E

FlowTranslate

FlowTranslate is an easy-to-use translator that converts CNC (Computer Numerical Controlled) code into an ORD file.

Translator limitations Although the translator is powerful and offers much flexibility, it has limitations: Only geometry and on/off functions are read. Macros and special commands cannot be interpreted. These usually reside on the NC controller and are not accessible to the machine code file. Tip: Once the settings are saved as default, you do not need to change the NCsettings unless a different translator is required.

Define parameters in the setup dialog boxes

The translation parameters are defined using six dialog boxes. Note that FlowTranslate will not be able to read and understand existing machine code files and convert them into an ORD file if these parameters are not defined correctly: NC Settings Advanced NC Settings (accessed through the NC Settings dialog box) ESSI Settings Advanced ESSI Settings (accessed through the ESSI Settings dialog box). Color Index Feedrate Settings Tip: Once FlowTranslate has been configured to properly translate your existing machine language, these parameters can be saved as a default setting.
Flow International Corporation

M-322 | 127 NC Settings dialog box The numerical code (NC) settings dialog box sets the actual language translation values when reading the machine code. The NC-code initiates commands used to control the operation of the CNC machine. G-code is used for NC-code. When you first open the NC Settings dialog box, the values listed in the boxes represent standard G-code. If these values do not accurately represent the language to be translated, they will need to be changed.
Figure E-1. NC Settings dialog box

1. To view or change the standard G-code default settings select FlowTranslate | NC settings to open the NC Settings dialog box. 2. Click OK to use the standard G-code default settings or Cancel to leave all settings unchanged. 3. To change the default settings of the NC-code, enter the code in the boxes following each setting. Rapid traverse, Linear, CW Circular, CCW Circular Change the default settings of these moves by entering new settings (G-code) in each box. For example, G00 typically indicates a rapid traverse move of the cutting machine. If the rapid traverse moves in your NC-code are represented by a different code, enter that code in the Rapid traverse box. Linear (straight line), CW (clockwise arc) Circular, and CCW (counterclockwise arc) Circular represent actual cutting moves.

No offset, Left offset, or Right offset Change the default settings of these moves by entering the new settings (G-code) in each box. No offset, left offset, right offset defines the direction of the tool offset, or the position of the jet center as it relates to the cutting line. For abrasivejet cutting, this is about onehalf the width of the jet as defined by the mixing tube diameter. This is also called the tool radius or cutter compensation. The jet is offset slightly (right, left, or none) from the cutting line to accommodate the radius of the jet itself. Offset accommodates kerf and is usually set to the

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waste side of the part to ensure parts are cut to tolerance. Change the default settings of Inch or Metric by entering in the correct G-code. Inch or metric represents the unit of measurement for all moves. Change the default setting of Incremental by entering in the correct G-code. Incremental indicates a move displacement from where you are (the X,Y location). Change the default setting of Absolute by entering in the correct G-code. Absolute moves always have a defined home or reference location. The reference location is always fixed; for example, (0,0) represents the coordinates of the machine home. 4. Change the default settings in NC-Code Parameters by entering the correct code. Enter the X coordinate of the cutting tool point. Enter the Y coordinate of the cutting tool point. Enter the I arc radius vector term (X arc center). Enter the J arc radius vector term (Y arc center). Enter the term identifying the arc radius. Enter the term identifying the arc angle. 5. If the absolute and incremental positioning codes defined in the NC code box are not in the NC program, then FlowTranslate will default to the method selected in the Positioning mode box. 6. Change the Offset mode default setting of No offset to Left or Right offset by selecting that option. The direction of the tool offset is the cutter compensation. The jet is offset slightly (right, left, or none) from the cutting line to accommodate the radius of the jet itself. This setting is used in the absence of NC-code values within the NC-code being translated. 7. Change the Unit mode default setting of inch to metric by selecting metric. 8. Many NC programs are written with rapid traverses at the start and finish of the program. The rapid moves at the start typically begin at home and the rapid moves at the finish typically end at home. If the program should not return to home after it is completed, check Filter rapid traverse to origin at program end. If the program should begin immediately at home, check Filter rapid traverse from origin at program start. Tip: These filters remove the rapid traverse to origin at program end and from origin at program start when the file is exported as an ORD file. They do not delete these moves from the

NC-code or change the NC-code. Thus, the term filter is used as opposed to delete. 9. After you have changed settings as necessary, click Save as default to make the changes permanent. Click OK to use the changes for the current setting only.

