4-axis hot wire machine

[innovation_lab]

Hi, we are building a 4-axis hot wire cutter using a horizontal axis with a vertical axis attached, along with a matched pair of horizontal/vertical axis separated by 4ft with a suspended between them. We purchased a controller with the 5th axis option and I was wondering if we use the X and Z for one axis and the A and B for the other axis will there be any problems (assuming we have gcode to drive it). We were worried if the feed rate will be correct if we are using a G1 for the moves. Will the feed rate be calculated using x,y,z,a,b when it really should be calculated using just the X and Z? Does a and b even change the feed rate?

Thanks for any help.

 

[masso-support]

so in this type of setup all the 5 axis sync the motion for a proper cut

the CAM software is the most important in your case to get the motion and cut angles right, so what software will you be using for this?

 

[innovation_lab]

No, only 4 axis. Like a wire EDM machine x,y,u,v. We will use Camworks in wire EDM mode. Say we want to cut a cone out of foam. It will trace a large circle with the x,y axis and simultaneously a small circle with u,v. My question is what axes to use for the x,y,u,v. If I use x,y,a,b will the feed rate for a linear interpolated "G1" be calculated only using x,y. That would be the best case. If all x,y,a,b or say x,z,y,b were used and the speed were calculated using all of them then the feed rate would change when it shouldn't because to of the axes shouldn't effect the feed rate calculation.

Sorry, it is a little hard to explain.

 

[masso-support]

yes x,y,a,b will be the right way to do this, in the CAM settings please make sure you generate all gcode as lines and not arcs, not sure but keeping the data in small lines will be better your your application.

Are there any photos you can share of your setup.