Originally Posted by
bevins
Hi,
I have a Biesse 346 I am retrofitting right now as we speak. I am using LinuxCNC with mesa hardware though not Mach 3. There is over 100 relays and 48 inputs on those machines.
I dont know of anyway Mach 3 can handle that many I/O, probably there is but I dont know.
With about $600.00 worth of mesa boards you are ready to go, and LinuxCNC is opensource so it is a really nice fit. To date I have no requirements for special modules to be written. LinuxCNC should be able to handle every aspect of this machine, from all of my research. There will be very little difference between your retrofit and mine depending on the year of your Biesse 346. re: options on the Zhead, C axis or bsaw blade and/or horzontal boring etc....
Also at some point Biesse changed from hardware relay energizing directly from the control to remote rs485 modules, which would be a tad bit more difficult but mine has hardwired relays.
Definately leave the AC servos with the drives, they are rock solid. Steppers wont move that Z head. None that I know of at least and I would definately not trust it.Over 800lbs of mass moving at 2000mm/minute is a task I wouldnt rely on steppers. Just my opinion.
Get in touch with me, LinuxCNC is not that bad to learn but it is really vesatile, I can help you with the hardware and Linuxcnc.
LinuxCNC and mesa boards will easily handle this machine. Mach3 would require writing code and a boatload of macro's to make this machine work properly. A couple have already done it though and stated they had to write code and macro's.
Just my thoughts, I dont want this to turn into a LinuxCNC vs Mach3 debate. I am saying I dont know how to do it with Mach3, some have done it so it is doable, I am just saying LinuxCNC is not hard to do it for me. I have Mach3 on a 4X4 cnc router I built and have been using daily for 4 years for hobby/commercial use, so it is not like I dont know anything about mach3.
Regards,
Bob