Advanced NC Settings dialog box The Advanced NC Settings dialog box accommodates machine language code that does not use a designated rapid traverse code. The information contained in the Advanced NC Settings dialog box tells FlowTranslate when to turn on or off the jet by explicitly recognizing the jet on/off commands. 1. Access the Advanced NC Settings dialog box (see Figure E-2 from the NC Settings dialog box by clicking on Advanced. Use the advanced settings dialog box only if the standard G-code in the NC settings box does not apply. Flow International Corporation M-322 | 129
Appendix E FlowTranslate

Figure E-2. Advanced NC Settings dialog box

2. Enter the correct code for Jet On and Jet Off. Jet On turns the waterjet ON and indicates that a cutting move follows. Jet Off turns the waterjet Off and usually indicates that a rapid traverse move follows. Check Use jet on/off to define rapid traverse if the NC-code does not use a separate command for a rapid traverse. 3. FlowTranslate looks for the program start symbol to recognize the start of the program. If the program does not use a start symbol, this box should not be checked. If the existing code starts with a symbol other than %, enter the correct program start symbol. If % does apply, check Use program start symbol. 4. FlowTranslate has the ability to take Arc radius Terms I and J as absolute. By default these values are set to incremental. 5. Click OK in the Advanced NC Settings box and click Save as default or OK in the NC Settings box. Tip: Cancel ignores all changes made. Note: In FlowMaster version 6.01 and higher, FlowTranslate can interpret the following machine codes. Keywords can be found in GCodePP.ini in the FlowMaster6.0\System directory. To make changes, open the file in any note editor. Save the file when done and restart FlowCUT. [SYMBOLS] Z_COORDINATION Z [SPECIAL SETTINGS] MACHINABILITY M=: TOOLOFFSET_SIZE TO=: THICKNESS T=:

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ESSI Settings dialog box The ESSI settings dialog box sets the actual language translation values when reading the machine code. The ESSI-code initiates commands used to control the operation of the CNC machine. When you first open the ESSI Settings dialog box, the values listed in the boxes represent standard ESSI. If these values do not accurately represent the language to be translated, it will be necessary to change them. 1. To view or change the standard ESSI default settings select FlowTranslate | ESSI settings The ESSI Settings dialog box is displayed. (see Figure E-3)
Figure E-3. ESSI Settings dialog box

2. To use the standard ESSI default settings click OK or Cancel to leave all settings unchanged. 3. To change the default settings of the ESSI, enter the code in the boxes following each setting. Change the default settings of Rapid traverse on, Rapid traverse off, CW Circular, and CCW Circular moves by entering new settings (ESSI) in each box. For example, 5 typically indicates a rapid traverse move of the cutting machine. If the rapid traverse moves in your ESSI are represented by a different code, enter that code in the Rapid traverse box. CW (clockwise arc) Circular, and CCW (counterclockwise arc) Circular represent actual cutting moves. Change the default settings of No offset, Left offset, or Right offset by entering in the new settings (ESSI) in each box. No offset, left offset, right offset defines the direction of the tool offset, or the position of the jet center as it relates to the cutting line. For abrasivejet cutting, this is about one-half the width of the jet as defined by the mixing tube diameter. This is also called the tool radius or cutter compensation. The jet is offset slightly (right, left, or none) from the cutting line to accommodate the radius of the jet itself. Offset accommodates kerf and is usually set to the waste side of the part to ensure parts are cut to tolerance. Change the default settings of Inch or Metric by entering in the correct ESSI. Inch or metric represents the unit of measurement for all moves. Change the default setting of Incremental by entering in the correct ESSI. Incremental indicates a move displacement from where you are (the X,Y location).
Flow International Corporation

