Messages

81

General Mach Discussion / Re: Alway run a G28 at the end of a file

« on: December 05, 2007, 04:22:06 PM »

Hi Cory,

I don't use LC, maybe Brian or a LC user can step in here, I use ProfileLab from Cadlink to generate the Auto nesting and toolpath. But most post processors of nesting software like Sigmanest, Promotion nest, Turbo nest etc. has a facility to edit the post processor. In ProfileLab you physically edit the .ini driver file. I will have a look at LC but I must be honest, it will take a while as I am not familiar with Lazycam. Just for interest sake, ProfileLab has a driver for Mach3 with a reference as Absolute routing. It is an option at install time.

Whacko

82

General Mach Discussion / Re: Alway run a G28 at the end of a file

« on: December 05, 2007, 01:14:53 PM »

Try adding a % character at the end of the file after the M30. You should have the ability to configure the post proccessor to do that automatic when generating the nc file. Works for me.

Whacko

83

General Mach Discussion / Re: Project IceMould. Manipulating M08/M09 command ?

« on: November 25, 2007, 03:42:54 AM »

Plasma cutters use swirl in the gas to stable the arc. If you were to use a plasma torch, and a vacuum enduced draw off to water, like a spaygun, you could stop and start the action with a solenoid, and have a fine, stable mistline out of the plasma torch. Obviously a hack, the plasma won't like water too much.
You could have a stepper motor on the needle valve to control the water/air flow. Is your application in a cryo cooled vessel? If you have a low enough temperature, why not use steam? We can help you with the Mach3 implementation.

Whacko

84

General Mach Discussion / Re: Project IceMould. Manipulating M08/M09 command ?

« on: November 24, 2007, 01:24:47 PM »

Amazing! How do you stop the water from atomizing when it leaves the nozzle? I had an idea you wanted to build moulds, somehow like the lost wax method. 10 outa 10 for innovation to you Wil ! Is the expansion factor gaugeable?

As far as nozzles, have you thought of trying the nozzles you get in the High pressure waterjet cutting machines?

Whacko

85

General Mach Discussion / Re: Project IceMould. Manipulating M08/M09 command ?

« on: November 23, 2007, 05:09:33 PM »

Yep, got to see the end product.
Wil, you could have some more solenoids in parrallel with needle valves that you preset. So you will activate the needed flow solenoid with a macro call or button/vbscript commands.
Just a thought, don't mind me if I'm way off! It's just that when I hear the word Ice, my mind goes wandering. Some Bourbon on ice, or an "ice" cold beer...

Whacko

86

General Mach Discussion / Re: Deskengrave cutting double lines

« on: November 23, 2007, 04:56:22 PM »

It could very well be. Are you running Deskengrave in a Dos box? I haven't got Deskengrave but have experienced it with another dos based program that was originally designed to tutor students gcode. The graphics overlay of XP is different than dos or the previous OS's like win98 and millenium. It is a pity though, but if you want to go to the trouble and depending on your desktop, you could install dos on the same computer with an OS boot facility that will let you choose which OS you want to boot up with. Does Deskengrave export dxf or gcode?"
You could also try this, rightclick on the Deskengrave .exe file and choose properties. Under Compatibility, tick the option "run in Win95 compatibilty". It's a long shot, but might work.

Whacko

87

General Mach Discussion / Re: Deskengrave cutting double lines

« on: November 23, 2007, 03:32:17 PM »

Check your part program, or post it here. You could have a post processed file on multiple layers.

Whacko

88

General Mach Discussion / Re: Project IceMould. Manipulating M08/M09 command ?

« on: November 23, 2007, 12:40:56 PM »

Say, could you adapt an airbrush but instead of paint, use water. I was thinking of using this as a marking device for a flatbed application. There is many ways to control the flow in Mach3. A bit off the topic, check out this link, http://fabathome.org

Whacko

89

General Mach Discussion / Re: Project IceMould. Manipulating M08/M09 command ?

« on: November 23, 2007, 12:36:18 PM »

I should propably not ask this question, but this project of yours is really got me inquisitive, what are you modeling? I saw some info about the Ice Hotel and the patrons were using ice glasses and mugs for beverage consumption. That should keep a frosty mighty cold or what!

Whacko for cold beer

90

General Mach Discussion / Re: Calculating What kind of power i need for rack and pinion 4x8 table

« on: November 16, 2007, 01:08:47 PM »

What is the impedance of your motor windings? Low impedance high voltage adaptive drivers gives you high motor speeds, but you must be carefull not to overheat the motors, as that destroys the magnetic armature for good. High speed gives huge eddy currents as the current is also recycled in the off period of the pwm. That translates to temperature rise. I've hammered a nema 23 motor to beyond its capabilities just for fun. I was impressed. I got close to 3000 rpm with some reasonable torque, but I must add that it is on a 400V 16A adaptive drive. The current was limited to 4.65A and the motor was supplied by USDigital. The armature is now demagnatised, and I now call it a BLDC motor. (Brushless DC motor)

Whacko for destruction