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5 G-Code Tips For Increasing CNC Efficiency

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19 views9 pages

5 G-Code Tips For Increasing CNC Efficiency

Uploaded by

dngcnccenter
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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5 G-Code Tips for Increasing

CNC Efficiency
DNG CNC CENTER

Classification: Internal
Optimizing G code is a low-cost way to improve CNC
efficiency without sacrificing usability and safety.

• Recently, these columns have focused on factors


that contribute to the productivity of G-code
programs, such as consistency, compatibility,
ease of use and safety. Improving programs in
these areas usually results in better machining
efficiency. That is, when making programs more
consistent and compatible, easier to use and
safer to run, the machines — and the people
running them — can naturally be more
Efficiently programmed ATCs and
productive
internalized M codes are two ways to
increase CNC efficiency.
Photo Credit: ThinkstocK
Classification: Internal
• When it comes to efficiency, however, one must be careful. When doing something that
improves efficiency, the machining may become more difficult and, in turn, more
dangerous. By increasing the proficiency of the people running the machine, this may be
an acceptable outcome. Having greater proficiency will allow CNC users to safely perform
more complicated tasks.
• That said, I will concentrate here on G-code programming techniques that improve
efficiency and do not — for the most part — sacrifice usability or safety. There are, of
course, countless improvements that one can make to processing, fixturing and cutting
tools that will help reduce program execution time. But here we concentrate on
techniques that are free, requiring only restructuring a program to execute more quickly.
• As with all my columns about productivity, my intention is to inspire readers to consider
their own CNC environment and look for ways it can be optimized. Use my suggestions to
get started.

Classification: Internal
The Shortest Distance

• When possible (and safe), ensure that as many axes are moving
together during non-cutting commands. This includes approach,
retract and motions as tools move from one machined surface to
another. When approaching during machining center programs,
however, if the operators are accustomed to seeing X/Y axis
movements first, then the Z axis movement, they may be nervous
about seeing all axes moving together within 0.1 inch (2.5 mm) of
the work surface. If so, bring the tool 1.0 inch (25.0 mm) above the
work surface in the Z axis first, then rapid the rest of the way in
Z axis.

Classification: Internal
Internalize M Codes

• Be sure to include M codes with motion commands whenever


feasible. This includes spindle on and off and coolant on and off.
This way, the M code’s activation time will be internal to the time
it takes to make the motion (or vise versa). This is especially
important with machines that allow only one M code per
command. For these machines, it is impossible to start or stop the
coolant and spindle at the same time unless the machine builder
provides additional M codes for this purpose.

Classification: Internal
Efficiently Program Automatic Tool Changers

• While this may be common knowledge, here are a few


reminders:
• Include an M19 in the tool’s movement to the tool change position.
This will align the key in the tool change arm with the keyway in the
tool holder during the motion.
• For double-arm tool changers, always get the next tool ready (specify
the T code for the next tool) soon after making a tool change.
• For short machining cycles, be sure tools are loaded consecutively in
the tool changer magazine.

Classification: Internal
Watch Out for Constant Surface Speed

• With turning centers, inefficiently programmed constant surface


speed is indicated by the spindle slowing down and speeding up
during tool changes. This adds to program execution time
because the spindle commonly takes longer to slow down and
speed up than to perform the retract/approach motion. This also
places undue wear and tear on the spindle drive system and
wastes electricity.
• To remedy this for consecutive tools that use constant surface
speed:

Classification: Internal
1. Temporarily select the rpm mode and specify the rpm for the next
tool’s approach position during the tool’s retract to the turret index
position. This will save time as the spindle will not have to slow down.
2. Index the turret and give the command to move to the new tool’s
approach position.
3. Reselect the constant surface speed mode. The spindle speed will not
change since the spindle is already running at the appropriate rpm.

Classification: Internal
Look for Noticeable Pauses

• Analyze programs as they run and eliminate reasons for the machine to
pause. If there is a pause during a tool change, this is because the magazine
is still rotating to the next tool. Place the tools in consecutive order in the
magazine. If the tool has changed but there is a delay before the tool begins
its first movement, then the machine is changing spindle ranges. Understand
the cutoff point for spindle range changing and run tools that require the
same range consecutively when possible.
• If there is a lengthy pause between pecks during peck drilling cycles, reduce
the parameter value. For the G73 cycle, 0.005 inch is appropriate, while
0.04 inch is appropriate for the G83 cycle. A parameter controls the back-up
amount between pecks and most machine tool builders set them very
conservatively.
Classification: Internal

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