Appendix E FlowTranslate

M-322 | 131

Change the default setting of Absolute by entering in the correct ESSI. Absolute moves always have a defined home or reference location. The reference location is always fixed; for example, (77) represents an absolute move. 4. Change the default settings in ESSI Parameters by entering in the correct code. Enter the X default count of the cutting tool point. Enter the Y default count of the cutting tool point. 5. If the absolute and incremental positioning codes defined in the ESSI box are not in the ESSI

program, then FlowTranslate will default to the method selected in the Positioning mode box. 6. Change the Offset mode default setting of No offset to Left or Right offset by selecting that option. The direction of the tool offset is the cutter compensation. The jet is offset slightly (right, left, or none) from the cutting line to accommodate the radius of the jet itself. This setting is used in the absence of ESSI values within the ESSI being translated. 7. Change the Unit mode default setting of inch to metric by selecting metric. 8. Many ESSI programs are written with rapid traverses at the start and finish of the program. The rapid moves at the start typically begin at home and the rapid moves at the finish typically end at home. If the program should not return to home after it is completed, check Filter rapid traverse to origin at program end. If the program should begin immediately at home, check Filter rapid traverse from origin at program start. Tip: These filters remove the rapid traverse to origin at program end and from origin at program start when the file is exported as an ORD file. They do not delete these moves from the ESSI or change the ESSI. Thus, the term filter is used as opposed to delete. 9. After you have changed settings as necessary, click Save as default to make the changes permanent. Click OK to use the changes for the current setting only.

Advanced ESSI Settings dialog box The Advanced ESSI Settings dialog box accommodates machine language code that does not use a designated rapid traverse code. The information contained in the Advanced ESSI Settings dialog box tells FlowTranslate when to turn on or off the jet by explicitly recognizing the jet on/off commands. 1. Access the Advanced ESSI Settings dialog box from the ESSI Settings dialog box by clicking on Advanced (see Figure E-4). Use the advanced settings dialog box only if the standard ESSI in the ESSI Settings box does not apply. 2. Enter the correct code for Jet On and Jet Off. Jet On turns the waterjet ON and indicates a cutting move follows. Jet Off turns the waterjet Off and usually indicates a rapid traverse move follows. Check Use jet on/off to define rapid traverse if the ESSI does not use a separate command for a rapid traverse. 3. FlowTranslate looks for the program start symbol to recognize the start of the program. If the program does not use a start symbol, this box should not be checked. If the existing code starts with a symbol other than %, enter the correct program start symbol. If % does apply, check Use program start symbol. 4. FlowTranslate has the ability to take Arc Radius Terms as absolute. By default these values are set to incremental. 5. Click OK in the Advanced ESSI Settings box and click Save as default or OK in the ESSI Settings box. Tip: Cancel ignores all changes made.

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Figure E-4. Advanced ESSI Settings dialog box

Color Index dialog box When FlowTranslate reads a machine language file, it makes notes of which moves are rapid traverse moves and which moves are cutting moves. As it generates the ORD file, FlowTranslate assigns colors to each line or arc. These colors represent a specific type of move. The Color Index dialog box establishes the colors used to represent the rapid traverse, scribe, and cutting moves of the jet. Every index number represents a color defined in the following table. Index Color Indicates 2 Gray Scribe (water only/no abrasive) 3 Dotted teal Rapid traverse (no waterjet) 4 Light green 20% speed 5 Blue 40% speed 6 Cyan 60% speed 7 Magenta 80% speed 8 Yellow 100% speed 1. The Scribe and Rapid Traverse values should not be changed. The most common use of the Color Index dialog box is to change the cutting index to a different value. For example, to cut parts at a 60% speed, set the cutting index value at 6. 2. The default settings are: Number 3 (dotted teal) color represents a rapid traverse move of the jet. Rapid traverse moves are jet movements only; they are not actual cutting moves. Number 2 (gray) color represents the scribe move of the jet. Scribe moves are jet cutting moves with water only, no abrasive. Scribe moves are used for adding scribed or etched lines in artistic applications or marking a part with a part or serial number. Number 5 (blue) color represents a 40% cutting speed of the jet. Cutting speed represents edge quality; a fast cut produces a rougher edge finish; a slow cut produces a smoother edge finish. 3. Click OK or Save as default in the Color Index dialog box. The color assignments are saved in the ORD file. Flow International Corporation M-322 | 133
Appendix E FlowTranslate

