EMC2 5 axis cinci at MPM

[vambreace]

wow looks like precise backlash compensation calculations for a precise setup is like a day of setups and testing, how do you rate EMC2 against MACH3, i'm running on mach3 but i hear that emc2 have some setup better than mach3 and is excellent for bevel head control for 5-axis cnc plasma, that is true!?

[sws1253]

@vambreace I don't know anything about MACH3 so I cannot comment.

[sws1253]

EMC2 has both backlash compensation and bi-directional lead screw compensation. You can use either. The bi-directional compensation needs an error map of the slide motion. I corrected the Cinci every inch. The compensation interpolates the correction amount between each correction point.

[cncit]

So on EMC can you dial in the ammount of ball screw backlash you have and it will correct on the fly in + and -?

[ions82]

While it may not be the fastest, that thing is likely the most rigid 5-axis CNC machine in existence. And when it comes to machine tools, I'll take rigidity over speed, ANY day. My instructor always used to say, "RIGIDITY, RIGIDITY, RIGIDITY." Great job on the retrofit. Now to see that thing making chips!

[sws1253]

the travels are X 122" Y 42" Z 14"

it is full simultaneous 5 axis motion - EMC2 is capable of 9 axis motion - this version of EMC2 will drill using the W axis - at whatever angle A and B are the W axis is the centerline of the spindle and it will drill at that angle with just a W command

it is also fully geometrically compensated for all motion XYZAB - not just ball screw error but orthogonal error and pivot point error

[PetefromTn]

Holy smokes that is a MONSTER!!! What are the travels on that thing? That is officially the biggest beast I have ever seen retro'd to EMC.... Nice work man!!! peace

Pete

[vlmarshall]

Impressive beast.

[cncit]

Wow! A cincinnati mill?

Is that moving in symultaneous 5 axis..?

[sws1253]

yes and it has 5 axis pivot length compensation and 5 axis tool length compensation

the program was written at the machine not posted through a cam system

the drilling uses the 'w' axis (the tool axis vector)

[cncit]

Nice work! Is the 'W' Axis a quill? Is that head positioning at full rapids or slowed down for the test..?

It looks like the main tilt on the head runs on roller guded rails but a bit hard to see for sure...

[sws1253]

The 'W' axis is the tool axis. There is no quill. The program uses XYZABW. XYZ combine to move the tool along the current tool axis when the W axis is programmed.

The moves are essentially rapid moves when positioning.

There are not roller guides. The machine has box ways on XYZ and a arc box way on B. The A axis is carried by two pillow blocks.

[cncit]

I see I suppose the only limit to the machines performance is the servo max rpm.

Have you changed the servos and drives as well as the front end control..?

I presume they were dc servos origionally...

John.

[sws1253]

I have not changed anything other than the control. I am working on changing the servo amps. The SCR amps work but they are limited in the tuning of them. I am not trying to make it a FAST machine. I would like to have it tuned a little better. The EMC2 tuning is superimposed on the tuning accel/decel of the SCR amps. Weight is the limiting factor on the machine.

Stuart

[cncit]

Yes I agree if it is accurate and it gives a good finish with the more usable control then that is a great result..

Plus the original servos may be better suited to the heavy machine than modern AC motors.

Can't wait to see it cutting!

John.

[moinky2k]

wow

[enytned1]

Semi automatic tool changer. Awesome!