Category Archives: Mazak Turn
- January 8, 2025
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Mazak Quick Turn 10 CNC Lathe. What’s not to Like?
Category : Mazak Turn Mazatrol Useful Stuff
CNC Training Call David: 07834 858 407
30 Five Star Reviews
Mazak Quick Turn 10
It’s been a while since I trained anyone on a Mazak Quick Turn Machine. Another training job completely out of the blue.
Custom Rifles, didn’t know what to expect really. Anyway a drive to Tunbridge Wells, where for the price of a garden shed you could probably buy my village in the Midlands.
I just want Mazak Training I’m not interested in your boring article.
I ended up in glorious countryside on a farm in what felt like the middle of nowhere. The guy who runs this company (Paddy) has his workshop in the outbuildings of the farm.
It is like walking into Dr Who’s Tardis. This workshop wants for nothing, surface grinding, shot blasting. This guys even got a Faro Arm!
Two Haas machines and the Mazak Quick Turn 10. Not the tidiest of workshop but I am told it’s a work in progress.
It is really heartwarming to see such investment in tooling and modern equipment in what effectively is a one man band.
Paddy is a brilliant engineer and mostly self taught. Loads of the CNC stuff learnt from my website (happy days) . This guy googles everything but not in a “What I had for breakfast, oh fuck the cat just threw up” type of way.
This is very constructive use of google definitely the way forward.
He already had a pretty good understanding of what the machine could do. Being self taught, several gaps in his knowledge, so, in steps me, to fill em all up.
Paddy rebuilds, repairs and creates custom rifles.
Mazatrol
I had forgotten just how brilliant these machine are. I don’t believe there is a quicker way to get a part from drawing to bubble wrap than the Mazak Quick Turn.
Check out this video on Tool Path Store another brilliant feature on the Mazak Quick Turn.
I’m not flogging these things by the way but if your reading this article I’m always open to offers. That is providing I keep my clothes on, well maybe not, how much we talking?
From its original concept Mazatrol has never really got much better and that’s not a criticism. For turning it’s just bloody good, very bloody good.
G Code Programming
When I train people on G code type controls who have worked on Mazatrol and machines like the Quick Turn 10 they are stunned at how complex the programs are.
Like for example on a Mazak you index the turret and you wanna use a tool. Now that’s not a big ask is it?
Well on most other controls you can’t because the bloody offset is not active. You can call it in MDI if you want. That is if you know how. Trouble is, the minute you press RESET it’s gone .
How to stop this from happening
On a Mazak once you index the turret that tool is active along with all its associated geometry.
That means you can start manual turning with hand wheel or jog and the diameter is what it says on the screen.
So simple, so obvious but what a difference it makes. The list goes on and on as to how well thought out these Mazak Quick Turn machines are.
All the information is saved with the program. So that means your work offset, jaw details and chuck details are all there when you call the program again.
Graphics
Now the graphics are not like“Assassin’s Creed Origins” but they are adequate and definitely help a lot. If you can be arsed to set the graphics up with chuck jaws n stuff then you can be certain all will be okay when you run it for real.
You can even jump from the program directory straight to a graphic simulation of the part so there is no “oh shit I wish I’d made a note of what this does” moment. You quickly get to see what the program does.
Footnote: You should still add a program description (and there’s a facility for this too.)
Liar Liar Your Bums On Fire
One of the main criticisms I hear of Mazatrol is that you have to “Lie to it”. I think when you want to do something a bit unusual it’s sometimes hard to get Mazatrol to do it.
This Mazak Quick Turn 10 is a two axis CNC Lathe. Let’s be honest most of the bits you make are gonna be quite simple. If not then this is where the Manual Programming Unit steps in.
Manual programming units are the Mazak “Get Out Of Jail Free” card
You can go back to some very crude G code programming within Mazatrol. These Manual Programming Units can sometimes get you out of a jam. It is quite limited, in what G codes you can use, but it will help a lot.
Incremental is a bit strange because it does not use U and W like you would normally on a Fanuc type system. It puts like a sign after your X or Z to tell you it’s incremental.
