Messages

1

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: CAM ( or CAD/CAM) software for horizontal drilling in MACH3

« on: December 11, 2017, 06:10:39 PM »

TOTALLYRC,
I didn't find OneCNC trial version to test what you suggested, and  was almost give up of searching for other solutions.and choose a Garyhlucas's CamBam idea.

But then I decided to try to edit Mach3 post for AlphaCam. I compare 3 Alphacam posts, one for Fanuc, which support horizontal drilling, but is to differ in code for XZ and YZ planes, one Matsuura Mach3, which create very similar code in XZ and YZ planes, but have some other differences in code, and Mach3 post which doesn't support horizontal drilling.

I am very satisfied with a result. My moded Mach3 post works almost perfect. I generate a g-code with this post from drawing (linear and arc cutting, vertical drilling, and horizontal drilling, all in one)  in Alphacam, and only one different in code (what I have to edit manually) is replacing one G91 with G90 code (in the beginning of horizontal drilling cycle). Also, to avoid problem with a drilling in a positive direction, I used a global/liner cycle instead a drilling cycle (what is a Gary's idea) for horizontal holes.

Thank to all.  

2

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: CAM ( or CAD/CAM) software for horizontal drilling in MACH3

« on: December 09, 2017, 02:34:20 AM »

There are now some interestiong solutions from all of you.
I need some time to find and install this apps, and try all of this solutions what you sugested to me.
I'll give you my feedback later...

3

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: CAM ( or CAD/CAM) software for horizontal drilling in MACH3

« on: December 07, 2017, 01:37:26 PM »

OK Ger21,
 thanks for now. must install CamBam and try this...

4

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: CAM ( or CAD/CAM) software for horizontal drilling in MACH3

« on: December 07, 2017, 01:35:00 PM »

Thanks RICH,

I already tried G1 in G17 plane for horizontal drilling, and it works OK, but I must manually input all movements, and be very careful to avoid collisions. This is an option too.
But what I want is to create G-code from CAD trough CAM for machining work peaces which demands more cycles on the same work peace at the same time, like a horizontal linear and arc cutting, and vertical and horizontal drilling larger number of holes in the same time. If I want to make some complex arc cut of work peace, and also need to drill vertical and horizontal holes on it, easiest way is to draw that peace in a CAD and generate a G-code through a CAM software. Why not use CAD/CAM if it is possible. There is always a possibility to manually edit some part of code if it's necessary.

Ger21,
Mach3 have a possibility for horizontal drilling by using G81 drilling cycle, in G18 or G19 plane, but what is problem, this drilling is only possible in negative direction (-) regardless of selected plane. Like you said before, on most machines drilling is performed only in Z axis, and negative direction only. It also works by using G87 code for backward drilling, but demands more programming, and machining last longer. Option is by using G1 movement like RICH says before.

Also, I tried to use AlphaCam, and everything works fine in simulation on AlphaCam posts, but it is unable to post a valid G-code for Mach3. In my opinion, problem Mach3 post processor for AlphaCam because this routines for a horizontal drilling, and using of XZ and YZ planes are not implemented in it.

At last, it looks like I'll use G1 code together with some small macros for avoiding of repeating code lines (like linear movement at a feed rate to the bottom of the hole., linear retracting of the tool to initial point at a high speed, etc).

5

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: CAM ( or CAD/CAM) software for horizontal drilling in MACH3

« on: December 07, 2017, 04:03:35 AM »

ger21 I agree with you about using custom or proprietary control softwares for that kind of a machines.
Also, on most machines drilling is done in one direction.

But, machines for producing a particle furniture elements from a chipboard or plywood must have the ability to drill in all 4 horizontal direction, because this parts commonly must have a horizontal holes for a pins or screws on, at least two flank sides. Drilling from only one side, and then rotating the plywood element to drill the other side is a wasting of time and money, and, that is why I must find a solution for this problem.

I hope someone know the answer on questions I asked in my first post. Otherwise, my only option will be to try one by one different softwares, in a hope one of them will work... 

6

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / CAM ( or CAD/CAM) software for horizontal drilling in MACH3

« on: December 06, 2017, 09:13:43 AM »

Hi to everyone,

I am new in Mach3 (or any other CNC software), and need help.

Friend of mine, recently bought used CNC woodworking machine centre IMA BIMA 100 ( 2x 7 vertical drill heads, 2 vertical cutting heads, and one 4x horizontal drill head for drilling in X+, X-, Y+ and Y- directions) with installed Mach3 on it. This CNC machine originally used some kind of obsolete Siemens software, and former owner decided to upgrade it to Mach3, but didn't finish this upgrade to the end, when friend of mine decided to bought it for a really good price. Some options on the machine are not yet integrated to Mach3, like a turning Vacuum pumps ON and OFF, rising delimiters, etc., and this functions are temporary redirected to the dip switches.

In that condition machine is usable, and we already use it for some basic operations for vertical drilling and liner & arc cutting of plywood and similar boarded materials for manufacturing a furniture.
Problem is driling a horizontal holes on the boards, what is a really necessary in this manufacturing. It is possible to manually create a g-code for this drilling by using a G18 and G19 codes for a XZ and YZ planes and a G81 drilling cycle, but for any little bit a complicated operation (linear and arc cutting, with a vertical and horizontal drilling on the same peace of board) this could be very frustrating.

 I tried AlphaCam and some other softwares, but they can't do that with an existing post processors ( there is some Mach3 posts for them, but doesn't work with a horizontal drilling ), and generic Fanuc code is to different for this machining to manually edit it every time.

There is also a problem with a Mach3 G81 drilling in X+ and Y+ directions, because of " R lees then X (or Y) in cycle in YZ (XZ) plane" message appears, or I am doing something wrong. For drilling in a + directions I use a G87 code, which works, but demands a little more programming, and machining lasts a a triple longer then a G81 cycle.

Is there any CAM or (CAD/CAM) software capable to post a Mach3 G-code, with a rest, for a horizontal G81 (or G87 for + direction) drilling, and using a G18 and G19 planes?
And, if does, which one is recommended?
If there is no such a software, would be a good idea to transfer this machine to some differ CNC software?