How many axes on Ajax Mach3 based control

[bezelchuck]

Hi
I'm very interested in the new Ajax mach3 system. I see its shown on the Ajax website as taking 4 axes but has 6 encoder inputs.Some of the centroid agents websites are showing similar hardware and stating it can handle up to
8 axis. Is it possible to add another GP104D interface to the ajax system to allow 5 axis and an AC servo spindle drive?
Thanks for any input
Phil

[Captain Midnigh]

Yes, think you can.

[cncsnw]

I would check with Ajax on that. It is my (current) understanding that you cannot daisy-chain GPIO4D units. You might be able to use one GPIO4D and one OPTIC4. The OPTIC4 is a four-axis servo drive interface (like the GPIO4D) but without the PLC I/O capability. Check with Scott to confirm what is currently supported in the hardware, and what hardware is supported by Mach vs. Centroid software.

[Captain Midnigh]

Yes you can.
DC1 - Single Axis Servo Amplifier- MPU11/Mach3 Based systems ONLY
Our new single axis add-on drive allows you to add MULTIPLE axes to a DC3IOB/MPU11 based systems a single axis at a time (up to 6 total axes) This drive can be used for rotary or linear axes and includes software unlocks for an additional axis. DC1 Single Axis Add-On Drive $395

[ajaxscott]

Originally Posted by bezelchuck Hi I'm very interested in the new Ajax mach3 system. I see its shown on the Ajax website as taking 4 axes but has 6 encoder inputs.Some of the centroid agents websites are showing similar hardware and stating it can handle up to 8 axis. Is it possible to add another GP104D interface to the ajax system to allow 5 axis and an AC servo spindle drive? Thanks for any input Phil

Marc is correct.

You can't use two GPIO4D boards together but you can add additional axes (up to 8 currently) by pairing the GPIO4D with an Optic4. The difference between the GPIO4D and the Optic4 is that the GPIO4D provides onboard I/O while the Optic4 does not. The Optic4 provides analog outputs to control up to 4 axes.

The cost to add an Optic4 to a GPIO4D system is $750.00

Regards

Scott Pratt

[Rob West]

Hi Scott
I don’t know if I should add this to this post. Hopefully its OK.
I am looking at doing a retrofit on a Morbidelli U50 I purchased last year.
The “Mach3 CNC Kit For 3rd Party Drives With PLC” looks very interesting as it has the D/A and the Encoders etc. but it is down on I/O.
I am after about 46 inputs and 63 outputs to replace the old Tria 6000 and add some new functions.
How does one add the extra I/O?
What parts and accessories are needed?
And if this is the correct place to ask the question. At what cost? (if not can you please contact me personally)

Regards Rob

[ajaxscott]

Originally Posted by Rob West Hi Scott I don’t know if I should add this to this post. Hopefully its OK. I am looking at doing a retrofit on a Morbidelli U50 I purchased last year. The “Mach3 CNC Kit For 3rd Party Drives With PLC” looks very interesting as it has the D/A and the Encoders etc. but it is down on I/O. I am after about 46 inputs and 63 outputs to replace the old Tria 6000 and add some new functions. How does one add the extra I/O? What parts and accessories are needed? And if this is the correct place to ask the question. At what cost? (if not can you please contact me personally) Regards Rob

Hello Rob,

You can currently add I/O in 16/16 increments. Inputs are optically isolated and can be configured for 5/12 or 24VDC. Inputs can also be configured as sourcing or sinking. The outputs are all relay contact closure and are fused fused. All inputs and outputs are terminated at Phoenix type screw connectors which makes them extremely easy to wire.

The I/O boards are available at a cost of $250 for the first board and $175 for additional boards.

Keep in mind that any I/O sent down by Mach (keyboard, joystick etc...) does not consume any physical I/O nor does the Machine control pendant that we offer. -You may not need as much additional I/O as you originally calculated.

We expect to have higher density boards for I/O expansion in the near future.

-I briefly researched the Morbidelli U50 -looks like quite a machine but I couldn't find any information on the motors and drives. If you could email me the make and model info for both the motors and drives, a digital photo of the nameplates would be fantastic, I'll be able to give you more specific information regarding what will be needed to complete the retrofit. You can email me at ssccoott@@aajjaaxxccnncc.com - please remove duplicate characters

Best regards

Scott Pratt