Paid Help with EMC / GCode

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24 Sep 2011 16:10 #13420 by lenz
I'm not sure if this is the proper place to post this but I'm not sure where else to do so.

We're looking for someone to help us get started with our 3axis EMC machine. We're willing to pay for the service if anyone is interested. We can easily work with someone remotely via email/phone. In other words there's not need to be local to us. Alternatively if anyone knows companies who offer this service we would appreciate the contact. Our only requirement is extensive knowledge of EMC and G/Code. We are building a semiautomated machine that will likely require subroutines,...

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24 Sep 2011 18:42 #13425 by andypugh
Some idea of location (to the nearest continent) would help.

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24 Sep 2011 19:21 #13428 by lenz
Replied by lenz on topic Re:Paid Help with EMC / GCode
We're in the US (PA) but as mentioned in the post its irrelevant. We're not looking for someone to come to us. Only to work remotely via email, phone,...

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25 Sep 2011 12:25 #13436 by BigJohnT
Can you describe the machine and functions in a bit more detail and what your wanting help with?

John

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25 Sep 2011 17:47 #13439 by lenz
Replied by lenz on topic Re:Paid Help with EMC / GCode
Hi John

The machine is a fairly simple 3 Axis gantry type routing machine. The thing that makes it a bit different is that it has 3 side by side spindles on the Y axis. Each spindle has a different tool. This is essentially like an automatic tool changer. The spindles each have a sensor for homing them or rather getting them into cutting position. The machine will be used to cut, drill, and finish cast parts. The operator will load the part and press a start button. The machine will then cut, drill,... as programed and then move the part into the load / unload position for the operator to remove the finished part , reload and press start again.

We will be using VisualMill, or similar CAM to create the GCode for the various parts we make. We need help writing a the base program for all the inputs (start buttons, homing positions, cutting positions,..), outputs,...

Hope this all makes sense.

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25 Sep 2011 18:09 #13440 by andypugh
lenz wrote:

The machine is a fairly simple 3 Axis gantry type routing machine. The thing that makes it a bit different is that it has 3 side by side spindles on the Y axis.

Do they each have their own Z drive?
Is the spacing along the Y axis fixed?

If they stay a fixed distance apart, and they move up and down together with the non-active spindles simply missing the work, then the complexity can all be handled by tool offsets. (even on a mill the tool table allows for X and Y offsets as well as the rather more obvious Z)
It gets a little more complicated if they have individual Z axes, and very much more complicated if they have individual Y drives.

(Are you sure you won't accept free, unpaid help?)

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25 Sep 2011 18:52 #13441 by lenz
Replied by lenz on topic Re:Paid Help with EMC / GCode
They're all evenly spaced on the y axis and move together. They're spaced far enough apart so as not to hit the part when not in use. I think I understand your idea of tool offsets. The only thing we think is important is homing or rather using a sensor to position each tool for its use. That's the reason we have sensors to mark each head. Correct me if I'm wrong but wouldn't a tool offset just move over from the base home position??? If so this would reduce accuracy.

We would gladly accept free help but really want to accelerate the time to complete this. We also have no experience with G-Code so there' s a big learning curve to overcome.

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25 Sep 2011 19:10 #13442 by BigJohnT
By "move together" are they just a gang tool setup with three heads on the Z axis with the only difference is the X offset? In this case the machine is a simple XYZ gantry mill.

If this is the case then using a setting gauge for Z you can set the tool length offsets up very accurately and once you know your X work offsets just change either the position of the op for each head or use a work offset for each head.

John

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26 Sep 2011 20:27 #13462 by lenz
Replied by lenz on topic Re:Paid Help with EMC / GCode
Yes, they move together and are just offset along the y axis. It is just a simple xyz gantry mill. The difference is some of the small features we need (inputs, outputs,..) to run as a semi automatic machine.

This may sound very simple to most in this forum but again we're new to this. We'd really like to get some extensive help and we don't mind paying for people's time.

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26 Sep 2011 21:39 #13464 by BigJohnT
I own an automation company and design and build (with CNC equipment) automation machines as well as integrate PLC's and automation systems during the day... that being said you can get all the free help you want here. You will still have to make the physical connections.

What do these "inputs and outputs" do to make the machine semi-automatic?

Is this a currently running CNC machine with functioning drives and motors?

A photo would be a big help...

John

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