Messages

971

General Mach Discussion / Re: mach3 with 5 axis machining problem

« on: September 04, 2019, 01:25:52 AM »

It looks like it could be a Constant Velocity problem.
Try operating in Exact Stop mode (add G61 to the start of your Gcode) - does the problem go away ?

Tweakie.

972

General Mach Discussion / Re: Controlling a Fiber Laser engraver with Mach ?

« on: September 03, 2019, 02:18:27 AM »

Those optical systems look good.

Getting a good quality lens is important and this can be an issue because, visually, the good and the bad all look alike. It is only when they are used that the difference is revealed.
For my C02 lasers I have always purchased my optics from II-VI Infrared and I have just started using a GaAs meniscus which is absolutely brilliant. I don’t know if II-VI make anything for the MOPA wavelength, you could perhaps check.

One thing to bear in mind is that any quality lens system is not going to be cheap so I think you should also consider a galvo system and F-Theta lens system. This would effectively make a new machine rather than be an addition to an existing machine but it is perhaps something to think about (if the Minister of Finance will allow it).

Tweakie.

973

General Mach Discussion / Re: Controlling a Fiber Laser engraver with Mach ?

« on: September 02, 2019, 10:16:08 AM »

Just reading about that MOPA is starting to make me broody 

Tweakie.

974

General Mach Discussion / Re: Controlling a Fiber Laser engraver with Mach ?

« on: September 02, 2019, 06:10:01 AM »

I'm thinking of mounting it next to the spindle on a small milling machine, so the XY and rotary axes would move beneath it, just leaving the movement in Z to flex the fiber cable.

Hi Rab,

That sounds good, the small amount of Z movement compared to X & Y,  I am sure it would last forever 
 
As you say, another interesting laser but I think a MOPA would be a more useful tool.

What are you planning on laser engraving ? 

Tweakie.

975

General Mach Discussion / Re: Controlling a Fiber Laser engraver with Mach ?

« on: September 02, 2019, 04:46:44 AM »

What a lovely MOPA laser and what an excellent project it would make.
I have never actually seen a MOPA mounted on an X-Y machine as they are normally used with quite small table area galvo scanners.
I do not think laser control would be a problem but something that may be of concern is with >50,000 hours lifetime would the delivery cable stand up to that much flexing ?

If you go ahead with the project please keep us updated on your progress.

Tweakie.

976

General Mach Discussion / Re: Help in diagnosing tool path problems created in LazyCAM

« on: September 01, 2019, 01:59:49 AM »

Your Gcode runs just fine here - there is no misalignment of the T & E characters.

(You may like to take a look at the free software 'F-Engrave' it will certainly create a better toolpath than the HPGL you are currently using).

Tweakie.

977

VB and the development of wizards / Re: Custom button script

« on: August 29, 2019, 08:40:56 AM »

I am pleased you have it working OK.

I made a mistake I should have posted   Code"#99801=0.125"   

Tweakie

978

VB and the development of wizards / Re: Custom button script

« on: August 29, 2019, 01:24:03 AM »

Assuming your button just sets the Y axis DRO to 0.125 (without actually moving the axis) then the button script could be   #99801=0.125

Tweakie.

979

General Mach Discussion / MOVED: Continuous jogging won't stop

« on: August 26, 2019, 01:34:25 AM »

This topic has been moved to Mach4 General Discussion.

https://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=41427.0

980

General Mach Discussion / Re: Machining relief problems

« on: August 25, 2019, 04:56:48 AM »

I have read that someone having the same experience applied more power to the stepper motor and that fixed the problem, what would your thoughts be on that?

Hi Chuck

Stepper motors should run hot to the touch (but below 60deg.C) if your Z axis stepper is running cool then you could try increasing the current by one increment.
Ideally, stepper motors have their rated current printed on a label and that is the current that should be set at the driver - a stepper motors rated current should not be exceeded.

Tweakie.