cycle time in nc code

[perseid88]

Is it possible to output my cycle time from the backplot info as a note in my nc code? This info would help my scheduler to determine how much we can do per day. Would this be a post change or is there some other parameter I can change to make it happen?

[CJep]

In the .set post there is a variable called time_est, you might be able to borrow some of that functionality to output the cycle time information.

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

Backplot is at best a ballpark number. It does not take pecks, acc/dec, and othe functions into account. If the planner is using backplot numbers fo production cycle times, he's going to over estimate what the shop can actually do.

[MLS]

As a general rule our actual cycle times are approximately 30% over the program cycle time due to what James said about acc/dec, pecks, etc.

 

I say approximate because since 2 parts may vary in the amount these things influence it. It can be used as a starting point, but really the only accurate way to schedule that I am aware of is to actually base it on the cycle time at the machine.

[Bill Henderson]

I remember using Cimco (paid for trial version) a few times. Anyone else use it and compare to actual cycle times at the machine?

 

I did on a long multi surf, multi tool and drill cut and it was fairly accurate. Machine time was like 18 hours... ended up being within about ten minutes. (Set my alarm to head into the shop in the middle of the night)

 

If Cimco turned out to be accurate you'd have to manually enter the comment though.