Messages

1

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Mach 4 Auto Probe and Tool offset

« on: December 21, 2023, 11:44:43 AM »

I think you misunderstand how TLO's as a whole actually work.

The tool length if using a Tool Setter is a function of how long the tool is and not where the material is. The macro you posted merely defines the actual tool length based on a known master tool which would be the value from the spindle gage line if you have a CAT(SK) or BT spindle type or the distance from the tool probe trigger to the end of the ER collet located in the spindle. Typically the value of the tool length will be a positive value when using a ATLM or Automatic Tool Length Measurement device. That value is the actual length of the tool, not how the far the tool is from your part or material.

In order for the machine to properly take the tool length into account when setting your work coordinate for Z you must have G43 active for the tool in the spindle. You can do so by writing this in MDI and executing the code. This assumes you have Tool 1 in the spindle. G43 activates Tool Length Offset modal code. H1 is the tool length offset you want to attach to the current tool in the spindle. If I have Tool 1 in the spindle but desire to use Length Offset 2 pull from the tool length table from tool slot 2 then I can simply use G43 H2 even though tool 1 is the current tool. This is very dangerous and very confusing so I highly recommend not doing that. If you use tool 1 use tool offset H1. KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid Method

G43 H1

With that active and you have already set the tool length via your tool setter, when you set the Z work coordinate anywhere the tool length will be accounted for.

G49 will cancel the tool offset H1 from above.

Please note that using G43 Hx is solid and standard practice even if you have a manual tool change machine with an ER collet and no setter. Even if the tool offset in the table = 0. Most every CAM post processor of any consequence will always output the G43 no matter what. The caveat is that if you are setting you work coordinates it is done outside the CAM and is a function of the user and responsibility of the user to do this correctly.

ATLM functions the same in Mach4 as any other CNC controller Fanuc, Siemens, Heidenhain, PlanetCNC.... The difference is where the parameters for the macro reside and the way the macro code works. Functionally they are all the same. G43 is a standard code across them all.

Just always remeber that a G43 is modal. It is active until canceled. Even through program change as long as the control has not been restarted. Most CAM's will insert "Safe Code" at the top of the program that will include a G49 call to cancel any and all tool offsets. Therefore, you must have a G43 caled in your program after that to instantiate the tool offset for the tool you want to use.

Safe Code Example

G80 G20 G49 G90

G80 - Cancel any canned cycle calls

G20 or G21 - Inch or Metric Mode

G49 - Cancel Tool Offsets

G90 - Absolute Positioning Mode

To start a tool run I can then...

M6 T1 (Change to tool 1)
G90 G00 G54 X(whatever) Y(whatever)  (Go to my G54 location)
G90 G43 H1 Z 1. (Move Z to 1" above the Z G54 value taking the tool length into account)
M3 S(whatever)
~ The cutting code I wan to perform
G90 G00 Z1. (Return Z to a safe retract height)
M5
M9
G49

Next tool run....

M6 T2
G90 G00 G54 X(whatever) Y(whatever)  (Go to my G54 location)
(Use Tool Offset 2 for Tool 2)
G90 G43 H2 Z 1. (Move Z to 1" above the Z G54 value taking the tool length into account)
M3 S(whatever)
~ The cutting code I want to perform
G90 G00 Z1. (Return Z to a safe retract height)
M5
M9
G49

Hope that helps.

2

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: M4 - PoKeys Binary Selector Switch Working

« on: November 05, 2016, 04:35:55 PM »

Correct. If you think that is buggy, try the cnc version. I have since stopped using the Pokeys devices. There is a simple way to do the Binary coded switches using the same Lua methodology and any input device. I will try to post it soon.

3

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Mach 4 V2 Windows 10

« on: February 16, 2016, 08:11:39 AM »

The license is tied to the PC ID. If you change pc's you need a new license.

4

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Mach 4 V2 Windows 10

« on: February 15, 2016, 10:53:11 AM »

Hey Steve,

I have 5 protos on Win10 Pro. The Auto updates do not happen if configured correctly.

