G-Codes vs. CAM / CNC Forums

[LauraN]

Originally Posted by Greg McCoy

I don't think there is any substitute for CAM packages like MasterCAM for advanced features like contours and such. However, I've found that it is often easier to write my own NC code for simple things. For example, I was using MasterCAM to make something for my Project Lead the Way "Computer Integrated Manufacturing" class, and I wanted to make an inclined-plane shape. It was much easier for me to tell the CNC mill to make cuts from XYZ coordinates than to have MasterCAM do it.

Ah, the joys of CIM.

I've written my own G-code before (only simple stuff, basic lines, contours, and holes), and the hardest/most complicated part is figuring out exactly what the coordinates are.

It's sort of like HTML with a twist. (This will be relevant, I swear.) I absolutely hate WYSIWYG programs. CAM programs are basically WYSIWYG programs for CNC stuff. So do like CAM? Not necessarily. It's still a computer generated code that isn't necessarily "smart." However, unlike most of the HTML I've worked with, writing CNC code can get very, very tedious. This may sound dumb, but I honestly think it comes down to whether or not its worth it to draw it out in a CADD program. If it's a simple design, figure out the coordinates yourself. If it's very complicated or large, you have to figure out which would be easier- finding the coords yourself or drawing it out in Inventor. After you have the CADD drawing, it's just a matter of setting a few options (most of which you would have to specify in your hand-written code anyway) and clicking OK.

Please keep in mind that a)It was only a year ago that I last did this, but that my retention span may be considerably shorter than that, feel free to correct me. b) Also keep in mind that I've really only ever done any of this in 2D. I've used Z coordinates to specify the depths of the cuts, but not to create inclines or anything like that. So everything I'm saying only refers to 2D designs (as far as I can say, anyway).