Feedrate Settings dialog box The Feedrate Settings dialog box allows you to assign varying speeds to different entities. Changes can be made to linear, CW circular, and CCW circular NC codes (for more information see "NC Settings dialog box" earlier in this section.) 1. Select FlowTranslate | Feedrate settings to open the feedrate settings dialog box. When Neglect Feedrate is selected, the values in the Converting Table are dimmed. 2. Click on Use Converting Table to change the Original Value or the New Value cutting speed. The Original Value is the speed produced by the NC machine. The New Value is the cutting speed percentage used by FlowCUT.

For example, to set NC code N60 G03 X47.7479 Y4.2714 I0.25 F1.000000 to 20% FlowCUT speed, set the Original value to 1 and the New Value to 20. Tip: Click Save as default if you want changes made to the table to be available for use in other files. 3. Click OK to close the dialog box.
Figure E-5. Feedrate Settings dialog box

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Create a new or edit an existing NC code file An NC code file can have a different extension, such as PPG. For the purposes of this procedure, the term NC code file is used. Create a New NC-code file 1. Select FlowTranslate | NC code editor in the menu bar. The control panel changes to an empty NC-code window (see Figure E-6). Enter your NC code in the window.
Figure E-6. NC Code window in FlowTranslate

2. After entering the NC-code, select FlowTranslate | Update NC codes to display the cutting path of the new drawing in the parts window. 3. Select FlowTranslate | Control panel to return to the main application window. Edit an existing NC-code file 1. Select File | Open G-Code NC file in the menu bar to display the Open dialog box. 2. Select the file and click Open. 3. Select FlowTranslate | NC code editor in the menu bar. 4. Delete or replace code by working in the NC-code window. Select the text you want to change by performing the following steps. To delete characters do one of the following: Click at the selected text to be deleted. Press <Backspace> to delete a character to the left of the insertion point. Press <Delete> to delete a character to the right of the insertion point. To replace existing text: Click at the beginning of the selected text to be replaced. Click and drag to the end of the selected text to be replaced. Type to replace the highlighted text. FlowTranslate automatically deletes the old text and inserts the new text. Tip: If you select the wrong text, cancel the selection before you continue typing. To cancel the selection, click anywhere in the NC-code window or press any arrow key on the keyboard. If you do not cancel the selection, the next text entered will replace the selected text. 5. After editing the NC-code, select FlowTranslate | Update NC codes to display the cutting path of the new drawing in the parts window. 6. Select FlowTranslate | Control panel to return to the main application window.

136

G-code reference guideG-code reference guide

This defines the standard G-code used for many CNC machines. It includes symbols and parameters, related G-code, G-code functions, standard expressions, and related comments.

