[solution]

I am getting set to purchase OneCNC software and have a few questions.
I would like to use it for 3d work, but am under the assumption that the SMT portion of the program breaks the code into very short straight increments. I have assumed this to be hard on machinery. What is the objective of this?
I noticed that there is possibly an update that will use actual lines and arcs which seems much better. I have some older machines, primarily a 1988 Matsuura MC760 with a Yasnac MX3 control and a 1996 SWI DPM S3 with the ProtoTrak AGE 3 control and am concerned about the controls/servos being able to handle it. Do I have cause for concern? Please educate me before I pull the pin on this software.

WMS or HUFLUNGDUNG are you out there?

Thanks
Solution

[solution]

Well, I spoke to Rich@OneCNC a few minutes ago asking about the SMT technology and he seems to think that having all short line segments instead of line and arcs wont bother my machines. He said that when using SMT the code would most likely be in short, straight lines.
I asked about the update that will change to using actual arcs and lines but he seemed to not know about it.
I found some info on the their forum about the update but didnt find any posts by users talking about it. I am not allowed to post on their forum, I am just lurking trying to find info to make my purchase decision.

Anyway here is some info on the update 10.65 taken from their site:

New Version Update OneCNCXR3!
Release date 16th September 2008 Version 10.65

HS open and closed pocket has new automatic code reduction.

This means there is now a majority of arc and linear rather than all linear being used for the code output reducing the code output by more than 60% and in many cases considerably more.

HS SMT Z level roughing has new automatic code reduction.

This means wherever possible there is now majority arc and linear rather than all linear being used for the code output reducing the code output by more than 60% and in many cases considerably more than that.

HS pocket and HS Z level rough the helix entry has been linked with the 3D arc.

This means the settings of the 3D entry and exit of the roughing are now user controlled. The default setting of 24 is now used for the helix viewing or when the helix is as linear for some machines.

This setting now also controls the 3D entry and exit which would be around ¼ of that being 90 deg so in effect you will have around 6 linear in those entries. This setting should not be adjusted because you can get a strange linear if set 12 or less. There would be no need to alter this setting under normal conditions.



Does anyone know anything about this?
The info on their site and the info from the phone seem contradictory to me.
I am by no means trying to bash their product as it looks like an excellent choice, nor am I trying to throw someone under the bus, just trying to answer some questions so I can make an informed decision

Thanks
Solution

[solution]

Update, I tried calling OneCNC again thinking I would ask the question from a different angle, so I spoke with Kanasha(sp?) and she verified update 10.65 is the real deal. I have to say that Kanasha is a great asset to OneCNC, she knows the answers or where to find them and how to work with people, topped with a great personality. They are working on getting some sample code out to me to try out.
I'm getting excited, I love new shop toys.
Kanasha, Thankyou, and if you ever want a job in Minnesota come see me.

Solution

[motomitch1]

free tip

Promises are not binding (Get It in Writing)

I recommend that the customer takes careful notes, then send a certified letter to the company outlining the terms of the verbal agreement and stipulating that, by its receipt of the letter, the company agrees to be bound by the agreement.


mitch

[HuFlungDung]

Yes, the high speed toolpaths do process and produce code using arc commands in the XY plane only. The high speed toolpaths are new technology that came out in XR3.

The code reduction techniques have not been applied to the older Zlevel SMT technology. I have no idea if they plan on doing that or not.

I use both the old and the new technology depending on the job. As it turns out, the old Z level procedures may still be more efficient on some jobs, and in my experience, this efficiency seems to go hand in hand with long straight linear moves, so the code reduction is not a major concern.

They have also incorporated similar improvements in the 2d style high speed, and also helix entry ramps are also available in G02/G03 movements combined with Z feed. So this cuts down significantly on code amounts and produces a more round hole.

These settings are dependent on your controller accepting helical arc commands in the format provided G02/G03 X Y Z

I don't believe the guys at OneCNC are a bunch of hard-asses to deal with. They've got more incentive to keep customers happy than to offload software that does not do the job that you need it to do.

While I heartily recommend OneCNC (and XR3 is oh so much better to program with), I realize it doesn't fit everyone's liking. There is nothing wrong with hammering out a contract before you buy or try.