Topics

1

General Mach Discussion / zero an axis "in program" ??

« on: July 28, 2013, 11:57:21 AM »

I am using Mach3 to run a 3D printer. the extruder is run off the A axis and is set up to be a linear axis. I'd like to set up the gcode so the controller automatically re- zero's the A axis at the end of a program so that if I forget to manually zero it, it does not try and back up 3000 millimeters of filament at the start of the next program. Is there an easy way to do this with simple G-code, or will this require a custom macro?

again, all I want is is for the software to zero the A axis at the end of a program.

Thanks for any help.

2

General Mach Discussion / Visualizer image is zoomed waaaayy out

« on: January 30, 2012, 10:07:58 AM »

Hey guys
    This problem concerns the tool path visualizer in Mach Turn. for reasons I can't seem to figure out. When ever I use Dolphin CAM to generate a G-code, the visualizer image for the tool path is always zoomed way out leaving the tool path just as a tiny spec on the screen. If I zoom in on the screen as far as it will allow me, I can just make out the tool path. unfortunately this is not very useful for inspecting a program for correct tool paths as I cant properly zoom in on areas.
I do not have this problem if I write the program myself so I am not sure what it is in the Dolphin CAM code that is causing this.

Anyone care to take a look at an example.

3

General Mach Discussion / Gaining steps...maybe? with Servo Drive

« on: July 25, 2011, 03:49:47 PM »

I am scratching my head on this one so I thought I would consult the Hive Mind. I am having an issue where my Z axis on my Mill is gaining steps. If I move the z head down 1" I get exact motion. If I move the z axis up, I get between 1.008" and 1.015" of movement (not lost steps, but gained steps). I do not think it is slop in the system because the error is cumulative and based on the feed rate. the slower I move the Z the greater the error. If I do a test program that moves the head +1" then -1" and runs the cycle 50 times. at 40 IPM I get a total accumulated error of about .015" if I run the same program at 5 IPM I get a total accumulated error of .05"-.075" or more!!

I am using Gecko Servo Drives and the servo's are from Industrial Hobbies. I am using Bob Campbell s break out board as well.

If anyone has any test suggestions I am open.
So far I have tried
- re tuning the servo drive with no effect.
- check the ball screw and bearing to make sure it was not moving in and out.
- Backlash on my Ball nut is approximately .003" (its a heavy mill head so preloaded nuts dont really work so good)
- adjusted the motor acceleration way down to be sure I wasnt loosing steps that way.

I have had this machine for 5 years and it generally has run well, this is a new development I cant seem to sort. anyone got any ideas.

Chris

4

General Mach Discussion / 4th axis display is showing polygons instead of helix

« on: May 22, 2011, 05:50:50 PM »

This is just a minor issue but I thought I would see if anyone has encountered it.
I am writing some code to cut a Helix using the A axis.  But for some reason the tool path display is displaying the helix in a straight line polygon style as apposed to a smooth circular helix. Everything runs correctly but it just bugs the hell out of me that I cant visualize my clearances properly. anyone got a fix.

CB

5

General Mach Discussion / running on Mac OSX

« on: December 18, 2009, 08:08:16 PM »

Hello everyone. silly question. So I was wondering if it possible to run the Mach screens from a Mac using say a PC emulator of some type. Not to run the actual machines or anything. I just was hoping I could proof programs on a mac buy installing the software without the drivers and trying to run it on an emulator of some kind. Has anyone tried this? the reason I ask is that I am so sick of PC problems I want to buy a Mac, and the only program stopping me is Mach3. I still need a way to sit and write programs in my office without having to do it at the machine. Any thoughts out there.

6

General Mach Discussion / Button style tool holder???

« on: September 02, 2009, 07:12:46 PM »

Hey everyone
I have been dabbling with different Cam softwares and looking through Mach lathe tutorials and I have noticed in all of them, they refer to a turning tool holder that uses round inserts or I've heard it called a button tool for turning more complicated rounded profiles. Problem is, I've never seen one. anywhere, for sale. I have seen round inserts. Just no tool holders. Anyone got any info on these.

CB



 

7

General Mach Discussion / can some one look at this code for me

« on: July 19, 2009, 12:16:26 PM »

Can someone take a look at this code for me? I am trying to proof it, but all I am getting on my screen is a straight line for the tool path.It should be kind of a bullet shape. I cant find anything wrong that I can think of. This is a lathe program so if anyone wants to see if they can find my error. its driving me bonkers.

8

General Mach Discussion / cutting an arc on the outside of a rotary axis

« on: July 05, 2009, 07:28:44 PM »

Hello everyone.
     Trying something new and I wanted to consult the mass's first. I am planning a part that will require me to cut an arc on the outside of a rotating part mounted in my rotary table on my mill. meaning that the two axis along wich the arc will be cut is the X and the A ( as apposed to the usual X and Y). I think a dabbled in this before but was wondering what the approach should be. Will it work if the A axis is set up as angular? can I give mach an angle and a distance with which to interpolate the arc or do I need to fiddle with some settings first?
any help will be welcomed.

CB

9

General Mach Discussion / Oval pockets

« on: February 23, 2009, 07:12:23 PM »

helllo all,
I am curious if any one has come up with a wizard or something that helps  with writing code for cutting Oval pockets. I dont really need a cam program otherwise but Id like to cut a few oval pockets in an up coming project. I saw an older post on this subject but it looks like the solution ended up being that Grahm ended up just posting the code that the guy needed.

Bathgate

10

General Mach Discussion / scaling up an old program

« on: January 22, 2009, 03:44:15 PM »

Hey every body. Its been a little while since I have been on. I was wondering if there is a way to scale up an existing program without rewriting the whole thing. I have a design that I'd like to cut at a couple of different sizes.
didnt know if there was a function for that or if I could simply adjust the steps per inch setting to accomplish this task.
wondering what others think is the best way to go about this or if there was already a thread on this and someone could point me at it.

Cb