Can A Modbus control a.........

[TT350]

So what your are saying is to use a PLC to take a tool change command from Mach, make the change and use a multi contact double poll double throw relay to take the motor outputs for a axis and use them for the tool changer and when the change is complete the relay would go back to controlling the axis?   

 

[poppabear]

no, I am saying that the PLC itself runs 2 servo/stepper drives, and servos independantly of Mach. It does NOT use an axis from Mach at all.

scott

[Perfo]

I may be completely wrong but I think poppa was offering an alternative in that Mach with a two parallel ports (or smoothstepper) can handle five or six axis's (if that's the right word) and thus if you don't need six axis on your machine and you are not worried about a fast tool change then you can set up mach to use one of the unused axis to control your ATC. The PLC option can do this an a lot more but comes with a price of being a lot more complex.

Ps Please forget me if I'm wrong.

[TT350]

poppabear:

Mach would go to a preset Z and send the PLC a signal to start the tool change and after the tool change is compleat
the PLC would tell Mach to start again?

If this is the case the bulk of the programming would be done in the PLC right?

[Chaoticone]

Poppa can confirm but yup, that is correct.

Brett

[TT350]

Automation direct looks like the source for the PLC do you recommend a part#?

[Chaoticone]

Well, it all depends on your set up. I think lots have used the D0-06DR. It is 16 dc ins and 20 relay outs. Uses AC supply power and has a tiny 24V dc power supply built in. You're the only one who knows for sure what you need though. Lots of options. 

Brett 

[poppabear]

Yea, you can do the model of DL06 that Brett said, its advantage is on the output side is since it is relays, you dont have to worry about sinking/sourcing concepts.

your gonna drop some cash, the PLC is (with relay outs), about 220.00, if your doing a standard rotary axis then +1 CTRIO module (200.00), if your doing rotary PLUS a swap arm (you have a choice, of servo control or motor control with Encouder reads vs prox positioning), if you run another servo/stepper then you will need another CTRIO module 200.00. also you will have the cost of a 24v power supply, a Power supply for what ever drives you choose, and cost of motor types........

You can QUIVKLY get into the 1,500.00 dollar price range for a 2 servo, swap arm read a head ATC. 

If your doing just straight rotary, then your probably looking at about 1000.00 bucks, and that is JUST for the main electrical/electronic components. Not including cost of supplies, Enclosure, mechanical components, design time, debugging, programming..............etc.

scott

[TT350]

Yea Ive been looking at the prices and it's not cheap.
On top of all that the Automation direct tech guy tells me that the software to
program the PLC is about $400.00.

So this is not going to be cheap but it will pay for it's self in about 2 mouths.

[TT350]

I’ve been looking at my options do get this done
and there’s more than one way to skin this cat.

So what I’ve been thinking was since my breakout board
is full “running 4 axis” can I use a smooth stepper to index my ATC and let a simpler more basic PLC handle the other stuff?

I’ve done a little reading about smooth stepper boards
and It seams to me that they are just a USB brake out board, am I right?

If this I’m right can Mach run a smooth stepper or some other device to control a axis via USB with the printer port being tied up doing other axis work?   

You veterans please be payshint with me.
I read and read and read and search the forums
every night and it is making more and more since
every day but there is so much to take in.