajectory in the form of a banal text file.

2. The control program is saved in a specific format

(*.* (which?) sometimes very stupid, and completely idiotic for a specific machine, but initially should be saved in an international, simple and understandable format for all SAM workers on earth - the so-called G codes. G from the word Go - go. The format of this the language is extremely simple, understandable and logical - Go, and then where to go, in coordinates, remember how they taught in school - X, I, Z... then coordinates.This is described in detail in the articles on the site, and in the links on the forum.

Look, if you don’t find it, ask.

The file extension in this case is a third matter, although manufacturers of machine tools and CNC racks have muddied the issue so much that it is unclear to everyone that now you won’t understand who uses what extensions. Often for example *.CNC; *.NC; *.ISO, *.U0, etc.

3. Nipanyatna. What the hex? Why do we need hex? We will be completely confused as it is.

4. The main thing here is that the machine understands the G code, then this text file is fed to the machine by lightly pressing your finger.

The work is greatly facilitated when CNC plasma programs are used; the creation of drawings in this case is faster. The main thing is to set the parameters correctly and understand how the technology works.

About special programs and working with drawings

Thanks to modern laser machines, as well as programs for CNC plasma and drawing creation, you can easily process workpieces from any materials, ensuring high intensity process along with quality. But modern technologies have by no means contributed to the fact that humans are completely excluded from the technological chain.

Operators are only freed from participation in the workpiece manufacturing process itself.

In order to obtain the required result for CNC, it is necessary to comply with the main conditions, which include the proper level of production preparation and the development of machine control programs.

The essence of any software used in control is the creation of a set of codes that undergo transformation inside the CNC microcontroller, and then become pulses when they enter the execution mechanisms. The function of the latter is transferred to stepper motors or servomotors. But last option used only on some machine models. It is important to choose the right program for creating a drawing.

Electric motors are used during the transformation of impulses, after which the latter become mechanical movements for the instrumental part. The supporting spindle and cutter are involved in the same process. A unique route is laid inside the program, which is subsequently implemented by the machine. How the cutter moves relative to the future workpiece depends on this.

Thanks to modern technologies, it becomes easy to provide the required speed and cutting force. Flame processing also makes the process easier.

Inside the control program they create separate file, which must be processed further. What does the choice of modern software imply? But you need to create a preliminary sketch of the future product, because the route cannot appear out of nowhere.

Processing program

Products are created on the basis of sketches, the role of which is transferred to three-dimensional mathematical models. The participation of a plasma cutter is organized at later stages. This name is given to an exact copy of the structure, which is recreated in virtual space.

In some ways, 3D models are similar to assembly drawings. These models are created based on “flat” 2D models. For example, which are the part drawings. It is their construction that becomes the main function for special CAD programs. Plastic bag AutoCad functions– a typical representative of such solutions, involving processing using plasma cutting.

Such solutions can be described as automatic design systems. In industry and design bureaus this tool has long been an indispensable assistant. The entire cycle that makes up the process of developing documents for designers is made easier and simplified thanks to packages of similar software solutions. This also applies to creating sketches for parts using plasma cutting, modeling technology in a three-dimensional plane, and developing parts for assembly.

The so-called CAD packages are the basis on which control programs are created, the results are sent to the machines themselves, which allows production to begin. Next, plasma takes part in the processing.

Features of working with equipment

The typical strategy by which CNC milling machines are used when creating products can be described as follows:

1. The stage dedicated to creating a sketch or drawing.
2. Previous work becomes the basis for developing models in three dimensions.
3. Setting a route when using the software. The three-dimensional model now becomes the basis on which this very route is created.
4. Then they proceed to export the control program using a special format. The main thing is that the format is understandable to you.
5. Loading the control program into the device memory. After which the processing program is launched.

First stage

At the first stage, it is impossible to do without a thorough study of the design documentation. It is expected to use drawings for small components and assembly units, a large amount of materials when developing detailed drawings. On the drawings, specialists will indicate types, sections, sections, and put down the required dimensions. Using plasma cutting makes it easier to achieve the desired result.

Several years ago, production conditions assumed the creation technological maps for the construction of future products. They were intended to effectively organize the work of specialists with manual milling machines. But, when automatic equipment appeared, it is no longer necessary to create such maps.

Detailed drawings in most cases support the electronic format from the very beginning and are created with its active use. Two-dimensional sketches, among other things, can be easily made by digitizing a paper drawing. Created in the program, such a picture will speed up the processing process.

