OPTIONAL HARDWARE
Bar Code Readers
BTRs
Hand Held Terminals
Grizzly Cable™
CNC Adapters
Serial Port Devices

 

CNC Compatible

Partial List of Manufacturers Using Predator Software

FREE CD!


 

#  A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

802.11 -- applies to wireless LANs and provides 1 or 2 Mbps transmission in the 2.4 GHz band using either frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) or direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS).
802.11a -- an extension to 802.11 that applies to wireless LANs and provides up to 54 Mbps in the 5GHz band. 802.11a uses an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing encoding scheme rather than FHSS or DSSS.
802.11b (also referred to as 802.11 High Rate or Wi-Fi) -- an extension to 802.11 that applies to wireless LANS and provides 11 Mbps transmission (with a fallback to 5.5, 2 and 1 Mbps) in the 2.4 GHz band. 802.11b uses only DSSS. 802.11b was a 1999 ratification to the original 802.11 standard, allowing wireless functionality comparable to Ethernet.
802.11g -- applies to wireless LANs and provides 20+ Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band
(Source:  http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/8/802_11.html)

A
Axis - XXXXXX
API (Application Program Interface) - a set of routines, protocols, and tools for building software applications. A good API makes it easier to develop a program by providing all the building blocks. A programmer puts the blocks together.

Most operating environments, such as MS-Windows, provide an API so that programmers can write applications consistent with the operating environment. Although APIs are designed for programmers, they are ultimately good for users because they guarantee that all programs using a common API will have similar interfaces. This makes it easier for users to learn new programs.

ASCII - American Standard Code for Information Interchange. Usually refers to coding system that assigns numerical values to characters such as letter, numbers, punctuation, and other symbols.

Basic ASCII allows only 7 bits per character (for a total of 128 characters). The first 32 characters are "unprintable" (line feed, form feed, etc.). Extended ASCII adds an additional 128 characters that vary between computers, programs and fonts. Computers use these extra characters for accented letters, graphical characters or other special symbols.

B
Baud Rate - Baud rate is a measure of the number of times per second a signal in a communications channel changes state. The state is usually voltage level, frequency, or phase angle.

BTR - stands for Behind-the-Tape-Reader interface. It is a device that provides older machine tools, that were not equipped originally with a capability to communicate directly with a computer, with a means to communicate. BTR interfaces have the following:

• Eliminates the need for a tape reader and its maintenance
• Provides a method for integrating older model NC machine tools with more modern machines in a DNC system
• Allows the running in most cases of unlimited size programs
• Provides for the running of programs directly from computers
• Reduces programming and setup time because there is no need to punch and then read program tapes
• BTR's are very reliable and simple to use
• On machines that use Executive or Load tapes, these "tapes" can be loaded much faster with a BTR then with a tape

C
CAD - computer-aided design -  a combination of hardware and software that enables engineers and architects to design everything from furniture to airplanes. In addition to the software, CAD systems require a high-quality graphics monitor; a mouse, light pen, or digitizing tablet for drawing; and a special printer or plotter for printing design specifications.
CAD systems allow an engineer to view a design from any angle with the push of a button and to zoom in or out for close-ups and long-distance views.

CAM - computer-aided manufacturing - In CNC manufacturing the CAM system is used to simplify the machining and design process. In most cases the CAM system will work with a CAD design made in a 3D environment. The CNC programmer will just specify the machining operations and the CAM system will create the CNC program. This compatibility of CAD/CAM systems eliminates the need for redefining the work piece configuration to the CAM system.

CAT-5 - short for Category 5, network cabling that consists of four twisted pairs of copper wire terminated by RJ45 connectors. Cat-5 cabling supports frequencies up to 100 MHz and speeds up to 1000 Mbps. It can be used for ATM, token ring, 1000Base-T, 100Base-T, and 10Base-T networking.

Computers hooked up to LAN s are connected using Cat-5 cables, so if you're on a LAN, most likely the cable running out of the back of your PC is Category 5.

CNC - stands for Computer Numerical Control and has been around since the early 1970's. Prior to this, it was called NC, for Numerical Control. (In the early 1970's computers were introduced to these controls, hence the name change.)  CNC machines typically replace (or work in conjunction with) some existing manufacturing processes. 

CNC program - Think of giving any series of step-by-step instructions. A CNC program is nothing more than another kind of instruction set. It's written in sentence-like format and the control will execute it in sequential order, step by step.

A special series of CNC words are used to communicate what the machine is intended to do. CNC words begin with letter addresses (like F for feedrate, S for spindle speed, and X, Y & Z for axis motion). When placed together in a logical method, a group of CNC words make up a command that resemble a sentence.

