Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] software questions DRO

We just put electronic handwheels on our CNC equipment. By electronic,
I mean that the feedwheel is attached to an encoder and the signal from
the encoder is fed to the CNC software, TurboCNC in this case.

I think this is much more practical and powerful than retaining the
mechanical handwheels. For example, one can operate in MDI mode, using
the electronic feedwheels to position the tool and then issue a manual
feed like drilling (G78) or straight feed (G77). With mechanical
handwheels, one would be stuck drilling or feeding manually. With
TurboCNC, one has feedrate override as well. The time this saves when
drilling and milling is incredible, to say nothing of being able to
manually position and then do some arcs ie G02 and G03.

Kim

On Mon, 2003-09-29 at 10:56, Jon Elson wrote:
> vlocci wrote:
>
> >I'm just getting started on a conversion and have a few software
> >questions that I haven't found answered in the archives. I'm inclined
> >to keep the handwheels on my mill, since I plan on the occasional job
> >done by hand.
> >
> >1) Assuming I use servo's with encoders, can I use the encoders as a
> >source for positiong info that can be displayed within a software
> >package as a DRO? Which software packages allow this? Is EMC my
> >only choice?
> >
> >
> I think Mach 1 and 2 may support this.
>
> >2) Is the above possible with steppers instead of servo's? Can it be
> >done without encoders? Which software allows this?
> >
> >
> How can you measure position without encoders?
>
> >I realize I'm limited by the accuracy of the axis ACME threads, I.e.
> >backlash induced errors (a ballscrew conversion is in the future, but
> >I want to get things running first)
> >
> >Realize that I dont necessarily need CNC capabilities and the option
> >of manual DRO read out at the same time. (real time jumping back and
> >forth) I'm only after the ability to either cnc a part automatically
> >(hands off), or elect to manually do things with a computer driven
> >DRO arrangement. Can this be done?
> >
> >
> Yes.
>
> >If it matters, I'm considering Gecko drives (either servo or stepper)
> >but am open to a change if it offers me DRO capability.
> >
> >
> You don't say what size machine you are planning on converting. But,
> for the
> larger machines, it may be cheaper to go with servos, if you plan on
> using encoders
> for DRO readout anyway. Also, sevo motors won't drag as much when you
> move the machine manually.
>
> Jon
>
>
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