Question about programming a 3D contour on our old Mazak mill

Had to choose between a long series of manual G-code points or figuring out the conversational CAM cycle, and the CAM cut my programming time in half. Anyone have a better method for complex curves on older controls?

3 comments

3 Comments

ben2069d ago

Tried the CAM cycle too and it saved me a ton of time on a weird profile.

ray1899d ago

Yeah, the conversational CAM on those old Mazaks is a lifesaver for curves. I had a big radius on a part last month and writing all those G01 points would have taken all day. The CAM cycle is clunky but once you get the hang of the format, it's way faster than manual. For anything really wild, I've sometimes drawn the curve in a simple CAD program and just pulled the coordinates from there to plug in.

cameron5385d ago

All day" is why we get paid the big bucks, right?