Hi All,

Here is a photo of the 8 stn tool turret that will be fitted to my Colchester / Mach3 combo.
Turrethttp://img43.imageshack.us/img43/338/img6584s.jpg
Lathe http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/9465/img6551.jpg
The intention is to control the turret function by a small PLC and command the PLC using descrete IO from a Pokeys IO expansion board.

ie 3 outputs from Pokeys to select the tool and an I/p to say tool in position + 1 or 2 fault signals.

The turret has a solenoid shot pin for " rough" positioning.
Clamp lock for holding the turret in accurate position.
Motor rotate CW
Motor rotate CCW
Motor brake
Motor over temp sensor
Solenoide position sensor
Clamp lock position sensor
Turret position sensor (4 binary ops)

So there is a fair bit going on.
More photos of the control build as and when
ATB
Derek

Sounds like it works in exactly the same manner as the one I did the ladder for, all works with timings in the PLC ladder.
 Do you have a PLC already or are you going to be getting one?

 I just got a turret off a Bullard lathe that I am adapting to fit in place of the front post on my Computurn. At the moment its a hydraulic motor that rotates it via a very nice setup of hard rubber worm and it indexes nicely but I am thinking of changing that out to a servo.

Sounds like it works in exactly the same manner as the one I did the ladder for, all works with timings in the PLC ladder.
 Do you have a PLC already or are you going to be getting one?

 I just got a turret off a Bullard lathe that I am adapting to fit in place of the front post on my Computurn. At the moment its a hydraulic motor that rotates it via a very nice setup of hard rubber worm and it indexes nicely but I am thinking of changing that out to a servo.

Hi Hood,

I will use a small Mitsubushi FX plc - used quie a few of these and might be able to pull one out of some old kit.
I have not done any work with modbus and quite like the idea of being able to test the "coms" between mach and turret by looking at the PLC IP LEDs.
Also, if necessary it will make it easier to transfer to another lathe if I ever had the need to.
Duplo sent me the tech manual with the wiring diagram and timing chart -The motor is a little 3ph jobbie and will need to be conected to a small VFD as I only have 1ph in "my shop".

I'd like to see your 2 turrets in operation when you have it all fitted.

ATB
Derek

If these PLCs support ModBUS then no need to use the PoKeys for it, the PLC will handle it all and obviously has the advantages that it will take 24V which I presume the turret will be for its I/O. Also a lot less wiring involved as you will be going via the serial from the PLC rather than the outputs to the pokeys through USB to Mach.


Hood

Hi,

I've added a number toochanger modules into the ModIO for various turrets. The latest was for this Hercus turret.

http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,11809.msg81230.html#msg81230

The ModIO is controlled vis Modbus ans uses the M6Start macro.

Cheers,


Peter

Hi Hood /Peter,

The small Mitsubishi FX PLCs don't support Modbus (RS232/485 only)

So my choice is use the FX with Pokeys - I need a pokeys for addition switches anyway and talk to the turret PLC by 4/5 descrete Pokeys I/O lines.

Or - use a Modbus capable PLC for a neater installation with much of the M6 macro work already available.
What manufacture of PLC would you recommend? Is the programming software cheap or free

I am comming round to the idea of ModBUS.

ATB
Derek.

I use the Koyo from Automation direct, model D0-06DR
You can get them in the UK from Lamonde Automation but they charge the same in £ as they are in $ from Automation Direct. However you would need someone in the USA to buy it and send it over to you as Automation Direct will just tell you to buy from their UK agent.
Software is free up to 100 words.

Hood

Well,
...almost 2yrs and at last major progress to report:-

Turret conected to a separate PLC controller.
Pokeys configured and connected to PC/PLC controller via CNC4PC opto isolator boards.
Chunky base plate machined to mount the turret onto the Colchester to slide.
Mach set up, tool change macro written, home limits setup.

A few bits of VDI tooling sourced from 3bay
Next step - remove the dixon tool post, bolt on the turret and enjoy
Photos to follow.

ATB
Derek

Ah so it was you that bought that tooling I was watching the last day 

I dont have a VDI turret but would like to get one someday, dont suppose you know where there are any going cheap ? 

Look forward to the pics.

Hood

Hi Hood, 
Here are a few pics.

After a false start, (the coolant was comming out of the wrong position its all working supa dupa

The turret is mounted on a steel adaptor plate fixed onto where the Dixon tool post was fixed.
Pokeys and CNC4PC boards interface to the PLC control. (made by a buddy of mine).
Dave (brother) written the tool change macro and added a few extra buttons to the lathe screens.

It only took 2 years    
ATB
Derek (& Dave)