Here is how to use G-Code with the Roland PNC-3000 CAMM-3 Benchtop Mill

[sbalder]

I picked up a Roland PNC-3000 CAMM-3 cnc mill last weekend. I have a part-time business restoring and retrofitting cnc equipment. It was in good shape physically and I figured that under the worst circumstances I could retrofit a Xylotex to drive existing steppers. The machine turned out to be in great electrical shape as well, and I have spent time pulling together a software package that can be used for running standard g-code. I will be listing this mill for sale on Ebay later this week, but I wanted to post my experiences and successes so that it may be of help to others.

This is a beautiful piece of equipment that truly has a place in the rare category of "professional" micro milling machine. In fact, the only other thing I've seen that even comes close are the Servo brand machines that sell for $25K! The only problem is that the communications for this machine are designed like a printer, and not meant to take standard g-code. Roland has drivers available and a few proprietary engraving programs, but from the posts on CNCZone and other sites few people are able to easily go from CAD to CAM to running parts on these machines.

To begin with, I recommend that anyone who has or is interested in these machines join the Camm-3 Yahoo Group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CAMM-3 They have a lot of the manuals, and some of the software. The manuals tell how to set the dip switches. Set them for parallel operation and connect to the parallel (lpt) port on your computer. Next, you need to download the printer driver. I purchased mine from a driver download service. but then found the same driver (XP) at the Roland Taiwan site: http://www.rolandtaiwan.com.tw/DG/do...P_2000_NT4.htm Run the setup and install the PNC-3000 driver. From the Yahoo Group install 3D Engrave and VMODELLA. If you only want to do engraving using Roland's software, stop here and learn the software using the help files. If you have CAD files you wish to machine go on....

I'm assuming you have a CAD program that can output DXF files. I personally use Turbocad and Bobcad, but there are many, many others. You need to download the Roland Dropout utility at http://rolanddga.com/asd/support/wiz...&pt=&modelmenu This program will allow you to send text files of commands straight to the mill. Next, I've created a custom post-processor for Sheetcam. I can't say enough good things about Sheetcam, and you can get a free 30-day trial license. Install this text file in your Sheetcam Posts forlder and rename it "PNC-3000.post". Select this post processor when you run Sheetcam, open your DXF drawing, and create your g-code. Run your g-code on the mill by using Dropout.

[Driller]

a post processor for SheetCAM ? GREAT !

I love the CAMM-3, wish it were a little larger and collets were easier to come by.

But geting a SheetCAM PP is wonderful news.

thanks !

Dave

[AviatorDave]

Is this yours?:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=200267445222

[Driller]

no, but I will be watching it.

I did buy one on E-Bay, but because it was way under priced, I re-listed it and sold it a week later.

The guy had it worded wrong and had only $30 shipping !

I let him know before it sold, but he said he did not want to re-list it, and I asked him before the bid, if I could buy it, re-list it, and then split the profit with him.

worked out well for both of us.

He charged the actual shipping costs, came to $150 !

Mine does not have the touch sensor.

Dave

[Driller]

I think it's great that this community is so small, yet so large. referencing the CAMM group in the e-bay list is pretty cool. and the guy got a bid already. I have to watch to see what it goes for in the end.

Dave

[sbalder]

Yes the one in the listing is mine. I've been carving out a niche business restoring and retrofitting defunct cnc machinery. I came across this machine at a surplus sale and snatched it up immediately. I figured if I couldn't make it work with the existing components, I would gut it and put a Xylotex board in it to drive the steppers. Turns out with the help I found I was able to get this machine working and can offer a full package with computer, cam, cad, drivers, and engraving software.

[yfzracer86]

I have the same exact one and was wondering how much you sold it for?
Ive been looking for one on ebay but there hasnt been any listed for a while and the old sales are removed.

I would like to get the program for it, but the parts i will be making may be a litte big for such a small machine.

[rowifi]

Hi

I've just acquired one of these machines and am messing about trying to get some sensible output.

Ignore me .. I've found the command in the manual!! ( still struggliong to get it to work with the Virtual Modella before I try on the machine !

***
Using Sheetcam with a simple cut shape - using the post processor here, the output file is a 'roland.tap' file which has the first command as 'IN;' I believe this to be an initialise command but it isn't in the PNC-3000 command reference manual. so - where am I going wrong??
TIA

Rob

[fidia]

Have just purchased a PNC 3000. Everything works. I have connected it to the pc with a centronics cable. I have post processed a cad file using DeskProto and opened file and printed file to send it to the machine.

The machine moves but doesnt seem to follow the toolpath as the graphics show on DeskProto. just makes small movements and lots of Z axis movements.

Would it be to do with dip switch settings. File format is .rol

I assume you print as if files were being sent to a printer as I have not used one of these machines before?