Messages

3681

LazyCam (Beta) / Re: depth works when I start at zero, but not when I change the cut start

« on: April 02, 2011, 07:08:03 PM »

I always use Z zero as the upper most surface. That way all the rest of the machined surfaces are below that level. Since each is an individual machining operation I also put
the individual profiles on seperate levels in CAD. That way all machining is negative relative to Z=zero.

Take a look at tutorial #6. Notice that you can send Cut parameters to one layer or all the layers.

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As far matching some other code generated by another program i would need to see that code.

RICH

3682

General Mach Discussion / Re: Diameter or Radius mode for a lathe?

« on: April 02, 2011, 06:39:40 PM »

You can always change to Machine Coordinates since the machine coordinates always display in terms of radius.
What is really important is that you draw, CAM, and configure for one or the other. Mixing dia and radius can be bad...........

BTW, that's why you always want to confirm the current mode of operation and maybe even put a comment in the code so you know how it was created.
and another BTW, some wizards only work in one of the modes, and some CAm's require specific post processors for one or the other


RICH

3683

General Mach Discussion / Re: Stopping Distance

« on: April 01, 2011, 06:42:11 AM »

It should be able to stop as fast as it can accelerate to max velocity. So one could find when the motor skips when accelerating ...........would be trial and error.
There are analylsis programs that can calculate it. Those calcs are used to find the proper motor for an application.  I will remark that if the pulse stream is removed the stepper will instantly stop turning,but, if the force is greater than the resisting force of the axis you will get additional movement. So there are a number of things to take into consideration if calculated.

FWIW,
RICH

3684

General Mach Discussion / Re: help with motor torque

« on: March 31, 2011, 04:58:33 PM »

Torque will decrease as the speed increases. Not all steppers are the same and only a torque to speed curve will show you the tested difference. If you increase the voltage you will get more speed but you would be changing the motor curve. Most curves are based on 24 or 36 volts, so if you apply say 60volts  the curve changes.

I just recently changed out my steppers on the mill with the new steppers having 2.5x the torque of the old ones but at the same max voltage. The increase in reliable speed was about 10% so don't assume anything.  You can play with the acceleration some and see what happens as your starting and stopping slower and once the axis is moving you usualy don't need as much torque.

Must add, that depending on how they are wired you can change the operating  characteristics of the motor. Have a look at some of the info on the Gecko site for more detailed information.

FWIW,
RICH

3685

LazyCam (Beta) / Re: Issue with offset

« on: March 30, 2011, 07:20:19 PM »

Mike,
Something to consider is the actual tool path of the cutter as it goes around or into the corners.
Have a look at the cutter position ( circle ) in the attached. Of course it is not gouging the profile.......

RICH

3686

LazyCam (Beta) / Re: Issue with offset

« on: March 30, 2011, 05:33:25 PM »

Mike,
I know of no way to stop putting the radi on the corners.
If it was just a simple piece or one profile / chain then you could just scale it by some % and thus you would have no radi, but , it will not work if you have other chains.

You could also delete entities and if you had a layer with a vertical and horizontal line you could move them and join to get rid fo the radius .....PITA.....LC is not a cad program!

Again just easier to have the offset done in CAD and apply the cutting to it.
That's just the way it is.
RICH

3687

General Mach Discussion / Re: DXF Symbol for drill? Anyone... Anyone???

« on: March 29, 2011, 07:44:04 PM »

Mike,
Not to my knowledge and don't use or know anything about the old version of Mach.

RICH

3688

LazyCam (Beta) / Re: Issue with offset

« on: March 29, 2011, 05:26:08 PM »

One way to avoid any offset problems in LC is to create the offset in CAD and then use that profile
It's easier than trying to figure out what LC is doing sometimes. Just be carefull and take into consideration possible cutting of the original profile.

I am guessing that in your posted pic, LC is trying to keep from cutting the profile but can't adjust the offset properly because of a short line length and compensates in an unsatisfactory manner.
I have seen this before. You can try fooling around by altering the tool diameter ie; start at .002" dia and see where it goes bad.

RICH

 

3689

General Mach Discussion / Re: 4th axis setup

« on: March 29, 2011, 04:57:17 PM »

Info on configurable items such as "Rot 360 rollover" can be found in Mach3 Installation & Configuration Manual, page 5-37.
Attached is a summary of what is in the manual relating to feedrates.
RICH

3690

LazyCam (Beta) / Re: LAZYCAM - DEFINITON OF ANY TERM IN THE MANUAL

« on: March 29, 2011, 05:49:43 AM »

Nicolas,
I was thinking that text letters would be above a surface thus raised or below a surface thus in relief.
When engraving you taper in the material around the text and I was taught it was in relief.
LC does not generate code for relief in the true sense since your just machining the text so it sits above the bottom of a pocket.

RICH