Second phase

During the second stage, parts are created in a three-dimensional plane. This task is also carried out using a CAD environment. Thanks to this, visualization of the frame of parts, assemblies for assembly, and the entire product is available. Additional feature– carrying out calculations based on stiffness and strength.

The three-dimensional model, which has become the basis, is a mathematical copy of the product as it should be in finished form. To bring the project to life, all that remains is to produce a part that has the required characteristics. Using plasma cutting allows you to achieve results faster.

Third stage

It is to obtain the desired result that the third stage is used. It involves developing a route for future processing using plasma equipment. This type of work relates to the technological part of the process. It ultimately affects several parameters:

• The quality with which the products are produced.
• Cost level.
• Processing speed.

If we talk about the ones on which cutting is carried out, then in this case the three-dimensional sketch is transformed. This means the following actions are performed:

1. The processing area is limited.
2. Definition of transitions, finishing and roughing.
3. Selection of cutters with certain dimensions.
4. Programming the modes in which cutting is carried out.

There is special software - post-compressors. They allow you to export the data described above in a convenient format, which can be easily accepted by the controller for a CNC machine representing a particular model.

Fourth stage

The fourth stage ends with the design of a working control file that allows you to create the required part. After that, everything is done by the plasma cutters themselves.

Fifth stage

The work at the fifth stage is being completed. It assumes that the program file is loaded into the memory of the CNC machine. The processing itself is performed. The first sample of a released part must be checked. If errors are identified, adjustments are made to the electronic documentation.

Conclusion. Some features of plasma cutting

Plasma cutting is one of the most effective ways for metal processing. But such power is difficult to control; only highly qualified specialists can handle this. Only they can be allowed to control the plasma cutter.

Minor defects may appear on some parts, this is absolutely nothing to worry about. You just need to take into account the peculiarities of each of the bases used in production. Minimum size holes when using this technology also has its own characteristics. For example, if the diameter of the metal is 20 millimeters, then the maximum value for the hole itself is 15 millimeters. This must be taken into account when working with a CNC plasma program; the creation of a drawing will only be accurate in this case.

Depending on the thickness of the sheet, it is necessary to use a current with different characteristics. For example, rolled sheets of 40 millimeters or more are cut with a current of 260 Amps. But 30 Amps will be enough if the thickness is only 2 millimeters. The current strength affects the thickness of the sheet. It is also necessary to take into account what shape the part retains in each section. The result also depends on this.

Modern equipment has a high level of accuracy. But small deviations are perfectly acceptable as long as they do not exceed existing standards.

Name: Delcam ArtCAM Pro
Version: 2010 Service Pack 4.0 32bit & 64bit
Developer: www.artcam.ru
Interface: Russian
Operating system: Windows XP/Vista/Seven
File size: 1.8 Gb
Software solution for spatial modeling/machining, which allows you to automatically generate virtual three-dimensional models from a 2D drawing and develop control programs for CNC machines based on them.

Delcam plc is a world leader in the development of design and technological CAD systems for modeling, manufacturing and control of complex products and technological equipment. Software used in various industries, including automotive and aerospace, mechanical engineering and energy, production of plastics, glass, ceramics, rubber products, as well as various packaging; for tasks ranging from conceptual design to the production of master models and production equipment. The company was formally founded in 1977 after initial development at the University of Cambridge. The team bought the company in 1989, and in 1997 the company became a joint stock company open type. The company currently has over 400 employees worldwide, with half of the staff located in England.

About Delcam ArtCAM

Delcam ArtCAM offers a powerful, easy-to-use modeling suite that gives the designer the freedom to create complex spatial terrain. ArtCAM turns ideas into finished products much faster than is possible using conventional methods. ArtCAM copes even in cases where manual modification was previously required.

Creating 2D Elements

ArtCAM allows you to create relief using imported vectors or a raster image created in any graphic editor. In addition, ArtCAM has its own set of tools for creating and editing vectors and raster images.

Creating a 3D model

ArtCAM allows you to create complex three-dimensional models using vectors and raster image. Extensive modeling options allow you to create weaves, textures, extrusions, and constant height letters. Interactive sculptor tools in ArtCAM allow you to change a three-dimensional model in real time, which allows you to achieve the effect of “manual” work.

Machining Strategies

ArtCAM Pro has flexible machining strategies that are fast, accurate and most importantly, highly reliable. There are machining strategies such as 2D sampling, profile processing, die/punch processing, and engraving. ArtCAM also allows you to trim edges or engrave along the center line, which creates the appearance of hand engraving.

Control programs can be easily created, saved and edited. ArtCAM has a wide range of highly efficient machining strategies in its database, which allows you to minimize NC preparation time and reduce the processing time on the machine.