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Answers |
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How do I run 3-axis CAM programs on my older
MX3/AGE3/M3 ProtoTRAKs? |
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ProtoTRAK
MX3/AGE3/M3 controls require the use of a DNC key, which allows full
3D programs from CAM to run. The key will “spoon feed” the program
to the control. The key is purchased separately and plugs into the
RS274 port. Call the SWI Service Department with your control
system number to order the key. The cost is $1,000.
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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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How do you calculate RPM from CSS/SFM (constant surface speed
measured in surface feet per minute) or vice versa? |
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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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How do I get the latest version of software on my
machine? |
Follow this link
to
Software Downloads. Under Software
Downloads, select either current or previous generations of
ProtoTRAK and TRAK CNCs. If you do not have a floppy drive on your
computer, call the Service Department to order the software. Please
have your model and serial numbers ready so we can get you the right
software.
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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 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,
run 69 for 0.001.
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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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How do you connect mill events to the helix event? |
You must program
all events tool center but all the connective events need to have
absolute values – no incremental dimensions.
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Contributed by:
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Engineering |
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What is the largest program
in events that can be run? |
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3-axis mills =
2000 events. 2-axis mills and lathes = 500; repeats count as
one each time. There is no limit on the number of G code
events.
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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? |
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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 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 convert a 2 axis PT4 program to 3 axis? |
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Change file ext.
from MX2 to MX3 or vice versa. Warning: Z axis prompts will
default to 0 – you must change it |
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Contributed by:
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Engineering |
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How high should you set Z retract in your program? |
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Higher than your
longest tool. |
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Contributed by:
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Engineering |
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