cnc/cad/cam help

[cmaccoy]

Originally Posted by chbix

I am new to the whole CNC thing, having no experience with them other than I know how they work and kinda what they can do. I have mainly a computer back ground, some programming experience, as well as AUTOCAD and other CAD/CAM programs. My uncle runs a motorcycle shop, and has decided that its stupid to spend about $100k a year to oursource his CNC work so hes getting a CNC machine, dont know what model or when. But he wants me to figure out how to program the thing. I know you can use a CAD/CAM program to draw the part, and then translate that to G-code. This is the way we want to set this up. What programs can i draw the part in and export that to g-code? Do I have to set up the cnc machine to the computer to transfer the information? or can I output the drawing to G-code and then manually input it into the cnc control panel? is there an good reasources on the net to learn g-code? I have found a few g-code command lists, but nothing that gives any kind of details. Is the programs you use depend on the model of CNC machine? Whats most common? I know theres a lot of questions there, but I really have no idea, and web seaches usually only come back with schools offering training which I dont have the time or cash for. I appreciate any help I can get

I'll tell you straight out that MasterCam is the most popular program for CNC Machines holding over 40% of the market. The thing with MasterCam is its just good with just about everything. Yes the software costs about 13,000 dollars for the "full" version, but once you have it you'll see why its most popular. You can do multiple things with MasterCam, when you make a program, you can look at the actual program in G-codes and just print that out or something and then manually putting it onto the CNC Machine, but the much easier way is to buy a cored that runs from your computer to the actual CNC Machine's Controller, then it can essentially run the program straight from the computer. All you truely have to do is click 3 buttons on your computer and it transfers it to the CNC Machine within 30 seconds depending on the size of the program. If you actuallly like this idea or would like to continue our discussion Instant messange me or i will check up on the thred in about 5 days. I hope something works for you and ttyl.

Also, heres the site, www.MasterCam.com. But if you were to buy MasterCam off another site, it probably wouldn't work seeing you need a special SIM that allows you to opperate the software.