Need To Know
It’s well documented how easy it is to program in Mazatrol so I won’t dwell on it.
If you have never used Mazatrol you need to check it out. I think it is the epitome of “need to know”. What I mean by that is that it’s the minimum amount of information to get it to make some bits.
You know stuff like do you want tool nose radius compensation? Of course you bloody do. So it doesn’t ask you, you just get it.
Anyone who has only used Mazatrol probably wouldn’t know what you were on about. And why should they care?
It’s like knowing all the bits inside your telly who gives a shit when you just want to watch “Emmerdale Farm”. I don’t watch that crap by the way, honest.
Read On It’s Not All This Boring
This control can smoothly go into ISO programming. Not sure if this is an option but they all seem to have it.
So………. from a Mazatrol program you just jump into an ISO G code type program and everything works the same.
So what’s all the fuss about. If there’s something you can’t do in Mazatrol just write a bit of straight ISO G code type program and call it from your Mazatrol main program. So there you go job done stop whining.
Even the graphics work in ISO so there is no excuse.
Priority
When you finish your program you get this list of processes and you can really easily swap things around. You know like if you wanted to thread before you did the grooving, you can easily just swap the order.
Then you have this button that says Rough Priority. When you press it all the roughing is done first. How cool is that??
Program Restart
It always amazes me that CNC Machines are never that good on this. Well Mazaks are not bad actually.
You can really easily start from any program unit in Mazatrol. It’s also got this Single Process thingy that’s been around for years. Dead useful though. It means you can just run one unit, so you don’t have to worry about it carrying on to the next unit it just does that unit and ends.
Useful for stuff like just going over a thread again.
You can’t actually break into a unit to restart but on CNC Lathes you nearly always just want to start at the beginning of a tool.
If you have an ISO program it’s still better than a lot I could name. A bit convoluted in a way only the Japanese seem to be able to do. Nevertheless seven out of ten.
Procrastination
I was accused of this years ago and once I’d looked it up I thought yea that’s me. “What’s the point of this you ask? He’s off again”
When you are running an ISO program and you are milling say a shape or something. You look at the program and you see something coming up that you never got round to changing. It could be a feedrate or something.
It’s something that can keep pissing you off cos you forget to do it.
Help is At Hand. On a Mazak you can actually go into edit and alter it then come back n continue your program.
I just love showing people that one, makes me feel like I earned my money.
Oh yea by the way this is only when you are in an ISO program not Mazatrol
Things I Don’t Like
- Take That Records
- Beef Burgers
- Brass Bands
No I meant about this machine Mazak Quick Turn.
Not much actually, oh the editing is a bit slow.
Editing
Editing in ISO is a doddle.
Editing in Mazatrol is very cumbersome and when it comes to stuff like copying a unit you have to say what program it’s from and all sorts of bollocks. It wants your bank account number and sort code.
There are more questions than a fuckin mortgage application.
Moving units is the same not a pleasant customer experience. Once you get used to it and how the Mazak brain is wired it’s ok though.
Let’s Be Honest
There ain’t much to not like about the Mazak Quick Turn.
Check this out on VFC it’s brilliant.
Even if I were only going to use the machine is ISO (Fanuc type programming) and not use Mazatrol I would still seriously consider buying one of these machines.
Why…..
- In ISO it’s easier to restart a program than most G code controls.
- The editing is easy.
- Better graphics than most. (It’s still like early space invaders)
- Erm…..
Oh yea I’d better do a plug for training. If you want to be trained on a Mazak give me a call.
- January 6, 2025
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G01 G00 Basic CNC Programming ( G01 not GO1 )
Category : Fanuc Mill Fanuc Turn Haas Mill Haas Turn Mazak Mill Mazak Turn
G01 not GO1 Back to Basic CNC Programming
The letter O is only used for a programme number and a GOTO statement on a Fanuc Control. It’s important not to get it mixed up with the number Zero. So we should really say G zero one ( G01 not GO1 ).
