I had an old milling machine that wouldn't do what I wanted it to do. I just wanted it to run as fast as possible without making any mistakes the first and every time (isn't that what everyone wants? . Being a nerd with, uh, some interesting history, a solution was built (don't ask why ... because it seemed needed).
Leaving out all the cool nerd stuff, it now does what I want when I want (minus breaking the laws of physics). A friend was impressed with the solution and suggested it would make a great product.
I'm more nerd than CNC guy and don't know everything that is out there. I am looking for opinions if this product might draw interest before dedicating more resources to it.
Specs:
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Name: CNCBrain
Retail: $499
Axis: 6
Interface: Windows via the USB port. Supports user defined VB script commands.
Software: Windows form application.
SDK: Yes. COM object. Don't like the GUI, build what you like in whatever language suits you.
Device: High-Speed USB to hardware massively parellel processor motion control.
Ports:
1 - 25pin D - sensors, motors, switches, etc..
14 - 9pin D - Linear scales (X1, X2, Y, Z1, Z2 ... some have two that add together), Rotary scales (A, B, C), Motor rotary encoders (X,Y,Z,A,B,C ... for double-closed loop).
Modes: (each axis can be any of the following)
Direct - No sensors, only theoretical control.
Closed - Uses linear or rotary encoder for feedback control. Auto corrects on error.
Double-Closed - Uses rotary encoder on motor along with Closed loop sensors to profile errors before they occur.
Spindle Control: PWM out. Sensor in. Direction Out. Power Out. VB Script optional.
Touch Probes: 1 NC, 1 NO. Save file output. One for touch probe, the other for tool height measurement.
Other Features:
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Automatic Path Correction: In Closed Loop or Double-Closed Loop errors or pre-errors, paths are automatically recalculated. Basically, if you want, the machine doesn't stop because something didn't go as planned.
Double-Closed-Loop: This mode is a proactive mode. By watching the motors, the entire system can be adjusted for pre-error conditions.
Spindle scale: This lets the table motion to be matched to the spindle speed. If the spindle slows down, the table speed is scaled to match the spindle. Think of it as a "bit saver".
AutoHold: Even if an axis isn't in motion, the system will correct (when possible) for drift.
Watchdog: You can set "normal" behavior. Such as the spindle range, etc. which if invalidated, can trigger a "Panic" state to shut the machine down. This isn't intended for unattended operation, but things tend to go wrong when you are a few steps away.
Photo:
Funny note:
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Once during a 4-axis run, a backlash spring broke. This introduced into the machine a 1/4" slop along the Y-axis. The run completed, but I didn't even notice the spring until I went to unload the machine. I leaned against it and it moved. I got out the calipers and the part was perfect. It was a full 4-axis run with 3-axis machining at 0, 90, 180, and 270 deg.
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So, are there others out there with "less than perfect" machines that could use the double-closed-loop feedback for the price?
If I'm waisting my time, then thanks. If there is interest, I'll take out an ad on this site and we'll see where it goes.
Your thoughts are appreciated.
Regards,
Bruce