A reference tool is a particular tool that is always used for reference as opposed to using different tools for reference with every program. It makes life way easier in case you break a tool. See appropriate manual 24495, Section 11.1.3.
On out PT4 ProtoTRAK products there is a service code that allows the machinist to choose between shutting off the spindle and allowing it to run when using PAUSE. The factory default is to shut it off. Go to SET UP, SERVICE CODES and select OPERATOR DEFAULTS. You can change it to allow it to stay running using service code 335.
Your program may be feeding into the control faster than the machine can perform the functions. This is generally caused by high feed rates over a small distance. To resolve this you can either lower the feed rate or change the length of the moves in your CAM or GCD program.
The Preview Graphics feature allows you to use the Look button in the Program In/Out Mode to view the selected fileís graphics without opening the file. This function is standard on SM and SL controls. On the SMX and SLX, it is part of the Network/Memory Option, and may be purchased separately as an addition to your system.
Call your CAM retailer, distributor, or manufacturer. The PT uses a common type of postprocessor based on Fanuc 6. Our control works with defined inputs that are handled by the postprocessor. The CAM side is the more complex side, therefore, the CAM producer is the only company qualified to handle their output.
Press the X, Y, or Z key, then press INC/ABS. This changes each individual axis from INC to ABS (or vice-versa). Now, all three axes should read INC or ABS. Actually, that’s how you got there in the first place.
To run a large GCD program from an external storage device, you will need 3 times the available memory for the program you are running.
Ex: A 2 mb file requires 6 mb of free memory.
This is because the control uses the external device as virtual memory.
The maximum number of events is 1000.
The Simple Answer:
The SX control system can process data much faster than the servo drives can execute the data instructions. The result is the drives are never forced to wait on the control for more data (no drive shucking).
The Technical Explanation:
The maximum number of blocks/sec can vary on any control. The defining factor is the baud rate (bits per second). Baud rates vary between 2400/4800/9600 and 19200. The faster the baud rate, the faster the flow of data. The SX control uses 7 data bits (see next paragraph), 1 stop bit (ìstop bits are a way for a computer to "catch its breath" while sending or receiving data, while still letting the other end know that the connection is still there and is still valid; they're also used in error detection. Ref: www.powerbasic.com), Even parity (the parity checking mode in which each set of transmitted bits must have an even number of set bits. The parity checking system on the sending side ensures even parity by setting the extra parity bit if necessary) and full duplex (allows the sender and receiver to communicate back and forth, rather than one way communication). Below is an indication on how you can calculate flow rate, based upon baud rate and data bits.
In a computer, each character is made up of a group of "bits", an abbreviation for binary digits. In many computers, each character contains 8 bits. When communicating via a serial link, a couple of additional bits are tacked on for various reasons. If a computer is transferring data to a CNC controller at a speed of 9600bps (bits per second) and each character requires 10 bits to transfer, then 960 characters per second can be sent down the wire. Seven bit character codes are also widely used, so the "divide by 10" method is slightly pessimistic for these. This is different from parallel communications, where each bit in a character has its own data path and the whole character gets sent in one shot. On PC's, printer ports use parallel methods and comm ports use serial methods.î (Ref: http://www.nfrpartners.com)."
About 5000 PT type events (that includes events parsed from a CAM program); repeats count as one each time.
There is no limit on number of G code events.
Note: Search edit maximum is 1000 events.
For variable, you're doing successively smaller pecks each time, and the tool retracts to Z rapid each time.
For fixed, the pecks are the same each time and are calculated:
Z rapid + depth ÷ number of pecks.
The chip break is identical to variable but the tool picks up only 0.020 between pecks.
The largest radius is 825 inches. Values above this number will cause an error when trying to run the program.
The tool will zigzag back and forth along the X or Y over a length of one tool radius while moving in the Z direction. When it travels one tool radius along this direction, it will have traveled a distance of ten percent of the tool diameter along the Z. This works out to roughly ramping into the part at an angle of 11 degrees.
In order to use a zigzag ramp, the X or Y move must be larger than the diameter of the tool plus the radius of the tool, minus the finish cut of the pocket.
