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Mach4 General Discussion / Concept Validation: Dual Belt Spindle Setup
« on: February 09, 2021, 09:29:20 PM »
Hello all, I'm seeking some advice from the mach 4 gurus who know more than me in the software department.
I'm a mechanical engineer who is eager to learn more about the ins and outs of Mach 4 LUA, etc, but, my current knowledge is quite limited. I have a concept for a dual belt spindle setup that I know is mechanically feasible, and I'm willing to learn how to implement it into Mach 4 through trial/error and research once the time comes, however, I'd like to confirm that it is do-able before investing the time and effort.
I have a 2.2kW BLDC motor controlled via 0-10V analog through a VFD with a pokeys57cnc board. I'd like to build a dual belt setup for 2 speed ranges (approx. 0-4000rpm and 4000-10,000rpm). Each belt would be separately engaged by its own pneumatic air cylinder. For example, when commanded M3 S2000, air cylinder one would be engaged and thus belt number one is engaged; when commanded M3 S8000, air cylinder two would be engaged. This type of dual belt system can be seen on older Fadal machines.
My plan is to alter the M3/M4 scripts to read the commanded/desired spindle speed and output a signal to the appropriate solenoid in order to engage the belt. I know you can set up multiple speed ranges within Mach 4 but never done so. How well does mach deal with separate speed ranges, and how does my bob know what voltage to send to the VFD? As a very crude example, sending 5V to the VFD would achieve 2000rpm or 7000rpm depending on which belt I have engaged. I'm assuming mach just knows that when S8000 is commanded it is in the 2nd speed range?
I guess my overarching question to the mach veterans out there is: do you see any catastrophic problems with my plan that may arise? Any input is greatly appreciated!
--
Adam.
I'm a mechanical engineer who is eager to learn more about the ins and outs of Mach 4 LUA, etc, but, my current knowledge is quite limited. I have a concept for a dual belt spindle setup that I know is mechanically feasible, and I'm willing to learn how to implement it into Mach 4 through trial/error and research once the time comes, however, I'd like to confirm that it is do-able before investing the time and effort.
I have a 2.2kW BLDC motor controlled via 0-10V analog through a VFD with a pokeys57cnc board. I'd like to build a dual belt setup for 2 speed ranges (approx. 0-4000rpm and 4000-10,000rpm). Each belt would be separately engaged by its own pneumatic air cylinder. For example, when commanded M3 S2000, air cylinder one would be engaged and thus belt number one is engaged; when commanded M3 S8000, air cylinder two would be engaged. This type of dual belt system can be seen on older Fadal machines.
My plan is to alter the M3/M4 scripts to read the commanded/desired spindle speed and output a signal to the appropriate solenoid in order to engage the belt. I know you can set up multiple speed ranges within Mach 4 but never done so. How well does mach deal with separate speed ranges, and how does my bob know what voltage to send to the VFD? As a very crude example, sending 5V to the VFD would achieve 2000rpm or 7000rpm depending on which belt I have engaged. I'm assuming mach just knows that when S8000 is commanded it is in the 2nd speed range?
I guess my overarching question to the mach veterans out there is: do you see any catastrophic problems with my plan that may arise? Any input is greatly appreciated!
--
Adam.