Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: MinusApex on September 18, 2016, 06:15:00 PM

Title: For Tarus CM5P
Post by: MinusApex on September 18, 2016, 06:15:00 PM

Hello, Came across this software looking for alternative solution to retrofitting a new controller on a Tarus 5 axis Model CM5P. Is there any reason why this wouldn't work? Being that I am getting back into CNC and picked this up for a great deal what should be on the shopping list in order for Mach 4 to (possibly) work? Appreciate the feedback and open to ideas.

Thanks,
Bob

Title: Re: For Tarus CM5P
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on September 19, 2016, 01:50:25 AM

Mach3 and Mach4 are both capable of controlling a 5 axis machine but you have to consider the compatibility of the CAD/CAM software you would be planning to use. Mach3, for example, does not compute kinematic motion – this would have to have been done within the CAM software prior to creating the Gcode. Mach4 will, I am sure, be capable of kinematics but it may be quite some time in the future before this feature is available.

Currently, ‘Teach file’ operation is available with Mach3 and also operation with a 5 axis plugin being developed here; http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,32107.0.html

Tweakie. 

Title: Re: For Tarus CM5P
Post by: MinusApex on September 19, 2016, 10:03:56 AM

Thanks for the great info Tweakie. I would be using Powermill or MasterCAM. Would that satisfy the computation of the kinematic motion requirement before processing the G code? Checked out the work, looks very promising. Hope he keeps it up. Hopefully a version for Mach 4 will pop up soon. I'm interested in the Industrial version but if I could get away with Mach 3 / CAM combo that would be great. This will be a project but hope to usher the machine into the modern age soon using this software (it was built in the early 90's). Is there anything that I could buy ahead of time to prepare the machine for a smooth transition to the software? Comms, USB conversion, hardware. etc?

Thanks so much.

Title: Re: For Tarus CM5P
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on September 19, 2016, 11:21:31 AM

It is my understanding that compatible post processors are available for both PowerMill and MasterCam so if they can produce the required Gcode then Mach3 can make it.

The Tarus is bit of a specialist machine and exactly what you would need in the way of hardware will depend on the existing servo’s / stepper’s / drive’s / etc. and what can be used and what needs replacement. As I have no experience of retrofitting such a machine I am unable to offer any advice in this respect, however, I am sure there are others here on the forum who can assist.

Tweakie.

Title: Re: For Tarus CM5P
Post by: MinusApex on September 19, 2016, 06:25:05 PM

Thanks again Tweakie, Keep up the great work. See you again on the forums.