Let's talk about CAM

DaBit wrote:

It wasn't purely experimentation, but not a fixed set of parameters either. Basically it is altering the V/F curve using PD006, PD007, PD009 and PD010. In my manual on page 28 there are some graphs..

You want to set the intermediate voltage and frequency in such a way that the motor current (VFD can display that too) reaches it's maximum when you load the spindle at low RPM (say 3000; tuning lower rpm's make no sense).

You still don't have much power at those RPMs though. Even in an ideal situation there is only (3000/24000) * 2.2 = 0,275kW available.
For really decent milling of steel with these spindles there is one magic word: AlTiN coating on solid carbide endmills. Futhermore it helps to avoid sharp corners, slot milling and especially plunging in your CNC programs.

Dabit, I have been trying to figure this out, My manual has no graphs to go from, do you mind sharing your settings of pd006, 7,9, 10?
Also could you mention if you are using a 2.2kw spindle?

I'll check the parameters for you when I am at the CNC again.

But to be honest I think you must understand what you are changing and why because you can do a lot of harm with those parameters and they are different from setup to setup. so copying my set of parameters is probably a bad idea, although it gives you a starting point.

I am not using a 2.2kW spindle, but a 3kW one.

Thanks, I understand that your values may not work for me, just trying to get an idea of how much is reasonable to increase the numbers.
I did find those graphs, and let me see if I have this right

Basically we can shape our V/F "curve" with 3 sets of parameters.
1. pd007 minumum frequency and pd010 minimum voltage
2. pd006 intermediate frequency and pd009 indermediate voltage
3. pd005 maximum frequency and pd008 maximum voltage


I never intent to spin the spindle slower than 4800 rpms, so I will choose 80hz minimum frequency.
So now I play with pd010 minimum voltage until my vfd sends a reasonable amperage while loaded at slow speed?
Then when I figure that out, i set intermediate freq and voltage to approximate a line between my min and max points?

Sound right?
I tried the examples from the graphs of lower torque and higher torque and didn't see much difference.

From the default curve. and example curves, full voltage is sent by 50hz?
How is there anything to gain, amperage wise, if I want more power above 50hz? shouldn't it be maxing out already.

Thanks for your time

A update to this item:
# The following items are free,
# DXF2GCODE Cam software
# Open Terminal, copy and paste the each line one at time into Terminal, press enter after each paste.

cd ~
git clone git.code.sf.net/p/dxf2gcode/sourcecode dxf2gcode-sourcecode
cd /home/`whoami`/dxf2gcode-sourcecode/source/
sudo chmod +x /home/`who | cut -d' ' -f1 | sort | uniq`/dxf2gcode-sourcecode/source/dxf2gcode.py

# To run Dxf2gode Cam Software
# Copy and paste the following into Terminal

python /home/`whoami`/dxf2gcode-sourcecode/source/dxf2gcode.py

# To install Sketchup 8 on Ubuntu, Mint or Debian.
# First install Playonlinux on Ubuntu or Mint use the Software install manager for your distro.
# For Debian
# this link for Wheezy

# packages.debian.org/wheezy/playonlinux

# After install of Playonlinux choose install program from within Playonlinux
# then use search function within Playonlinux for google sketchup. Once found choose to install google sketchup. Playonlinux
# will download and install it for you.
# Choose a exe file to start the program, (it will be listed). Icon will be placed on
# your desktop. Program works flawlessly.
# To get Sketch-U-Cam, (CAM add-on) goto web site
# www.openbuilds.com/resources/sketchucam.1/ sign up for login, it is free then download
# Open Sketchup choose menu item Window->Preferences->Extentions->Install Extention
# Choose the Sketch-U-Cam file from the folder you downloaded it to.
# After install of Sketch-U-Cam remember to goto menu item
# Tools-->Phlatboyz-->Options-->Misc Options
# For the line labeled
# Use_compatiable_dialogs set TRUE if you cannot see the parameters dialog
# to TRUE

#
# CamMill Cam software
# Goto web site
# www.openbuilds.com/resources/cammill-for-windows-linux-mac.149/
# Sign up for login, it is free then download Manual which contains web link to Wiki for install

# # Simple GCODE generators Wiki
# wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/wiki.pl?Simple...NC_G-Code_Generators

# 1. Drilling Speeds-n-Feeds
# 2. Arc Generator
# 3. Facing Software
# 4. Bolt Circle Array Software
# 5. Counterbore Software
# 6. Grill Drilling Software
# 7. Bezel Engraving Software
# 8. Text Engraving Software
# 9. Multi-line Text Engraving Software
# 10. Pycam - Drop Cutter Surfacing Software
# 11. Dxf2gcode - import a 2D DXF file and produce G-code
# 12. Rectangular-Circular Pocketing Generator
# 13. Grid Rectangular Circular SpiderNet G-code Generator
# 14. Airfoil G-code Generator 3-4Axis XY-XYUV Foam cuttting (DEAD Link for this one) try this instead www.swarfer.co.za/rc/wire/index.php
# 15. Other G Code Generators
# 16. Using Python scripts with Axis
# 17. Using Python scripts with Windows
# 18. Using Python scripts online
# 19. mGcodeGenerator
# 20. OpenVoronoi and OpenCAMLib

# As for pay for software I have DesignCad v22 with ContourCam Add-on but have not used it yet was very reasonably priced for both pieces of software

Hi all!

I'm new in a forum and honestly in a LinuxCNC and in a CAM as well

I am looking an simple 2D (from .dxf) CAM software for Linux (or/and Windows). Is the Ddxf2gcode support EMC2? Or is there any better?

And a 3D CAM software for Windows. I have an experience with SW, so I have seen a HSMXpress which is free in SW and a Fusion360.
I think both are Autodesk products and default has a postprocessor for EMC2..

And an other problem, I tried a Vectric Aspire, but when I generated a code, is says a tool changing is not supported. Is it possible to do it?

Thanks Andy!

I had a quick look on the internet and a Sheetcam looks enough for generate a G code from dxf into a LinuxCNC.
I hope I can found some tutorials.

Yes, a Fusion360 looks pretty cool for free. I don't want to change the SW, but for a hobby CAM I think I won't find better.

I use Vetric Aspire with the posts in the attachment for LinuxCNC w/ATC, no problem.
Place these files in
C:\ProgramData\Vectric\Aspire\V8.0\PostP

But if you only want these to show for selection instead of all the posts then
place them here

C:\ProgramData\Vectric\Aspire\V8.0\My_PostP

Other options:
FreeCAD is a fine option for 2D and 3D, it also has some CAM function, although it is raw and by no means mature. (I wish it was).

Enjoy

Thanks for your help!
I will have a look how can I modify them, because im a Metric user

I found this manual. Is it enough if I insert some rows into a file? It looks a too easy solution