Symbols and parameters The following symbols are often used with G-code: Symbol Function [ ] Square brackets in syntax represent that text in between the brackets must be included in the command. If curly bracket sets are included between square bracket pairs, then at least one set of curly bracket commands must be included if there is no other text within the square brackets. { } Curly brackets in syntax represent that text in between them is optional in the command. X Represents a coordinate of axis of X. Y Represents a coordinate of axis of Y. N Represents a number. I Represents an I arc radius vector term (X arc center). J Represents a J arc radius term (Y arc center). Using G-code You can enter or retrieve G-code in the NC-code area on the screen. The following groups of G-code are commonly used in controlling the cutting path of the CNC machine. A practical example of a G-code program is provided in the last section. Flow International Corporation M-322 | 137 Group 1 This group of functions determines the method of traverse for commanded motion. All functions are modal until replaced by commanding another function in this group. G00 - Positioning Function Rapid positioning mode. Syntax G00 {Xn,Yn,} Remarks All subsequent motion is performed at maximum feed rate. Interpolation is not performed so actual programmed point to point path is unknown. Maximum Axis speed is determined by parameter settings. These speed are specific to each motor axis. G01 - Linear interpolation Function Linear interpolation. Syntax G01{Xn,Yn} Remarks All subsequent motion is performed at the currently commanded feed rate. Interpolation is performed so actual path is known. Address X & Y represent the end point coordinate. G02 - Arc interpolation clockwise Function Clockwise circular interpolation. Syntax G02 [{Xn,Yn,}{In,Jn}] See also G01 G03 - Arc interpolation counter-clockwise Function Counter clockwise interpolation. Syntax G03 [{Xn,Yn,}{In,Jn}] See also G01 138 | M-322 Flow International Corporation
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Group 2 The commands of this group select the method by which axis address values will relate to the coordinate system. G90 - Absolute mode Function Select absolute positioning mode.

Syntax G90 Remarks All subsequent positioning is in absolute relation to current coordinate system. See also G91 G91 - Incremental Mode Function Select incremental positioning mode. Syntax G91 Remarks All subsequent positioning is in incremental relation to current position.

Group 3 The functions of this group control the application of tool radius compensation. G40 - Tool Radius Compensation Cancel G41 - Tool Radius Compensation Left G42 - Tool Radius Compensation Right Group 4 The functions of this group indicate the measurement unit used for numeric input of feed rates and positioning. G20 - Inch Input Function Select inch input mode. Syntax G20 Remarks Reads all dimensions as inches. See also G21 G21 - Metric Input Function Select metric input mode. Syntax G21 Remarks Reads all dimensions as millimeters See also G20 Flow International Corporation M-322 | 139
Appendix E FlowTranslate

Program example The following program example is used to demonstrate use of G-code. The program uses commonly used G-code to cut a rose-shaped part using 2 axes.
% G20 G90 G00 X-.0924 Y-.0383 G41 M07 G01 X0. Y0. X.0821 Y.0341 G02 X2.7518 Y.427 I2.3664 J-6.8113 G02 X3.1124 Y.7909 I0.3286 J0.0349 G03 X3.3949 Y.9385 I-0.0312 J0.4038 G02 X3.0284 Y.4577 I-0.3977 J-0.077 G03 X2.8933 Y.4197 I0.1343 J-0.7369 G02 X4.6257 Y0.0969 I-0.4449 J-7.1969 G02 X5.0446 Y.4068 I0.3304 J-0.0085 G03 X5.3484 Y.5031 I0.0394 J0.4031 G02 X4.904 Y.0932 I-0.405 J-0.0068 G03 X4.7182 Y.0686 I0.0043 J-0.749 G03 X5.9177 Y.0753 I0.5882 J2.0817 G03 X6.0173 Y.362 I-0.0682 J0.1843 G03 X5.7447 Y.4531 I-0.1941 J-0.1277 G02 X6.0985 Y.3907 I0.1374 J-0.2559 G02 X6.1363 Y.3318 I-0.165 J-0.1476 G02 X6.5547 Y.63 I0.3299 J-0.0203 G03 X6.8585 Y.7263 I0.0394 J0.4031 G02 X6.7688 Y.4651 I-0.405 J-0.0068 G01 X6.8073 Y.4563 G02 X6.9944 Y.3774 I-0.0886 J-0.4712