The formula is:
The pocket x or y move > tool diameter + tool radius - fin cut
If the tool is too large for the zigzag ramp, the ProtoTRAK CNC will give an error message during program run and will then default to plunge. This will occur for each pass of the pocket depth.
Go to DRO. Make sure that the Tool # in the control matches the tool that you are using. Touch the tool to the surface that is absolute zero, press Z and then ABS SET. All tools will be reset.
You need to make sure you are properly implementing G64 and G61 into your program. Our more recent machines run G64 by default (continuous run mode). But there will be some cases when you want the machine to hesitate, such as at a corner when your tool is pulling out of a hole and about to move over in X and Y. This is what the G61 is for (exact stop mode).
"Our more recent controls are built on different Windows platforms, and as such they can be prone to the same annoyances that your regular desktop computer can encounter, one example being memory consumption. Here are some tips to remember:
Drawing graphics on the screen consumes memory, so try running your program with the SHOW ABS mode instead of it drawing the graphics while running.
Remember to reboot your computer on a regular basis (at least once a week). This refreshes the systemís memory. If running large G-Code files, keep in mind that a floppy disk is not built for performance. Use a different media type if your control has it, such as the hard drive, flash card, USB drive, or network port."
Part program, error log, code 12, code 128, and Code 33.
Higher than your longest tool.
Our ProtoTRAKs use a formula called sum of the digits. It calculates the depth of each peck by summing the number of pecks, dividing by the total and multiplying it by the total depth (Z rapid to Z end). Please see the example below:
The first peck will then be at -.440î from Z rapid (4/10 x 1.100î); the second peck will be -.330î deeper (3/10 x 1.100î) until the drill reaches Z end for the final peck.
You must program all events tool center.
RPM = CSS X 4 ÷ diameter of tool or work piece.
IPM = IPR X RPM X number of flutes or inserts.
In program in/out, select NO to the question "List supported programs only?" Note the SMX and SLX need a network memory option to see files that do not have .MX2, .MX3,. .LX2, .LX3, .CAM, .GCD, .DXF, .DWG, or .PT4 extensions.
You can simply rename the file with either a .cam or .gcd extension, which is OK for single files, but a poor solution when you have a large number of files with different extensions.
If you have numerous old files with .dnc or .nc (or whatever) extensions, that are not currently supported with the SX control and you do not wish to rename them, you will need to have the Networking/Memory option. This option (in addition to many other features) allows you to perform the following procedure:
Prior to the file import, set your reference position, tool diameters, length offsets and Z0 first.I can now view the toolpath in the sequence that the control will execute the G code data. I can also arrange and re-arrange the various view(s) to give myself additional assurance that this is going to run as desired. The last selected view will be displayed when you run the program.
Open your PT4 program in a text editor like Microsoft Word. Change the event group prompt from 2 to 1 and resave the program. The program will now open in 3 axis mode. The event group prompt is roughly 13 rows from the top of the file. Warning: Z axis prompt will default to zero ñ you must change it.
Yes you do need an Ethernet crossover cable if you are using peer to peer networking, as suggested by SWI for our products. These cables are very short and are designed for simple computer to computer hookups. And yes, they are expensive. However, if you go to www.blackbox.com and search for LB8505A-R2 from the top of the page, you will find an excellent product that looks like a hub containing between 4 and 20 ports, but it actually will accept a standard Ethernet cable and it will do the pin switching (transparent) for you to make a standard, inexpensive Ethernet cable work like an Ethernet crossover cable. It's a no-brainer - just plug and go! At the time of this writing (November 2007) The 4 port unit costs about $40 US which includes shipment, so it is a very reasonably priced product that will allow you to put in any kind of Ethernet cable
Yes. Keep in mind that you are not changing the machine's inherent accuracy and repeatability. Run Service Code 70 for 0.0002, code 68 for 0.0005.
No. If your screen is becoming too dim to read, contact the Service Department for a replacement. Have the model and serial number ready.
If you have the center of the arc, always use tangent arc. This will give the control more information to calculate missing data.
