Servo Controller/Drive Language??

[MetalCNCing]

What would be the BEST language to use for a CNC Controller/Drive Configuration (Servo 6-Axis, 80-100lbin motors @ 2800RPM)?? I want the BEST, something that wont give me problems, and something that I can use for any application (a language which i'll have the least limits with)... price isnt really an issue at this point, I have heard of soo many languages, I dont knw which would be best. (I am going to use this CNC for machining all types of media hardened steel-plastic/wood/glass) I have heard of RS485 or [COM (RS-232)], USB, MODBUS, CANBUS, DeviceNet, SERCOS, INTERBUS, ProfiBus, Ethernet(prob worst one!), +/- 10V, or fiber. Which would be the absolute best with the least amount of limits/errors??

I would prefer having an engineer or someone with a great deal of knowledge in this topic, to help me out.... If possible I would want a detailed description of why it would be best.... (hopefully its something common unlike fiber, I couldnt find that anywhere!)

-Allen

Thanks in advance to those who help!

[Karl_T]

These best possible package is the Camsoft host software with a dedicated galil control card. Galil has its own motion control language and a visual basic option is available. The Camsoft host takes care of most Galil communication so you concentrate on logic for your particular machine.

A Camsoft Pro package ain't cheap - $5K. The Galil board will be $2-3K. And you still need a computer, I/O cards, relay racks and other misc.

Both comapnies have great websites.

Karl

[Jason Ross]

I have heard of RS485 or [COM (RS-232)], USB, MODBUS, CANBUS, DeviceNet, SERCOS, INTERBUS, ProfiBus, Ethernet(prob worst one!), +/- 10V, or fiber are all communication buses not languages. If you are interested in deterministic communciation bus for motion control your choices are in descending order of popularity +/-10v, sercos, ethernet powerlink, cc link, firewire, syncnet. +/- 10v is fast, cheap, and extremely easy to use but susceptible to electrical noise. If you have high voltage welding or an RF source nearby I would not use. Sercos is a solid platform but individual companies have their own standards. My company has a nice low end CNC based on Sercos, the TLM3. Even Fanuc is using Ethernet now so I am not sure why you think it is the worst. CC Link is used on Mitsubishi and you will find it on all Mazaks. Firewire works well but very few vendors use it and good luck on support. Do not use syncnet if you are only building one machine.
Do you mean language? Use G code or M code. It is universal. If money is no object buy a GE Fanuc 30i and scare your neighbors when the chips fly. It is the most expensive CNC controller you can buy and it is compatable with lower end Fanucs.
You are controlling 6 axes, how many will be interpolated at once, are you conting your spindle as one of your axes? It will be challenging to cut that variety of material accurately. I have not used it but Fanuc claims to have a tool tip vibration monitor available which might help. Are you cutting signs?

[NC Cams]

There is NO BEST of anything.

Some things are better than others in one respect but lacking in others.

The BEST is a system that is reliable, well developed, mature and is backed up by SERVICE, especially when you're trying to do 6 things at once.

I'd refer you to a fully integrated SYSTEM as in AjaxCNC, Anilam, etc. Why? Such systems are turn key commercial. ANY time you start integrating your own this with somebody's that, conflicts develop. People promise EVERYTHING, you want a system that delivers....

At the point where a self integrated system starts to screw up, the software guy blames the PC guy who blames the " whats it " board guy who blames the O/S ( as in "...g/d windows...."). At that point, YOU are stuck with the mess because NOBODY feels its their fault....

If price is no object, buy a turn key Haas. We've recently started using a comparatively cheap Haas machining center to do what formerly took a $1.5million CNC grinder to do.

[MetalCNCing]

Hello,

Thanks for all the info, it helped, I think I am going to use sercos or +/- 10.... I just dont want to have interference problems with the VFD's if I use +/- 10....I'm thinking Sercos.....is sercos fast??

-Allen

[Al_The_Man]

Sercos stands for Serial Real-time COmunications Software so presumably it is fast.
The advantage comes in that you can install the drive close to the motor, instead of in a remote cabinet with the control, to eliminate encoder motor-to-drive noise pick-up.
Otherwise there is not much advantage using Sercos over ±10v.
I have found if you use good grounding procedures and practices, VFD noise should be non-existant, also if cost is no object, it is common practice to use a 3ph inductor/choke on the motor feed and also on the VFD supply.
You do not mention what front end software you are thinking of using.
As someone you does machine design and retrofits for a living, and someone would ask me for a recommendation with cost no object and they had never integrated any system before, and If no present equipment exists like using present motors and/or drives.
I would say go with a full developed system the likes of Mitsubishi, Siemens, Fagor.
These are major companies with a good product, I have left Fanuc out only because of cost and they are difficult to work with unless you are a OEM looking to buy in large quantities.
With a Full integrated product all motion part programming software is already in place, The hardware is matched to the control with majority of cabling, the only programming required is the PLC or machine control implementaion of M,S,T codes etc. And if you are already familiar with medium/high level language, then PLC programing should not be a great challenge, most comanies offer a generic PLC listing to illustrate methods.
Whatever method is chosen, there is always a fairly long learning curve, but I would say that on the subject of length of time invested and smoothness of integration, the Full Integrated system would offer the best route.
Al.