Tag Archives: Programming
CNC Programming Tips the Professional Way
CNC Programming Tips the Professional Way
When a program is completed and sent to the Computer Numerical Control Machine, the programming process is over. All calculations were made and the algorithm fully written. But the question is the programmer’s job really finished? When is the programmer’s responsibility really over? And how can we evaluate the type of program that the Computer Numerical Control Machine programmer did?
The fairest and reasonable answer to those questions would basically when a part has been machined under the most optimized working conditions. Therefore the Programmer’s responsibility does not end after he or she finishes the program. We could say that the program at this stage is still very much in the development process, because most of the programming considerations were based on certain assumptions and there are a lot of external factors that may affect the outcome of the product.
Every Computer Numerical Control programmer should have an effort to be in the touch with the actual production. In the field of software development, Constant communication with your colleagues as well as actual machine operators of the CNC will help you to improve your own program. Because most of the time the CNC machine operators are a good source of constructive ideas, improvements and suggestions.
A good CNC programmer should talk, ask questions to them and most importantly listen to what they have to say. Programmers who never put their foot in the actual machining process and think they are always right are all on the wrong track. Exchanging ideas with CNC machine operators, asking questions and seeking answers is the only way to be fully aware of what is going on in the machine.
Whenever you start a Computer Numerical Control Program the first time it is important to check its Program Integrity. A new and unproved program is a potential source of problems. During Manual Programming in CNC, mistakes are more common than when the program is made in a CAM program.
A good way to look at a new program is through the machine operator’s perspective. Experienced Machine Operators take a direct approach when running a program for the first time. That means that they wont take any chances of mistakes with the actual running of a program therefore a good programmer must take note of any comments that the Machine operator will say about the program.
What does an experienced Machine Operator look for in a new part of a program? Most of the Machine operators would say that the first and most important thing to be checked on a Computer Numerical Control Program is its consistency. Therefore a machine operator looks at how a CNC programmer does its own programming, is the way you create your own algorithms the same as the other ones. Machine Operators take note with this kind of Information.
Upgrading your CNC Program
Whenever you upgrade your own program, it means that you are strengthening or enriching it, therefore making it better than it was before. Upgrading would be based on this standard, It is to decrease the production cost without compromising the quality of the part being manufactured or the safety of the Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator.
One of the Most Common forms of Program Optimization is doing some minor changes to the spindle as well as the feed rates of the machines. This process is called cycle time optimization, slightly increasing the spindle speed and feed rates of these machines will decrease the time it takes to finish the part.
And when we compare it to mass production, saving one second for each part in a batch of 3600 pieces would mean an hour saved. Efficiency in the rate of production is a very important aspect in Mass Production.
Computer Programming Degrees Ideal For Women
Computer Programming Degrees Ideal For Women
Computer programming degrees have come a long way in the last two decades. The typical image of a geek with thick glasses and a pocket protector hunched over a computer keyboard has faded in the wake of the incredible boom in computer programming careers. Today’s programmers can be successful members of cutting edge teams, independent contractors setting their own hours and executives developing new code and languages that sell for millions of dollars to corporations. There is no longer anything typical about being a programmer, except that males still dominate the field. Over eighty percent of individuals with a computer programmer degree are still men.
It’s a shame that more women haven’t entered the field, but in the last few years this has begun to change. This is a good sign for the industry and for women. The industry can benefit a great deal from the unique perspectives of women, and women with computer programming degrees can have successful, high-paying careers that will take them places.
Why a Woman Should Get A Computer Programming Degree
Most young women don’t initially consider a computer degree when considering an occupation, but this is a mistake. These jobs have several things going for them that make them perfect for many women:
1: Most programming positions are in an office environment. It’s a professional job with few physical demands and, for the most part, regular hours.
2: There is flexibility for women with families. Many of today’s programmers work for themselves as independent contractors, so a woman can work full-time or part-time depending on her family’s needs.
3: The salary for programmers typically begins in the ,000 range and can reach the six figures.
4: Colleges and universities are actively seeking women with computer programming degrees to add to their staff. This gives women another career option that also offers flexibility.
5: Women who become computer programmers usually excel in this field. One theory is that their tendency toward linguistic skills enables them to write cleaner, simpler code with fewer errors.
6: Social skills combined with computer programming skill translate to a quick move up the corporate ladder; female programmers may have an edge over men when it comes to “playing well with others.”
What’s Responsible for the Upswing?
