best CNC control

[mkd]

What's your definition of the best CNC? A simple control that is the conduit for execution of offline code or a feature packed control that can bridge the gap?

Voting for Heidenhain, obviously. 😜

How about high speed milling cycles leveraging on board AFC while generating a solid model in 5 axis.

Pinch-zoom and twirl

[YoDoug]

It's hard to say what the best control is. There are many different aspects to consider. I think the only for sure given is that the best CNC control is not a Fanuc, I think we can all agree on that.

[CNCAppsJames]

I don't think there is a best. Most controls have something about them that makes them desirable in one way or another. But "best"... you have to first identify the criteria to be judged by. The fewer subjective criteria the better.

@YoDoug is gonna favor OSP its what pays his bills. Even if a Siemens, Heidenhein, or FANUC performed the desired task better, he's still picking OSP. He's got no recent FANUC control experience to speak of so he parrots what he hears other say... praying to Almighty God they are right because he hates it when he says "FANUC can't " and I prove FANUC can. Frankly I'd be embarrassed if I was him. But, he wears that ignorance about FANUC like a badge of honor so there's that. As for him and Siemens and Heid... the jury is out Nas he has no recent/relevant experience.

@mkd is picking Heidy because he's got no recent FANUC experience either and he's trolling so there's that. plus Heid pays his salary.

Me... I'm a FANUC Fan through and through. It pays my salarynfornthe most part (split between Mitsubishi and Siemens) All FANUC generations from 3 to 30i and everything in between. From Monochrome display to color touch panel and everything in between. Doesn't mean it's "The Best" though. Most reliable? Yes. Most widely used? Yes. Best Supported? Yes. Longest service life? Yes. Some of those reasons ship more parts a the end of the day and some do not.

I'd suggest people find out for themselves what control(s) meet their need then base their decision on that. Not all builders are equal, some builders will take advantage of certain features in a control's offering and some will not. That needs to be figured into the calculus.

JM2CFWIW

[JParis]

and I'm sitting here saying doesn't matter which control as long as the operators can change their offsets...

When you're offline 'grammin doesn't really matter on the control as long as you have a dialed in post.

[mkd]

Might need to start a Google sheet to decide, once and for all.
 CHECK BOX WAR!!!!!!!!!!

[CNCAppsJames]

And since MAZAK and Okuma ha refused to sell their controls on the open market, they have essentially walled themselves off from scrutiny they would otherwise recieve.

[CADCAM396]

Too low in the food chain to drive an ultamate decision on this, so I say
the one that is on the machine and works. gotta adapt and run what they brung

[neurosis]

he's trolling so there's that.

That was my first thought when I saw the post.    MKD just threw his line in the water.   

[mkd]

And since MAZAK and Okuma ha refused to sell their controls on the open market, they have essentially walled themselves off from scrutiny they would otherwise recieve.

For the most part , yes.
The Bridgeport label did offer some OSP variations for a time.
But Okuma and howa BITD had Fanuc.

Mazak is an overlay of Mitsubishi which are offered widely.
Interesting Gosiger is offering an oddball drill tap machine with a Mits.

[mkd]

Market saturation and user base is a top 10 if not top 5 criterion. Fanuc wins hands down, with Haas a close second. Eh?

[YoDoug]

@YoDoug is gonna favor OSP its what pays his bills. Even if a Siemens, Heidenhein, or FANUC performed the desired task better, he's still picking OSP. He's got no recent FANUC control experience to speak of so he parrots what he hears other say... praying to Almighty God they are right because he hates it when he says "FANUC can't " and I prove FANUC can. Frankly I'd be embarrassed if I was him. But, he wears that ignorance about FANUC like a badge of honor so there's that. As for him and Siemens and Heid... the jury is out Nas he has no recent/relevant experience.

LOL, triggered! it is so easy to get you to go all FanucBoi triggered response that I almost feel bad doing it.

[kccadcam]

Let's see what ChatGPT thinks:

Which is the best CNC control


There is no one "best" CNC control as it ultimately depends on the specific needs of the user and the application. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a CNC control, including:

Type of machine: Different CNC controls are designed for different types of machines. For example, a control designed for a lathe may not be suitable for a milling machine.

Complexity of the part: The complexity of the parts you will be machining will determine the level of sophistication required in the CNC control.

User interface: The ease of use of the control interface can have a big impact on productivity and efficiency.

Software compatibility: If you are using a particular CAD/CAM software, it's important to make sure that it is compatible with the CNC control you are considering.

Cost: Cost is always a factor, and the price of a CNC control can vary significantly depending on its features and capabilities.

Some of the most popular CNC control brands include Fanuc, Siemens, Mitsubishi, and Heidenhain, but there are many other options available as well. It's important to do your research and consult with experts to determine which control is best suited for your particular needs.

[Zoffen]

Obviously MACH 3

Ya'll are fools for running anything else  

[TSmcam]

Well... I believe unless you have at least a decent amount of experience with any of the controls you are comparing, you can't really judge

I've spend a considerable amount of time with Fanuc and Okuma controls. A bit less with Heidenhain, and a little bit less with Siemens.

I dont rate Siemens, especially their earlier drill cycles. They sucked beyond belief. Heidenhain, from my experience seems pretty powerful, though I never got to use their macro language. I just never really gelled with the control.

I like Fanuc and Okuma equally, though probably prefer Okuma slightly more. Probably more so for the closed loop encoders (no zero returns required there), but macro language wise, I think both Fanuc and Okuma are on par. Drilling cycle and turning cycle wise, Okuma to me seems to have a slight upper hand.

But... "whats the best control" is certainly subjective, and somewhat a personal choice. Like whats the best software. That comes down to user experience, including adapting, familiarising, and support.

[mkd]

Heidenhain, from my experience seems pretty powerful, though I never got to use their macro language. I just never really gelled with the control.

yeah, Macro B is more normal programming. if/then do/while. Not happening on a Heidy. There are some good capabilities, like serial number engraving with an ultra short program, unlike the monstrosities that are required on Fanuc and Okuma.