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Messages - rkdygert

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11
General Mach Discussion / Re: ATC using stepper motor on A axis
« on: December 12, 2007, 07:52:36 PM »
Thanks guys, at least I know I can go ahead with the hardware end of things.  I did see that post from poppabear but I can't figure out what part of the code is actually doing the step/direction output.  Time to do more digging...where can I find a listing and description of what all the command words mean?

-Ryan

12
General Mach Discussion / ATC using stepper motor on A axis
« on: December 11, 2007, 09:41:40 PM »
I figured out how to cram a stepper motor in my CHNC in place of the air motor which originally rotated the turret but I need to know if I can drive it.  I would like to wire the stepper into a Gecko drive and control it as an auxiliary axis, that way I can tell the turret to rotate a certain number of steps to go to the proper tool, etc.  Is it possible to write a tool change macro or use brains to control an axis in this way?  I've been looking it over and I understand how to control a simple output like a solenoid or something, but I don't see how to use it for step/dir output (if it can).  Can it?

-Ryan

13
General Mach Discussion / Pairing motor with sensorless vector drive
« on: December 06, 2007, 08:05:24 PM »
I have a potentially stupid question to ask...

What do I need to consider when pairing a motor with a VFD?  Specifically, I have a couple vector drives, specs here: 

http://www.geindustrial.com/products/buyersguide/Sec_12AF-300E$.pdf

they are 5hp GE sensorless vector drives.  What do I need to look for in a motor to take advantage of the vector benefits of the drive?  I read in the manual that it needs to be a 2, 4, or 6 pole motor...anything else?

Thanks,
-Ryan

14
General Mach Discussion / Re: CHNC retrofit
« on: December 01, 2007, 07:58:41 PM »
Quote

Hardinge had a way of using weird stuff in their CNC lathes. The problem with a 90VDC spindle motor is the large current requirement.  Otherwise I would suggest a servo drive such as the Rutex 2040.  You really need 3-5hp to get the most out of a CHNC.  That would be pushing the Rutex beyond it's comfort zone.


Quote

I came to the same conclusion regarding the Rutex 2040, although that was my first choice due to the simplicity.  I haven't gotten too far on my retrofit yet...got sidetracked with a VMC retrofit instead.  I figure a larger DC drive (alot of people suggested the Emerson Focus drives to me) or put an AC spindle motor in it with a VFD...

Let me know what you figure out!

-Ryan

15
Guys, thanks for looking the manual over...I thought the VFD would interface but I wanted advice from somebody that could tell me for sure!  THANKS!  Of course, figuring out how to actually do everything properly will be another story....

Regarding the ATC, I'll have to read alot more about it...but at least I know it can be done now.

Thanks again everybody...I'll be back for more when I start pulling my hair out!

-Ryan


16
Thanks for the reply poppabear...I actually just ran across your example ATC macro which sheds some light on things.  My ATC is a simple rotary carousel which shuttles straight sideways to the spindle, controlled by two motors...one for the rotation, one for the shuttle.  I don't see why it couldn't be controlled as another axis...

Regarding the PWM control, I read in the Mach manual that the signal uses the spindle step/dir pin.  What I really need to know is if/how my specific VFD can be wired to this pin..what do I look for in the manual as far as wiring?

-Ryan

17
Hi everybody, I've got some real NEWB questions that I need answered...

I've got a 1991 Haas VF1 that burnt a couple boards in, going to cost $3000+ to repair, and I'm considering retrofitting the machine with Mach.  I want to make sure of a couple things before I make any decisions though:

1.) Will I be able to use the machine's existing VFD to control spindle speed?  It's a Mitsubishi FR Z220-3.7k-UL, manual can be found at the link below:

http://www.meau.com/functions/dms/getfile.asp?ID=010000000000000001000000234200000

I read through the manual and I see that the VFD can take PWM signal to control the spindle, but seeing as how it's so old, I'm not sure if I would be able to wire it in to Mach or not.  I'm having trouble finding info on how exactly you connect a PWM controlled drive to Mach.  Any help or direction would be great.

2.) From what I can tell in the Mach manual and posts on the forum, it is possible for Mach to control an automatic tool changer.  My Haas has a motor driven carousel changer that I would want to incorporate in Mach.  Is this possible and, realistically, how difficult is it?  From what I can tell, it would take some macro programming...just not sure how much.

Again, any suggestions are greatly appreciated.  Thanks!
-Ryan

18
General Mach Discussion / CHNC retrofit
« on: January 29, 2007, 01:03:31 AM »
I need some advice from the experts here...

I'm in the middle of trying to figure out how to best retrofit my Hardinge CHNC using Mach3 and am stuck on how to drive the spindle.  The stock DC spindle motor on the machine was recently rebuilt, so I'd like to keep it on the machine (and I have a spare on the shelf besides) but I have no idea what kind of drive would be best to control it with.  The original control uses a 90VDC GE drive that can put out 85 amps. 

I'm open to any and all ideas that anybody might have (that includes retrofit with an AC motor if it's the absolute best route).

Also, any input on the servo drives would be great.  I'm keeping the original motors as they're in good shape and I have a spare set.  They are 90vdc...I'm looking at the Rutex R2020, 200v 40A so I can accomodate larger motors in the future if I want.  Again, any input is appreciated.

Thanks,
-Ryan

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