Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] XYYZ gantry

Peter Chen wrote:

> Jon Elson wrote: "They have separate limit and home
> switches on both Z axes, and once homed, the CNC
> control keeps them in sync."
>
> Thanks Jon for your comments. This would mean that
> prior to every machining cycle, one would have to home
> the axes first.

No, not at all. Only when you turn the CNC control on,
or have to reload the control program after a failure, or
some other condition where the CNC control loses the
position data from the encoders.

> would it also mean that using a tandem
> gantry will limit one's choice of CAM software? (Using
> separate stepper drivers and a CNC program that is
> unaware of the dual nature of this axis setup, it is
> not to easy to do this properly.)

No, the CAM software doesn't have to know anything
about the tandem axis configuration. You just call it
by one name (Y or Z) and the CNC control knows
it has to move the two motors in sync.

> Any experience with a gantry like MiniRobo
> www.super-tech.com which I think is XYYZ? Will one
> encounter problems if one
> uses those software often mentioned on this list like
> CNCPro, Vector, etc, rather than Supercam that is
> bundled with miniRobo?

No, I doubt there would be a problem.

Anyway, a tandem axis only applies to two completely
independant motion systems that must be kept in sync
by the CNC control. If one motor drives two screws
through shafts or belts, that is not the same.

Jon