Well, Just when I thought I was 'getting it' regarding G Code, I tried running the file attached. I had the majority of the file created in LazyCam, and tweaked it by adding a G91 G81 code for a series of drilled holes in this servo actuator arm.

It loaded and looked good in the Mach 3 window, so I fired up the 3 axis mill, and ran the program. Worked fine until line N15 which calls out a hole to be cut. I used G42 to compensate for the cutter (hoping it cuts to the inside of the radius of the hole). When I run the file, the tip of the cutter plunges to the proper depth, and then all action freezes, except the timer on the program continues to run as if it is still cutting. However, the cutting tool is stationary. If I underestand correctly, it should be cutting a hole, not stopping as if to ask for directions So, I don't know if something in Mach 3 is hanging up, or if it is something I have done.

Can anyone tell me if my code looks funny? Also, if there is any tweaking to the file that would make it better? I am learning G Code quickly, but I don't have anyone locally that I know that can help me calibrate my learning curve

Thanks a lot!

Mark

Hi Markr
Not sure but whats the G91.1 in line N3, might be a typo! Also G90 and G91 should not be on the same line. Also have you enterd a DXX to tell the control what dia the tool is? Have not checked your co- ordinates.
Best regards
Burgs

G91.1 is to tell Machs3 that the arc's are done in Inc IJ mode

Here is a copy of the code... I just ran it in Mach 3 to see if a re-boot would fix the problem, and finally stopped the program at 1 hour and 31 minutes on the clock. It stayed in the same place on the code line the whole time, but the clock kept ticking.

Here's the code as generated by LC for the first part of the cut. It seems to get to line 15 and stops:

N1 (File New Servo horn )
N2 (Tuesday, May 30, 2006)
N3 G90G80G40G91.1
N4
N5 G0Z0.1000
N6 X0.0979 Y0.1594
N7
N8 G1 Z-0.1000 F60.00
N9 
N10
N11 G0Z0.1000


N12 X0.4715 Y0.1589
N13 G42
N14 G1 Z-0.1000
N15 G2 X0.4715 Y0.1589 I-0.0787 J0.0000  F40.00

N16 G40


See anything on line 14 or 15 that would cause Mach 3 to hang? 

Thanks!

Mark

P.S. The line numbers that are blank were lines of z code that were redundant and some M and S codes that I am not using...

OK... I identified the area of the problem: If I just run the G2 line by itself  as a stand alone code file (N15 G2 X0.4715 Y0.1589 I-0.0787 J0.0000  F40.00) it makes a circle in the Mach 3 display after I load the code.

IF I add the z axis code on line 14 (N14 G1 Z-0.1000) before the circle, it turns into a spiral shaped curve.

Is there some code I am missing? I am trying to lower the tool tip through the material so I can cut a hole...

 

thanks

Mark

G42 needs either a tool # (G42 D1) or tool radius (G42 P0.25). You also need a lead in move, that should be at least as long as the tool radius, and not straight down. that could be the problem.

OK. Thanks!

I'll try that and see what happens. Didn't know the parameter was there. I thought the tool size setting in Mach 3 was what told the program how to compensate...

Mark

  Hello there Soft Shell here,  I was just reading the latest entries here and a thought comes to me (i am a rookies rookie be easy on me), "is there an editor like spell check which will read your g and m code to see if you have any of those common mistakes like something on a line where it should not be or something misssing, or general dis-arrangement of your code?  LOVE TO ASK QUESTIONS and drink my B-d Lite....actually, if there is such a thing at a reasonable cost (that translates to fixed income) i sure would like to know....joel ....Here's to ya!

There is nothing like that That is a good idea but there are SO many things that people do with Gcode! If you loada bad file into Mach3 it will give you an error and tell you what line it is on.

If you have a problem or need to ask a question about a file there are many people here that can help!

I am a Samuel Adans guy my self mmmm... I think I am going to have to get up and get one now 

Brian