For any given CNC machine type, there will only be about 40-50 words used on a regular basis. So if you compare learning to write CNC programs to learning a foreign language having only 50 words, it shouldn't seem overly difficult to learn CNC programming.

Conversational -

Custom Macro B - Custom Macro B extends the standard G-code part programming language to include the features of an easy-to-use, yet powerful computer programming language, enabling the part programmer to improve productivity by developing tools and subroutines that are specific to a company’s part geometries or to its standard shop practices.

Macro B is one of the most powerful ways to utilize your machine to automate repetitive tasks and yet it is seldom used.

Cycle Time - The elapsed time between the start and completion of a task or an entire process.

D
Data Bit -
DNC - an acronym that can mean Distributed Numerical Control or Direct Numerical Control depending upon the application. 

Another definition for Direct Numerical Control is that it is a data communications system connecting a group of numerically controlled machines to a common computer that has substantial memory for the storage of numerous numeric control (NC) part programs and has provision for on-demand distribution (downloading) of NC Programs to the machines. Usually this type of system has additional provision for the management, display and editing of NC part programs.

These days when someone uses the term DNC they are usually referring to Distributed Numerical Control where a NC program is sent from a personal computer (PC) to the memory of a Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machine. The program runs from the memory of CNC machine.

Or, if the program that is to be run is bigger then the capacity of the memory of the CNC control, the program can be run directly from the computer. That is when we refer to DNC as Direct Numeric Control. This process is also called trickle feeding or drip feeding.

DPRNT - Fanuc DPRNT

E
EDI - Electronic Data Interchange

EIA - Electronic Industries Alliance - is a trade organization for electronics manufacturers in the United States. EIA is accredited by ANSI to help develop standards on electronic components, consumer electronics, electronic information, telecommunications, and Internet security.

Well known EIA standards include RS-232, EIA-422, RS-449, EIA-485 for serial data communications.

EIA-485 (formerly RS-485 or RS485) is an OSI Model physical layer electrical specification of a two-wire, half-duplex, multipoint serial connection. The standard specifies a differential form of signalling. The difference between the wires' voltages is what conveys the data. One polarity of voltage indicates a logic 1 level, the reverse polarity indicates logic 0. The difference of potential must be at least 0.2 volts for valid operation, but any applied voltages between +12 V and -7 volts will allow correct operation of the receiver.

EIA-485 only specifies electrical characteristics of the driver and the receiver. It does not specify or recommend any data protocol. EIA-485 enables the configuration of inexpensive local networks and multidrop communications links. It offers high data transmission speeds (35Mbit/s up to 10m and 100kbit/s at 1200m). Since it uses a differential balanced line over twisted pair (like EIA-422), it can span relatively large distances (up to 4000 feet or just over 1200 metres).

In contrast to EIA-422, which has a single driver circuit which cannot be switched off, EIA-485 drives need to be put in transmit mode explicitly by asserting a signal to the driver. This allows EIA-485 to implement linear topologies using only two lines.

EIA-485, like EIA-422 can be made full-duplex by using four wires, however, since EIA-485 is a multi-point specification, this is not necessary in many cases. EIA-485 and EIA-422 can interoperate with certain restrictions.

EIA-485 is often used with common UARTs to implement low-speed data communications in commercial aircraft cabins. For example, some passenger control units use it. It requires minimal wiring, and can share the wiring among several seats. It therefore reduces the system weight.

EIA-485 also sees some use in PLCs and on factory floors in order to implement proprietary data communications. Since it is differential, it resists electromagnetic interference from motors and welding equipment.

ERP -

F

G
G-Code - is a common name for the programming language that is used for NC and CNC machine tools.  G-code is also the name of any word in a CNC program that begins with the letter G, and generally is a code telling the machine tool what type of action to perform.

G-code files are output by CAM software such as Smartcam, Gibbscam, Featurecam, Edgecam, Mastercam, etc. G-code is also output by specialized CAD systems used to design printed circuit boards. Such software must be customized for each type of machine tool that it will be used to program.

Some CNC machines use "Conversational" programming, which is a wizard-like programming mode that either hides G-code or completely bypasses the use of G-code.

H
Handshaking - Means of data flow control.

Software handshaking involves embedding control characters in transmitted data. For example, XON/XOFF flow control works by enclosing a transmitted message between the two control characters XON and XOFF.

Hardware handshaking uses voltages on physical wires to control data flow. The RTS and CTS lines of the RS-232 interface are frequently used for this purpose.

HSM High Speed Machining) - is a term that has become widely used, mainly because of the benefits it provides to those able to accomplish it.  HSM commonly refers to end milling at high rotational speeds and high surface feeds.

