Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: zmanbb on April 10, 2014, 01:39:01 PM
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Hi
Is it possible to use Mach3 to create cutting / sawing machine similar as on this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnap1utiJdo
The machine has fiexd wire saw (toolpoint is fixed) and two axes:
- X axis for horizontal movement
- C axis for rotary movement
The center of C axis and the tool point are aligned on X axis.
Can Mach3 handle this kind of axis configuration?
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Should not be an issue with Mach, possibly the toolpath view will not show correctly but other than that Mach will just execute the commands you send and there should not be a problem.
Hood
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I want to be able to input the coordinates (and shapes) in XY coordinates.
Will Mach3 be able to transform the XY coordinates to proper X-C movement of axes?
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If you input the moves as X and Y you will get X and Y toolpaths, you would seem to be wanting X and C from what I gather.
Hood
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Yes, you are right.
I want to input moves in X an Y coordinates. Then Mach3 must transform them to movements of X and C axis.
Can Mach3 handle these kind of transformations?
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No, if you want X and C moves you should programme X and C moves.
Hood
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You're really asking about CAM functionality, to expect CNC software to do the trasnform is a little optimistic ;-)
A decent CAM system will allow you to define your machine configuration, ask the players in your budget if their software will deal with this configuration and choose from the ones that will,
- Nick
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I had it in mind that you might be able to do this using axis formulas (Function Cfgs). I tried it but it just produced a nonsense toolpath. A bit more diddling and either I'm doing it wrong or formulas don't work properly. Really simple ones seem to work but anything slightly complicated seems to throw it. The example on the formulas dialog implies it CAN handle more complex formulas but not here anyway. (3.43.22).
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I had it in mind that you might be able to do this using axis formulas (Function Cfgs). I tried it but it just produced a nonsense toolpath. A bit more diddling and either I'm doing it wrong or formulas don't work properly. Really simple ones seem to work but anything slightly complicated seems to throw it. The example on the formulas dialog implies it CAN handle more complex formulas but not here anyway. (3.43.22).
I looked at this as well but concluded that Nick is quite right - it is really a job for the CAM software to sort out.
Tweakie.
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This Wizard can do something similar to what you need. It can reconfigure MACH3 to run the rotary axis as Y directly from Gcode.
http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,23216.0.html
I would permantly setup the machine the same way the wizard sets up the machine. Then when you run teh Gcode Mach3 converts the Y linear to run as C rotary.
Just a thought, (;-) TP
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I must be seeing this all wrong but I just cant work out why, if you want the machine to act as a X and C axis, you have physical X and C axes that you want to programme X and Y, why not just programme X and C?
Hood
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Probably because most low end Cams cannot do that conversion (;-) so IF the machine can do it it may save a large chunk of cash. It is kinda like conversational programming Vs Cam programing.
I agree the best thing to do IS set up the machine as XC and let CAM handle it. But this is Mach3 land of the WE can do it.
Can it be done yes , should it be done, probably not.
(;-) TP
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Can it be done yes.
I've somehow missed the solution to this, we're talking about a horizontal table for profiling 2.5D parts, it is interesting as it could increase the profiling envelope of a small mill with the use of a rotary table with a stepper!
Which post in the linked thread gives details of config for using a horizontal rotary, one horizontal linear axis and Z?
Ta,
Nick
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what you are talking about is what lathes with milling do when they do not have a Y axis, most lathe CAM can do XC or polar milling so lathe may be the place to look for code creation.
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what you are talking about is what lathes with milling do when they do not have a Y axis, most lathe CAM can do XC or polar milling so lathe may be the place to look for code creation.
Would a CAM package have to support live lathe tooling for polar milling to be likely to be supported?
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Yes it would.