Entering and Editing CNC Programs on the Machine Console

 

Entering and Editing CNC Programs on the Machine Console

This process is often referred to as Manual Data Input (MDI) or sometimes simply "editing mode." The exact steps can vary depending on the specific CNC machine control (e.g., Fanuc, Siemens, Haas, Mitsubishi), but the general principles are similar.

1. Select the EDIT Mode: On the machine's control panel, there will be a mode selector switch or a menu option to choose the "EDIT" or "PROGRAM" mode. This mode allows you to create new programs or modify existing ones stored in the machine's memory.

2. Access the Program Page: Once in EDIT mode, you'll need to navigate to the program management screen. This might be accessed by pressing a button labeled "PROG," "PROGRAM," "EDIT," or a similar term.

3. Creating a New Program:

   • Look for an option like "NEW," "CREATE," or an input field to enter a new program number (often starting with the letter "O" followed by numbers, e.g., O1234).
   • Enter the desired program number and press the "INPUT" or "ENTER" key.

4. Entering Program Blocks:

• The control will display an empty program screen or the beginning of your new program.
• You'll manually type in each line (block) of the CNC program using the alphanumeric keypad on the control panel. Each block typically contains:
• N-number: A sequence number for the line (e.g., N10, N20). While not always mandatory, it helps in program organization and troubleshooting.