G-Code Programs using Excel

[testyourdesign]

Hi Guys,

I've been working on a series of Excel spreadsheets that automatically create G-Code for various operations. The spreadsheets have user input cells similar to the Conversational Wizards that Masso provides but they allow us a little more capability and flexibility. With this approach you have the flexibility to adjust the approach to machining a part and you can directly edit the G-Code to create custom programs without having to create a 3D CAD model.

I also created spreadsheets with alternate probing routines that find the center of a pocket or feature on a part as well as the overall center of a part for any size part or feature placement. Once you have the spreadsheet setup you can adjust the design and machine parameters in the a few cells and it will automatically update the G-Code so you can post the new G-Code in a just a few seconds. It only took me a couple hours to create half a dozen spreadsheets with excellent results. I found that this to be a useful way to gain a better understanding on how the machine language works and how to exploit the many features available with a Masso controller. Just thought I would share my experience with the Masso brethren.

Cheers, Stephen Brown

 

[masso-support]

thanks Stephen, its a great idea. thanks for sharing.

 

[machinedude]

I think if you used templates in fusion 360 for some basic common tasks and even modeled some simple features and saved as a component just to edit as needed you would save a lot of time. having CAM and the ability to run in graphics to get a rough idea of cycle times and check your tool paths is pretty useful. Graphics and simulation are a must to avoid things like crashes. looking over code is useful but an extra layer of protection is never a bad thing either.

learning CAM software takes a while to learn but once you master it it's hard to replace it. I've used several CAM programs over the years and since fusion 360 was introduced to me I have never looked back. it is by far one of the easier software's to model with that I have used.

I guess what your doing would be ok for simple stuff and one of's if it's faster for you this way. I personally never was a huge fan of wizards to begin with. they never quite do what you want exactly and often require a lot of editing to splice everything into a complete program.

everyone has their own style and comfort zone, it all boils down to what works best for you.

 

[testyourdesign]

@machinedude

Lol just love your handle. I agree completely with using CAM but there is nothing wrong with learning G-Code as well. I used ncviewer.com to simulate my G-Code and verify it was working the way I expected. I found that I can get the G-Code done so fast with this method that it's done before Fusion360 has time to startup never mind the additional time to model the part and CAM it. I plan on creating spreadsheets that can do 3D adaptive style toolpaths as well since complex plots are easily calculated using Excel and I want to understand how they create those toolpaths.

Thanks for your encouragement @masso-support . I'm still really buried at work but love cnc machining so much I just had to share.

Cheers, Stephen Brown