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Article #477: CNC Windows Software

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The development of computer numeric launched OSS Draw, the first step is to
controlled (CNC) routing, using draw a box or boarder on the screen to
affordable personal computers has already indicate the overall area of the work.
begun to revolutionise all aspects of the This can be either a simple rectangular
woodworking industry. In so doing it has boarder or a more decorative one. This
created new opportunities for large and border then needs to have a depth
small businesses as well as for assigned to it. This is done by using
individual craftsmen. colours to define the depth of each area.
CNC is a technique whereby the movement The logo is then created using the
of a router head is controlled by drawing tools within OSS Draw. The words
instructions from a computer. These are keyed in using the text function.
instructions come from a computer program Again, colours are assigned to each area
or list that the user keys into the CNC to produce a graphical representation of
860 console or into a computer as ISO how the finished sign will look. The next
standard commands called 'G' codes.As an task is to define the routing parameters.
example, the code G01 X100 Y100, In the example, the red and blue areas of
instructs the head to move in a straight the logo and the lettering have been
line to a point horizontally and assigned a depth of 5mm and the green
vertically 100mm away from its starting area assigned a depth of zero. The same
position. dialogue box lets you specify whether a
The CNC 860 The Trend CNC package is letter or object is engraved or routed
based around the Elu/DeWalt CNC 860 through the material. The cutter profile
Machining Centre, which has a machining that will be used can now be defined.
area of 860mm x 860mm x 90mm. These With lettering, particularly serifed
dimensions relate to the three axes, X,Y fonts, the cutter used needs to have a
and Z (width, length and height). Each small diameter, perhaps 3mm. However, to
axis is served by a separate stepper achieve a 5mm cutting depth this will
motor, controlling the movement of the have to be routed in several passes.
routing head. Two head options are A simulation of the cutting path is now
offered: a modified portable router or a drawn on screen. Having then created a
continuously rated, high cycle motor, G-code file of the sign ready for the CNC
that provides improved performance for 860 to cut, the file is downloaded to the
intensive machining applications. CNC 860. The design can now be routed,
Programming directly in G-codes through the material being held on the bed by an
the console can be time consuming. To adaptable clamping mechanism. From the
assist the operator, a PC software simulation, the path that the tool will
application called CNCTalk is included take is known allowing a datum point to
with the machine. This is a basic be set using the zero key on the console,
computer aided design (CAD) application and the program 8 INProfile is run using
which runs under DOS, the original PC the start key. This type of routing
operating system before Windows. It is operation takes around 20 minutes to
useful for intermediate applications like complete and requires no further
cutting out irregular shapes. However, to involvement by the machine operator.
gain the maximum versatility from the CNC Other accessories Sign-writing is just
860,Trend's Open Sign System Software for one of the many complex and wide ranging
Windows is the most effective solution. routing operations that can be carried
OSS consists of two separate software out using the OSS and CNC 860 package.
applications: OSS Draw which provides the OSS also has a range of tools for drawing
drawing tools to create any shape or component shapes and profiles directly or
sign, and OSS Work which handles all the with an electronic sketchpad (graphics
routing and tooling-related parameters tablet). Vacuum Clamping To reduce the
like depth and offset. Graphical through-put time for this kind of
simulations are shown for all tool operation, the CNC 860 can also be used
parameters enabling the user to perfect a with a vacuum bed. Trend offer a complete
design before routing any material. range of affordable vacuum pumps and
Sign-writing As an example of how these jigmaking accessories to enable all CNC
products work together, the method of users to produce a highly automated
producing a simple sign is shown, production system to suit their own
incorporating two different lettering specific requirements.
styles and a graphical logo. Having






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