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Answers |
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On our mills and lathes, how do I setup a new Z
absolute zero for all of the tools in the tool table? |
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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.
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Contributed by:
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Michael McGarry |
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Senior Sales Representative
Atlantic Region |
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What angle does the tool move into a pocket when the RAMP entry mode
is selected? |
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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.
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Contributed by:
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Engineering |
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How do you calculate RPM from CSS/SFM (constant
surface speed measured in surface feet per minute) or vice versa? |
RPM = CSS X 4
÷
diameter of tool or work piece.
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Contributed by:
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Engineering |
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How do you calculate inch per minute from inch per
revolution? |
IPM = IPR X RPM
X number of flutes or inserts.
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Contributed by:
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Engineering |
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If a program does not cut correctly, what
information should I collect and be able to email SWI before
calling? |
Part program,
error log, code 12, code 128, and Code 33.
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Contributed by:
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Engineering |
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Where can I get a postprocessor for my CAD/CAM
software package? |
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.
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Contributed by:
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Engineering |
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Can the contrast/brightness be adjusted on the LCD
screen? |
No. If your
screen is becoming too dim to read, contact the Service Department
for a replacement. Have the model and serial number ready.
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Contributed by:
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Customer Service Group |
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Can my controller count in 0.0002 increments? |
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.
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Contributed by:
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Customer Service Group |
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When I’m in the DRO Mode, my
display shows one axis as INC and the other two as ABS. How do
I get all three back to the same reference? |
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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.
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Contributed by:
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Wayne
Shoaf |
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Senior Sales Representative
North Central Region |
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What is the biggest radius I can cut on the
ProtoTRAK? |
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The
largest radius is 825 inches. Values above this number will cause
an error when trying to run the program.
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Contributed by:
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Engineering |
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How does our variable peck drill cycle calculate the
depth of each peck? |
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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:
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Using 4
variable pecks, the control will sum the number of pecks as follows:
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 = 10 (if it was 5 pecks, it would be 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5
= 15).
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It then
divides 1/10, 2/10/, 3/10 and 4/10 – pecking more frequently as it
drills deeper.
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If the Z rapid
is .100” and the Z end is -1.000”, the total depth is 1.100”.
The
first peck will then be at -.440” from Z rapid (4/10 x 1.100”); the
second peck will be -.330” deeper (3/10 x 1.100”) until the drill
reaches Z end for the final peck.
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Contributed by:
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Michael McGarry |
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Senior Sales Representative
Atlantic Region |
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What is the difference between variable, fixed and
chip break pecks on the drill event? |
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.
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Contributed by:
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Engineering |
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What is the general rule of thumb when using AGE
profile and deciding whether to use a conrad or tangent arc? |
If you have the
center of the arc, always use tangent arc. This will give the
control more information to calculate missing data.
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Contributed by:
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Engineering |
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How do you connect mill events to the helix event? |
You must program
all events tool center.
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Contributed by:
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Engineering |
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What is the maximum number of events you can load into search edit? |
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The maximum
number of events is 1000.
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Contributed by:
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Engineering |
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What is the maximum blocks/sec the ProtoTRAK control
can attain with GCD programs? How do I calculate blocks/sec? |
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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 (“stop 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.” (Ref:
http://www.nfrpartners.com).
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Contributed by:
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Bruce
Closs |
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Senior Sales Representative
Midwest Region |
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Back to Top |
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Why does my spindle shut off when I use PAUSE? |
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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.
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Contributed by:
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Michael McGarry |
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Senior Sales Representative
Atlantic Region |
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Back to Top |
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What is the largest program in events that can be
run on the SX? |
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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.
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Contributed by:
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Engineering |
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What is the recommended size of memory needed to
run a big GCD program? |
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.
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Contributed by:
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Engineering |
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Why does my machine not run smoothly when I run
some GCD programs? |
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.
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Contributed by:
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Engineering |
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My control seems a little sluggish when running
large programs. What can I do? |
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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 system’s 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.
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Contributed by:
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Engineering |
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My machine is hesitating or rounding corners while
running a G-Code file (GCD or DNC). What’s wrong? |
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).
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Contributed by:
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Engineering |
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How do I load G code programs that do not have the
extension .CAM or .GCD into a ProtoTRAK control? |
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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.
MODE
PROG IN/OUT (F6)
List Supported Programs Only? No (F2) (The NO selection allows
you to import any suitable G code file with any extension)
Open (F3)
Highlight the desired file (e.g.: abc.nc)
Press TAB (F1) twice to move to the Open As section
Use Data Fwd (F2) until gcd is highlighted
Open File (F7)
Technically, you are now ready to cut
the file. Personally, I prefer to perform the following additional
functions for safety, security, and visual assurance:
MODE
SETUP (F4)
Toolpath (F2)
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.
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Contributed by:
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Bruce
Closs |
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Senior Sales Representative
Midwest Region |
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Back to Top |
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Why can I use the Preview Graphics function in the
Program In/Out Mode on my ProtoTRAK SM Control, but not on my new
SMX? |
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The
Preview Graphics feature allows you to use the Look button in the
Program In/Out Mode to view the selected file’s 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.
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Contributed by:
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Wayne
Shoaf |
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Senior Sales Representative
North Central Region |
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Back to Top |
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How do I open a file that does
not have a .PT4 or other familiar extension? Something like
.TXT? |
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.
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Contributed by:
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Engineering |
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How do I convert a 2-axis PT4 program to 3-axis? |
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 – you must change it.
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Contributed by:
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Engineering |
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Do I need to have an Ethernet crossover cable for
peer to peer networking? |
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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 to
get the desired results. You can even mix the connection types to
suit your needs.
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Contributed by:
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Bruce
Closs |
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Senior Sales Representative
Midwest Region |