So remember it’s G01 not GO1 (Zero not letter O)
A good solution is to miss it out where possible G1 not G01 etc.
This is part of a series of articles designed to cover basic CNC Programming.
When I first learnt to programme, before the First World War, I still remember how daunting the thick yellow Fanuc Manuals were. The Japanese were learning to speak English and we were learning to speak G Code.
Fanuc Manuals
Fanuc manuals are just like the yellow pages. A note here for you young people who might not know what yellow pages are (no it’s not like someone pissed on the photocopier)
Long before Google we had these thick yellow books and we used them to find stuff like if your mam needed to get the outside toilet unblocked or something.
None of this stuff was in the Fanuc manuals but you could easily get them mixed up cos they looked very similar.
I can honestly say when I was learning Basic CNC Programming I read the old 6M Fanuc manual from cover to cover. The Macro bit was just like another planet to me. Some things I had to read over and over again to understand.
Some of it was so badly written you kind of had to guess what they meant.
In the Beginning
Every now and then I used to go right back to the beginning and read the basic stuff again. Believe me, every time I would find something I didn’t know, mind you I didn’t know much then anyway.
Try it later and if it doesn’t work I’ll give you your money back.
Okay enough of this bullshit and verbiage let’s talk about G codes.
Geometric Code, that’s what the G stands for.
Useless information but anyway, now I’ve said it. Don’t tell your mates down the pub because you will probably bore them shitless.
I often begin my training courses by saying “you only need to know four G codes to programme a CNC, it really is that easy”
G0 G1 G2 G3
(Please smart arses don’t contact me.)
What that means is that you can get round any shape with straight lines G1 and circles G2 and G3. Oh and you need to quickly get to the part so use G0 rapid.
Yes and another note. You don’t need leading zeros.
G00 can be G0 (Never GO as in letter O)
G01 can be G1 (Never GO1 as in letter O)
G02 can be G2 (Never GO1 as in Letter O)
G03 can be G3 (Never GO1 as in letter O)
Read this if you want to know more.
Lets Get On with It
G00 or G0 commands a rapid move. That means the axis will be flat out. Maximum foot to the floor, shit off a stick as we say in the Midlands.
A common mistake with rapid moves is to assume that the axis will all move in a straight line like a bullet from a gun.
Not true. Because each axis is flat out one axis may arrive before the other. The rapid on your X axis could be slower than your Z. Anyway you get what I mean.
Why do I need to know this?
Easy because if something is in the way then you might hit it. That is if you assume the movement is a straight line.
Now lets see.
Move down in Z
G0 Z5.
Then a nice straight line G0 X130. Z-30.
But meanwhile in the real world
It’s obvious really.
Just think for a moment:
If both X and Z rapid motors ran at the same speed. Then each axis will move the same amount until one reaches its destination.
Looks like this.
Z has 30mm to move in total so they will both move 30mm. This will make a 45 degree line.
Ah but X is not finished yet. X will carry on and finish its move in a straight line.
If something is in the path of your rapid move you may need to programme your axis separately to be sure not to hit anything.
G00 X130. Z-30.
Could be:
G00 X130. ;
Z-30.;
Please don’t repeat the G00 (you know it will piss me off).
Now G01 ( G01 not GO1 )
G01 is a linear feed. It means feed in a straight line. Just like stretching a piece of string between two points. It can be just one axis or two simultaneous axis. You can even programme X Y and Z all in one line of code.
So this is what really separates a CNC from a manual machine. Remember how hard it was to machine an angle on a manual milling machine? Or a taper on a lathe.
You do?
Well on a CNC Machine we just programme the end point. It will then machine a straight line from it’s current position to the programmed point
If your machine was at X50. Y0 and you programmed a line
G01 X55. Y-200. ;
You would get an angle.
Ok what’s wrong in this picture?
Just to see if you are not a robot?
Yes congratulations but what is wrong with the line.
G01 X55. Y-200. ;
The Feed-rate
Yes with G01 you need a feed-rate. Don’t repeat the feed-rate, you only need another feed-rate when you want to change it.
