| What is the difference between the MN400, MN100, OptiStep and QuickPhase controllers? |
The
MN400 and MN100 controllers are external controllers communicating with
the PC via a traditional serial port or USB port. The MN100 is a single
axis. The MN400 is a 4-sxis controller. The OptiStep and QuickPhase controllers
plug into a PC ISA slot. ALL but the MN100 operate with machining software.
The QuickPhase controller connects directly to the motor wires. The OptiStep
and the MN400 connect to a driver subsystem which in turn connects to
motors. The MN400 has more I/O capabilities, provides step/direction signal
to and external drive subsystem (or individual drivers) and therefore
can be made to operate large machinery with powerful drivers such as the
DM8010 and DR8010 series which can output up to 10 amps!
|
| Do I need MillMaster Pro and MultiCAM Mill or will MillMaster Pro by itself do everything I need? |
MillMaster
Pro interprets a G-code file line by line and commands the stepper motors
(through an appropriate controller) to move in accordance with the commands.
It has DXF import capability but is not a drawing program. You can type
in G-codes such as: G01 Y1, which would cut 1" away from the operator.
By contrast, MultiCAM Mill can import DXF files, will allow you to use
the mouse to draw on screen, and will create the G-codes for MillMaster
Pro according to your design. MultiCAM mill does not control motors directly.
You will need to use MillMaster Pro to complete the process. One of the
main advantages to MultiCAM Mill is that it handles tool radius compensation
allowing you to draw the actual finished part profile.
|
| To do electronic threading on a lathe, I know I need a threading encoder to rotate with the spindle shaft but which controller is best? |
The
MN400 and Optistep Plus controllers have special inputs for a threading
encoder. You can connect your threading encoder there and perform single,
multi-start and tapered (pipe) threads without the need for closed loop
electronics. With the MN400 controller and our electronic spindle speed
controller, threading at speeds as high as 2000 RPM is now possible.
|
| How do I setup and use the 4", 6", or 8" rotary tables with MillMaster Pro? |
Providing
you have an OptiStep or MN400 controller and a 4th axis option driver,
simply select Options - Machine Parameters and click on the Advanced
folder tab. select the 4th axis to be a rotary table and set the Steps.per.deg.rpm
= to a number equal to the steps needed to rotate one degree. Since one
revolution (400 half steps) of the stepper motor results in 5 degrees,
the number to enter is 400/5 = 80 for the 4" table. The 6" and 8" tables
has 200. and if microstepping the numbers are 400 and 1000 for
the 4" and for the 6" or 8" tables respectively. In programming simply entering
g0 A90 would result in a precise 90 degree rotation clockwise.
|
| Do I need Microstepping drivers or will a 1/2 step driver be adequate for my project? |
Microstepping
increases resolution and reduces oscillations, resonance and excessive
vibration which tend to be most pronounced in circular moves. Generally
if you're direct coupling the motor to a leadscrew you'll have some serious
resonances. Using a shaft coupling with rubber insert can help but you'll
probably want microstepping as well. If you're doing a timing pulley/belt
reduction, 1/2 stepping may be all you need.
|
| How can I maximize the throughput of MillMaster Pro and TurnMaster Pro during machining without upgrading my computer? |
After
a part program has been graphically verified, you can turn off the 'Graphics'
animation mode and enable the 'Machine' mode only. This allows the processor
to focus on machine movements reducing interblock delay to a minimum.
|
| How large a CNC file can I load into MMPRO and TMPRO? |
The
size of the file is not an issue anymore with our Windows versions. The
DOS software used to have a file limitation of about 60K and required
the use of the "chain" command. But MillMaster Pro for Windows
and TurnMaster Pro for Windows handle huge files. Files as large as 100
megs have been testd with no problems. If you plan on running very large
files from CAD/CAM programs, it's a good idea to have extra memory and
more hard drive space so the operating system runs efficiently.
|
| Can I do
simultaneous or coordinated motion with MN100's? |
Simultaneous-
yes. Coordinated- not really! If you want to drive an X-Ysystem in a plotter
fashion where the vector move must start and stop both axes at the same
instant, this is not the way to go. You can run multiple MN100 controlled
axes simultaneously however by using the hold command and loading the
commands for all the MN100's then sending a 'release all' command! If
you set the speed for each unit proportional to the distance it has to
travel, the units will arrive at their destinations at the same time.
