Difference between "cutter compensation in control" and "cutter compensation in computer"

[cnckeith]

there are two ways either a cad/cam (or conversational ) can create g code.

1.) one is "cutter compensation in control"

2.) the other is "cutter compensation in computer"

the first method "cutter compensation in control" allows the cnc control (Centroid CNC11/12) to take care of cutter comp, using this method if you change a tool diameter in the tool library it takes immediate effect as the G code program will have a G41 or G42 in the program that tells the control to use the tool diameter in the tool library and offsets the tool path by half the diameter of that tool. Changing the tool diameter in the tool library does change the tool path of the program that uses G41/42.


the second method "cutter compensation in computer" gives the cutter comp duties to the program being used to generate the g code (such as Fusion 360, Mastercam, Intercon, etc) and not CNC11/12. In this case there will be no G41 or G42 commands in the G-code program and all the G-code moves are "pre compensated" to the specified tool diameter used in the cad/cam system. Changing a tool diameter in the Centroid CNC11/12 tool library will have no effect on the tool path (the program will run the exact same path no matter what the tool diameter is). In this case, to change the tool path, go back to the cad/cam or conversational program and adjust the tool diameter and repost the G-code using the new tool diameter value.

there are advantages to both methods and you can mix and match them in the same g code program as well.

[mikes]

Very interesting... thanks for posting.

Is there a more common approach?

I could think of some pro and cons to each approach, what are you thoughts?

[Dave_C]

One of the pros:

I use Fusion 360 most of the time and I let the computer do the comp. This keeps the machine from having to make a move before the cutter comp is correct.

When using Intercon, don't forget to make a move (stright line) before you start your cutter comp moves!

I'm sure there are other reasons to use one or the other!

Dave C.