This is my first post, so go easy on me. I am thinking about building a 5 axis router for work and play. I build R/C aircraft and would like to use a router to male fiberglass molds and cut aluminum landing gear parts. The machine will have a work area of x = 100” y = 60” and z = 24” with driven nuts on x and y. I am shooting for repeatability of .0005. The machine design and fabrication is not the problem although I am sure I will have questions along the way. Electronics are the weak link for me so here we go. I will more than likely use Mach 3 and 4 when it is available. Will the SureServo motor and drive package work with Mach 3? I am not sure about how the drive is wired. The diagram indicates that CN3 connects to the PC or PLC and that CN1 connects to the DirectLOGIC PLC.
What is the purpose of the DirectLOGIC PLC?
Do I need a breakout board?
How exactly does Mach send step/direction signals to the drive?
What else is needed to make the system run?
I have a lot more questions, but I will stop here for now.
Thanks in advance.