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Messages - themaker

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General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach 3 G-code compatibility
« on: May 05, 2020, 10:14:04 AM »
Thanks for the feedback.

The Mach 03 and Fanuc relationship was useful as I found that Mach 03 responded very well but not perfect :) to all the g-code that BobCad generated.  BobCad is also a very old program so I suspect it can be finicky as well.  As to an ANSI standard g-code thanks for the insight, I can relate.  As I an Engineering Electronics Technologist I have also seen the ANSI standards as in RS 232 communications not being very standard at all.

I managed to find a users manual for Mach 03 that details the g-code subprograms very well as well as Mach 03,s response to a g-code function. So I should have enough information to finish customizing the post processor.

As for the machining problem again thanks for the feedback.  I am aware of the backlash sues as I am using an open loop servo system (without positional feedback).  Fortunately Mach 03 can be setup to compensate for backlash and lead screw nonliterary.  Nonliterary has not been a problem and I have corrected for the backlash.  Unfortunately the backlash correction is not quite symmetrical so I have a 0.5 though backlash in one direction and 0.2 though backlash in the other on all three axis.  All in all, the mill is quite accurate considering the setup.  I purposely did not over pre-load the bearings too prevent premature wear.  Maybe I can install a strong wave washer behind the bearing to help with the backlash vs pre-load.

I have reviewed my part problem and have found that I had used the "scribe" function and not the "engrave" function in the past.  That may solve my problem.

Anyway, Thanks again for all the feed back.  I love Mack 03 have not tried Mack 04.  I think that there is allot of power packaged in the software.  Keep on making!!!

Case closed.

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General Mach Discussion / Mach 3 G-code compatibility
« on: April 30, 2020, 12:16:31 PM »
Hi All;
I am new here so please forgive me if this not the correct place to post this.

I have modified my mini-mill by adding stepper motors and inductive limit switches to the mill.  Works very well with Mach 3 at the helm.  I have milled many parts but sometimes have problems with very fine engraving jobs where objects are out of alignment.

I am using BobCad to design my parts and generate the g-code output.  BobCad can generate g-code for many makes of machines.  Through trial and error I managed to find a Fanuc post processor that is somewhat compatible to Mach 3.  I managed to edit the Fanuc post processor to make it more compatible but still occasionally come across some code problems.

My question here is what flavor of g-code does Mach 3 except, Fanuc, Samsung, Hitachi...?  What co-processor would work best?

Thanks.

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HI;
My name is Graham and I am an Engineering Electronics Technologist by trade.  I am also very strong in mechanical design and fabrication as well.  My hobbies are Electronics (all disciplines), Auto mechanics, making stuff and RC aircraft.

Over the years I have been collecting machine tools to be able to fabricate parts to feed my hobbies.  I acquired a mini-mill many years ago and was satisfied to count spindle clicks to make my parts as tedious as it was.  A fried of mine gave me a his BobCad software that he did not use any more.  Unlike my other mechanical design software that I have used, BobCad generates g-code tailored to a specific machine. With parts from the local recycle shop, I built a CNC controller out of an old computer chassis with an industrial mini computer as the heart.  I installed the steppers and wire it all up and the system has been working great for many years now with only the occasional g-code problem.

I will post this problem in the general section as I am sure that it should not be posted here.

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