Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Crashing CNCs: what gives ?

Most of the 'big dollar' programs employ 'no-go' zones. Places where the
machine dare not go - under any circumstances (like chucks, etc.) These
collision-avoidance zones are programmed at initial installation. That
doesn't stop Stupid Operator Mistakes, though. I remember once, I 'backed
up' part way through a program to re-do a feature that didn't clean up
properly. Only after I hot the start button, and watched as the WRONG tool
(1", multi-flute x 6" long endmill) promptly tried to go through a 2" thick
section of aluminum. The endmill lost the battle, but the $800+ part was
scrapped, I was reduced to a state of some humility... But I never did that
again! When I went through Lincoln Electric's Robotic Welding Program, they
employed a break-away head to prevent ultimate ruination.

RayHex

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> From: Kim Lux <lux@...>
>
> I'd like to know what is supposed to "give" when one crashes a CNC
> tool/slide into a chuck, tailstock, etc ?
>
> Lets say we've got a servo/ballscrew set up that generates 1000 to 1500
> pounds of force when called on. Next, we accidentally command that axis
> to run into something immovable: a chuck, tailstock, etc. On a
> commercial machine, how is this handled without wrecking anything ?
>
> Right now we've got a quick blow fuse that pops in our equipment. It is
> the only way that I can see to limit the damage. What is everyone else
> doing ?
>
> BTW: now that we are experienced, we rarely crash our equipment. I'm
> just curious/wondering how others and commercial equipment handle this.
>
> --
> Kim Lux <lux@...>
>