Why are more women pursuing computer programming degrees after years of being obviously missing? It’s impossible to know, but one reason may be that the mystery surrounding this field has simply faded as the demand for talent has grown. The “old boys” network is no longer so entrenched in any professional area and programming is no exception.
Another theory is that the first generation of computer programmers (primarily men) now have children who are entering college. Many of these male programmers have daughters they may be encouraging. These women are more likely to follow in the footsteps of their parents, and a generation ago there weren’t a lot of role models in the fledgling industry for young girls.
Whatever the reasons, computer experts are happy to note that after a twenty-year reduction in the number of women in the profession, female enrollment in computer programming courses is on the upswing. They hope that more women will pursue computer programming degrees in the coming years.
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What You Need to Know About a Computer Programming Course
What You Need to Know About a Computer Programming Course
Computer programming may seem like a highly complicated discipline but at its roots, every program actually begins as a simple set of instructions. Computer programming is essentially the design of a simple program in order to create a more complicated program. It is currently one of the most sought-after courses and is also a career that presents plenty of opportunities in a very exciting field. If you’re curious about what taking a computer programming course will be like, here are some important information you can use.
The course
Computer programming is one of the disciplines under computer science. It requires study and practical application of theories and concepts. Simply put, computer programming is the process of writing and creating a group of instructions that a computer can read and execute.
Computer programming is not a single, one-size-fits-all discipline. For one, the task of programming (or coding) involves several computer languages. These languages have different uses and as such, will often require a different set of instructions. JavaScript, for example, may be a computer language but it is not the same as HTML or COBOL or Visual Basic. There are also certain sub-disciplines in computer programming that lead to a specific field of specialization. Students must determine which field of computer programming they want to focus on. If they want to work for companies that create video games, for example, they will have to choose courses that teach graphics and animation, among others.
In the course of study in computer programming, a programmer must be able to learn multiple concepts and theories on top of the technical stuff, such as computer language conventions, elements and important operators used to create a source code that will later produce a computer program.
Computer programming is an essential phase in the development of software and is an integral part of software engineering.
How learning is obtained
There are two major ways computer programming can be learned – through classroom type instruction or online, as part of a distance learning program. Classroom type instruction is still the most common way of attending classes for students but online classes are fast becoming the method of choice.
What to expect from the course
A computer programming course is usually composed of lectures and hands-on assignments. The instructor uses lectures to teach theories and concepts in programming and to provide students with an introduction to the discipline. Generally, students will be listening to lectures while using computers, a way for instructors to allow participants to immediately apply what they have learned.
Other than access to a computer, students may also be required to obtain textbooks to be used as references during coursework. Some lessons, such as those used in online classes, may also be downloaded from a website.
Who should take the course
Computer programming is not for everyone. Just because you love computers and have sufficient curiosity about how they work doesn’t always make you the ideal candidate for this course. Computer programming requires a lot of patience, attention to detail, creativity, logic and common sense. It also requires careful study and understanding of certain subjects such as mathematical and engineering concepts.
What to expect upon completion of the course
Once a course has been completed, a computer programmer is ready to be hired for entry-level jobs in companies that design software. If the programmer chooses a higher level of study, he can also increase the chances of being hired for higher pay, particularly if he chooses a field of specialization. A computer programming course can provide a graduate access to different fields as well, including banking, finance, research & development and database administration.
The Growing Trend Of A Computer Programming Degree
The Growing Trend Of A Computer Programming Degree
Computers and the Internet have streamlined their way into the homes of people all over the world. Currently, more than three-quarters of homes in the United States have a computer. The abundance of computers all over the nation provides numerous career opportunities and degree programs associated with technology. One program that has become more and more popular since the boom of the computer is a computer programming degree. Gaining a degree in this program offers benefits such as being able to work from home and job security, which is an important benefit in any career field.
In 2006, CNN Money named software engineers as the number one job in the United States. The reason why software engineering is a huge career field is due to the fact that practically every part of the business world is in need of software engineers. From financial establishments to institutions of higher education, many organizations house their own Information Technology department raising the need for individuals who are knowledgeable in computer programming.
Computer programming goes far beyond the basics of normal computer programs. Knowledge in math and problem solving are key elements to being a successful computer programmer, along with more advanced and intricate computer skills. These skills are enforced through a series of classes and course work that emphasizes the importance of problem solving and math in the technology world. These skills are important due in part to the fact that in computer programming, there is no set of guidelines to follow when trying to correct a problem. Therefore, computer programs are required to analytically evaluate a situation to come up with the best possible solution to fixing the problem. Receiving a computer programming degree will give students these important skills to become successful software engineers and computer programmers.
