looping program when drip feeding mill

[moog2]

I'm using "easy DNC" to drip feed programs to a fanuc 18-M, on a 3 axis mill.
The problem is, once it's finnished that cycle, i have to stop the PC sending, reset, the m/c, set the m/c to recieve, and send from the PC again..
Can someone tell me how i can set it up so i just have to keep pressing GO at the m/c to repeat the cycle..

 

[SincoTC]

I'm not familiar with that particular Fanuc, but those that I used a while ago had two operating modes; one was "Tape" which threw the code away as it completed each line (a true "Drip Feed" for programs too large for the machine's memory), and the other mode (I forget what it was called, something like "Run/Edit") which retained the program in its memory so that it could be run again from the machine's cycle start, like you want to do.

I hope that helps

 

[moog2]

that's correct, if the program is not too big, i can read it into the memory, and then repeat cycles are fine.
It's when i drip feed it through the "tape" function, that i can't simply start another cycle, without resetting and re-sending, has anyone got a solution to this problem ?

 

[SincoTC]

Can you get a memory upgrade for your Fanuc controller? I fear that's the only real solution!

If that's not possible, then you might find another DNC program or macros that will automate some of the resetting and loading on the PC.

 

[moog2]

hmmm, no easy fix then, i was hoping i could just somehow have a "go to" in the code, to return to the top or something like that?

 

[SincoTC]

A "Go To" in the NC code won't work as the beginning of the code has long since been thrown away.

There may well be an easier way than you're currently using, it's just that nobody here seems to know of it. Have you tried a more specialised forum like this one?

http://www.mmsonline.com/dp/forums/forum_results.cfm?t_id=1890&f_id=110&pub=MMS

Good luck!

 

[dicer]

I have been told by someone that knows Fanuc real well that all upgrades are already there, just not turned on.
If the program is in memory the way to loop is with an M99, instead of an M30 at the end of the program.
As far as looping with the program in the PC I don't think an M99 will work. That is all dependant on the software you are using to do the DNC.

 

[larrylcoyle]

There are several "aftermarket" software apps that will do exactly what you are wanting to do. Why not invest in one since you will probably have this need more than once.

Larry