Messages

71

General Mach Discussion / Re: 3d scanning with mach3

« on: January 20, 2018, 01:15:04 AM »

|I have just started some basic experiments , I have set the probe input and added a hot key (p)
when i check in diog the p key works the digitize led so that seems ok.
  I am "air cutting" to test the software off machine.
  However when I run the wizard code or just run a g31 pressing the p key has no effect?
I have tried it with emulated on and off
Any Ideas??

Tony Horton

72

General Mach Discussion / Re: 3d scanning with mach3

« on: January 19, 2018, 12:44:08 PM »

OK,
    So can anyone answer the questions on the software i posted further back in the thread?

Tony

73

General Mach Discussion / Re: 3d scanning with mach3

« on: January 19, 2018, 06:00:59 AM »

Gary,
  Any Info of software set up etc? im OK setting the port/pins.
A probing for dummies would be a good start as I don't want to spend hours fiddling to find out there's a box I should have ticked, we've all been there!

  For instance:
Z axis travel height-- what does that mean?
Z axis probe depth--what does that mean?
Feedrate is that a global federate? or does it retract in rapid?
does the software "double trigger" ie trigger then re trigger for accuracy?
do you set the Z zero at the highest part of the object to be scanned?
is the x0-y0 set at the bottom left hand corner as per convention ?
where is the resultant point cloud saved?

These will seem like silly questions, but an answer can save me potentially making an expensive mistake!

Regards
  Tony Horton

74

General Mach Discussion / Re: 3d scanning with mach3

« on: January 18, 2018, 07:50:26 AM »

OK all I have "acquired" a keyance laser sensor which will do the job.
Is there a tutorial or video that shows you how to operate either the included digitizing software or the probit software?
I cant seem to find anything that takes you through the process?

Regards
Tony

75

General Mach Discussion / Re: 3d scanning with mach3

« on: January 17, 2018, 08:25:25 AM »

Yes, It would have to be a proper industrial measurement laser , or even ultrasonic?
The issue I have with that type of system is the laser being diverted off angled shiny faces might be a problem.
Using a mechanical system however I think it will boil down to how quick the z axis can go. although I suppose its the overrun past the trigger point that would be a limiting factor, but using a laser proxy sensor would alleviate any potential over run and crash potential.

Regards
Tony

76

General Mach Discussion / Re: 3d scanning with mach3

« on: January 17, 2018, 06:56:34 AM »

Thanks for the rapid reply
Yes, from what I can see it is a lengthy process.
Can a measuring laser be used?
Im thinking it might be worth making a high speed z axis that I can bolt onto the side of the head and disconnect the z axis servo and connect it to the high speed head.
what is the maximum linear speed a probe can be launched into the surface?
Regards
 Tony

77

General Mach Discussion / 3d scanning with mach3

« on: January 17, 2018, 04:47:11 AM »

Hi what is the latest state of play with scanning/probing/digitizing With Mach3?
I have done Probably 10 retrofits with mach 3 now so im fairly au-fait with the system, but have never previously needed a scanner.
  I would need to have at least a 200mm z depth of scan, and at least a 0.5 mm all round accuracy.
Basically its for scanning and reproducing worn out or damaged vacuum and composite tooling .
Any links to the latest discussions , tutorials and ideas would be greatly  appreciated.
Regards
   Tony

78

General Mach Discussion / Re: How many people here are running mach3 on industrial machines?

« on: March 01, 2016, 04:32:13 AM »

Im just using a five year old dell optiflex 32bit  desktop computer with the on board graphics switched off in bios, and a pci graphics card installed.
Its running xp pro, and outputs to a uc300 .
  What thats connected to has no bearing on Mach itself, it matters not if your connected to a machine the size of a house or a little Chinese bench top. as long as you have set it up mechanically and electronically correctly.
  I personally always use servo's on my retrofits because they are worth the extra effort 100 times over, and essential when doing the kind of work I do where I cannot afford to miss steps.
    Your best bet is to get a machine with brushed DC servos on it as this will simplify matters if you need to buy new drives.
My ATC, which is very rarely used, is one I designed myself using a swing in carousel , I modified the VB script available somewhere here to make it work, although im sure you could get something like a little "click" plc to handle that if you wanted
Hope that helps
Tony

79

General Mach Discussion / Re: How many people here are running mach3 on industrial machines?

« on: February 29, 2016, 09:54:29 AM »

TBH I've been running in an industrial setting for 8 or so years now with mach, vmc with a tool changer.
Mostly large 3d programs cutting moulds.
There has only been one issue that has caused me problems which was probably mach, that was it not liking having two mpgs connected.
And that could potentially still be a hard ware issue that I haven't traced.
Every other issue has been of my own making.
   I would certainly say that if your hardware/computer is up to it then Mach is.

Tony

80

General Mach Discussion / Re: Calling all post processors. ( Help me to help you )

« on: January 08, 2015, 05:10:02 AM »

on the mastercam posts just download the one available then use the update post command in mastercam its always worked for me.

Tony