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CNC paths

#21
Thing is, there are many foms od NC code, most are proprietary based on the machine in question, but the raw, basic NC code, is pretty standard. Infact, there is an NC industry standard.

CAM software works like CAD. Depends on the software.
Just you have the extra goodies of assigning toolpaths along your geometry, and the myriad of tool-specific functions applied....depths / leaves / types of drilling / pocketing...etc.

CNC machines are pretty much the same for wood or metal, just the extras involved for the milling process set them apart, and the # of axis in which you will run determines how the parts relate to the machine table.

Have fun.
 
#23
Right, but that all has to do with speed and feed rates, and spindle rates on the tooling.

The cutters in question are also of different properites, but really, it's the same general principle...
you have an x-axis movement (top to bottom), a y-axis movement (left to right), and a z movement (up and down)

and they all work together with your toolhead and tool carosel, and milling takes place. When you start working 5 axis machines is where you lose me (but that's tooling on the sides of the material in question...
 
#24
Since I work with turning CNC machines, all I could make are drumsticks. Are the CNC machines you are talking about strickly for wood. Mon you mentioned 5 axis machines. Are those the Mazak Multiplex's? The compnay I work for had a really nice one. I think they bought it brand new. If i remember right it cut the material, loaded it into the machine and did the turing and milling all in the same machine!! Plus it had internet access! BUt it think that was for mointering it from a diffrent location. I know they used it to make fuel injector parts for tanks. Im guessing that has more then 3 axies. I say had though becasue that department got sold to a company not to far from here. Wow that was a nice machine.
Joe
 
#25
I haven't heard of Mazak machines, but then again, I'm not well versed on 5 axis machining. I've only experience with Heain, Thermwood, and Wieke. Of these the Wieke had a "pod" vacuum setup, where the part in question is suspended above the table, and still held with vacuum, by the pods, and the cutters could do side work (angles, profiles...dependent on cutter)

Neat stuff...

I'm in process of dissecting some neck curvatures and giving a go at neck back profiles, only thing is I'm a little confused on how to program a slope properly...I dunno if our machine can currently do it correctly...
 
#26
Wow id like to see that pod vacum in action. I do mostly metal cutting. THough some jobs require teflon, which I do not like to machine becasue its just a big mess. BUt definetly not as bad as stainless steel. Are those machines you mention specificaly made for wood? OUt of curiosity do those machines use a FANUC control panel? IM sure not all MAzaks use 5 axis. I only use turning machines so all i need to worry about is x and z. THere is a C axis for live tooling. Not to stray to much off the subject, but are guitars like Gibsons, Fenders etc mass produced? And if so do they use a CNC machine?
jOE
 
#27
Guys,
Some machine tools that typically run metal can also run wood as long as the machine spindle is capable of the higher RPM. Most G codes are close. there is a standard that they follow but a program might have to be massaged from machine to machine. Most CAD programs have several lines of code versus hand written stuff which includes arcs with the I and J code. With out getting to far off track and speaking foreign to you guys CAD/CAM software typically moves in point to point instead of creating TRUE arcs. Good luck to all of you. I'll respond again later when my alcohol level isn't so high.
 
#28
Warwickthumb said:
Wow id like to see that pod vacum in action. I do mostly metal cutting. THough some jobs require teflon, which I do not like to machine becasue its just a big mess. BUt definetly not as bad as stainless steel. Are those machines you mention specificaly made for wood? OUt of curiosity do those machines use a FANUC control panel? IM sure not all MAzaks use 5 axis. I only use turning machines so all i need to worry about is x and z. THere is a C axis for live tooling. Not to stray to much off the subject, but are guitars like Gibsons, Fenders etc mass produced? And if so do they use a CNC machine?
jOE
Click to expand...

Yep, all the ones you mentioned are cut on CNC machines.

As far as machines being different for metal or wood, that's not true at all. As long as spindle speed, feed rate, and plunge rate are all tunable to wood speeds, there's nothing to stop wood from being done on a metal table. The next big difference is the tool used for the cuts. Our MultiCam does everything from aluminum and muntz metal to polycarbonates and urethane foams. The first bass I built had the body cut on this machine. The wood was AAAA flame maple - hard as could be. I used a 2 flute spiral up carbide bit and it worked like an absolute dream. I couldn't believe the quality of the route and the ease with which the tool moved through the maple.
 
#33
zombie thread indeed!

in 2004 I was dreaming of a CAD/CAM/CNC system that could be affordable enough for a small custom shop to own/operate. in 2011 a 3-axis CNC system has become a solid fixture that is key to remaining competitive in the current tough economy

CNC_WoodProofingBody_2.jpg


CNC_WoodProofingBody_3.jpg


all the best,

R
 

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