Retorfitting Terco 45 mill

[Desire]

Hi

We shall, in a main project at the school do a retrofit on a Terco 45 mill.

We basically have little experience in this area and wants some tips and advice along the way.

I have heard that many people use MACH3 and EMC ... are these the best options?

The machine is originally equipped with a servo motor, can these be used, or should they be replaced with the new management (software and hardware)?
Will it for example. be better to use step-motors?

We hope for some good advice and tips.


Tina Martinsen

[Need TECH Help!]

Mach3 & Emc very good options. I for one recommend using Mach3. Its a lot more customizable and has great user support. I was a machinist by trade and was able to retro 2 mills at a shop i worked at, using Mach3.And the great help from the developer of Mach and the users on Mach's forums.

As to your servos, you need to find out all the specs on them, to help determine if you can use them and the drives for them. Keep in mind that none of the hardware for DIY retrofit is proprietary for Mach, but majority is developed with Mach to be used because its "popularity".
My first retro was steppers, and very good results. The 2nd retro was AC servos, very nice.

But,.... you need to know your budget, what type of work, etc. to help determine some direction of your retrofit.

HTH
Troy