What board & software for *oompf*

[polarit]

Hello Forum

I have gotten (for free) a 3 axis gantry-type mill (1500 x 1200 mm)
Previously used for engraving signs, and such
It will be modified with a vaccumbed, and used for milling light plywood and balsawood (up to 10mm).
The drives are spindles and tothed belts.
There are two steppers & spindles on the x-axis

Have access to Solid Edge, Rhino, and SolidCAM

Later it MAY aquire a true 3D head (5 axis)

Now the question is

What board to choose ?
- i want *ooompf* when slewing (no slow slewing)
- must be able to control 4 axis ( and automatic racking)
- extendable, or maybe just buy two boards

What controller software to choose ?
- i want fully selfcontained operation ( won't be using MY desktop machine )
- preferrably able to run on a P4 1,8, running either wintendo, linux, or bsd)

Price - well.........

Or is this a too high demands for a hobby cnc ?

[NC Cams]

Simultaneous motion 2D is easy but I don't know about that speed.

Simutaneous motion 3D is a bit tougher but I"m pretty sure its doable, again, I don't know about that speed.

Simultaneous motion 4D and 5D is pretty much unobtainable for the DIY/hobbist.

Your CAD data would have to be post processed to turn it into machine language that your CNC could respond to. The CAD systems will NOT run the CNC.

Your speed is ultimately a function of data transfer rates thru whatever systems you come up with and the computer speed.

First CNC system control to look at is MACH. This is perhaps the pre-eminent parallel port based stepper driver system out there.

You might be better off shopping for systems FIRST and seeing their capabilites as opposed to coming up with performance requirements and then trying to find a system that will meet your preconcieved notions.

Reality has a way of tempering expectations and desires.

With all the ginger bread you're looking for:

"Later it MAY aquire a true 3D head (5 axis)
- i want *ooompf* when slewing (no slow slewing)
- must be able to control 4 axis ( and automatic racking)
- extendable, or maybe just buy two boards
- i want fully selfcontained operation ( won't be using MY desktop machine )
- preferrably able to run on a P4 1,8, running either wintendo, linux, or bsd)"

Frankly, these requirments can be a handfull for high end commercial machines!!! Moreover, unless you're in the mood or have the capability to do a lot of programming on your own, this may be TOTALLY out of the reach of a DIY system.

[polarit]

As I already stated - i have solidCAD, and SolidCAM
So the g-code generation should be in order.

i am thinking of using EMC2, because of the better performance compared to windoze based systems.

For driveboards, maybe some bipolar drives with 80V 10A capability will give me enough. (gecko ?)

[Torchhead]

I'm confused. Why would you need a 5 axis machine to cut plywood and balsa? Are you doing complex 3D model making? You can do 3D carving with most packages. There is misunderstanding with what is 2.5D ;shape cutting with variable depths and straight sides ; 3D using ball end mills and progressive cuts; 3D with a 4th rotary axis and then a 5 axis articulated arm cutting approach. Each level builds in complexity geometrically.

By 4 axis are you counting the dual drive as 2? It's actually "slaving" to drive both sides of an axis with separate motors and is only one axis of motion.

Most of the work being done is 2.5D or simple (multiple pass) 3D.

In the Sign carving end you can do pretty complex "simulated" 3D with Vcarve.

EMC will do up to 6 axis of control. The REAL challenge is finding an affordable CAM (toolpath) that will generate the 5 axis control.

You have chosen a path that will require a lot of time on your part but if you are comfortable with Linux integration and 3D modeling software then perhaps a look at MeshCAM is in order.

I don't know what you end product/goal is but trying to turn a small CNC sign router into a 5 axis milling machine is exponentially harder than to just get the machine to cutout 2D and 2.5D objects.

[dertsap]

Originally Posted by polarit As I already stated - i have solidCAD, and SolidCAM So the g-code generation should be in order. i am thinking of using EMC2, because of the better performance compared to windoze based systems. For driveboards, maybe some bipolar drives with 80V 10A capability will give me enough. (gecko ?)

emc or mach , geckos are what i would suggest , though it depends upon what kind of amperage your motors demand

[polarit]

Well.....
Someone told me that the only way to make true 3D shapes is by using a 5-axis machine.

After the 2D part is working i will be cutting foam plugs of complex shapes, to be glassed

[dertsap]

Originally Posted by polarit Well..... Someone told me that the only way to make true 3D shapes is by using a 5-axis machine.

one shot op , maybe , even then you may not be able to do it complete, simply throw up a 4 axis ,
you ll be surprised at what you can do