I'm considering replacing the Allen Bradley 9/230 control in our 2 1/2 axis waterjet with a p.c. based control. If anyone has done something similar, can you give me some direction:

What p.c. control to use?
What is the cost?
Do it in house or have an outside contractor complete work?
If it is done in house, how much time will it take?
Can I use the existing servo motors and drive cards?

Note, I am considering this because the parts (particularly the motherboard and monitor) are ridiculously expensive from ab (if you can get them at all).

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Tim

Tim,

I have converted a few AB 9 series to Delta Tau NC.

There are alot of other NC controlers out there that could be used.

I would recamend you have an outside contractor complete thework. You could do it in house but do you have time to learn all about the controller used?

You should be able to reuse the same drives and motors. What drives are in the machine?

What brand of waterjet is it?

Ron