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Cnc technology

1/15/21       
L.O.

I need to know how one goes about learning all the technology side of a cnc. There is all the software side of running these machines which is quite complex depending on which programs you use.
That is not what I am looking for, I want to know how you learn about all the ins and outs of a cnc. How to troubleshoot the electrics, the air system, the parameters and the different codes and what everything means? So much stuff is so foreign to me. I can write gcode manually to cut a kitchen, but there is so much about these machines that I don’t know, but would like to learn?
I read in another forum about a stupid question, maybe this is one as well?

1/16/21       #2: Cnc technology ...
Tom Gardiner

Cnczone.com would be a good place to start. The forum there is a wealth of technical questions and answers.

1/16/21       #3: Cnc technology ...
BH Davis  Member

Website: http://www.bhdavis.net

I've always found it difficult to get good mental images of things by just reading the details. I need hands on experience.

While CNCzone is a great resource I think actually working with and/or repairing a machine is the best way to learn. Then when I inevitably come to something I don't understand I'll go online to try and search out explanations of what I'm seeing.

Everyone is different of course so what works best for me might be the wrong course for someone else. In which case I agree that CNCzone is a great place to start.

BH Davis

1/16/21       #4: Cnc technology ...
rich c

I didn't want to crack open the control cabinet on the Fagor controller on our 5 axis CNC. That's why there are tech companies that service them. If you did learn the electronics, do you intend to repair a printed circuit board? Trouble shoot any relays and replace them? Same goes for the spindle. I'd put new bearings in a table saw, but no way would I crack open a spindle with ceramic bearings. I won't touch the computers in my car, no way would I crack open machines cost 3-4 times as much.

1/17/21       #5: Cnc technology ...
L.O.

Thank you for your input, I have been looking at that website for awhile now, very interesting.

Rich,
I would have to agree with every word you said, I wouldn’t touch a lot of things, but I would like to be able to troubleshoot and repair the more minor issues that arise. I would like to know all the inner workings of the machine.
I have troubles finding service people and the good one in my area is booked up to forever.

1/17/21       #6: Cnc technology ...
pat s gilbert

L.O.

You will learn about the electronics when you have to with tech support telling you what to do.

1/18/21       #7: Cnc technology ...
Jim Anderson

I am a former Tech for a machine manufacturer. The best piece of advice I ever received was, " if you know what the machine is supposed to be doing, it is easier to identify what it is not doing correctly". For instance, a machine with an auto homing sequence will find its limits in a specific order at a set speed. if the machine finds one of its limits but then starts going in the reverse direction slowly, it most likely means a sensor on that axis is triggered or damaged.

Most machines have mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, software and communication systems that need trouble shooting. Mechanical issues require inspection for alignment, wear, and damage. Electrical and pneumatic usually have a schematic diagram to follow for trouble shooting. Typically machines use high and low voltage electrical systems. High voltage powers motors, drives ect. Low voltage is used for sensors and logic systems. Pneumatic s are typically used to open and close things via an air cylinder. Air pressure is key but on a cylinder, it is all about how much air is leaving the cylinder rather than how much is going in. Too much going out and the cylinder will open or close very fast, too little and it can be painfully slow. The machine does what it is told by the controller and the program you are running. If there appears to be a problem, run a known good program to verify if it is the machine or the program. Too often I have seen a setting get changed accidentally creating an issue. Communication is typically networked to the computer. Cables and ports are the most common problems. I encourage All to get a Ethernet surge suppressor to protect your controller from electrical damage on the Ethernet line. A lightning strike near the building will send an electrical current down the the Ethernet lines.

1/27/21       #9: Cnc technology ...
FORSUNCNC Member

Website: https://forsuncnc.com/

In my opinion, you can search on Google according to your question, and there will be many websites that answer questions. If you want a specific platform, then Quora, forsuncnc, CNCzone are all good resources.

1/27/21       #10: Cnc technology ...
Oggie Member

If you have a CNC, the best way to "figure it out" would be to just start using it as a plain user. Within a short time you will intuitively understand how it works. It is a fairly simple machine with a lot of simple parts that, in the beginning, create an impression of being complicated.

If you don't yet have one, but your main goal is to learn, you could buy some cheap DIY kit and build one. You'll learn a lot from it, and it won't cost you a lot of time and money. Small ones have all the same components as big ones, and the big ones work the same way as small ones, it's just the size.

If you could use one in your work, and you can afford it, just buy the right thing, it'll pay for itself.
Few weeks ago I got myself ShopSabre 23. I actually need a big one (5'x10'), but it can't fit in my current shop, and I can't move the shop now, so that'll wait for another 18 months. In the meantime I got this small one to make myself familiar with the machine and some software packages I intend to use, and to drill system holes for hardware and construction holes for stretchers and nailers, which would otherwise complicate things and jigs on the construction boring machine. And, of course, for other fun stuff not related to work.
Once I got the big one, I'll find some other use for this one, or my kids will get lucky, so it's a win-win.
The monthly payment for the financing of this machine costs me about 1.5 base cabinets, or 2 wall cabinets and it takes me alone about 1 hour to build those.

Some high-end "industrial" machines can have expensive maintenance, service and support, but if you do not need all the bells and whistles and software those come with, you may enjoy some of our locally made machines, with free support and online communities where you can go for help when needed.


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