I 

J
JavaScript - JavaScript is a scripting language that can run wherever there is a suitable script interpreter such as Web browsers, Web servers, or the Windows Scripting Host. The scripting environment used to run JavaScript greatly affects the security of the host machine:

A Web page with JavaScript runs within a Web browser in much the same way as Java applets and does not have access to host machine resources.

K
Kaizen - A Japanese term that means gradual unending improvement by doing little things better and setting and achieving increasingly higher standards.

Continuing the improvement of the workplace and the value stream by removing waste is key to the implementation of Lean, there are many tools for use in the removal of waste, which is generally defined as follows:

• Value Adding: Activities that from the view point of the final customer make the product or service more valuable.
• Non-Value Adding: Activities that from the viewpoint of the final customer add no value, even under present circumstances.
• Necessary Non-Value Adding: Activities that from the viewpoint of the final customer add no value but are necessary under current operating conditions.
  The concept is to remove all non-value adding activities, and attack the "necessary non-value" activities to turn them into unnecessary activities for elimination.

Four idealized strategies are applicable to show the scope of Kaizen; Passive Incremental, Enforced Incremental, Passive Breakthrough & Enforced Breakthrough:

• Passive: Improvements are left to chance.
• Enforced: Improvements are proactive, pressure can be applied through consistent new product introduction for example.
• Incremental: Small continuous improvements from suggestions.
• Breakthrough: Classic industrial engineering or work-study.

Kanban - is Japanese for card, and was initially credited as the breakthrough program that Japanese manufacturing companies employed in the West beating performance. A Kanban represents an order, literally, this can be both internal between cells and external within the supply chain. Nothing is made without a Kanban requesting its manufacture. At first it will be impossible to go to Kanban, hence the progression to smaller and smaller batch sizes enabled through the SMED technique
 
L
LAN - Local Area Network - A computer network that spans a relatively small area. Most LANs are confined to a single building or group of buildings. However, one LAN can be connected to other LANs over any distance via telephone lines and radio waves. A system of LANs connected in this way is called a wide-area network (WAN).

Most LANs connect workstations and personal computers. Each node (individual computer ) in a LAN has its own CPU with which it executes programs, but it also is able to access data and devices anywhere on the LAN. This means that many users can share expensive devices, such as laser printers, as well as data. Users can also use the LAN to communicate with each other, by sending e-mail or engaging in chat sessions.

Lean Manufacturing - An initiative, which is focused on eliminating all waste in manufacturing processes. Principles of lean include zero waiting time, zero inventory, scheduling (internal customer pull instead of push system), batch to flow (cut batch sizes), line balancing and cutting actual process times.

M
Mazatrol - is a proprietary conversational programming language that is standard on all Mazak mills and lathes. It is primarily used for 2 & 2 1/2 axis work and is especially popular for Mazak turning applications.

Motion control - All CNC machine types share this commonality: They all have two or more programmable directions of motion called axes. An axis of motion can be linear (along a straight line) or rotary (along a circular path). One of the first specifications that implies a CNC machine's complexity is how many axes it has. Generally speaking, the more axes, the more complex the machine.

The axes of any CNC machine are required for the purpose of causing the motions needed for the manufacturing process. In the drilling example, these (3) axis would position the tool over the hole to be machined (in two axes) and machine the hole (with the third axis). Axes are named with letters. Common linear axis names are X, Y, and Z. Common rotary axis names are A, B, and C.

MRP (Materials Resource Planning) - MRP aims to increase manufacturing efficiency by managing the production schedule, reducing inventory, increasing cash flow, and delivering products in a timely manner. ERP is a technical subset of MRP.

N
NC

O
OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) is the measure that is used to determine how productive equipment is and is based upon

• Availability
• Performance
• Yield

OpenGL - OpenGL is an open graphics API originally developed by Silicon Graphics Inc., who license it to other vendors. Historically, OpenGL was used with professional graphics accelerators for high-end design applications. Open Graphics Library is a multi-platform software interface to graphics hardware, supporting rendering and imaging operations.

 The OpenGL graphics interface consists of several hundred functions operating on 2D and 3D objects, supporting basic techniques, such as modeling and smooth shading, and other advanced techniques.  GL stands for Graphics Language. OpenGL is the "open source" version of GL

P
PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) - A highly reliable special-purpose computer used in industrial monitoring and control applications. PLCs typically have proprietary programming and networking protocols, and special-purpose digital and analog I/O ports.  These devices can store and execute  automatically a series of programmed commands that produce a machines sequence of operations. They  use programmed logic instructions to control banks of inputs and outputs which interface timed switch actuation to external electro-mechanical devices.  A specialized device used to provide high-speed, low-level control of a process. It is programmed using LD or some form of structured language, so that engineers can program it. PLC hardware typically costs a lot of money, and often has very good redundancy and fail-over capabilities. When you walk around a factory, the thing with all the lights and buttons and switches is the PLC (or possibly a DCS, which is a big PLC).

