The
limiting factor in regards to the size of pitch is the maximum
feedrate of the Z axis. On TRAK lathes, the maximum feedrate that
you can attain is 150 ipm during threading. To calculate the
maximum pitch you can run, use the following formula.
Feedrate = RPM x Pitch x # of starts, where feedrate = 150 ipm
As you
can see, the maximum pitch is inversely proportional to the RPM and
# of starts. In other words, as you increase the RPM or # of
starts, the maximum pitch you can attain goes down.
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.
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:
·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).
·It then
divides 1/10, 2/10/, 3/10 and 4/10 – pecking more frequently as it
drills deeper.
·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.
When
tapping, the Z rapid should be set high enough so that the tension
compression tapping head must be fully retracted before the machine
rapids to the next location. Before running, fully extend the
tapping head and measure the float. Add .03” and this should be the
minimum height for your Z rapid.
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.
TRAK
Mills and Lathes require the use of a tension/compression tap
holder. This type of holder is needed to compensate for any RPM
discrepancies between the programmed RPM and actual RPM of the
spindle.
Check the
Tool Offset. Chances are, the display is showing a negative number
equal to your tool radius because you programmed Tool Left for the
offset on the facing operation. Remember, when using Tool Offsets,
the offset for Facing and Boring operations is Tool Right. OD
Turning towards the chuck is Tool Left.
About
4200 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.
Yes. In the latest version of the ProtoTRAK SLX CNC there is a
thread repair feature found in the DRO Mode under Do One. The latest
version of the manual describes the use of the feature. You can see
a short video overview of how to use thread repair by clicking
below.
If the keyboard
and mouse are "plug and play" ready, it should be okay. However, if
not, we don't recommend it. Loading a new, unknown driver into the
CNC may affect the operation of the control.
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,
run 69 for 0.001.
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.
Yes, you should install the latest version of the
software on your ProtoTRAK. The software releases usually include
enhancements that make the ProtoTRAK run better and sometimes even
new features. Free updates to the most current version of you
ProtoTRAK software are available on this website for download. See
the Software Downloads section of the Support page.
For some control models, there are software options the will give
your ProtoTRAK new capability. Please see our literature or
specifications on this web page.
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.
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.
The machine is
more than likely looking for spindle encoder feedback. Make
sure you have the most current software by going to
Software Downloads. If
the problem persists, contact the Service Department.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
No. For
reliability purposes we did away with the hard drive found in
previous ProtoTRAK models and went to a flash drive. On the
internal flash drive are the operating files for the embedded
Windows operating system and the ProtoTRAK operating system. We do
not allow the user access to the C drive in order to protect these
files from accidental overwriting or corruption. The Network Memory
Option will allow program storage via networking or a memory stick,
as well as the standard floppy drive.
