Does control s/w affect machine performance? wasRe: Aerotech Servo Motors?

Greg,

I'd say if you're using Geckos properly, that the control software is
the MOST limiting factor in the capabilities of a machine. (since
motor performance is the "other" one, and with Geckos properly
applied, you've already got that covered...)

Not only will the step rate and pulse train consistency of a given
control output affect you; the control features themselves are going
to determine what your particular machine CAN and CANNOT do!

For step rate, the Mach2 with Gecko 2003 is going to blow everything
else away. Without the G2993, Mach2 is good for 45k steps/second.
Other DOS programs will top this. But being "in Windows" has some
advantages for file movement, and GUI configurability, as well as
mouse control, if that's desirable to you (I'm not a mouse-for-CNC
fan).

TurboCNC's new V4 is miles ahead of their earlier versions, IMO.
Should be nearing general release... TCNC's gcode is better, but
still requires single g codes per line(and other quirks), which is
NOT standard.

As to your nexr concern, you are wise to consider how the g
code "generator" will work with the chosen control... For many
software based controls, the big players in CAM have made usable Post-
processors. For some controls you will need to massage the code into
compliance with the control yourself.

Your part is certainly "do-able" with the types of controls and
machines discussed here. You didn't mention any tolerance values, or
material???

Hope this helps,

Ballendo



--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, Gregory Kamysz
<smsupply@a...> wrote:

> While I'm waiting for the Geckos to show up I'm trying to decide on

a

> controller. Can the control software be a limiting factor in the
> capabilities of the machine? Speed is not an issue Geckos should

allow

> 590 IPM max with the 1000 line encoders so I think speed will be

limited

> by the motor Kv and supply voltage.
>
> Here is a pic of what I want to make.
> http://www.edfinfo.com/other/503-2.JPG
>
> The blades on the fan is the area I'm concerned about. If I get
> software that is capable of generating G-code, is it possible that

the

> controller may not understand it? I see that some functions are

not

> supported in some control software. The parts are designed in
> Solidworks. Can I get away with a freeware for making these or do

I

> need to spend some money?
>
> I downloaded demos of Deskam and Cutviewer Mill to see If I can

make

> these things and it looks OK. Cutveiwer kept showing collisions in
> rapid when plunging to cutting depth after a move. Not sure why or

what

> this really means but I haven't read any directions yet either.
>
> Those of you running TurboCNC. Would I use a boot disk to start my

P3

> 500 in DOS. I think I still have a DOS 6.0 disk somewhere.
>
> Has anyone seen a site that compares all of the hobby CNC software
> capabilities?
>
> Greg Kamysz