Topics

1

Mach4 General Discussion / Lathe machine G76 thread work problem (video attached)

« on: September 19, 2022, 09:52:11 PM »

This is a lathe machine question using Mach 4 and smooth stepper.
Using the G76 command, there is a problem with the tapping operation.
The same is true for working with the job wizard.



The spindle starts rotating fine, but soon, it barely rotates, and neither the X-axis nor the Z-axis moves.

The spindle uses an AC servo spindle, and if you check the Smooth Stepper Diagnosis, the RPM is reported correctly.
The screen also displays the RPM correctly.

I currently set it to output 500 pulses per rotation.


Commands like M3 S1000 etc also work very well and have no issues at all.
There are no problems with other machining, but   tapping operations is problems.

We have prepared a YouTube video below.
What am I missing?

--G76 operation problem video--
https://youtu.be/VjyVQ6coxfQ
https://youtu.be/EnKnQ2SQlc0
------------------------------------

--Automatic turret tool change head test video--
https://youtu.be/wspTNS7x5Ns

2

Mach4 General Discussion / Spindle setting on lathe machine

« on: September 12, 2022, 07:16:39 AM »

My system looks like this:

Controller: Smooth Stepper

BOB board: CNC4PC

Spindle motor: AC servo spindle (Panasonic)

Spindle control method: Step and Dir control method (step motor control method)

Problem: Working with Threads





My spindle amplifier outputs 2500 pulses per revolution.

Input 2500 to Encoder Prescaler and 3 to Effective PPR to use.

(Smooth stepper spindle setting)

With this setting, the actual RPM will appear exactly on the screen of Mach 4.
( True Rpm )

Create a new job in machMotion Threding Cycle and enter basic values

Xi = 20 , Zi =0

Zf =-20

With this setup and start up, the spindle RPM's are almost low, and they don't appear to move at all.

(It's running, something is moving very slowly, but it doesn't seem to work at all)

What am I missing?

Normal machining is working without problems.
Threading is a problem

3

Mach4 General Discussion / A question about lathe machines.

« on: September 05, 2022, 08:57:02 AM »

I suddenly made a lathe machine one day.
Make it easy, connect the electrical wiring, and ask questions while preparing for operation


I'm confused about not being able to initialize the x-axis to zero.

If I was going to process a 20mm round bar and installed a 30mm material, would I need an input of 30mm somewhere?


I entered the tool offset for the tool.

If so, is the offset automatically determined according to the tool when the tool is used?

For example, if the tool is 10mm from the center,
When I command G00 X30, in the case of tool 0, it automatically moves to 20mm and
will proceed with the work?

Sorry. I'm new to lathe machine, so I want to understand the concept.

4

Mach4 General Discussion / Fast movement, probing and retracting, probing again

« on: August 14, 2022, 08:43:54 AM »

hello

I found a new problem while processing probing
Change tool manually, do G31 probing each time.

  If the length of the tool is adjusted to the long case, it does not take much time to reach the touch plate.


If I'm using a short tool, if I feed it low with g31 code up to the touchplate, it takes a long time.

As usual, move the touch plate quickly to touch and
Move back again, slowly touch the touch plate and
I want to complete probing

Any ideas?

5

Mach4 General Discussion / How to link external controller and tool number?

« on: July 25, 2022, 11:09:16 PM »

 Please advise if I'm misunderstanding something.


I'm reviewing the m6 script sample and planning an ATC.

I'm trying to use an external controller (arduino) to do positioning and rotation of a tool.

Here are my basic ideas and questions.

1. To send tool change command to external controller (arduino), do I need to turn on IO in motion controller (Intgra 7866) to prepare my controller for tool rotation and replacement?

If I had 10 tools in this case, I would need 10 IOs, right?
If I have 30 tools, should I have 30 IOs?
This method is too inefficient. Any other good ways?
(Example: No. 4 io on -> No. 4 tool replacement command, No. 5 io on -> No. 5 tool replacement command…)

2. When the Mach 4 is first run, the tool number on the Mach 4 should match an empty tool slot on my Arduino controller.

(This ensures that the tool will fit into the empty slot when changing the tool.)

My question is, when Mach 4 is running, it reads the number of tools it currently has,
(my controller wants to pass the number of an empty slot to Mach)

I'm looking for a way to synchronize the tool number of an external arduino controller with the tool number on the first run of Mach 4.

