Messages

2311

General Mach Discussion / Re: THC Codes upset corners???

« on: April 13, 2014, 04:34:49 PM »

OK IF (;-)

"" You can do the SetV as a function of F in the (SCam) post."" AND it works

Why would it not work in Mach3 ?  Last I checked the V_F relationship was very close at the same "power" (AMP) setting.

Seems awhile back I did some testing on this with the CandCNC THC. I will see if I can dig up the notes again  The CandCNC unit DOES have a cut parameter TABLE that holds all the cut parameters.

I seem to remember that I monitored the F VEL  and adjusted the SetV based on F vel. about the same routine I did with a router to adjust the F vel based on the spindle RPM. As the spindle RPM slowed  it slowed down the F vel to compensate.

More thoughts came to mind::  When I loaded the Cut file Mach3 checked the ratio of the Preset Voltage to feed speed and THAT set the ratio for that cut file. THen as I FRO up and down it auto changed the preset volts to compensate .  That allowed the cut HEIGHT to remain constant with the FRO changes.

3 important things for cut quality

Constant Vel on feedrate
Constant Cut height (THC control)
Proper power level for material AND torch components

Just a thought, (;-) TP

2312

General Mach Discussion / Re: THC setting up assistance...

« on: April 13, 2014, 04:16:49 PM »

The Z is at a known state Mach3 will set it when you loaded Mach3. NOW where that may be MAY be part of your problem.  HERE I always run the TOM (g28.1) Routine to set the Z axis home position (top of the material) Right after Mach3 loads up and before I start cutting. This is really the only important position on a plasma table as the Z home is backwards to all other machines. It homes DOWN to find the top of the material.

OK I read it as if you are giving an example from a PAST test of the Routine. Try running it again on the machine. There is ZERO difference in single step and normal running the Gcode.  Run the Machine in single step mode, Then rewind or reload the code and run it in auto Gcode mode(normal). You should see the same results with Z.

(;-) You will probably LIKE having the initial  G28.1 Z movement as you can start well above the material as a Safe Rapid height and it will rapid down to the Preset position then start the Homing Z down at homing speed. But that is your call.

(;-) TP

2313

General Mach Discussion / Re: Gcode to zero Z axis during run

« on: April 13, 2014, 03:57:01 PM »

G28.1 Z3.000
G92 Z0.000

That should do it but it assumes that the Z homes towards the plunger. It will move OUT to Z3.250 (max plunger height 3 +  .250 " Clearance) Then home towards the plunger until it trips THEN resets Z to Zero.

2314

General Mach Discussion / Re: THC setting up assistance...

« on: April 13, 2014, 03:31:40 PM »

Assuming the you are set at X0Y0Z0 when you start the Gcode it should raise UP to Z3.00 then DOWN until it hits the switch then reset Z to zero then raise UP to Z4.000 and reset Z to zero then raise UP to Z5.00.

Try running it in single step mode so you can verify the Z positions.

(;-) TP

2315

General Mach Discussion / Re: THC setting up assistance...

« on: April 13, 2014, 03:23:35 PM »

I do not see any problem with your G28.1 code here It moves to Z5.00 just as the Gcode commands.

(;-) TP

2316

General Mach Discussion / Re: THC setting up assistance...

« on: April 13, 2014, 03:09:46 PM »

Do you have a Safe Z setting in play ? If so that last move it may make is to go to the Safe Z position.

I will test your code but do NOT see a problem with it.

Be right back, (;-) TP

2317

General Mach Discussion / Re: THC setting up assistance...

« on: April 13, 2014, 03:03:58 PM »

Post the file that you are running where it does not set the dro  correctly.

I have NEVER seen that here. In a running cut file  yes , due to lost steps. But a single G28.1 routine? I have never seen it do that. 

The while ismoving() has nothing to do with the Gcode side of Mach3. It is a CB function.

(;-) TP

2318

General Mach Discussion / Re: THC Codes upset corners???

« on: April 12, 2014, 03:40:23 PM »

It would NICE for the machine to auto compensate the preset Arc Voltage by itself. That way when fine tuning with FRO it would balance itself out.

Sort of a Cruise control for the arc voltage control,

(;-)TP

2319

General Mach Discussion / Re: THC setting up assistance...

« on: April 12, 2014, 03:35:31 PM »

WHAT manual  

(;-) TP

2320

General Mach Discussion / Re: THC setting up assistance...

« on: April 12, 2014, 12:27:41 PM »

OK so you are saying the when you run a cut file the ArkOK led is active , and the Thcup, Thcdown leds are active as needed BUT the Z does not move?

IS the THC turned on in mach3 ?

When not cutting are the 3 leds mentioned above turned off ?

(;-) TP