Messages

681

Feature Requests / Re: steps per unit calulator NEEDS FIXING.

« on: July 07, 2020, 03:54:11 AM »

I bought MACH4 because I was expecting a superior machine management tool supported by a serious company with experienced users.

So far I have found better support and user ability from using GRBL / UGS and an ArduinoMEGA2560 AND ITS FREE! (I upgraded to mach4 so I may use additional axes / functionality and tool management)

At this point in time I am very disappointed with mach4 and feel like I am using a loosely tied together polished turd.

Hi Slanteng,

You must remember that the forum consists of a group of users who may try to help each other if they can and any users comments do not necessarily represent the policy or views of Artsoft / NFS.
 
If you have purchased Mach4 and have an issue with the product (any issue) then your first call should be to submit a ticket to the helpdesk https://www.machsupport.com/support/ that is exactly what they are there for.

Taking a negative attitude towards any forum members comments will not be productive and in the long run we really do all want to help each other if we can.

Tweakie.

682

Feature Requests / Re: steps per unit calulator NEEDS FIXING.

« on: July 07, 2020, 01:28:50 AM »

Hi Slanteng,

As the whole forum relates to both Mach3 and Mach4 it would perhaps be best to mention Mach4 in your posts to avoid confusing others.

Tweakie.

683

Mach Screens / MOVED: Screenset gone missing

« on: July 06, 2020, 10:02:00 AM »

This topic has been moved to Mach4 General Discussion.

https://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=43338.0

684

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

« on: July 06, 2020, 02:51:43 AM »

Hi Art,

A few weeks back I laser rastered a couple of dozen small pieces of slate with different vehicle logo’s and other designs as part of a young children’s discovery game. The engraving turned out to be a light grey and reasonable contrast to the base material without any filling being necessary. Still looking for some black marble. 

Tweakie.

685

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

« on: July 05, 2020, 10:24:52 AM »

Hi Art,

I have never tried a black marble tile, something to add to my list. 

With white ceramic tiles, the laser process I have used in the past creates small fissures in the glaze which are then filled with Rub’n’Buff (or similar) to create the image. Although long-lasting those images are not permanent (at least when subjected to paint stripper) so it is good to try another process.

I have now given up with the Mach4 laser raster process, too many problems. Perhaps, one day, it will all be resolved but sadly I have tired of waiting. 

The following pic shows the fissures produced in the glaze from my conventional laser engraving.

Tweakie.

686

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

« on: July 05, 2020, 06:32:46 AM »

Hi ZASto,

I appreciate you are not running your laser with Mach3 but give the Norton method a try and perhaps report back with your findings.

Tweakie.

687

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

« on: July 05, 2020, 06:21:23 AM »

An interesting technique for laser engraving ceramic tiles called the Norton method is well worth further investigation for any that are interested. The process involves initially coating the tile with a thin layer of paint (I used ‘rattle-can’ white primer) then, when completely dry, lasering the tile with a dot-dithered, or other suitable half-tone image. When complete any remaining paint is removed with thinners / stripper, etc. and the image remains.

Both the paint and the tile glaze have a degree of latency so to obtain the best results the lasering has to be completed slowly (less than 1200 mm/min.) so the whole process takes some time and may be more suited to diode lasers rather than CO2 lasers which are usually operated at feed-rates in excess of 4000 mm/min.

The end result is quite remarkable in so far as that, as far as I can determine, the paint has been carbonized and taken up by the ceramic glaze resulting in a permanent and extremely black image which cannot be removed with thinners, stripper or scraping and although slightly raised from the surface forms part of the glaze.

The following pics show;

My initial, rubbish, test tile where I experimented with different laser power levels and feed-rates.
A magnification of the image construction in the glaze.

Tweakie.

688

Tangent Corner / Re: It's a Dog thing.

« on: July 03, 2020, 01:57:09 AM »

 

689

General Mach Discussion / Re: Can't jog off limit switch

« on: July 02, 2020, 12:53:15 AM »

Hi www dot,

Unfortunately Novusun is one of the businesses whose products are not supported by the forum. This thread refers; https://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=24331.0

Tweakie.

690

General Mach Discussion / Re: 3040 CNC with Mach3

« on: June 30, 2020, 01:04:30 AM »

Generally, problems such as this (assuming you have thoroughly checked all couplings for tightness and slides are not binding, etc) are caused by loss (or gain) of steps.

If you attach your <your profile>.xml file (Mach3 folder) we can check your Mach3 settings and perhaps suggest a solution. Rename your .xml file to a unique name such as lutmfurl.xml before posting.

Tweakie.