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So, you're considering having some CNC programming done by an outside contractor/consultant. It goes without saying that you will have a good solid understanding of what your expectations are. It would be a disservice to your business goals not to be thorough and specific. Whether it's Westmer Consulting, or someone else, we want to share some topics you should consider when hiring a programming contractor :

• Cost.
•     Most all contract programmers work at an hourly rate. Different contractors will have different business models and policies concerning the minimum project duration. One possible advantage to hourly work is flexibility. If you only need a few hours per week, no need for a longer term commitment.
•     Some contractors may quote an entire project. This is more typical for large projects, or long term temporaries.
•     Some contractors and temp agencies require a certain duration for their personnel to be on-assignment.

• Location
•     Is the work being done on-site?  In this case, the contractor may be working with your machinists, programmers, and other personnel throughout the prove-out process. Working this way could be an overall quicker process as communication will be expedited (if not immediate). This may be the only way to get the job done to your expectations in the time required. Be prepared for the cost of the contractor to be at your facility for the duration.
•     Is the programming to be done off-site? Some programming work can be effectively performed away from your plant. And this can help keep some costs down. But you will need to prove-out the programs. Communications with the contractor can encounter delays. In such cases (depending on the machine(s) being programmed) it may be good to have another job set up to run while waiting for program updates.

• Schedule
•     Be clear what you need and when you need it. If it's a longer term project, set distinct goals and have project reports at regular intervals.

• Deliverables
•     G-code files only. Just pure toolpath to run in your machine, hopefully from a clean post processor. In this case, you may not care what CAM system was used, so long as the code makes good parts.
•     Source and posted code. This way, if/when you might need to use or reference the source file, you'll have it. Obviously, you and the contractor will need to have the same CAM system. Be sure you are running compatible versions. And determine who is supplying the post processor.
•     Source code only. Maybe you have a CAM system that works well for you, but you just need some help getting CAD files loaded up and some general toolpath started. This too can work well, depending on the situation and your requirements.
•     Conversational (ie. proprietary) programs can provide a very convenient format for the specific machine. These can also expedite prove-out, as minor and major changes can be made on the machine. But these programming formats often have limitations when the part features are more complex.
•     Documentation. We believe that any CNC program requires some level of supportive documentation.
•         Programming notes for each operation. Include identification of the respective part feature.
•         Set-up sheet. Describe program origin and part orientation.
•         Tool list
•         Process drawings. These can start with a few simple sketches or CAM screen captures, and become as elaborate as independent drawings for each feature.
•         Always get adequate documentation as needed for your environment.

Getting started, what will your contractor likely need.

• Process.  Do you have a current, reliable process that works well for you for the type of part of interest? Any details can help get your programming done quicker, and will have less prove-out edits.
• Tools. What tools do you have available or prefer to use?  Or, are you willing to purchase some new tooling as the programmer may recommend? Some general tools to start is best. No point in completely re-tooling a machine, especially is many tools are common to numerous parts.
• Fixture. What orientation is the part held, feature clearances, part rigidity, etc.
• Part details. Features to be machined. Are there any in-process features?
•     Supply prints with geometric tolerancing.
•     Supply CAD files as necessary to support the CAM software used.

.................Under Construction ............................

Last update : August 11, 2010