There are many different sides to computer programming, such as Internet applications, databases and networks that students must learn while receiving a computer programming degree. Through course work, students will learn to design and implement popular web applications, such as Microsoft Visual Basic, Microsoft Visual C# and Java. Students will also learn analyzing, designing, building and implementing database-driven websites. Knowledge in these subject fields, along with analytical and mathematical skills combine to give students the experience and confidence they need to be successful in the computer programming world.
Along with the technical aspect of this career field, a computer programming degree also offers course work in different areas. These courses include education, communications and science among other areas of interest. Course work associated with a degree in computer programming offers the foundation for a well-rounded education. Not only will students be well versed in designing computer programs and following them through to implementation, but they will also learn to clearly communicate with their colleagues and explore different career fields made possible by a degree in computer programming.
Along with obtaining a computer programming degree, students following a computer programming curriculum will be given the tools necessary to complete required exams. These exams include becoming a Microsoft Certified Professional as well as a Microsoft Certified Application Developer. Successfully completing these exams opens a door for an endless amount of career opportunities upon completion of the degree. If an individual is interested in the Internet, website development may be the perfect job. On the other hand, if a student is more of an individual and interested in creating a computer program from scratch they would find working as a program developer more fascinating. There are endless possibilities once an individual receives their degree, and whatever their passion may be, there is a job out there for everyone.
Programming CNC Machines With G-Codes
Programming CNC Machines With G-Codes
Ever since the industrial revolution started, the demand to create precise instruments and products is an important factor in large scale manufacturing. Belts, screws, Drills and all movable parts needed to create other products in the assembly line must all be exact and compatible, thus extra care must be taken in order to ensure that all moving parts match perfectly. Computer Numerical Controlled programming has become an extremely important part of this process.
Computer Numerical Controlled Machines are useless without any programming. CNC’s rely on pure hard codes in order to execute commands that the Machine Operator wants to do, therefore not only is it needed to learn the mechanics of the whole Computer Numerical Controlled Machine but it is also at the utmost importance that the Machine operator knows how to communicate with the machine, and that is by using G-codes.
Preparatory code/ functions or much commonly called as G-codes are functions in the Computer Numerical Control programming language. The G-codes job is to manage the position of the tool as well as control the step by step commands during the actual work. Basically the G-codes are the most important part of the Computer Numerical Control Programming algorithm.
There are other codes involved in the programming of CNC’s such as M-codes that manages the machine, T-codes for managing the tools, and F-codes for the tool feed and tool speed controls. All of these codes are created in a Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software.
G codes as well as the others use the RS-274D as the recommended standard for the Computer Numerical Controlled Machines. This standard was developed by the Electronic Industry association during the 1960’s. These standards provide a basis for the creation of Computer Numerical Controlled Programs.
First designs of these standards came from punched paper tapes as the medium standard for data interchange, but now ASCII character bit patterns are the standard for the representation.
G-Codes
Lets discuss the g-codes further, as what I have said earlier G- codes constitute only a part of the Computer Numerical Control Program, in the whole programming algorithm, they are denoted by the letter G, Basically it is a code telling the machine what kinds of actions to perform in a step by step basis, examples of these actions would be rapid move, controlled feed moves that would bore holes, a work piece cut routed to a specific dimension, change a pallet, and set a tool information such as offset.
After creating each part of the codes, the algorithm is compiled in the Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software. The CAM software basically use translators called post processors to output the code optimized for a certain machine type. Often times, post-processors are often used to allow users to enable further customization.
G-codes can also be used to create outputs for Computer Aided Design systems used to design printed circuit boards (PCB). Any software must be customized for each type of machine tool that it will be used to program. Some G-codes are written by hand for volume production jobs.
Some Computer Numerical Controlled machines use conversational programming. Conversational programming is an easier way to program CNC machines because it is more “user friendly” because it uses a wizard like program that hides the G-codes into plain view. Some Popular examples of this kind of CNC machines are the Southwestern Industries’ Proto TRAK, Mazak’s Mazatrol, and Mori Seiki’s CAPS conversational software.
Conclusion
With these kinds of further sophistication in programming Computer Numerical Controlled Machines, it is expected in the future that programming would be much easier for its machine operators.
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