Messages

6641

Mach SDK plugin questions and answers. / Re: Impact engraving plugin

« on: March 24, 2011, 09:17:43 AM »

An image, done this morning, shows horizontal banding (perhaps difficult to see in the photo, but it's there) the banding is related to the image DPI and the image size. An increase in axis speed would make no difference to the dot positions although they would, of course, be placed at a faster rate (within the limitations of the laser operating system). The pulse repetition rate (PRF) must therefore increase with speed. As axis speed is increased there will come a point when the pulse width (PWM) is wider than the gap between successive pulses and no image can be produced. Perhaps not attainable with a moving axis but easily done with a scanner head. There must be an optimum axis speed but I think you are nearer to finding it than I.

Tweakie.

6642

General Mach Discussion / Re: Zeroing with movement?

« on: March 24, 2011, 08:29:33 AM »

think there must still be a gremlin somewhere as I can highlight and zero an individual axis ok using the keyboard but when I use the onscreen button to zero that axis it does not zero but runs away until stopped by the limit switch??

This could be attributed to your modified screenset. If the individual axis zero buttons can be accessed by the 'edit button script' (as you did for the zero all button) then their contents can be changed easily - if this is not he case then the only way to change the contents would be to use one of the screen editors. This is not difficult to do, bit of learning required but may solve this problem.

Tweakie.

nb. My post #2 is totally irrelevant to this thread, just how it got here is anybody's guess.

6643

Mach SDK plugin questions and answers. / Re: Impact engraving plugin

« on: March 24, 2011, 08:08:34 AM »

Hi Stitos,

I am sorry buddy but I just do not know all the answers, wish I did 

I run my X Axis at 3500mm/min and I am getting quite good results at this speed. If you will get any improvement at 5000mm/min I really don't know but I would be very interested to hear of your results and perhaps see some pictures of your work.
The pulse rate may be fixed to the image D.P.I. in which case it will vary with speed.

I think I have finally got to the bottom of the 'banding' issue I have been having but it is too early to be sure, lots more testing first 

Tweakie.

6644

General Mach Discussion / Re: Electrical Connection

« on: March 24, 2011, 03:33:13 AM »

It's a Cannon 'D' series connector.

Tweakie.

6645

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: The Laser Project.

« on: March 24, 2011, 03:15:40 AM »

Thanks Sam.

I am going to experiment a bit more with this as the results are unusual or different to the norm.

Tweakie.

6646

FAQs / Re: Breakout board

« on: March 24, 2011, 03:05:14 AM »

That would be my first choice as well. 

Tweakie.

6647

General Mach Discussion / Re: Is is possible that some motherboard does not work with Mach3

« on: March 24, 2011, 03:04:05 AM »

Perhaps now would be a good time to replace the computers ATX power supply and check all the connections.

Tweakie.

6648

General Mach Discussion / Re: mad noise and vibrations at slow speed

« on: March 24, 2011, 02:59:20 AM »

I think so.
Microstepping does improve the smoothness of operation considerably. I use 1/8th step but 1/16th is rapidly becoming the norm for low cost drivers now.

Tweakie.

6649

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: The Laser Project.

« on: March 23, 2011, 12:47:06 PM »

Another etching, made using the Mach Laser/Impact plugin.
The material is an aluminium surfaced engraving laminate which, fortunately, does not contain any PVC and lasers extremely well.
This is one of my musician buddies, just hope he likes it. 

Tweakie.

6650

General Mach Discussion / Re: Laser Cutter Contest

« on: March 23, 2011, 05:15:38 AM »

Thanks for posting Dan, looks like a useful technique.
I think, as you have found, some practice is required to achieve the best results. I will give it a try and see what happens.

Tweakie.