G03 X7.0793 Y.3425 I0.1364 J0.2113 G03 X7.0187 Y.2658 I0.1844 J-0.2079 G02 X6.8851 Y.094 I-0.4353 J0.2009 G01 X6.8552 Y.0621 G02 X7.0274 Y-.1259 I-0.1974 J-0.3537 G03 X6.7114 Y-.1676 I-0.1093 J-0.39 G02 X6.2739 Y-.1614 I-0.2153 J0.2508 G02 X6.2077 Y-.355 I-0.2188 J-0.0333 G02 X6.0015 Y-.435 I-0.2002 J0.2104 G03 X6.1581 Y-.3527 I-0.0217 J0.2313 G03 X5.9589 Y-.0473 I-0.159 J0.114 G02 X4.6071 Y-.0339 I-0.653 J2.313 G03 X3.8292 Y.1672 I-2.1587 J-6.7434 G03 X3.9931 Y.0977 I0.3724 J0.6499 G02 X4.3087 Y-.4179 I-0.0721 J-0.3986 G03 X4.0427 Y-.2423 I-0.3381 J-0.223 G02 X3.7289 Y.1865 I0.0017 J0.3305 G03 X.1248 Y-.0889 I-1.2804 J-6.9637 G01 X.0821 Y.0341 X.0538 Y.0938 X.011 Y.1842 M08 G40 G00 X0.0 Y0.0 M30 %

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ESSI reference guide

This defines the ESSI-code. It includes symbols and parameters, ESSI-code functions, standard expressions, and related comments.

Symbols and parameters The following symbols are often used with ESSI-code: Symbol Function + Represents a CCW arc. - Represents a CW arc. X Represents a coordinate of axis of X. Y Represents a coordinate of axis of Y. I Represents a distance from the start point to the center of the arc along the X axis. J Represents a distance from the start point to the center of the arc along the Y axis. Using ESSI-code You can enter or retrieve ESSI-code in the NC-code area on the screen. You can also make any changes at any time and save the changes by clicking the Save NC code icon. The following groups of ESSI-code are commonly used in controlling the cutting path of the CNC machine. A practical example of an ESSI-code program is provided in the last section. Flow International Corporation M-322 | 141
Appendix E FlowTranslate

Group 1 This group of functions determines the method of traverse for commanded motion. All functions are modal until replaced by commanding another function in this group. 5 - Rapid traverse on Function Use rapid traverse speed. Syntax 5 6 - Rapid traverse off

Function Use cutting speed. Syntax 6 - - Arc interpolation clockwise Function Clockwise circular interpolation. Syntax ++++Remarks The last sign determines the direction of the arc. + - Arc interpolation counter-clockwise Function Counter-clockwise interpolation. Syntax +++++ Remarks The last sign determines the direction of the arc.

Group 2 The functions of this group control the application of tool radius compensation. 38 - Tool Radius Compensation Cancel 29 - Tool Radius Compensation Left 30 - Tool Radius Compensation Right 142 | M-322 Flow International Corporation
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Group 3 The functions of this group indicate the measurement unit used for numeric input of feed rates and positioning. 65 - Inch Input Function Select inch input mode. Syntax 65 Remarks Reads all dimensions as inches. See also 66 66 - Metric Input Function Select metric input mode. Syntax 66 Remarks Reads all dimensions as millimeters. See also 65 Group 4 The commands of this group select the method in which the axis address values will relate to the coordinate system. 77 - Absolute Mode Function Select absolute positioning mode. Syntax 77 Remarks All subsequent positioning is in absolute relation to the current coordinate system. See also 78 78 - Incremental Mode Function Select incremental positioning mode. Syntax 78 Remarks All subsequent positioning is in incremental relation to the current position. See also 77 Flow International Corporation M-322 | 143
Appendix E FlowTranslate

Program example The following program example is used to demonstrate use of ESSI-code. The program uses commonly used ESSI-code to cut a bell-shaped part using 2 axes.
*F ;An example of ESSI file 3 4 65;select inch programming 61;rapid optimization on

-58000-60000 7;jet on -2-1002 -10-6636 +9142-734-635-65212+4348-1486-2501-14421+3562-5148-4460-6892+200-1796-55254-7062+2164-19450 +1340-3182+8232+1594+ +6738-3178+6429+4899+ +-15550 -27486+6 +-8220 -12810+4-6405++6+8216 -27490+ ++15544 +4790+1344+123+8768+ +3510+6652-5657+7237+ +1896+18590 +262+1086+25912-5677+2450+4266+8388-1981+5632+2324+6996-8967+8954+784+20068-177672++6618 +3187+ +6400++3187++3187 +1000+ 8; jet off 64; end of part

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