APPLIED EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS, INC.

Tech Tip # 0078

 


Troubleshooting CAM/CNC Milling

Issue

These are some steps to troubleshooting the CAM/CNC Milling module.

Action

When students attempt to turn on the CNC milling machine, the machine’s main light does not illuminate nor does the red light to the right of the power switch illuminate.

 Initial Action

In the Student Manual, students are instructed to turn on the CNC milling machine.

Problem

When students attempt to turn on the CNC milling machine, the machine’s main light does not illuminate nor does the red light to the right of the power switch illuminate.

Solution

1.       On the CNC milling machine, turn the emergency stop button to the right. The emergency stop button will be released if it previously was not.

2.       On the CNC milling machine, turn the main power key to the right.  This will turn on the CNC milling machine.  The red light to the right of the switch will illuminate when the machine is on.

Background

In order to turn on the CNC milling machine, the emergency stop button must be released.  After exiting the CNC Mill software (the CNC milling machine software), the previous students were instructed to turn the CNC milling machine’s emergency stop button to the right in order to release it.  If the previous students did not release the emergency stop button, the current students may not be able to turn on the CNC milling machine. 

When students attempt to open the CNC Mill software (version 2.77 or below), the software does not fully load.

Initial Action

In the Student Manual, students are instructed to open the CNC Mill software.

Problem

When students attempt to open the CNC Mill software (version 2.77 or below), the software does not fully load.

Solution

1.       On the CNC milling machine, turn the main power key to the right.  This will turn on the CNC milling machine.  The red light to the right of the switch will illuminate when the machine is on.

2.       Turn off the computer.

3.       Reboot the computer.

4.       Open the CNC Mill software again.

Background

In order to open the CNC Mill software, the CNC milling machine must be turned on.  The machine is the security device for the CNC Mill software.

During milling, the stock detaches from the platen

Initial Action

In the Student Manual, students are instructed to mount the stock by attaching it to the platen with double-sided tape.

Problem

During milling, the stock detaches from the platen.

Solution

1.       If the stock detaches from the platen during milling, immediately press the emergency stop button.

2.       Release the emergency stop button.

3.       Turn off the computer.

4.       Reboot the computer.

5.       Remove the part.

6.       Clean up by discarding the part and cleaning off the platen.

7.       Mount the new stock to the platen with the double-sided tape -- Be certain to press the stock down VERY, VERY, VERY hard so it is firmly attached to the platen.

NOTE: Refer to the Student Manual (the step entitled “Mount the Stock”) for more detailed instructions.

8.       Return to the Student Manual and resume with the step entitled “Set Up – Open CNC Mill”.

Background

The stock (the material to be milled) is to be mounted (attached) to the platen (the device used to hold the stock in the CNC milling machine) with the double-sided tape.  If the stock is not pressed down VERY, VERY, VERY hard so it is firmly attached to the platen, it may detach during milling.

If students stop the CNC milling machine with the emergency stop button during milling, the CNC milling system “freezes”

Initial Action

Students are instructed to tell their teacher if they press the emergency stop button.

Problem

If students stop the CNC milling machine with the emergency stop button during milling, the CNC milling system “freezes”.

Solution

1.       Release the emergency stop button.

2.       Turn off the computer.

3.       Reboot the computer.

4.       Remove the part.

5.       Clean up by discarding the part and cleaning off the platen.

6.       Return to the Student Manual and resume with the step entitled “Mount the Stock”.

Background  

If students wish to stop the CNC milling machine during milling, they are instructed to press the emergency stop button. Circumstances for stopping the machine by pressing the emergency stop button during milling may include the following:  The stock detaches from the platen.  The wrong design is being milled.  A problem occurs in the milling process.  Etc.  If students do stop the CNC milling machine with the emergency stop button during milling, they are instructed to tell their teacher.

Students may want to use a graphic(s) other than those available in Mill CAM Designer

Initial Action

In the Student Manual, students are instructed to include a graphic(s) on their custom name plates.

Problem

Students may want to use graphics (.dxf files) other than those available in Mill CAM Designer.

Solution

1.       At the top of the screen in the Menu bar in Mill CAM Designer, click File.  Then click Import DXF File.  A File Open dialogue box will appear.

2.       Access the directory in which the wanted graphic (.dxf file) is located.

NOTE: Students can either import graphics (.dxf files) that have previously been created or they may create their own. 

3.       Under Files, click the graphic (.dxf file) you want to import.

4.       Click OK. 

Background

Mill CAM Designer uses graphic files with a .dxf format.  In Mill CAM Designer, a graphic file from another design package can be imported if it also uses the .dxf format.  Mill CAM Designer has been tested on the following software programs to ensure that .dxf files can me imported without error:

§         CorelDraw version 2, 3, 5, and 7

§         Auto Sketch for DOS

§         Auto Sketch for Windows

Please refer to the manuals of each of the above software programs for instructions on .dxf file creation. 

NOTE:  Applied Educational Systems, Inc. does not provide the above three software programs with the CAM/CNC Milling module.

Before manufacturing, students may want to print their designs

Initial Action

In the Student Manual, students are instructed to create, but not print, designs in Mill CAM Designer.  They are later instructed to manufacture these designs.

Problem

Before manufacturing, students may want to print their designs.

NOTE:  Students can only print their designs if they have access to a printer.

Solution

1.       At the top of the screen in the Menu bar in Mill CAM Designer, click File.  Then click Print.  A Print Options dialogue box will appear.

2.       Specify settings such as the appearance of the printout, the print scale, and printer set up.

3.       Click OK.  The design will be printed.

Background

In Mill CAM Designer, if there is access to a printer, a design can be sent to the printer using the Print option.

NOTE: Do not attempt to remove the Mill CAM Designer key-lock in order to connect the printer.  Instead, mount the printer key-lock onto the Mill CAM Designer key-lock.  (This note only applies to non-networked labs.)

NOTE: Applied Educational Systems, Inc. does not provide a printer with the CAM/CNC Milling module.


 

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