Are there program samples (ATC) or tool replacements I can refer to?

 

6

General Mach Discussion / Solidcam 2022 post processor request Mach 4

« on: July 02, 2022, 10:26:10 AM »

I use Mach 4, is the post processor perfectly matched to Mach 4
(I use Solidworks 2022 ).

My product is made with a Chinese stepping motor,
The controller is an Ethernet Smooth Stepper.

I am struggling with the post process.
Please share a compatible post processor file

Thank you all.

7

Post Processors / Solidcam 2022 post processor request Mach 4

« on: July 01, 2022, 11:37:51 AM »

 
 If I use Mach 4, is the post processor perfectly matched to Mach 4 
(I use Solidworks 2022 ).

My product is made with a Chinese stepping motor,
The controller is an Ethernet Smooth Stepper.

I am struggling with the post process.
Please share a compatible post processor file

Thank you all.

8

Mach4 General Discussion / Clearpass server motor and Mach 4 motor setting

« on: October 20, 2020, 06:58:52 AM »

I applied Taiwan TBI SFA R 1620A1 D G C5 -559L ball screw.

The motor is this model.
CPM-SDSK-3421S-ELN

The controller is a smooth stepper. (LAN )
I'm using Mach 4

There are several settings in the motor settings

Unit per counter
Velocity
Acceleration
Backlash

I set the others, but for various values on the motor
I don't know what to do.
When using a clear pass servo motor, can you share your settings?
Or, please guide me how to set it up

9

HiCON Motion Controller / ATC in HiCON Integra 7866?

« on: October 17, 2020, 01:56:14 PM »

Hi.

I'm making a CNC machine
The motor will use a clearpass servo motor.

I started making a new CNC machine to make ATC (automatic tool change).
At first, I decided to upgrade my Chinese 6040 CNC to ATC.
In the end, I decided to make everything new.

We are planning to manufacture 3-axis milling type CNC.
I will be using the HiCON Integra 7866.

As I build my system, I have the most questions.
CNC thinks that it is not difficult to prepare motors and hardware.

I want to implement ATC, but I want to know the overall layout of it.

Method 1
Using HiCON Integra 7866, after the spindle moves to the tool change position, it receives the relay output, operates my motor, moves the tool to the required position, controls the air cylinder, and notifies Mach 4 of the success of tool change and tool change.
(No separate hardware and equipment required, necessary motor control, relay output can be received from HiCON Integra 7866)


Method 2
With HiCON Integra 7866 and the spindle moves to the tool change position, relay output. Perform the necessary operation on my separate hardware (Raspberry Pi, etc.) (relay control, motor control, air cylinder control)
When finished, relay output is passed back to Mach 4


How do I make the easiest and fastest way to implement ATC?
I want to make it as simple as possible
I can develop and make a simple embedded board,
Can I implement the functionality for ATC in HiCON Integra 7866?
Is the required hardware sold separately? (Software license, etc?)

Or do I need a separate system? (Modbus connection etc?)

Please tell me how to implement it easily with HiCON Integra 7866 so I can envision an ATC system.

10

General Mach Discussion / I want to know how Mach 4 communicates for ATC

« on: October 16, 2020, 08:24:26 AM »

I am making a new CNC machine using Mach 4 and SmoothStepper.

After checking many videos, I thought about the operation of ATC.

I can develop some embedded software and operate stepper motors and pneumatic cylinders. i can easily manipulate what i want by using raspberry pie or various embedded boards.
What I'm curious about is,
If i make a tool change order in Mach 4, how do i communicate that order to me?

When I receive a command called Tool 3, the CNC will move the spindle to the position for tool change. (I think it will be possible on Mach 4)


Here is the question.

When I receive an order to replace tool 3, how does Mach 4 communicate it to me?
If Mach 4 (tool 4) sends me an order to exchange
Operate the pneumatic cylinder (on separate equipment and board)
Start the step motor with tool 4 and move it to the required position.
Will deliver.

Then, operate the air switch to remove the old tool from the spindle,
We will replace the new tool.

In this case, I need to inform Mach 4 that the tool has been replaced.

I would like to know how to communicate for ATC on Mach 4.
Can anyone give me a detailed explanation?

I can make the communication and movement that Mach 4 wants

If Mach 4 delivers the data to me.