CNC Programming is one of the most effective ways that people are using today in order to cut metal and do other processes in manufacturing. There are a variety of different CNC Hobbyist that are using CNC Programming today to make metal, foam, or wood objects. CNC has created a way for many people to manufacture or fabricate parts quickly and effortlessly.
CNC stands for computer numerical control and is basically the use of a computer to do certain types of operations. This is a process that can be applied to lathe, router, foam cutters and laser machines; it can also be applied to mini versions of these types of machines.
There are basically two types of categories that G Code Programming will fall into point to point positioning or continuous path positioning. If you are using very advanced software programs then your computer may not be able to execute both types but usually a computer can handle executing both types of programs. This means that the operator must understand both processes in order to run the machine.
Here is a simple explanation of these two categories:
Point to point positioning -- this category is mostly used when drilling, boring, punching or tapping is needed. This is a process used to position from one point to another when the machine process is being done. The program will work going to as many positions as it needs to in order to get the process finished whether that is from the X to the Y position or not.
Continuous Path Positioning -- Contouring is really another name for this category and its used when you have a milling machine or lathe being used for contouring. This means that the cutting tool moves in a continuous motion from one point to another until the piece is completed. This means that the operator has to be able to program the machine so that it continues on several axes at a time and simultaneously.
Continuous path positioning also uses a series of processes called interpolation which is the way in which the machine is programmed to go. Interpolation can be helical, parabolic, cubic, circular and more. The basic function of this interpolation is to keep the programmed information stored and to monitor and direct the axes in how it should go.
What needs to happen first is that we really are going to need a design of what is actually suppose to be made and then we can move into the programming stage. This must be studied to make sure that the operator understands the intricacies of the drawing so they can translate the information into the computer software they are using.
This means that the operator must be skilled enough to understand how the paper drawing will translate to the computer, and then be able to program this information into the computer so that the machine will perform the cuts or the processes accordingly.
When you think about this process, it is a good idea to think about what you would do if you were producing the work manually because anything you would do manually, you will depend on the machine to do automatically. By understanding G Code Programming the individual will be more successful.
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