For true coordinated motion, consider the MN400 controller.
|
| Will MillMaster Pro accept G-codes created with MasterCAM, SmartCAM, SurfCAM, or any other CAM software? |
Yes.
You just need to choose the proper postprocessor in the CAM software.
If the CAM software did not come with a post for MillMaster Pro, contact
us for assistance. We will provide you with the technical information
you need to set up a custom post.
|
| I am setting up a post processor for a 3rd party CAD/CAM software. What information do I need to enter? |
Most
CAM software will configure a post for MillMaster Pro by starting from
a BOSS 4 POST and making a couple of changes to accommodate the differences.
These are: 1) Tell the post not to generate N-sequence #'s and 2) That
the IJK center coordinates are always relative! If you need additional
help, please contact our technical support dept. to obtain the CNC Postprocessor
setup specifications.
|
| I would like for the cutting moves to smoothly continue from one segment to another. Is this possible? |
Yes.
Our MN400 has the ability to do continuous contouring and will not pause
between segments if they do not abruptly change direction. This results
in a nicely blended polyline path that makes for smooth profiling cuts.
|
| Can I use the retrofit kit for the small benchtop machines on a larger mill like the Bridgeport series 1? |
Not
really. The kit is mechanically designed to fit the Sherline mill and
will not mount directly to a larger mill. Also the electronics and motors
are sized for a small machine and cannot supply enough power to achieve
a reasonable speed and cutting power. We do offer a Bridgeport/Enco retrofit
kit that is powerful enough for that machine.
|
| I'm converting my own milling machine, do I have to use ballscrews? |
The
original screws are typically ACME style and they have friction and backlash.
You can reduce the backlash by tightening up the nut but you get a lot
of friction. Ballscrews give you the best of both worlds, speed and no
backlash. We do have backlash compensation capability in the software,
so that helps, but for optimum performance, ballscrews make the machine
perform like a real CNC and that's the whole idea. Conventional and climb
milling operations can be intermixed without concern. Climb milling (where
the cutting forces are pulling the cutter in the direction of cut) are
not possible without ballscrews and no anti-backlash software can accommodate
that.
|
| Can the Pre-engineered systems be set for the European 220 or 240 Volts and 50 Hz? |
Most
our systems handle foreign voltages and frequencies by selecting the proper
jumper. Typically the systems are set for 115 volts. You may request the
230 nominal setting when ordering. Both 50 and 60 Hz are accommodated.
|
| Can I use my machine manually? |
Yes,
if you're careful. The motors act as a generator, so turn off the power
and disconnect the motors cables first.
|
|
I want to turn my spindle on forward and reverse and also stop. |
This method of control is supported and is available. This is called the
pulse mode. The pulse mode has to be selected in the advanced
folder tab in the machine parameters. Once this is done, the behavior
of 3 output signals is modified. All 3 outputs become momentary and activate
low for 1/2 second, then return high. Output #1 is commanded with
M3 for forward . Output #5 is commanded with M4 for reverse. Output #
4 is commanded with M5 for motor off. (Sounds backwards I know) You may
also simply consider purchasing the VFD(Variable frequency drive) option.
This is supported in the Windows software products and makes it easy to
set a specific speed as well as forward and reverse.
|
| I operate a wood router. How do I turn on and off the dust collection system under program control? |
From within your part program, M functions are used to activate outputs.
M8 turns on output #2 and M9 turns it off. These stay on until changed
(or program ends).
|
| What is the output signal from the I/Os? voltage and amps rating so I c an get the appropriate relays? |
The output signal is an open collector 5 volt that can drive a very small
relay with 165 ohms or higher coil resistance with 2.5 to 3.5 volt pickup.
(OMRON makes one). If a larger relay is needed they have to be cascaded
or alternately a solid state relay can be used for some applications
100 ma would be too much, generally you need to stay around 40 ma or less. Use a relay with 165 ohms or more rated at 3.5 to 5 volts. Aromat DS2Y-S-DC5V meets these requirements, so does Tyco V23105A5001A201 . These are available from www.Newark.com quite inexpensively. |