Advice for first time retrofit of CNC Mill

[UAAME]

I am looking for advice from users that have successfully retrofitted an older CNC mill to one of the new controllers which utilizes Mach 3. From what I have seen on the internet, my choices range from purchasing drives and boards which allow me to re-use my servomotors to plug and play systems with touch screen interface. Prices range from about $1500 for the boards and are up to $5,000 for the plug and play stuff. I would like to hear from users that have successfully completed the retrofit and your recommendations, I run a student lab and I need this piece of equipment up without too much delay. HELP!

[mikej65]

I am just finishing up a Mach 3/Galil 22x0 conversion on a mid-80's mill with DC brush servos. I don't think the amount of work is much higher using individual components than buying a complete system. You load the Mach 3 software and Galil plugin, run an ethernet cable, plug in the breakout board(s), and the controller is done. The work is interfacing your existing drives, motors, limit switches, relays, etc. None of this can be plug and play unless you are buying a control for a very specific machine.

I am using a touchscreen, but have kept external buttons for e-stop, cycle start & hold, and pots for feed rate and spindle speed. I am also using a pendant with MPG. My machine has a tool changer, so I am using a PLC for that.

[universalfab]

If you've never done it before I'd go with a centroid retrofit package. Cheap really for what your getting, high quallity, and U.S.A. made "as far as I know". The one mill we retrofitted that's what we used, A+++ controller, never had any problems it's almost 20 years old. Easy g & m code programing and built in dnc, I'd say that's the way to go. Mach motion controllers also look like a pretty nice set up too.