Hi Andy,
I don't have a Taig but I have recently setup and used a rotary table for engraving on the circumference of a 3" steel disc using Mach 2 so maybe I can help.
Firstly if you are trying to cut an 'O' ring groove why are you concerned with x and y. Position the cutter over the center of the work piece at the location of the groove. Lower the z axis the required depth then turn the A axis through 360 degrees. Or do I misunderstand something. Also, depending on a number of factors milling an 'O' ring is not the best alternative as surface finish may be important for sealing ability.
You cant set up Mach2 fourth axis for either steps per degree or steps per linear units (mm or inches what ever you are using) but I'm not sure this is your issue.
Also what you are trying to do appears so easy that I would not even bother with a CAM program. Use the machine manually or input gcode directly in the MDI.
Regards
Phil
Originally Posted by Andy Fritz Hi,
I have a Taig CNC mill with Deepgroove drivers and 253 oz steppers and run it with Mach 2. Now I need to cut a part that requires using the A axis rotary.
First question is: How should Mach 2 be set up as far as motor tuning goes?
Should I reduce the steps per unit until I get one full revolution from G0 A360?
If that is correct it would be something like 4.44 steps per unit, since I work in metric. This would not give very smooth contours due to poor resolution.
I am trying to cut an o-ring groove on a cylindrical face. The cylinder is mounted in the rotary chuck which rotates about the X axis. I want it cut so that the Z barely moves. This means that Z goes down to its cutting depth and only Y, X and A moves simulateously to cut the groove.
I have tried using 4th axis rotary toolpaths is Master Cam X, but it only allows a ball cutter and keeps moving the Z up and down. In the MC reference manual they recommend using C axis toolpaths for things like engraving on a cylinder face. Engraving text or an oring groove is the same so it should work, but this is limited to only the C axis.
Any help is greatly appreciated!
Andy |