Alan E. Smith CNC programming · ERP & SQL · plant networks

Services / 01

Programs that run, on the machine you actually have.

Mastercam programming, post processors modified for the odd machine, and process work at the spindle for the part that will not run.

Send the problem Where to start
01 //

Sound familiar?

  • A part that scraps, chatters, or runs at half the rate it should.
  • A machine with no post, or a post that needs hand edits every time.
  • A Swiss job nobody on the floor wants to set up.
  • One programmer who holds it all in their head, and is on vacation.
02 //

What you get

  • Proven programs, with setup notes an operator can follow.
  • A post processor that outputs clean code for your control, with every change documented.
  • Process changes explained at the machine, to the people who run it.
  • Hand-written code for the control where CAM is the wrong tool.
03 //

How it works

  1. 01

    Send the print and the problem

    The drawing, the current program if there is one, and what is going wrong.

  2. 02

    Review and quote

    I tell you what I would change first, and give a fixed price or an hourly estimate.

  3. 03

    The work

    Done on your CAM seat, remotely or on site, or written by hand for the control.

  4. 04

    Handover

    You get the files and the notes. Programs, posts, queries, scripts and documents are yours to keep and maintain.

Start here //

Program & Process Review

Send the print, the program and what is going wrong. You get a written review of what I would change first.

Ask about this
04 //

Done before

Post processor

A wire-EDM post, rewritten to drive a grinder

A custom CNC grinder needed XY moves and had no post. I took a wire-EDM post apart and rebuilt it to output exactly what the machine wanted.

EDM

A ram EDM programmed to cut like an end mill

The feature was about 6 in. deep, too far for a cutter to stay rigid. A 1/4-in. full-radius graphite electrode removed it pass by pass instead.

EDM

A mirror finish with no polishing

The tooling formed the tip of a disposable lighter and was too small to polish, so the 2 µin finish had to come straight off the EDM.

05 //

When I am not the right fit

  • You need someone on the floor every shift. I take projects, not a seat.
  • You want the lowest hourly rate rather than the fix.
06 //

Questions

Which controls and machines?
Fanuc 0i, 30i and 31i are the controls I work on most, along with Swiss-type lathes from Citizen, Star and Maier, ram and wire EDM, and grinders. I also program and run hard turning of tool steel at 60 to 65 HRC. Ask about anything else.
Can this be done remotely?
Programming and post work usually can, on your CAM seat over a remote connection. Process work at the machine is on site.
Who owns the programs and posts?
You do. Everything is handed over with notes on what changed and why.
07 //

Send the problem

I will reply with what I would look at first and whether I am the right person for it.