G01 X55. Y-200. F100. ;
Don’t forget you can programme X Y and Z together and it will still be a straight line just like you tied a piece of string between the start and end point.
F100. means feed at 100mm per minute.
CNC Turning
On a manual lathe you would have to set up a compound slide to just machine an angle.
Mmm very skillful and I’m sure it’s loads of fun.
On a CNC Lathe this is just one line of code and some Basic CNC Programming!!
What About 3 Axis Rapid?
Yes you can programme 3 axis together in rapid move. It’s definitely the quickest way to get to the part.
G0 X50. Y20. Z3.
I would definitely advise using it but, and there always is one, just be real careful nothing is in the way. Don’t blame me I’ll just say I never met you.
Oh just one more thing as Columbo would say.
You could use a very high feed instead of a rapid move. That way you really would guarantee a straight line. I’ve never done this but it just came to me in a flash.
So there you have it G0 is rapid ( never GO letter O).
G1 is linear feed, remember G01 not GO1 (Not letter O)
Thank you for reading my article ( Basic CNC Programming G01 not GO1 )
Services offered at CNC Training Centre
Classroom programmer training.
CNC Training on all controls and machines.
Mazak Training Fanuc Training
Don’t forget we offer training on all types of Mazak Machines and all Fanuc Controls 6m to 31i Oi old to young.
- June 1, 2023
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G28 G53 Zero Return
Category : Fanuc Mill Fanuc Turn Haas Mill Haas Turn Mazak Mill Mazak Turn
G28 G53 Zero Return
CNC Training (Call David: 07834 858 407)
G28 is used to send a machine to Zero return for a tool change or at the end of a program.
G28 G91 Z0 (Z axis moves up to tool-change)
G28 G91 X0 Y0 Z0 (All three axis move to their respective zero return positions)
I know some of you don’t like three axis moves like the one above. If it don’t hit anything it’s just fine “Get Over It”
Below are the two ways of doing this.
Ignore This If You Get Bored Easily
G28 actually means return to the zero point via a reference point.
If you programmed
G28 G90 Z0 or you forgot the G91 this means return to zero point via a reference point. The reference point is Z0 so the spindle would rapid to Z0 (Bang) and then move up to reference return point.
That’s why if you have single block on you will notice this is two presses of the cycle start (two blocks).
Therefore if we use G28 G91 Z0 the first press will take it to the reference point which is incrementally zero form where you are (no move) the second press move to zero (no collision)
Using G53
Some older machines won’t have this so try not to get over excited.
G53 uses your absolute machine position (Machine) this means all moves are from home position and are not affected by datums (G54 etc) or tool length offsets.
It is one of the very few non modal commands so you can’t write
G53 Z0
X0 Y0 (this will use works offset not G53)
You need to write
G53 Z0
G53 X0 Y0
Advantages Disadvantages (G28 G53 Zero Return)
G28 uses G91 incremental so you must remember to write G90 (absolute) for your next command. In fact many a collision is caused by misuse of G28.
G53 is best if you have it just remember it is non modal.
So you write it in each time you need it.
Note:
Some machines have return to tool change built into the tool change line.
T01 M6
On a Haas machine for example where the return command is built in you would not need to send the Z axis home.
I recommend that you always put one in.
G53 Z0
T01 M6
If you are in single block you can stop before the tool-change if you wish.
Also I know someone who got into the habit of doing this and crashed a Fanuc Controlled machine that needed the command. (If you read this you know who you are)
G53 has another really good use and that is if you want the machine table (on a vertical machining centre) to move to a standard position to do things like changing the parts. It will always put the table in the same place regardless of work offset.
Bare in mind that if you put a position in that is relative to your work offset and not use G53 then the next time you set the fixture up your machine may over-travel because the fixture is in a different place.
If you read this article you will see how it could be used to set a vice in a known position regardless of datum.
Remember G53 is a position from the machine zero, it does not take into account the tool length offset or the datum. The other important thing is that it is non modal. That means you will need it on every line that you wish to use it for.
