Topics

1

General Mach Discussion / Noisy Axis problem.

« on: July 08, 2011, 12:27:05 PM »

Hi guys,
A few years ago I converted a New Hermes engraver to CNC using Xylotex drives and Mach-3 controller (my post describing details is on this forum).  Well, I recently noticed a "growling" vibration coming from the X/Y table when I move it in the +Y direction at high speed. All other axes and directions are smooth and quiet. My Y axis carries the X axis motor and lead screw, therefore it carries the biggest load (if that makes any difference). When I jog the Y in the positive direction, the table starts out smooth and quiet but then starts to growl and vibrate after a second or two of movement, becoming louder and stronger over a short distance. It seems to me like something is mechanically resonating, but I'm not certain. I tried retuning the Y axis using different velocity and acceleration numbers, but that did not help unless the table moves very slowly (which is unacceptable).  So, my questions is, Is there some way to filter the resonance/vibration in the Mach-3 software? All axes use standard stepper motors.

Thanks!

2

General Mach Discussion / G92 Offest Problem (maybe)

« on: November 26, 2010, 12:24:51 AM »

I've been using Mach-3 for a long time, and I just now started using G92 in a recent program but it seems to be offsetting in the opposite direction. For example, if I use "G92 X3.0" the offset becomes negative (X-3.0). I confirmed this in the diagnostic tab which shows the actual G92 counters for each axis. If I use "G92 X-3.0" then the X axis gets offest by a positive 3.0!  What's going on here? Am I misinterpreting how G92 is supposed to work, or is there a bug in the program? 

Thanks!

3

VB and the development of wizards / Can the "Import DXF's" feature be modified in Mach3?

« on: August 08, 2007, 04:20:01 PM »

I searched the forums and was not able to find what I'm looking for, so maybe someone here could help me. I've been using Mach3 with a Xylotex 3-axis stepper controller to drive a New Hermes engraver. Everything works great but I recently built a 50 watt CO2 laser that I would like to interface to the engraver. I plan on controlling the laser beam on/off with Spindle M3 and M5 codes, and I won't be needing any Z-axis moves. Is there a way that the Import DXF's "Generate G-code" function can be modified to place M3 codes in place of where it would normally place Z-axis moves? If it isn't alterable, then could someone suggest a DXF to G-code converter that is configurable? I would also like to create some other special M-codes for other functions.  If possible, I do not want to have to do any software programming, only program setup and configuration. Thanks!

4

General Mach Discussion / Homing sequence and Z-Axis Home Offset?

« on: October 31, 2006, 11:33:00 AM »

Hi Guys -- I am just finishing up converting a New Hermes engraver to CNC with the MACH3 controller. I have all my limits and home switches adjusted and working properly but I am having a problem with homing the Z axis (engraver tool bit). I would like to be able to make the Z axis move to a specific position away from the Z Home switch, rather than to have it stop immediately upon actuation of the Home switch. Is that possible in MACH3? Also, could the SEQUENCE of Axes be changed? In other words can I make the system Home first the Z, then the X, then the Y?

Thanks!

Mike

5

General Mach Discussion / Controller for New Hermes Vanguard 3000 Engraver

« on: October 20, 2006, 03:04:44 PM »

Hi everyone! I'm a Newbie here with a question about my New Hermes engraver. The Vanguard 3000 is a 3-Axis rotary engraver that has a dedicated controller. I was wondering if anyone reading this has been able to replace the dedicated controller with a CNC controller card that plugs into a PC, running MACH3? The dedicated controller is not CNC, but rather uses font cartridges which limits its versatility. I want to be able to engrave graphics as well as text.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  THANKS!