Post processor question MP3000

[grgdmsn]

Just wondering if there is a particular post processor that needs to be used with my setup. I have the CandCNC Bladerunner package with DTHCII. There are numerous post processors dealing with MP3000, MP1000, Mach3, etc. I am not sure which one to use or it it matters. I tried to run a simple straight line cut to test my machine and got some strange results. I drew a straight line 10" long in TurboCad and saved it as DXF. I imported it into SheetCam and ran the post processor on it. I loaded that G code into Mach3. When it ran the torch went to the correct position but from there it did a pierce hole, then moved 1/2" inch and pierced and cut a 1" length line, moved 1", pierced and cut a 1" line, moved 1" and then pierced and cut about a 6" line and then returned to zero. It did this twice, but with slightly different lengths of cuts. I am not sure if it is a post processor issue, a set up issue in sheetcam or Mach3 or some other issue. I am just happy I got the machine to cut something but would like it to cut what I drew. I set up the Z axis as in the manual and loaded my backlash into any post I saw where I could enter it. I am just wondering if the issue is dealing with the post I am using. Any ideas will be appreciated.

[bogger44]

you should have a post with your disk package from cand the post is touch and go there is a # you have to put in for your switch offset in the post open I think in word put in your #.50 or whatever it is and save this is for your machine now.

This is for if your machine has a floating head your plasma torch lowers and touches the metal triggers the switchso it knows where the metal top is raises to peirice height pierices lowers to cut hieght and starts your cut

you don't have to have your plasma on to see if it works you will get a fault in mach just trigger your manual plasma button off and the machine will start to move the gantry

[flyinwilly]

Don't know if this is your problem but check your setup in Mach 3. Under Config , general config in the second column, make sure you have "Constant Velocity" checked under Motion Control. I had a problem before when I had inadvertently checked "exact Stop". It will stop at each node in a cut and do what you describe.

If this doesn't work, call Tom.

Willy

[Danno]

Originally Posted by grgdmsn Just wondering if there is a particular post processor that needs to be used with my setup. I have the CandCNC Bladerunner package with DTHCII. There are numerous post processors dealing with MP3000, MP1000, Mach3, etc. I am not sure which one to use or it it matters. I tried to run a simple straight line cut to test my machine and got some strange results. I drew a straight line 10" long in TurboCad and saved it as DXF. I imported it into SheetCam and ran the post processor on it. I loaded that G code into Mach3. When it ran the torch went to the correct position but from there it did a pierce hole, then moved 1/2" inch and pierced and cut a 1" length line, moved 1", pierced and cut a 1" line, moved 1" and then pierced and cut about a 6" line and then returned to zero. It did this twice, but with slightly different lengths of cuts. I am not sure if it is a post processor issue, a set up issue in sheetcam or Mach3 or some other issue. I am just happy I got the machine to cut something but would like it to cut what I drew. I set up the Z axis as in the manual and loaded my backlash into any post I saw where I could enter it. I am just wondering if the issue is dealing with the post I am using. Any ideas will be appreciated.

You never mentioned which Post Processor you ended up using.
The only one to use with your system is the MP1000 that comes with sheetcam, and the only modification you have to do to it is input you touch-off height.
Dan

[Torchhead]

One note here: Do not use backlash compensation with CV; they don't play well together especially on Z. CV (Constant Velocity) is the look ahead toolpath processor that links nodes in the chain and makes for the smooth motion around curves and circles. If you have backlash that is causing precision problems it is better to deal with the cause (mechanically) then try to mask it in software. It can be handy in some milling operations but Exact Stop mode gets ugly on larger faster cutting operations like plasma.

TOMcaudle
www.candcnc.com

[grgdmsn]

Thanks to all who replied. I am using the mp1000-THC post now and things seem to working good. Thanks Tom for the info on CV.
Greg Mason