Newbie- what do I need to get started?

[robotek]

Hi dear people!
I just need a point in right direction.
The question is: what hardware and additional software do I need to start producing parts?
i have access to SW 09 and MC X3. I built 3 axis gantry router (thanks to all people here for very useful hints and ideas)
Now I got to the point where my motors that I got from IM-Service are not working for me, and I stuck with them...
I look around to get AC servo system, but I am not sure what I actually need.
As far as I understand, other than driver+motors and cables there some kind of "translator" (controller board, breakout board, etc) is required and power supply for it. I am kinda lost in these.
what port of PC does MC X3 uses to communicate with the machine? What kind of controller should I obtain?
Any help is appreciated!
Thank you!

[Superman]

To set the record straight
Mastercam does NOT control or run the machine

It creates NC-code that the machine "reads" and converts into a machine motion (linear, circular, feedrate, rapid, etc ) or machine function ( spindle ON/OFF, CW-CCW coolant ON/OFF, toolchange and so on )

-This code is prepared by the programmer using a serires of known tool types and diameters to give a series of toolpaths around a wireframe, surfaces, or solid models in mastercam.
-It is then "Post Processed" using a specialised post (to suit your machine and particular likings, like how you want to see tool comments, M0 or M00, etc). Mastercam has a number of generic posts on the insallation disks that are able to be modified, advice would be best gained from your Mcam reseller
-This NC file is placed iinto the machine's control and made to be the active program, ( this can be the PC or the machine's control, it depends on the complexity of the machine). If the file is large it may have to run in "DNC mode" or drip-feed to the machine via cable, normally a RS-232 link
-Material and datum or origin set in the machine
-Tools set in the machine
-Some ppl run the program thru to "prove off" that no errors exist, and the program runs as expected ---no bangs or programming ooopsies


To wrap it up, you need
----programming station----
-SW09 === creates models, drawings etc a bit quiker than in Mcam
-Mcam X3 ==== creates toolpaths on the graphics screen
-Post Processor== converts graphic toolpaths into NC-code
-link to machining station ( set it to upload to a set folder, ie "Un-proven" )
-Backup software for the programming and machining stations

----Machining station----
-cable link to programming station ( network etc) keeps the $hit away from the good programming PC ( hot chips, dust, coolants, oils, etc)
-cable link to the machine, to upload and download programs ( RS-232 ), this is elininated if the actual PC runs the machine
- read from "Un-proven" , save to a different location ( this will become apparent when you edit the original and stuff it up a few times, delete a few too many lines etc )
- Data transfer software ( CimcoDNC or NClink as examples )

[Shotout]

To add to Superman's comments. To keep it simple there are some control software forums here on CNC Zone that convert a pc into a machine control that can read the final g-code file output from maastercam. Check out the mach3 forum for starters. It seems to be a popular control software for home built cnc machines of all types. I think the generic fanuc post processor file that is included with mastercam is pretty much compatible with the software as well. There website will also provide a good bit of info, google reports it as http://www.machsupport.com/

Originally Posted by robotek Hi dear people! I just need a point in right direction. The question is: what hardware and additional software do I need to start producing parts? i have access to SW 09 and MC X3. I built 3 axis gantry router (thanks to all people here for very useful hints and ideas) Now I got to the point where my motors that I got from IM-Service are not working for me, and I stuck with them... I look around to get AC servo system, but I am not sure what I actually need. As far as I understand, other than driver+motors and cables there some kind of "translator" (controller board, breakout board, etc) is required and power supply for it. I am kinda lost in these. what port of PC does MC X3 uses to communicate with the machine? What kind of controller should I obtain? Any help is appreciated! Thank you!

[cob]

do you have a cnc machine if you do what is the typeis it that way you can find the right post on mastercam.

also the easiest way i find to run your machine is do all your tool operation in mastercam and when you are ready to post just save the g-code on a USB stix, then all you do is take it to your machine and download your G-code.
and you are ready to run your parts.

hope that helps

[robotek]

Thank you all very much!!!
I feel like an idiot. But this is good thing I asked, at least now I know
I said that I have access to MC... I don't have a reseller for that. This is why I asked my questions here..
My main concern about using MACH3 is that it uses parallel port and that allows maximum info exchange speed (as far as I have read manuals) between PC and BOB about 35 kHz. that limits servo motor with 2500 step encoder down to 840 rpm (not so much for 3000-4500rpm max motor speed). Once again, it is just my impression of reading and trying to understand.
Is there any way around parallel port? may be other control software using "ethernet" for example?
Thanks again!