New to Fadal, a few questions

[cclark440]

Hello All,

I just recently purchased a used Fadal 3016 with 32MP control.
I have been programming machines for 15 years, been running machine for 22, but have never done anything more then push the go button on a Fadal.

Now with the questions;

First and foremost, when I give the TC,1 command the Z axis doesn't come down far enough for the carousel to grip the tool holder. I know I must be doing something wrong, but what?

Second, I am looking at a lot of programming examples and I see that most show the subprograms at the top of the main. I have always done the opposite and put them below the main. Can I still do it that way or do they have to go first?

Third, From what I can tell the 32MP control was an option. What is the difference and should I care?

Thanks for in and all help. I greatly appreciate it.
Clint

[cncserveng]

Dont know Fedal too well, but usually on CNC machines there is a machine parameter for positioning Z axis during toolchange. For example; to load a tool if the carousel has a vertical movement the Z axis will always drive to the same position, but if it hasn't the Z axis will have 2 positions, one for load and one for unload. Are you sure the clamp/ unclamp signals are correct ? because these signals will inhibit the Z axis if not.

[cclark440]

I figured there is a parameter somewhere. I just want to make sure that I didn't screwup the funky startup cold start and shut down process. As for the clamping signals, I don't think that is the issue.

I am used to machines that don't need homing of any kind at start up,(Okuma, DMG, Citizen).

[gaswiz69]

Clint,
1)Make sure that after you cold started machine, all axis markers are still lined up before going to last home position. (will it do a tool change thru MDI?). Unlike a Fanuc based machine, tool change is reliant upon cold start position, and making sure all machine parameters are set correctly. Chances are, if the Z axis motor was remove for shipping, it was not put back on the machine in the same position, all you would have to do is remove the bolts, and rotate the motor 180 degrees. (thats provided it is off by roughly 1/8").
2)As far as the sub-programs, I'm not sure if it matters or not, I would suggest try writing the program the way you're used to and see if it works. As an altenative, you can write the sub programs as seperate programs, then use a M99 in the main program to call up the sub-program.
Hope this was more helpful then confusing.

[DareBee]

I agree with Gaswiz on the first item.

The sub must be above the main in format 2 programming (fanuc "style")

[iess525]

32MP control was an option that had a PC built into the CNC control. Using the knob below "PC/CNC" you can toggle between one and the other. The PC should be running Windows 2000 (unless it's an older model) and have Gibbscam already loaded in it. You can edit programs in Gibbs on the PC and send it to the CNC in the control itself.

If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at our office. (818) 678-9456. We offer free tech support. Good luck!

[cclark440]

Thanks for the help guys. I will give these suggestions a try tonight. IESS525 thanks for the offer. I will definitely keep your number in my cell phone.

I will put this link up to show why we bought this machine and what we are going to do with it. If you are at all interested check it out.
Bishop Rotary Tattoo machine

[masonbcaldwell4]

I've run a 4020 for a couple years, and I've always put subs in the beginning. Never tried putting them at the end, but I seem to recall the manual required them up front

[cclark440]

Ok next question, Can i transfer my programs to the machine fia floppy disk thru the PC part, then get it to the machine? I have looked at the Fadal memory manager but I am not sure how it works.

[charm_raja]

Hello,

I have one VMC machine, in that machine x axis direction is not moving correctly if i move positive direction the table move negative direction ...
how can i get correct direction any parameter is their please give me some solution.....

[Neal]

When programming ALWAYS think of "TOOL MOVEMENT" around the part. NEVER NEVER consider the table movement. All Cad CAM programs will output a tool motion path.

Neal

[cclark440]

Where do I get more info about how to use the Fadal memory manager on a 32MP control?

Also, does my control really only have 43K of memory?