Win10 Pro has so far given a better overall performance with Peripheral Attached Hardware.

You are correct that OEM's like me do not allow for Windows updates not for install of any programs not proven reliable with the CNC.

Baring all this, according to internationally accepted safety standards the control may run Windows but must be deemed a control and specific protocols must be included to keep operators safe during operation. This drives IT guys nuts but as I keep iterating, the PC used for CNC operations is a control. Offline PC's or a parallel PC integration is the surest way to keep safety and integrity of the system intact.

Don

5

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Mach 4 V2 Windows 10

« on: February 15, 2016, 06:27:51 AM »

Mach4 is a software that has a unique feature over most others you may install. It creates the ability to automatically control the movement of external devices. That said, once Mach4 is installed the PC is no longer a PC. ANY software other than basic programs should NOT be installed.

If there is an internal Windows CPU lock in the middle of motion due to another program running you could not only crash the machine, but kill you. I have personally pulled way to many peoples body parts from machines that took this for granted.

I HIGHLY recommend a stripped install with only the essentials to run Windows and Mach. Internet should be manually connected and NEVER auto connected. Auto updates turned off.

Bottom line, with Mach 4 the PC is no longer a PC. It is a machine tool controller that just happens to use Windows as an operating system. You do not need Anti-Virus gents.

Good day. And Good luck.

Don
FuelCNC Engineering

6

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Mach 4 V2 Windows 10

« on: December 29, 2015, 03:38:02 PM »

You can of course. But industrial users should never trail the home edition. Its a control, not a PC.

7

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Mach 4 V2 Windows 10

« on: December 29, 2015, 02:19:53 PM »

Of course. Makes things simple if these things are shared.

8

Mach4 General Discussion / Mach 4 V2 Windows 10

« on: December 29, 2015, 09:59:43 AM »

Gents,

I have done extensive testing of Mach 4 V2 on 3 machines. All running Win 10 PRO. Home will NOT work. Here are some things to ensure there are no interference's from Windows 10 PRO on Mach:

1. Make sure that Smart Screen is turned OFF. (MOST IMPORTANT) Mach will crash and stall. Fail to restart without reboot. In Control Panel go to Security settings. Find Smart Screen. Set to OFF. This causes issues when you shutdown Mach and do not reboot. Why? Because WIN 10 thinks Mach is an internet program. Go Windows.... Lol.
2. Set your App security to allow anything. WIN 10 Pro allows this. Home... Not so much. It is under user security.
3. The glorious Windows Defender App. You cannot turn it off directly. You must disable the service.
4. AVG Anti-Virus works fine and does not screw with Mach 4 V2. Most others do. They are too intrusive. Skinny is best.
5. Make sure you do NOT use compatibility modes. Under the program properties menu. Right click Mach icon.
6. Set in the program security settings to always run as admin.


As I complete the testing I will post more. But, overall the performance difference from XP, and 8.1 are leaps and bounds better. I think that maybe Billy got it right this time. But, the jury is still out. 

Don

9

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Dual Channel Output TP

« on: August 06, 2015, 06:40:34 AM »

Like a lathe with 2 turrets and live tools on both. And a sub. Also known as a MillTurn. Mori Seiki NT series is a good example.

Or imagine a router with 2 independent Gantry and independent atc units.

10

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Multiple Spindles on Independent Z

« on: August 05, 2015, 05:24:16 PM »

Requires dual channel Traj planner which I dont think M4 has. You would have to do a PLC script to do this in your cheaper version. In the M6 simply change the logic to set various relays to tranfer power to each motor, Then use G54 - G55 or the extended sets to move the Z to the place on the part should start. Use a relay to port the z power to the motor needed. Call G28 Z0 Tell Mach the tool has been changed. Call the G43 H?? Back to main program.....

I have over simplified on purpose. But that is the only way you could do it. You still would ahve to manually set tool heights for each tool independently which is why no one does it. Pain to run no matter how transparent. But it can be done.