KMB-MB3-example of helix g-code?

[underdog]

Anyone have an example of g-code for the MB3 controller showing the correct helix inputs? A KMB example might also work since it is a single screen machine with only a number pad below the screen - no letters. I believe the KMB also has this controller.

Also related - this has two feed rate override knobs, one for the XY table speed and one for the Z axis. When helixing into the part all three are moving at once - what is the case for the overrides? I'm especially worried if I try to thread mill that I'll get drunken threads. Right now I'm breaking some tools.

Thanks in advance.

[hurconotes]

Your Cadcam is going to have to break it up into small lines... I don't think you can put a z on a G02 or G03 line....

[underdog]

Thanks Hurconotes for the reply.

My manual in sec 4.6 says "Helical Interpolation - the G02 ad G03 instructions (I,J,K) are used for the circular interpolation the X,Y,Z axes specify the traverse of each axis." Then the format shows:

G17 G02/03 X__ Y__ Z__ I__ J__ K__* F__

and the note on the K says '* this unsigned distance is the distance of slope per 360 degrees.'

MY two questions are then - 1) how does this work given that I have two potentiometers on the operators panel - one on the XY and one on the Z? Will they be synchroized or must I be careful to do that? and 2) Is the Z value my part-coordinate end of move point and the K the incremental value of the Z move?

What makes it hard is the terminology - for example we all know that X and Y are NOT the "traverse of each axis" as the book says - they are the end point of the movement! So its hard to trust the rest of what's written.

Thoughts??

[gthlm]

Can't really help you except to tell how it works on the max2. Maybe they are the same?

G17 is default and doesn't need defined unless you've already switched to G18/19 previously in the program.

G3 X__ Y__ Z__ I__ J__ F__

K is used for arc centre in Z when in G18/19 so is omitted. It's exactly the same as a basic G2/3 except the addition of Z for the endpoint in Z.

If you try that and get an alarm/syntax error then your control probably can't do helical.

As for the dual overrides, probably another case of try it and see I suppose!