On Machines Like The BMC 800 from Toshiba
This machine has the Tosnuc 888 control.
For this control use G73 instead of G53.
If you have any questions about G28 G53 Zero Return or you are affected or have been affected by any of the issues in this post please contact me 07834 858 407
Please contact me if you require:
- CNC programming training.
- Want to learn CNC programming.
- Fanuc control training.
- Yasnac programming training.
- Any type of CNC course.
- Fanuc training courses
- CNC lathe training
- CNC Vertical Machining Centre training
Services offered at CNC Training Centre
Classroom programmer training.
CNC Training on all controls and machines.
Mazak Training Fanuc Training
Don’t forget we offer training on all types of Mazak Machines and all Fanuc Controls 6m to 31i Oi old to young.
- May 27, 2023
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How to use G50 on a CNC lathe
Category : Fanuc Turn Haas Turn Mazak Turn Siemens Turn
CNC Turning Basics G50 Speed Clamp
How to use G50 on a CNC lathe
How to use G50 on a CNC lathe.
G50 in a turning program is a speed clamp. The machine accelerates up to the speed you set (G50 S2000) and will not go any faster.
Now before I get arrested by the “Correct Word and Grammar Police” I know it’s not actually a clamp. The truth is it’s just what everybody calls it, so get off my fuckin case.
Anyway if I start to call it something else all my CNC mates (and I do have some) will be confused.
Just check me out on LinkedIn. Anyway as I was saying my mates wouldn’t know what the fuck I was on about.
You must program a G50 before each tool and at the beginning of the program for safety reasons which I will explain later.
It’s Modal
G50 is a modal G code (it stays active). If you have a program where you do not want to clamp the speed you must still put the G50 at the beginning of the program (set the clamp to the machines maximum RPM).
Otherwise it may pick up the G50 from the last program and you may not get the RPM you want. It can have the effect of slowing down production because the speed is being restricted and you didn’t realize.
Don’t use someone else’s G50 get your own.
You wouldn’t wear someone else’s dirty pants. (Americans call underpants underwear I think)
These are mine (sorry I din’t get time to wash them).
Modal G code explanation here.
Now Here Is Something You May Not Know
Historically G50 was used to set the machine datum. This still works so do not put any X or Z figures on this line. You will get some weird shit happening if you do. Oh and you will probably trash your 100 grand machine.
Anyway how to use G50 on a CNC lathe
G50 S2000 (SPEED CLAMP 2000 RPM)
Some G code systems, or depending on parameters, may use G92 instead of G50. This is not very common but it works exactly the same way.
On a Fanuc control they are called A type and B type G codes and depends on machine tool builder. Most of the G codes remain the same but proceed with caution.
It is particularly useful when you are facing a part using G96 (constant surface speed). When the tool reaches the centre of the part the machine will be running at maximum RPM. This could be very dangerous on large or out of balance components. When you set a G50 speed clamp, once the machine reaches the clamped speed it will go no further.
Here is a tutorial video about G96 and G97
RULES
- Use a G50 at every tool-change
- Use a G50 at the beginning of a program (even if you think it’s not needed)
- G50 S2000 (Only G50 and speed on one line, nothing else)
- There is no rule 4
- Never eat yellow snow.
This is a Toshiba VTL (Vertical Turning Lathe).
If you want to buy one or fix one go to Leader CNC
Now imagine this revolving too fast you would soon need their services oh and a good trauma team.
More CNC Turning Help (G70 and G71)
Please contact me if you require:
- CNC programming training.
- Want to learn CNC programming.
- Fanuc control training.
- Yasnac programming training.
- Any type of CNC course.
- Fanuc training courses
- CNC lathe training
- CNC Vertical Machining Centre training
Services offered at CNC Training Centre
Classroom programmer training.
CNC Training on all controls and machines.
Mazak Training Fanuc Training
Don’t forget we offer training on all types of Mazak Machines and all Fanuc Controls 6m to 31i Oi old to young.