4th axis setup and programming for BMDC and V2XT

[NC Cams]

We just got the parts needed to adapt the 4th axis to my V2XT and are working feverishly on doing so.

He're's the rub - we're not having much luck finding the programming manua for the 4th axis. We're not readily finding how to set speeds and feeds and other stuff needed to properly feed metal while milling while under simultaneous axis rotation and cyttubg.

Anybody have any programming manuals for the 4th axis on the BMDC based VMC'S??? WE're literally trying to use the 4th axis in servo mode so as to do true proflle shape milling concurrent with axis totation.

Any help would be appreciated - the only info we found is/was in the 11042832 manual, Appendix B and thet ain't too much in the way of help.

Any other proramming info on the BMDC's would also be appreciated - whether it be for VMC or the V2XT specifically.

Thanks....

[9 1/2]

congrats on finially getting set up with a 4th. As you may remember my unit came with the 4th, if I'd have any info you would need, please let me know and I'll try to find it for you.
owen

[NC Cams]

It is turning into a bit of a scavenger hunt - especially after chasing down all the folks in shpping and the like who we're going thru to get the darn 4th axis.

BTW, we called the nice, helpful folks at EMI and, weeks later,STILL no reply. THis is/was after a "we'll get right back to you" assurance. When you are THE factory (in essence) for the BMDC's, you really do need to offer better service than that - as in NONE. Shame on the goys at EMi. WE loyal BPT clientes deserve better.

I think we found something in the 110428232 (or something like that) manual in Appendix B on the 4th axis. NOT what you'd call explcit but hopefully a starter. Thank god the programmer ulderstands the stufff as it (G code) is all a foreign language to me. I just pay his bill when/if the stuff works - which it thankfully does!!!!

If you can find an "easy scheme" for programming 4th axis, I'm all ears. Especially if it is in a factory manual someplace. I'm not especially impresssed with some of the BPT documentation. I guess I expeted better out of a legacy company like that of BPT. Must have been because of the war....

At this point, the NEXT time I need a 4th axis machine, it will be a turn key haas. This "legacy effort" has been too much work for too little equipment that takes WAY too long and there is simply too much grief associated with finding the stuff and THEN gettting it to work. What I thought was a well documented and supported systems simpy does NOT seem to be that way when push comes to shove.

Yes, there is an "affrodable 4th axis" on a small machine like a V2XT. However, unless it is turn key, it is a very expensive and not redily convertible add on. Can it be added? yes. Is it worth it? Film at 11:00, Details as they arrive....

[9 1/2]

my included info is the same few paragraphs you have. sorry, once again I'm of no help.

Owen

[NC Cams]

Is it too much to expect DOCUMENTATION of/for a technology??? Even that which nearly now 10 years old.

Is it too much to expect SUPPORT (even if you have to pay which EMI forces you to do) from the defacto "factory source' on a technology???

Either SUPPORT the stuff or turn it over to folks who can/will SUPPORT it. DUH RETURN CALLS. re-Publish the factory documents. Better yet, tune up existing pizz poor documentation - especially if you're going to be the defacto "sole source" for "factory support". Or, impreove the software - don't just "mine it for cash".

If/when you assume the rights to the software and the intellectual properties, don't you have some RESPONSIBILITY to the clients who RELY on the now legacy techology that you now purport to own???

IT is one thing to own and "support" the legacy technology. It is another to hold us HOSTAGE - and do so via enticement by ofrering lame and/or non-existant "service".

IF you can't tell by the rant- this has turned from a DIY advenure in retrofitting into a full blown headache. And one that I"m no too far invested into to go in another direction.

To those interested in 4th axis work - think long and hard bef0re you buy. IT may NOT be an easiliy retrofitted nor well documented "option" - eespecially in "egacy hardware".

Shop wisely - I thought I did. BPT may have considered the 4th axis an option - sadly, it is a poorly documentedd "yet to work add on" that seems to now have been more of a profit adder for a now defunct company than a benevolent feature to help the small shop owner. Caveat emptor..

Bah humbug.... Where's the number for Haas????

[Big Daddy]

Typical,,, sounds like EMI! Did you ever solve your 4th axis issues?
Are you running a true 4th axis or off M function Plug? If true 4th you'll want to deal in your perams for the 4th axis drive card in the BMDC... I'm sure you probably figured it out by now but 4th axis is just a simple A axis programmable movment. easy... I have a V2, been playin with em since 1994. If I can help drop me a message.

[NC Cams]

WE will be doing TRUE 4th axis shape milling with some sucsotm written tool pathing. We have CAD software the designes lobes for our cam grinder. We're having G gode generator that will orient and position the lobes on the shaft and point them in the right direction where appropriate. The guy who's doing the gode did real trick simulation dode work for defendse industry and dioes this stuff as a grin. HIs can masters are simply amazing. Some of what we're doing is already eknown but some is sort of hush hush due to trade secrete issues.

The 4th axis is tied up in customs. The servo motor is ot at Clarkson. I"m sure I'll be screaming at the V2XT and the BMDC and will probably be curasing at EMI as well. At tiemslike this, I wish I'd have gone with Haas. The neighbor swears by the local Haas service depot - I can't say as much for EMI. Shame on them....

Bah humbug. check PM wh4n you get a chance........

[Big Daddy]

Ya as much as I'd hate to admit it Haas is looking pretty darn good these days. Their machines have come a long ways in the last 7 years.
The trick with EMI is to use them for parts only... Hire an indepentent Tech. ((IF NEEDED)) to service your mill and let them deal with EMI if any parts or support are needed. I found it works better (FASTER) that way.

[Big Daddy]

Well I may as well post this for the rest of you that can't find any real competent help out there.
http:// www.solverstechline.com