Q

R
RS232 - A standard developed by the Electronic Industries Association (EIA) and other interested parties specifying the serial interface between a DTE and a DCE. The RS-232 standard includes electrical signal characteristics (voltage levels), interface mechanical characteristics (connectors), functional description of interchange circuits (the function of each electrical signal), and some recipes for common kinds of terminal-to-modem connections. The most frequently encountered revision of this standard is called RS-232C. Parts of this standard have been "adopted" (with various degrees of fidelity) for use in serial communications between computers and printers, modems, and other equipment.

RS422 (RS-449 RS-423) - Additional EIA serial communication standards related to RS-232. RS-449 was issued in 1975 and was supposed to supersede RS-232, but few manufacturers have embraced the new standard. RS-449 contains two subspecifications called RS-422 and RS-423. While RS-232 modulates a signal with respect to a common ground (called single-ended transmission), RS-422 modulates two signals against each other (called differential transmission). The RS-232C receiver senses whether the received signal is sufficiently negative with respect to ground to be a logical "1," whereas the RS-422 receiver simply senses which line is more negative than the other. This makes RS-422 more immune to noise and interference, and more versatile over longer distances. The Macintosh serial ports follow RS-422, which can be converted to RS-423 by proper wiring of an external cable. RS-423 can then communicate with most RS-232 devices over distances of 15 m or so.

RS485 - See EIA-485

Remote Request -

RJ45 -

RF Noise -

S
Serial Communications - Serial communication using RS-232 requires that you specify four parameters: the baud rate of the transmission, the number of data bits encoding a character, the sense of the optional parity bit, and the number of stop bits. Each transmitted character is packaged in a character frame that consists of a single start bit followed by the data bits, the optional parity bit, and the stop bit or bits.

Six Sigma -

Spread spectrum technology

STL - .stl or stereolithography format is an ASCII or binary file used in manufacturing. It is a list of the triangular surfaces that describe a computer generated solid model, where each triangle shares common sides and vertices. This is the standard input for most rapid prototyping machines.  Most CAD packages will allow you to export to the .stl file format.

T
TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) - A series of methods used to ensure every machine in a production process is always able to perform its required tasks so that production is never interrupted. Nippondenso (a member of the Toyota group) originally pioneered this method.

Having limited stocks and delivering just in time obviously requires that the equipment functions 100% as and when required. Total Productive Maintenance is a methodology to ensure that equipment on the shop floor functions to fill this requirement, by ensuring that common causes of problems are regularly serviced rather than waiting for something to go wrong and then fixing it.

TQC (Total Quality Control) - A system that integrates quality development, maintenance and improvement of the parts of an organization.
It helps a company economically manufacture its product and deliver its services.

TQM (Total Quality Management) - A Management approach to long-term success through customer satisfaction. Commonly referred to as TQM, it is based on the participation of all members of an organization in improving processes, products, services and the culture in which they work. A term was initially coined by the Naval Air Systems Command to describe its Japanese style management approach to quality improvement.

U
UNC (Universal Naming Convention) - This is the standard for naming network drives. For example, UNC directory path has the following form: \\server\resource-pathname\subfolder\filename

V
VBS (Visual Basic Script) - Visual Basic Script is a programming language that can invoke any system function--including starting, using and shutting down other applications without--user knowledge. VBS programs can be embedded in HTML files and provide active content via the Internet. This file type has the extension VBS.

W
WLAN (Wireless local-area network) - A type of local area network that uses high-frequency radio waves rather than wires to communicate between nodes.  WLANs enable mobile users to connect to a local area network (LAN) through a wireless (radio) connection. A standard, IEEE 802.11, specifies the technologies for wireless LANs.

WAN (Wide Area Network) - A computer network that spans a relatively large geographical area. Typically, a WAN consists of two or more local-area networks (LANs).

Computers connected to a wide-area network are often connected through public networks, such as the telephone system. They can also be connected through leased lines or satellites. The largest WAN in existence is the Internet.

WAP (Wireless Access Point) -

WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) - This is another name for IEEE 802.11b.  "Wi-Fi" is used in place of 802.11b in the same way that "Ethernet" is used in place of IEEE 802.3.  A user with a Wi-Fi product can use any brand of Access Point with any other brand of client hardware that is built to the Wi-Fi standard.

X
XON/XOFF -

Z