Agility enhancement in CNC machines through parametric programming

Abstract

Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) machines are known for the flexibility and agility they offer in operations. Continuing Efforts are being made to further improve their flexibility and agility through software, hardware changes and special attachments. This paper discusses the parametric programming of CNC Machines as a programming tool or technique to achieve intelligence, flexibility and agility of CNC machines to a new high by simply utilizing the existing but optional feature on modern CNC controllers. Although, Parametric Programming of CNC machines is not strictly defined, in general, writing a single intelligent program using macro/CNC variables for a family of parts is referred to as parametric programming. This parametric programming feature is available as a high level programming language of the CNC controllers. Available on the latest Fanuc Oi and other compatible controllers, this feature or programming language is known as Custom MACRO-B. As it is like any computer language and thus also possesses computer-related features like variables, arithmetic, logic statements, and looping. The scope of use of variables/macro programming is not limited to parametric programming but many other related applications like developing Special G and M codes, Canned Cycles and Complex tool motions; Offset Control; Probing and Gauging, to name a few, and if appropriate applications of CNC variables are exploited properly will further enhance the agility and flexibility of CNC machines. © 2023 Author(s).