Controlling Vacuum Pump via G CODE

[happiox]

Hello,

I would like to ask you if it's possible to turn on/off the vacuum pump via G CODE?

We have SYNTEC 6-WE, 12 pcs ATC, with T-SLOT table + vacuum pump.

Thanks.

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[awerby]

If the system that runs that machine is open enough, it's not hard. Use M8/M9 to turn a relay on and off. But turning off a vacuum pump isn't always a good thing to do - depending on what you're using it for. If you've evacuated a bell jar, you can end up sucking all the oil out of the pump and into the jar if you turn it off without releasing the vacuum. But if you're just using rough vacuum to hold parts down, it shouldn't be a problem.

[happiox]

Basically, the situation is like this. The CNC machine will be connected to the robot hand which will load/unload the working material. So, basically, what we need is that when program starts - vacuum pump is turned on and when it ends - turning off and it will work in this kind of cycle. So, as I understood it is not hard to that via G Code, right? To tell the vacuum pump turn on/ turn off when program is starting/ending?

[MARV]

I presume you're aware that the low volt signal that enables this action will need to go thru a secondary contactor to start and stop the vacuum? And if the cycle is fairly short and/or the vacuum pump is large, it may be prudent to use a solenoid to open or close a Mac valve in the system rather then to start and stop the vacuum pump.

[ger21]

On our Morbidelli, the pumps run non stop, but use some type of bypass valve in the table to turn the vacuum on/off.
I agree that I would not turn the pump on and off.

[happiox]

Yes, I understand that. But if the vacuum pump is not turned off after CNC machine completes the program, the robot hand will not be able to lift the material or to load another piece. So, it's necessary to have this function and control it via G/M Codes. The vacuum pump we are using is BECKER VTLF 2.200

[MARV]

If you've read your operating manual for this vacuum pump, you'll see that it isn't intended to be switched on and off more than 3 time an hour. Unless your cycle time is more than 20 minutes, you'll be putting additional wear and tear on the pump. If you do a search for Mac valves, you'll see that they are essential a 2 way valve. In the case of your vacuum hold down system, when the valve is in one position, it is channelling vacuum to your hold down device from the pump to hold your part. When it is switched to the second position, it is isolating the vacuum from the pump and venting the vacuum fixture to atmospheric pressure (releases the work piece). The pump should be running all the time until you've processed all your parts. The valve is typically operated electrically and can be initiated by G code. The folks who set up the robot station should have the capability to do this for you.

[MARV]

As an additional reference;

https://www.macvalves.com/product/56-series/

These are typically used on large industrial CNC routers where part change out might need to occur every few minutes. Also easier to set up electrically than switching a large motor on and off.

[happiox]

Thank you for such a wide answer. I will discuss this possibility with the customer. Also, maybe you have experience with how to control vacuum pump via G or M Code? The M30 code does not fit us quite well.

[MARV]

As awerby suggested, M08 (coolant on) and M09 (coolant off) might work for you. This is something you may want to have integrated into you Post Processor.

In many industrial set-ups, this capability is commonly integrated into the safety interlock system. When vacuum is non-existent or less than say 5" PSI, the machine won't execute the program. A fail safe if you will.

[coc9]

Hi,
It is not recommended to switch ON and OFF the vaccum pump just for removing the workpiece. This would damage the pump parts over time and also most probably the machine may stop with emergency alarm due to the vaccum stop. AFAIK there is no way to do this via G or M code.

Solution:
Firstly you need to release the panel using valves and not directly switching the pump ON and OFF, secondly in order to achieve the what you say is connect a sensor into the machine or the robot that actuates when the arm comes near to the machine for lifting up the panel. Use this sensor to operate the valve, like the valve shuts when the arm is near the workpiece and open when you keep another workpiece on the worktable.

[Dean448]

Why wouldn’t you separate the control of the robot hand from CAM program?
Use a simple M code to the start the robot process and let a separate controller with its sensors and whatever move material. I think you will drive yourself crazy trying to manage an external process in GCode.


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[mactec54]

Basically, the situation is like this. The CNC machine will be connected to the robot hand which will load/unload the working material. So, basically, what we need is that when program starts - vacuum pump is turned on and when it ends - turning off and it will work in this kind of cycle. So, as I understood it is not hard to that via G Code, right? To tell the vacuum pump turn on/ turn off when program is starting/ending?

You can do this with your VFD spindle Drives built in Relays they will / can turn On / Off the vacuum pump with the spindle these Relays would turn on a contactor for the vacuum pump

You could control a Vacuum Valve also the same way if the vacuum pump runs continuous

No extra codes needed in the program

[coc9]

Another thing to add is you may connect the vaccum valve operation with the valve operation of the robot that lifts the panel. You can time the valve operation or the movement of the arm after picking up the panel(or suction locking) using a timer.

[allencncrouter]

M code control dust vacuum air pop up pins

[peteeng]

Hi Happi - This control function is typically not done from the CAM side. G code is dimensional stuff and canned cycles, M code is machine instructions, this function will never be a G code) . Its done from the robot program side or from a part sensor or from M code. Plus as others have said you don't turn the pump on and off, you bypass it via a control valve. A basic system could be that the robot places the part then turns on a switch for the vacuum bypass next to the router. One of those large aviator type toggles would be fun. Then once done it can turn the switch off then pick the part up etc. Is the robot like the one in Lost in space? It was a Series 1A-1998 Model B-9 Class Rodney YM-3 General Utility Non-Theorizing Environmental Control Robotic Ionism. Part sensing is done so the work stops if the part is not placed correctly. It could be a microswitch or a lever switch or an IR beam. This would also be used as part of the safety system, if the part failed or got loose or the vac system had a hick up during cutting the system would stop vs keep going.... Peter

[machinehop5]

...design a mechanical M Code.https://www.mcmaster.com/mechanicall...ontrol-valves/ No wiring needed just use/park the Spindle on the Valve to deactivate the Vacuum.