G-Codes vs. CAM / CNC Forums

[indieFan]

Originally Posted by cmaccoy

Hello, i'm from R.A.G.E. and if i understand your question right you are asking if you should just use "G" codes verses a CAM program.

Actually, I am currently doing research on the versatility of G-codes using parametric programming vs. CAM systems.

Seeing as most people prefer the CAM systems because of their "ease", I have two new questions as I have limited exposure to CAM systems, as well as how the industry actually utilizes them:

1. How is the versatility of the CAM system? (ie, How easy is it to change a tool path because you found the part dimensions were cut slightly different than what you needed?)

2. How much back and forth is there between the person doing the CAM and the CNC operator? How many iterations are usually required to get the part correct?

Thanks,
indieFan

[patrickrd]

CNC: Computerized numerical control
CAM: Computer Aided Manufacturing
G-Code: The standard machine tool language. Controls linear, circular, drilling operations, etc... Should work on any CNC machine.
M-Code: Controls actual CNC-machine specific operations (but is still standard among most CNC machines). Coolant, tool changes, spindle, etc...

I *think* most commonly, the term "G-Code" is also used to refer to a program with any CNC programmable commands, including "G" codes and "M" codes, among others. At least, I refer to a program with both "G" codes and "M" codes as "G-Code" Does anybody know for sure if this is correct? I can't find anything doing a quick search of google.

[indieFan]

Originally Posted by patrickrd

G-Code: The standard machine tool language. Controls linear, circular, drilling operations, etc... Should work on any CNC machine.

Actually, the codes will not work on any CNC machine. Unfortunately, there are several versions of the language out there (ie, Macro 1, Macro 2, Fanuc, etc.). While many machines may be set up to use a variety of these, it it not guaranteed that all of them are contained in the system. From what I've seen on the web, there are language quirks due to the fact that the CNC manufacturers use a proprietary language along with their system integration. If this were not the case, then programs like EdgeCAM would not have a variety of G-Code converters for Fadal, Haas, etc.

indieFan

[Greg McCoy]

Uh, from what I've learned through my Computer Integrated Manufacturing class I believe the proper name for this is just NC Code, with NC standing for Numerical Control. NC Code consists of G, M, and other codes necessary for CNC machine operation. A file containing an entire NC code program is often simply referred to as an NC File.

A google search yielded the following glossaries:

http://www.icam.com/icam/products/glossary.htm
http://microsystemsgeorgia.com/cnc.htm

[Ryan F.]

I know that our school has both a mill and lathe that don't work with Cad/Cam software even thought they're supposed to. So next year, the metals/drafting teacher (a member of our robotics team) is going to give me a crash course on G-Codes!....(she claims you can learn how to work it in 30 minutes with a piece of graph paper.)