Topics

1

Mach4 General Discussion / Advice wanted on canned cycle, scripting, etc.

« on: June 16, 2017, 02:35:11 PM »

Hi,
Let me preface by saying; I'm not looking for someone to do my homework (I enjoy the learning process).  I'm looking for advice on which method(s) to use to achieve my desired results.

I am (still) quite new to this, and looking for some advice.  I am looking to run a tapping cycle, in a straight line, on a rail (pre-punched holes).  I have a set pattern in groups of three holes, as such; .625, .625, .500 (inches).  What that is, is a standard "rack unit" spacing for rack mounted computers and such.  The rails, however, come in different lengths, and can be any number of "rack units" from 12 to 52.  Also, the rails may have holes in just one row, or may also have them in two rows, and those rows may have different spacing between them (variable depending on spec).  Additionally, there will be the ability to place rails side by side.

What I am trying to do is create a friendly screen, where a user can input the number of rack units, [one side or two], and the number of rails per run.  Now, baby steps is probably the best way for me to get going, so here's a question (or two):
What is the best way for me to have the three spaces (.625, .625, .500) in to a repeating cycle for a certain number of times.  This will need to happen in a manner that can be used by my next question
What method(s) should I use for getting data (number of "rack units") from a screen text box and have it repeat that "rack unit" for [txtBox value] times.

I know this might be hard to understand, as it was hard to try to word it correctly.  I am hoping that someone will at least understand it well enough to start a conversation with me (and the group).  Through brainstorming, we can solve anything.

Regards,
Patrick

2

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Router Table Retrofit - Advice request

« on: April 10, 2017, 06:46:56 PM »

Hello,
I hope I've done my homework correctly... (have a few remaining questions, and looking for someone to look over my proposed build).

My machine, a 4x8' router table was modified many years ago with a dc motor and a tapping head (self reversing Procunier #1E).  It has 2 Horizontal, and 2 vertical axis.  It was intended to have the two vertical axis (Z, W) drive synchronously in what would be a basic Line-At-Angle (except the hole spacing changes throughout the line).
Obviously, doing this with an old school DC motor becomes a difficult task because of speed and feed rates.  So, I was handed the machine and told to fix it.  This quest brings me to you.  I have done, in my mind, a good amount of research, and would like opinions on my results.  Here are my parameters;

1)The existing drives (Mitsubishi servo's) are wired for SD operation, and do function with Mach3 (which I will use for testing only, before going with Mach4 Hobby.
2)The new motors (we will call them spindles) will need to run between 400-1000 RPM, and provide no less than 18-20 inch pounds of torque at speed.
3)These spindles must be able to maintain relatively matched speeds, as they will be driving (10-32 and 12-24 SAE taps).

After doing my research, here is what I have come up with;

Software
Mach3 or 4 (demo mode, but will license for Mach4 Hobby)

Controller
https://www.poscope.com/product/pokeys57cnc/

https://www.poscope.com/product/cablepack-pokeys57cnc/


Motor
https://www.teknic.com/model-info/CPM-SDSK-3432S-RLS/

https://www.teknic.com/accessories/#product_783

https://www.teknic.com/products/servo-motor-dc-power-supply/#ipc-5-info
https://www.teknic.com/accessories/#product_328]https://www.teknic.com/accessories/#product_787
[url]https://www.teknic.com/accessories/#product_328
https://www.teknic.com/model-info/CPM-SDSK-3432S-RLN/

Tapping
https://www.maritool.com/Tool-Holders-Floating-Tap-Holders/c23_27/p65/ER16-Floating-Tap-Tool-Holder/product_info.html
  This allows for 5/16 deviation to compensate for any difference in vertical lift vs. tap rotational speed.

Question;
If anyone is familiar with any of the above, I would appreciate and feedback you have.
Anyone that feels compelled to chime in, feel free, please.
Will I need BoB's?

Other places I found information;
http://www.cnccookbook.com/CCCNCTappingFeedsSpeedsTechniques.html
http://blog.cnccookbook.com/2011/12/24/motion-control-boards-take-mach3-from-hobby-class-to-industrial-grade-part-2/

thank you for taking the time to read this, and thatnk you also (in advance) for any input you may have.
P.S. be gentle... this is my first time.

3

General Mach Discussion / Help! How best to configure Mitsubishi MR-E-20A (and 40A)-QZ

« on: March 27, 2017, 02:06:33 PM »

Good day to you.  First time posting.  Please forgive me if this is the wrong area, but I did see similar questions to mine here.  I currently have what used to be a CNC router (4x8' table), manufactured by Shop Sabre, using WinCNC software and in internal controller card.  The machine has 4 Mitsubishi servo drives/motors, MR-E-20A (and 40A)-QZ.  I can not find a reference to the QZ.  The closest I've come is this link http://dl.mitsubishielectric.com/dl/fa/document/manual/servo/sh030031/sh030031b.pdf.

When WinCNC connected these drives, they did so using 5v from the controller card, versus the 24v requirement in the referenced manual.  They also only used pins 1,2,8, 23, and 25.  Pins 1 and 2 are soldered to one wire (+5v).  Pin 8 is E-Stop input.  Pins 23 and 25 are PP and NP respectively.

In talking to Mach Support, they are not sure the drives will function with the software.  They have recommended I install the Mach3 version, hook up a drive, and try it out.  Now I am, by no means, an engineer on this stuff.  I've been around it for a long time, and I could probably muddle my way though it and hopefully not burn out a drive, but in an effort to do this the smart way, I thought I would ask here if anyone either has experience with these drives, or knows enough about this to decipher the manual, couple that with your knowledge of Mack3, and help me get the signals worked out.

Thank you, in advance, for any help you can offer me.

Patrick