Thank you forreading this, hopefully you can lend me your experience with your answer.
I apologise inadvance for the lengthy post. (I believe it is necessary to avoid additionalposts to clarify)
I have justpurchased an old CNC milling machine. It has antiquated control and software.
I have managed toget it going with the old software to test the hardware.
Please see video: My new CNC (Part 1) - YouTube
I will be using itas a cutter for my food factory by adding an ultrasonic blade that rotates onthe z axis.
Please see similarmachine in function from Bakon Food Equipment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBzo5l1LzPo
I have beenresearching CNC technology for about two weeks now.
I think I know whatI want but would like to hear from people with experience and get theiropinion.
I want to upgradeall or most of the electronics to today's current technology.
It has an Isel CNCController C 142-4.1 as a motion controller. (it uses RS232 to connect tocomputer)
https://www.isel.com/fr/downloads/dl...l_complete.pdf
The drivers (UME7008) inside the isel controller may be useful if there is a way of interfacingto them. (any help in this area would be very much appreciated)
https://www.isel.com/uk/downloads/dl...8_hardware.pdf
The three motors ithas are:
X axis
Oriental Motor CoLtd Vexta (PH296-E4.2B)
4.2A 0.46Ohm1.8"/Step
No data sheet existsfor this discontinued motor
Only generic datasheet in japanese http://www.orientalmotor.com/product...601-13JECK.pdf
http://catalog.orientalmotor.com/ite...=prod&filter=0
Y axis
Nanotech(4H8618M1408)
2.4 V 6.0 A 1.8 Deg
http://en.nanotec.com/fileadmin/file...ren/4H8618.pdf
Z axis
Nanotec Munich(4H5618C0408) 3.4V 2.85A 1.8 Deg
http://en.nanotec.com/fileadmin/file...4H5618_L_C.pdf
If there is a way touse the existing drivers and power for the motors it would save me considerableeffort in rewiring all the connections to the stepper motors and also save onpurchasing new drivers and power supply. (by the way they are wired very professionallyalready)
Requirements:
- I will be building a 4 axis machine. 3 for the x, y and z axis and a fourth one to rotate the cutting head.
- I would like to use Ethernet Motion Controller (for various benefits I have read about)
- I will be using touch screen with very simple screen for factory staff to call up 1 of 4 different programs.
- I will be using fixed jigs to place on the CNC worktable to place the 1 of 4 tray sizes to be used. (maybe more in the future by adding jigs)
- I am considering using Mach 4 with customised screen on a touch screen laptop or monitor
- The motions of this cutter are very simple compared to a milling machine and do not need to be as accurate as a milling machine. So I would like the machine to be as fast as possible. (please see video of similar in function machine to Bakon Food equipment video link above)
- I do however need it to be accurate to within a millimetre so it does not accidentally cut the metal tray and damage my very expensive ultrasonic blade. ($6000 still to be purchased)
- I would like the electronics to be best of breed of today's technology and be future proofed as much as possible.
Please comment on mychoice of equipment and where I can buy them from (companies that give bestafter sales support)
Mach 4 software Should I buy from the developers or is there anyone that does a package deal with the ESS card. Ethernet Motion Controller Not sure the best place to buy this from Power supply for Motion Controller Is it best practise to have its own power supply if so which one? Break Out Board to either interface to existing drivers or new ones From what I read I require one of these to interface to the motor drivers.
Is this best practise from an isolation point of view?
Is this the most elegant solution?
Does it add complexity to the solution?
Does it slow down feed rates?
I am happy to have one since they are inexpensive.
Especially if it saves me form replacing existing drivers / cabling from drivers to motors.Power supply for Break Out board Is it best practise to have its own power supply if so which one? Motor Drivers If I cannot get the help to interface to existing drivers and power supply that came from the manufacturer
https://www.isel.com/uk/downloads/dl...8_hardware.pdf
I will need to replace both drivers and motor power supply
Not sure which ones to pick?
I would like the latest technology if possible.
Not even sure what to look for in a good driver.
I will however need to buy one additional driver and motor for use as the C axisPower supply for motors If I cannot get the help to interface to existing drivers and power supply that came from the manufacturer
https://www.isel.com/uk/downloads/dl...8_hardware.pdf
I will need to replace both drivers and motor power supply
Not sure which one to pick?
I would like the latest technology if possible.
Not even sure what to look for in a good power supply.
I will however need to buy one additional driver and motor for use as the C axisC axis to mount ultrasonic blade Possible 4th axis motor and chuck.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/CNC-Engra...item19fc84273b
Possible ultrasonic blade. (still shoping around).
I need to determine exactly what parts of the ultrasonic blade can be used for mounting points.
Existing driversIsel UME 7008
https://www.isel.com/uk/downloads/dl...8_hardware.pdf
I would be veryappreciative to anyone helping in the following areas:
- High level re design or design refinement.
- Help with interfacing a breakout board or ESS motion controller to existing Isel Motor drivers
- Help with choosing the right components
I am happy to postmy progress and photos for:
- anyone wanting to attempt using a CNC for alternative function (food cutter) or
- for a newbie to see the choice of components when retrofitting or creating a new 4 axis CNC (hopefully with the insight from various experts on this and other forums)
Thank you in advancefor your help.