Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: machfab on December 11, 2011, 07:37:15 PM

Title: dry run
Post by: machfab on December 11, 2011, 07:37:15 PM

Is there a way to "dry run" a program? Meaning run the g codes with the spindle (waterjet water) and coolant (abrasive flow) disabled?
Sometimes we need to trace cut the program once to make sure we have it positioned on the sheet correctly. Also is there a hotkey to turn on the spindle and a hotkey for the coolant? This would be handy for scrap cutting.
Thanks in advance.

Title: Re: dry run
Post by: rrc1962 on December 11, 2011, 07:56:49 PM

Inhibit Z, then modify your M codes that turn on water and abrasive to recognize whether inhibit Z is on.

Title: Re: dry run
Post by: ger21 on December 11, 2011, 08:04:44 PM

F5 is spindle I think

Title: Re: dry run
Post by: BR549 on December 11, 2011, 08:36:59 PM

Let your CAM include the Skip Block function for the M3 and M8, \M3 & \M8 . To run dry then click on block delete and run the code. If all is well then turn OFF block delete and cut away.

I have a routine that is a button for dry runs. It turns on block delete and sets the scale for Z at .001. That way the Z really never moves much. It also steps up the Feedrate to 200 %. A second button sets it all back to normal.

Just a thought, (;-) TP

Title: Re: dry run
Post by: machfab on December 11, 2011, 08:56:44 PM

I am not sure if z inhibit will work as I only use x & y.

Title: Re: dry run
Post by: rrc1962 on December 11, 2011, 09:16:27 PM

Then just add a button to turn on a LED.  In your M codes for water and abrasive, look at that LED.

Title: Re: dry run
Post by: machfab on December 12, 2011, 06:15:35 AM

Quote from: rrc1962 on December 11, 2011, 09:16:27 PM

Then just add a button to turn on a LED.  In your M codes for water and abrasive, look at that LED.

Could you expand on that? Would we modify the visual basic that operates the m codes? Would we add the button in the screen designer or will a hotkey turn on & off an led? Thanks

Title: Re: dry run
Post by: poppabear on December 12, 2011, 07:54:43 AM

What Terry Said,

Scott

Title: Re: dry run
Post by: rrc1962 on December 12, 2011, 09:17:55 AM

Add a button and LED in screen designer.  In the water and abrasive M codes, add some if statements something like....

If LED is on, turn on water and abrasive....else....turn it off.

The block delete method works also, but if you have employees running the machine who don't have a don't have a good understanding of CNC and Mach3, a button that says "DRY RUN" and an LED beside it is a lot more intuitive.   

Title: Re: dry run
Post by: machfab on December 21, 2011, 06:48:03 PM

I will try that! Thanks!!