The DATRON neo was specifically designed and purpose-built to provide an easy and affordable introduction to high-speed milling. It’s a Plug-and-Play system that features the new DATRON next software which gives you full control of 3-axis milling without requiring years of experience as a machinist. That said, customers ask us all the time about the CNC workflow for this machine and whether it’s actually as easy to use as we say it is. To detail the CNC workflow seen below, we put a Sales Manager on the machine (as evidenced by their reflection in the touchscreen). We’ve included instructions on many optional functions and features in this article. The actual CNC workflow for the DATRON neo can be as short as 4 simple steps.
CNC Workflow for DATRON neo
Once the CAM’d part or “G” code is done, simply load the program onto a flash drive or send it to the DATRON neo if networked.
Once loaded, the DATRON neo will take the operator through the steps to run the part.
After loading the “G” code into the DATRON neo, the operator can pick the saved file to run.
As the operator moves through the process, the DATRON neo will check the tools already loaded vs the tools the file calls for. If a tool is missing, the neo can suggest a similar, suitable tool that is already loaded.
Next, the operator can drag their finger across the screen and use the integrated camera system to locate the part on the machine bed for probing.
Once the part is visually located, the operator can simply draw on the screen to set up probing with the machine’s integrated probe.
The DATRON neo will automatically place probing points based on the operator’s drawing. These points can be easily moved as the operator sees fit.
Another option that the DATRON neo operator has, is to move the probe points individually and manually set the parameters to avoid any special features. A keyboard will pop up on the touchscreen.
Once the probe points are to the operator’s liking, they hit the probe icon button to start. The integrated probe drops down and measures the points. If the part is loaded crooked, the DATRON next software will rotate the program accordingly.
After probing, the next control’s screen will bring the part into a 3D simulation. The operator can see the tool paths they created and watch the machining simulation. This double-checks that the part runs correctly.
The DATRON neo operator has options on how to view the part to ensure the correct machining file was chosen.
After the simulation, the DATRON neo is ready to execute the program.
There are other options for quick and simple milling on the neo. Macros are pre-set on the neo to run pockets, drilling, face milling, and contours. For quick prototyping, these operations can be done right on the machine without the need to CAM a part.
Chip disposal could not be easier because the DATRON neo features a removable drawer allowing the clean, dry aluminum chips to be vacuumed out. The neo also uses a Minimum Quantity Lubricant (MQL) system instead of a traditional flood coolant system.
With DATRON neo, tools can be hand loaded into the machine very easily.
After the tool is placed, the operator can simply tell the neo which tool spot and tool were used.
The DATRON neo can track tools inside the tool changer, as well as tools in the shop inventory, and has DATRON’s full tool library installed. This makes it a breeze to load tool information.
The DATRON neo can accommodate two vacuum tables, which can be operated independently of each other. A sacrificial layer that is air-permeable (VacuCard) is placed on the vacuum table (no gaskets!) This allows for parts to be cookie cut without milling into the table.
The neo has vacuum port controls at the front to easily turn the vacuum tables on and off. This type of workholding is a great option for flat parts. As mentioned before, parts do not need to be perfectly aligned because you can use the probe to locate parts and their rotation will be compensated for automatically.
There are a host of other accessories available for the DATRON neo milling machine, including a dust extraction head, pneumatic clamping, and automation integration. If you’re interested in learning more about the machine, just ask our team.
