[walshsimmons]

Hello,

Is there a code I can put in my programs to lock the feedrate? I have operators who like using the manual feedrate override to slow the machine down.

Thanks,

[tazzydean]

hi walshsimmons I understand your frusstration with the operators slowing down the machine. I am both an operator and a programmer 9 times out of 10 the machined is turned down for a reason. As a fellow programmer I have to concide that they turn the speed down because i program it to fast, and as an operator of a machine I can say the programmer never gets the feed right anyways. lol You should let your operators ajust the speeds, as the bits wear out the speeds and feeds slow down to compinsate for that. It shouold be a good team effort between the programmer and operator BOTH should finiad a middle ground an relay why the fedds and speeds are set where they are. Just my 2 cents worth

[ger21]

Get a new operator.

Generally, slowing down the feedrate is a last effort to squeeze a little more life from a cutter. Buy slowing it down, you increase heat, which dulls it even faster. Vicious cycle.

Although I have seen resharpened tools that just would not cut as cleanly at the same speed they did when new. But this is at 750ipm.

What you're cutting can also make a difference.

But, if you want it cut at the speed it's programmed at, then get a new operator, or at least make it known that you will.

[tazzydean]

well we have programmers that have a supervisor sitting behind them telling them to run the program at speeds of around 35 metres p/m when 20 metres gets a better cut on the machine. It all sounds good on paper or on a computer screen.. but the product quality desides the actual speeds. We need new programmers ones that listen to the operators not just managment

[ger21]

What machine is cutting at those speeds, and what are you cutting?

We're cutting at 20m/min, so I can see where cut quality would be an issue at 35m/min. At those feedrates, you may need to look at different tooling to improve quality? Are you using 3 or 4 flute bits?

[tazzydean]

were using a biesse rover and most things cut there are 1/2 to 1 1/2 melamine so we need a good edge top and bottom. Usually we use 2 flute cutters the odd time its 3 flute. We can run MDF at 35M with no problem until you get to smaller parts that tend to move unless the OPERATOR slows the speed down. The programmer likes to run particale with MDF feeds and speeds. when we route acylics them never seem to remember to choke back on these speeds and feeds as well. Its easy to use a program to tell a machine what to do but if you dont know how to run the machine prior to programming then you/we run into problems

[battwell]

put a metal cap wired to the mains over the feed knob! or a sticker that says touch this and your fired!

the operator has to be able to adjust feed speeds!
depends really if the program is well proven to run perfectly without the operator too.

[ger21]

You need to factor in the skill of the "operator" If he just a button pusher, then he should do as he's told. If he knows what he's doing, then perhaps you should be listening to him.

Generally, the people I've always had running the machines do as they're told. Any time they play with the feedrate, it's due to a (typically wrong) assumption on their part that they're doing the right thing.