Do I Need to Be a G-Code Expert With CNC?

Do I need to be a G Code Expert? In a word, no. You will probably need to know how to quickly scan your G-Code if you are having problems during your machining simulation. Other then that G-Code and a CNC program are throwaway programs for the most part. What do I mean by that? Let me explain.

Let's look at a specific design. Let's say a 12" by 12" square. You build your model, run it through your CAM Software and create a CNC Program made up of G-Code instructions to your machine. Say tomorrow the job requirements change to a 24" by 24" square. Do you go into your G-Code line by line and change the code? Most people wouldn't. They would go back into their CAD or CAM program and scale the square up to 24" by 24". Then post-process the job again to get their new G-Code program.

There are some people that would do this editing line by line because the design is simple. Now think of a complex shape and what scaling it up or down would entail. This would include massive changes to it and reviewing it line by line. We are talking thousands of lines here vs. going back and quickly scaling the model and spitting out some new G-Code.

And that is why this is throwaway. Use it over and over when you can, but don't fret over archiving it if something changes. It is much better to make a copy of the design (CAD File) in its original state and save that somewhere. That is much more useful. Post Processing? - Now you have me worried. With all the variations in G-Codes and M-Codes, how will I ever keep it straight? Don't worry about that. The CAM program you choose will have many Post Processors. Post Processors are like translators. They help the CAM Program spit out the right G-Codes for your specific machine. All you have to do is select the right Post Processor before you spit out the code. That is simple.

Most CAM programs have many machine specific post processors already loaded. All you do is go to the list of them and click on your machine to select it. If you build your own CNC Machine, there are generic post processors loaded for different types of machines. Usually you pick a generic one and modify it a bit with a little testing. You are making sure a move in the X-Axis positive direction really means what you want it to mean.

Don is active in CNC Programming and G Code.

G-Code is part of his expertise.

Computer Aided Manufacturing

 Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is a software automation process that directly converts the product drawing or the object into the code format, enabling the machine to manufacture the product. CAM is used in various machines like lathes or milling machines for product manufacturing purposes.

A CAM system allows the work instructions to communicate directly to the manufacturing machines. In the early 1950?s, the technology has evolved from Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines which performs a set of coded instructions in a punched paper tape. A CAM controlled computer system can control the entire process performed by the robotic milling machines, lathes, welding machines and other various tools. It moves the product to various machines within the system by allowing each step to get completed during the manufacturing process.

CAM systems allow a much easier, faster computer reprogramming and a quicker implementation of the design changes. The CAM system, which integrates the CAD system, manages tasks involving ordering, scheduling and the replacement of tools. This kind of integration mechanism provides faster and more efficient manufacturing processes. The key areas that are managed by the CAM system are automotive, aviation and furniture industries.

A CAM system is very expensive as the entire system ranges more than $18,000 along with the software. A 3D environment is best suited in the working and integrating of the CAM system with the CAD system. In a CNC manufacturing process, a CAM system is used to simplify the machining and the designing processes. These systems are mostly used in major areas such as the mechanical engineering and electronic design automation.

The various manufacturing mechanisms that are handled within the system during the product manufacturing are Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (CIM), Integrated Computer-Aided Manufacturing (ICAM), Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS), Direct Numerical Control (DNC) and Manufacturing Process Management (MPM). A CAM system controls different factors that involve data verification during manufacturing, panelizing the design to fit in the raw material, and editing and adding manufacturing information.



Applications of Computer Aided Manufacturing provides detailed information on Applications of Computer Aided Manufacturing, Cam And Computer Aided Design, Computer Aided Design , Computer Aided Design Scanners and more. Applications of Computer Aided Manufacturing is affiliated with Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing.