Topics

1

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Mach3 G54 to G55 issue

« on: June 12, 2020, 02:46:27 PM »

I tested a G code file today that had the first operation on G54 and a second operation on G55 presuming it should run fine. Unfortunately not, once the spindle reached the second operation it couldn't seem to pick up the path and swayed right of course. Now if I run the G55 operation on its own it runs fine as does the previous operation on it's own.

I do have cutter compensation on the second operation, and ran out of time to try it with that off as I'm not convinced that is the issue given it works fine as a stand alone operation.

Can anyone see anything in the G code that could cause this or is it something within Mach3 that is either not set correctly or even a bug?

2

Mach4 General Discussion / Mach4, Darwin and Ref all home issue

« on: May 19, 2020, 03:46:17 AM »

I've just set up Mach4 with the Darwin pluggin and I cannot get any movement on any axis when trying to reference home. I get a message saying all axis referenced but nothing moves

I can jog the axis and the dro's show correct movement, I can MDI and move an axis a set amount so mach4 has control of the motors correctly. All my limit/home switches light up correctly for each axis in diagnostics when manually triggered too.

I'm lost to what the cause of this is, it's as if it sees the axis homed without any movement. Also I've not set anything up in home/limits yet so the tick for reference in place is not active.

3

General Mach Discussion / Triple edge finding and Auto tool zero help

« on: April 04, 2020, 01:31:50 PM »

Hi,

Hopefully I can describe what I'm hoping to achieve ideally using the standard Mach 3 screen set if possible as i know there are other screens/sets that may offer a solution.

Firstly I should mention I have added a Auto tool zero led and button and assigned a script which will perform an auto Z zero tool change ( i still need to figure out how to insert the position on the table I would like the spindle to move to above the fixed Z height tool setter-see below)

Ideally I would like to achieve the following workflow on a new job that requires multiple tool changes.

1-Ref all axis to zero
2-Insert first tool required into spindle
3-Position job blank to be cut on the bed which will be a certain distance in from X and Y machine zero
4-Place triple edge finder on corner of job work piece
5-Find Z zero and X/Y centre using edge finder program/macro or script?
6-Run first operation required with that tool
7-When next tool is called for stop spindle and call for tool change
8-Spindle moves to a position on the table where I have a Z height tool touch plate and set the new tool Z height.
9-Once confirmed start the next operation in the loaded program and repeat if further tool changes are required.

I have several scripts/macros I have found but as I'm still a novice not entirely sure if what I'm wanting to do is possible in one script?

I am thinking I may need to load a file for the initial triple edge finder set up for the first tool and then the script within my auto tool change macro will perform the auto z tool changes in between operations. If this is the answer how do i run the initial triple edge finder script without replacing the one in the auto tool change button.

4

SmoothStepper USB / Breakout board choices with smooth stepper

« on: September 16, 2019, 05:34:27 AM »

Hi
I'm fairly new to the hardware side of Hobby CNC work, although I’ve been programming in industry for over 10 years on 3/4/5 axis large woodworking routers.

The machine I've bought has a cheap chinese break out board with very few inputs outputs. Here is the spec,


Approximately 1mtr x 1mtr cutting area with 150mm Z clearence, 3 Axis
2.2kw Chinese water cooled spindle
4PC Nema34 Stepper Motor 965oz.in 5.6A bipolar Model 86BYGH 7.7N.M113mm 4wires 34HS9456 Step Angle 1.8, Rate Voltage 5.6, Rate Current 2.13A, Phase resistance 0.35,Phase Inductance 4.1mH
4 x Stepper motor drivers DM860A, PEAK 7.8A , Set to 3.0 RMS Peak 4.2A and 2000 microstep resolution
4x Power Supply  350W-60VDC
Cheap chinese HY-JK02-M 5-axis interface board. ( I'm not enthused with the board now I understand a little bit more about them and at £10 cost it seems penny pinching to run an expensive machine with one)
16mm dia 16mm pitch 4 start thread lead screws on all axis
Kernal speed at 25000 Hz



I’m looking at your Ess smoother stepper as I wish to use a newer PC with windows 10 which I prefer and already have a spare of and have heard very good things about using one.

With regards to a bob, I want a decent one with plenty of connections for inputs and outputs. I want to control spindle on/off and also the RPM, The usual E stop, ideally pump on/off , a probe, limit and homing switches as well as all the axis XYZA. Feed speed control via remote hand controller.

I like the idea of going to mach4 too....

I have my  my eye on a few here but I presume the USB type will now work with the your ESS smooth stepper if it requires parallel port connection to a bob?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-axis-mach4-board-interface-usb-cnc-motion-control-card-2000khz/303252148651?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CNC-200-KHz-4-Axis-USB-Mach3-Motion-Control-Card-Breakout-Interface-Board/123698623045?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

Also looked at these,

Spec here
http://www.spark-concepts.com/cnc-xpro-controller-v3/

Now updated with this one, again doesn't mention MAch3/4

http://www.spark-concepts.com/cnc-xpro-v4-controller/



I also want a hand controller that I can control feed and spindle speed with a rotary dial/knob. I think this one will cover that.

https://www.makers-hut.com/product/mach3-4-axis-wireless-electronic-handwheel-manual-controller-mpg-usb-handle/


Any help and advice you can offer with regards to a good set up of smooth stepper and control board based on what I have and wish to upgrade will be very much appreciated,


Mark

5

General Mach Discussion / Motor tuning, please take it easy on me I'm new to this :)

« on: August 29, 2019, 05:44:29 PM »

Hi could I have some advice on my new to me but used CNC router.

I'm very new to Mach3 but have been programming woodworking Cnc's for about 10 years.

Here's the spec and the question,

My machine is approximately 1mtr x 1mtr cutting area with 150mm Z clearence, 3 Axis
2.2kw Chinese water cooled spindle
4 x Nema 34 stepper motor 878 oz.in bipolar Model 34HST9805-37B2 Step Angle 1.8, Rate Voltage 6.4, Rate Current 2A, Phase resistance 3.2,Phase Inductance 15mH
4 x Stepper motor drivers DM860A, PEAK 7.8A , Set to 3.0 RMS Peak 4.2A and 2000 microstep resolution
4x Power Supply  200W-60VDC
Cheap chinese HY-JK02-M 5-axis interface board. ( I'm not enthused with the board now I understand a little bit more about them and at £10 cost it seems penny pinching to run an expensive machine with one)
16mm dia 16mm pitch 4 start thread lead screws on all axis


My Mach3 motor settings are the same for for all three motors

Steps per = 125
Velocity = 2000 mm/min
Acceleration =650 mm/sec
Step Pulse =2
Dir Pulse =2


Kernal speed at 25000 Hz

All that sounds like I know what I'm talking about but I don't

My issue is the axis speed only been at 2000mm, I would like to get to at least 5000 or slightly higher if possible.

I've been informed that it should be possible with the current setup but when I increased just the velocity I got some stalling on the X axis when jogging around.

I've watched many videos and read all sorts of info and it seems motor tuning is an art as well as a science and becuase it's a reflection of the sum of the parts it can differ for everyone.

From what I've gleaned I maybe able to increase the steps per to 200 as that is what my motors are rated at and also that my stepper motor drivers could have been much bigger voltage which would also improve things but I don't how this works, oh and less microsteps?

If anyone can advise with explanations so i can get my head around how it is worked out that would be great thank you..