Direct Motion builds third generation Machine tool controls

• 1st Generation NC (Numerical Control) very simple generally point to point movement. Programs created a stored on paper tape. First NC machines were sold in late 60’s. NC machines are still in use but they are now few and far between.
• 2nd Generation CNC (Computer Numerical Control.) A microprocessor used to generate and coordinate motion. More complex tool paths such as circular and helical interpolation are supported. Most cnc tool path programs created and stored in "G code" format. Complex tool paths are generally created off line on a PC based CAM system and down loaded over rs232 from the PC to the machine tool. 95% of currently used automated machine tools are CNC.
• 3rd Generation PCBC (PC Based Control.) Full power of a personal computer on the machine. The PC is the control. Full power and complexity of off line CAM integrated with machine tool control. Leverages economy of scale of PC Hardware, Operating systems, and Software development tools. Allows user to maintain and service control. Issues of reliability of hardware and stability of operating system have slowed acceptance of PCBC. Few PCBC’s in use so far. The future of PCBC is the future of all manufacturing. Extremes of performance, machine tools on the network, remote diagnostics are in this future. 3% currently?
• 4th Generation. Does not exist except maybe in a secrete IBM laboratory. Artificial intelligence to create tool paths from high level 3-D part descriptions. 3-D part description comes directly from CAD software which does structural analysis and kinematics verification automatically. Virtual Reality user interface. There is some work by NIST in defining a file format called STEP. STEP might be the method of CAD - PCBC communication in the future. PCBC will evolve in this direction.

CNC Head Porting

The necessary features involved in CNC Head Porting are a natural part of the Direct Motion at the machine programming system.

The primary features required are:

• Ability to pick up points on the machine and record them
• Ability to create a surface over a mesh of coarsely spaced points.
• Automatically create a smooth 3-D tool path over this mesh

These same features are also used by mold makers, model makers, tool & die makers to very quickly define and cut complex 3-D surfaces. In addition to creating 3-D surfaces over a mesh of points, Direct Motion can create a 3-D tool compensated surface over a series of lines or curves in space (cross sections). These cross sections can be defined by any of the 50 or so very powerful line or curve creating commands built into the language. For example a 3-D spline is defined by a simple list of points which go thru the curve. Tangent is one line, Helix is one line, curves can be defined by mathematical expressions, etc. Click here for more information on CNC Head Porting

Learning curve

This of course varies from person to person and application to application. The same software which runs the machine tool can be downloaded from this web site. This download does not include the device driver which is the part of the software which makes the motors move. Other than the device driver this is what you will see and use on the machine. The download has a complete help system and sample part programs included. The CD includes on line video training which can not be downloaded because it is too large (200 MB).

If you are familiar with windows, you will get the basic concept in a few minutes. The system comes with about 100 sample programs which can be modified to allow learning and easy experimenting. If you do download our software, please email us and tell us how you did. How long did it take you to figure out. What do you think? Any suggestions are always appreciated. Click Here to Download our Windows Software FREE

Our customers receive no formal training as part of their package. We have shipped many machines across the US. Our system is so user friendly that our new customers make useful parts the first day. Take it off the truck, plug it in, and there you go. Its as simple as that!

If you are doing specialized work such as head porting or mold making, we have an arrangement with several existing customers which will answer key questions and get you going better than we could here at the factory. These existing customers can also provide independent assurance to you of how well our system stands up to the really tough jobs. As a new customer, you will know before you start that what you are trying will work and about how long it should take you.

If the PC is damaged,  any off the shelf PC will do to replace it. Any local computer store can repair minor problems. Once you have Win 98 running, the Direct Motion software only take 15 minutes to install. The amplifiers and interface card are user serviceable. We do not send technicians to your shop, it isn't necessary. Any part required can be shipped overnight. Our customers like the feeling that they can easily and quickly understand and take care of their own machine.

Bringing the easiest to use and most powerful CNC software to you, the machinist is our goal. Direct Motion software is designed for small quantity and prototype work where programming speed is important.

Direct Motion can sell its products at the lowest possible prices. Our system is extremely reliable and easy to use. We pass on our low support cost to you.

No high pressure ever. Try before you buy. Download a complete trial version of Direct Motion CNC software. It is exactly the same software which runs the machine. You will be able to teach yourself in an hour or two. Click here to download Direct Motion Windows XP CAD/CAM/CNC software, for FREE.