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Third party software and hardware support forums. / ClearPath Servo HLFB To Trigger Condition In Mach 4
« on: March 03, 2023, 10:28:50 PM »
Hi All,
I'm building a CNC plasma, I plan on using the MB3 and ESS combo with Clearpath SDSK Servos run by Mach 4.
Before a cut is made the torch height needs to zero on the surface of the material to be cut first then raise to say 3mm above the surface and begin cutting.
So as the title suggests I'm wondering if the Clearpath HLFB on the Z axis of the plasma cutter can be used to trigger a condition in Mach 4 (Zero the torch height) when the plasma torch touches the plate before cutting.
From what I've seen most people use a micro switch or continuity test to set zero pos for the torch but this adds complication and potential failure points to the construction.
I'm hoping with a bit of code and the right settings in the Clearpath UI this could be achieved by having Mach 4 monitor the amp draw from the servo HLFB. During the steps outlined above when the torch touches the material, the amp draw goes above a set point, Mach 4 will then zero the Z height and proceed with the next step.
Has anyone done anything like this using the HLFB?
Cheers,
J
I'm building a CNC plasma, I plan on using the MB3 and ESS combo with Clearpath SDSK Servos run by Mach 4.
Before a cut is made the torch height needs to zero on the surface of the material to be cut first then raise to say 3mm above the surface and begin cutting.
So as the title suggests I'm wondering if the Clearpath HLFB on the Z axis of the plasma cutter can be used to trigger a condition in Mach 4 (Zero the torch height) when the plasma torch touches the plate before cutting.
From what I've seen most people use a micro switch or continuity test to set zero pos for the torch but this adds complication and potential failure points to the construction.
I'm hoping with a bit of code and the right settings in the Clearpath UI this could be achieved by having Mach 4 monitor the amp draw from the servo HLFB. During the steps outlined above when the torch touches the material, the amp draw goes above a set point, Mach 4 will then zero the Z height and proceed with the next step.
Has anyone done anything like this using the HLFB?
Cheers,
J