Messages

4921

FAQs / Re: Altium 9 to Mach3

« on: November 05, 2012, 07:58:08 AM »

I would need to see an example of your .nc file but if it contains the Z axis data then it can be loaded directly into Mach3. Could you perhaps post or email me an example ??

Tweakie.

4922

General Mach Discussion / Re: Plunge is off from path

« on: November 05, 2012, 02:15:13 AM »

When creating the toolpath for your cutouts a 'lead-in' / 'lead-out' may help resolve your problem.

Tweakie.

4923

General Mach Discussion / Re: ventric problem

« on: November 05, 2012, 01:39:08 AM »

I cut 1 of the braces yesterday and it worked well. It is when i try to cut all 6 that the problems occur.

Does your machine loose position ??
After cutting all 6 will it return to the exact starting position ??

Tweakie.

4924

General Mach Discussion / Re: ventric problem

« on: November 04, 2012, 02:39:18 AM »

Yes i tested the code and yes it gave me a square within a square 3.75 x 3.75 (with a 1/2 bit)

Then it appears the problem lies within your Vectric layout or the Vectric GCode generation.
Which of the Vectric post processors are you using ??

Tweakie.

4925

General Mach Discussion / Re: ventric problem

« on: November 03, 2012, 10:31:15 AM »

Did the test piece, I posted the code for, come out square ?

Tweakie.

4926

General Mach Discussion / Re: ventric problem

« on: November 03, 2012, 05:14:42 AM »

Hi Magicman,

Try this test piece.

If it does not come out square then you may have your steps per unit incorrectly set for your X or Y axis or possibly your X and Y Scale DRO's are not both set to the same value (typically 1.0000).

Tweakie.

4927

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mill set-up problems.

« on: November 02, 2012, 12:32:56 PM »

Currently, the licenced copy of Mach3 is just stopping half way through our test parts, sort of inexplicably.

Hi Tom,

If you are only being allowed to run up to 500 lines of code then it may be to do with your license. Perhaps check with Scott at license@machsupport.com to verify that it is valid.

I am not sure exactly what you mean about the visualizer squishing the Z coordinates. 

Tweakie.

4928

FAQs / Re: Altium 9 to Mach3

« on: November 02, 2012, 04:54:03 AM »

I believe Altium only outputs the track information as a Gerber file and the hole information as an .nc file.
There are a number of different software programs that will convert Gerber to GCode and an internet search may be your best bet. This is the first one I came across http://www.ofitselfso.com/LineGrinder/LineGrinder.php

For 'simple' layouts LazyCam (included free with Mach3) will open and process Gerber files although it has limited function but it should, at least. enable you get started.

Tweakie.

4929

Tangent Corner / Re: SANDY - ONE WITH AN ATTITUDE

« on: October 31, 2012, 06:43:32 AM »

I have been following her progress on the news channel and such devastation has been caused my heart goes out to all those affected.

Tweakie.

4930

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: Home built CNC Router.

« on: October 31, 2012, 03:47:27 AM »

Excellent work on building your machine Marc, that is certainly a machine to be proud of.

Just one suggestion - you may need to replace your limit switch wiring with shielded cable (with the shield connected to GND at the controller end). It does not happen in all instances but 'input' wiring often picks up 'electrical noise' which can cause 'false steps' and lead to inaccuracies in the machine position.

Tweakie.