Messages

61

LazyCam (Beta) / Re: tangential to track in lazy cam 2.02v

« on: September 23, 2007, 05:51:17 AM »

I to could really benefit from this A axis tangential code feature incorporated into lazy cam.

Please let me know if your close to release.

Thanks
Jason

62

VB and the development of wizards / Re: Digital control of the Zaxis

« on: August 09, 2007, 10:02:29 PM »

Thanks Arnie and Scott for your comments.

I have since progresses and have the ticked the 2.5D button and configure Output6 in Mach to correspond with Output 1 from the GRex. Loaded a 150mm circle into to Lazycam and exported the code to Mach. I ran the program and my Z toggled down an up during the cycle run. With the 2.5D option in Mach I understand that output 6 is on when Z>0.0

The plan is to use two pneumatic actuators to control the Z axis up and down
1st. For the tangental knife turned but an Axis stepper
2nd. For a marking pen

As Mach has the 2.5D option that will work for Zaxis #1, I was thinking of a solution of how to control Zaxis #2 via another output with a  + Y work offset

Jason

63

VB and the development of wizards / Digital control of the Zaxis

« on: August 05, 2007, 04:36:34 AM »

I have cross posted this in the general discussion but have come to realize it may be a VB question


My Z axis will be controlled with a pnematic actuator to toggle the Z up and down. On the Z axis will be the A axis stepper for a tangential knife.

My questions is how shall I configure Mach 3 to toggle the Z axis up and down via an output from the Grex. Under settings I can enable tangential control with a lift angle and Z lift.

With the A axis for turning the knife  is it as simple as enabling the Motor Output for the axis and let the Tangential button do the rest for turn the axis

My original post above

I have since watched the scripting tutorial and I am guessing that this is what I will do. Any thoughts on this appreciated.

When generating a tool path in Lazy cam I will setup a tool off set called cutter. My z limits will be -150 and cutter offset of +50. and set my Z raise in tangential control to raise  +50 if radius +45

I will right a M code macro something like this. I have no VB experience but this is what I'm looking to do.

M50 code
Get Z DRO
If Z is =<-50 then output 1 set to 0 ( Meaning should +45 radius be exceeded,  Z will be driven -150 + 50 offset +50 generated by tangent control = Z-50 turn off output 1)
Get Z DRO
If Z is >-50 then output 1 set to 1

Do you think this will cut it? and can I enter this M50 in the Gcode once at the start or will I have to enter it after any change in Z value with in the Gcode. I'm tipping the M50 will have to follow any z command

I am a total newby to it all and slowly feeling my way, any advice appreciate including VB coding tips

Thanks Jason

64

General Mach Discussion / Re: Z axis design and Mach3 control

« on: August 05, 2007, 04:24:23 AM »

Thanks for the info,

I have watched the tutorial and I am guessing that this is what I will do. Any thoughts on this appreciated.

When generating a tool path in Lazy cam I will setup a tool off set called cutter. My z limits will be -150 and cutter offset of +50. and set my Z raise in tangetial control to raise  +50 if radius +45

I will right a M code macro something like this. I have no VB experience but this is what I'm looking to do.

M50 code
If Z is =<-50 then output 1 set to 0 ( Meaning should +45 radius be exceeded,  Z will be driven -150 + 50 offset +50 generated by tangent control = Z-50 turn off output 1)
If Z is >-50 then output 1 set to 1

Do you think this will cut it? and can I enter this M50 in the Gcode once or will I have to enter it after any change in Z in the Gcode.

I will add this to the VB thread for some feedback

Thanks Jason

65

General Mach Discussion / Z axis design and Mach3 control

« on: August 03, 2007, 10:47:36 PM »

Hi all,

 I have searched the forums but have yet to discover the answers. I am using a Grex as the interface also.

My Z axis will be controlled with a pnematic actuator to toggle the Z up and down. On the Z axis will be the A axis for a tangential knife.

My questions is how shall I configure Mach 3 to toggle the Z axis up and down via an output from the Grex. Under settings I can enable tangential control with a lift angle and Z lift. What should be configured in the Z lift to get this output to retract the knife when the angle is reached

I have thought about using either the spindle or coolant control output??

With the A axis for turning the knife  is it as simple as enabling the Motor Output for the axis and let the Tangential button do the rest for turn the axis

Thanks for you input
Jason

66

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: New people welcome !! Come in here and introduce your self!

« on: August 03, 2007, 09:47:01 PM »

Hi All,

Great forum. I'm in australia and have been building a composite material cutting table.

I have got the x and y moving so now onto building the Z.

Great software with excellent support by this forum



Jason