Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => Mach4 General Discussion => Topic started by: Azalin on December 29, 2021, 07:08:11 AM

Title: Mach4 Lathe: Is elliptical turning possible?
Post by: Azalin on December 29, 2021, 07:08:11 AM
I use SolidWorks & SolidCAM and Mach4 for my simple 2 axis lathe.

Looks like SolidCAM can not do elliptic so wonder if there is a plugin like software for Mach4 that allows one ellipse turning?
Title: Re: Mach4 Lathe: Is elliptical turning possible?
Post by: Azalin on December 29, 2021, 07:34:02 AM
By the way, my lathe have an encoder attached to the spindle.
Title: Re: Mach4 Lathe: Is elliptical turning possible?
Post by: Greekart on December 29, 2021, 02:30:23 PM
I use SolidWorks & SolidCAM and Mach4 for my simple 2 axis lathe.

Looks like SolidCAM can not do elliptic so wonder if there is a plugin like software for Mach4 that allows one ellipse turning?

What you mean elliptic? Fillet? Arc?
Why not solidcam can't?
If you can upload an example to see.
Title: Re: Mach4 Lathe: Is elliptical turning possible?
Post by: Azalin on December 29, 2021, 03:04:35 PM
Something like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP2OD6XbZw4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP2OD6XbZw4)
Title: Re: Mach4 Lathe: Is elliptical turning possible?
Post by: Greekart on December 29, 2021, 04:10:22 PM
Something like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP2OD6XbZw4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP2OD6XbZw4)

You need to change your post-processor to mill-turn and your lathe need to have 3 axis. You must change the spindle motor to a servo or something to make movement than speed. Mach4 and solidworks-solidcam is capable for this, no plugin need.
Title: Re: Mach4 Lathe: Is elliptical turning possible?
Post by: Azalin on December 29, 2021, 05:07:43 PM
I don't think the spindle needs to be a servo. The lathe in the video has an induction motor driven by a VFD. But the spindle have an encoder with hall, same as mine. He uses LinuxCNC though.

https://youtu.be/z6dK41_usfQ?t=281 (https://youtu.be/z6dK41_usfQ?t=281)
Title: Re: Mach4 Lathe: Is elliptical turning possible?
Post by: Greekart on December 30, 2021, 03:58:20 AM
I don't think the spindle needs to be a servo. The lathe in the video has an induction motor driven by a VFD. But the spindle have an encoder with hall, same as mine. He uses LinuxCNC though.

https://youtu.be/z6dK41_usfQ?t=281 (https://youtu.be/z6dK41_usfQ?t=281)

As i said you need a way to use your spindle as movement and not speed. Don't believe that worth to try with encoders e.t.c

To do something like that with encoder, you need to have a high resolution encoder not just a hal to know where exactly is the spindle. That info need to know mach4 and use is as an Axis ( A, C e.tc.) or have some kind script/plugin to use that info when you want.

If is possible, yes i believe it is, if it worth it, i think not.

The video is turn cutting with rpm sensing and the 1st video was face cutting like a mill.

Ofc someone maybe know more..
Title: Re: Mach4 Lathe: Is elliptical turning possible?
Post by: Graham Waterworth on December 30, 2021, 06:18:58 PM
You have to treat it as a milling profile so the spindle is the A axis and that way you can sync it to the X axis,  the only problem you may have is depending on the shape you may need the tool to rise and fall on the Y axis to maintain the cutting centre line so the back of the tool is not fouling the part.