4 Axis Rotary Plasma Tube Cutter

[planoguyjc]

Hello, I'm interested in the G3 Controller for my build, however I have a few questions. The application I intend to use it for is a rotary plasma tube cutter.

My plan is to use X-axis to drive the tube, Y- Axis to move torch left and right, Z- Axis Torch up/down, A-axis for Rotary (turn 24' tube), I'll also need another axis (B?) to turn the chuck on the opposite side but I'll need to slave it. I know from the videos it says you can't slave A and B, what would be the solution there? I also saw where you can hardware wire the two motors on the same axis, the material i'm turning would always rotate in sync with the other axis. I would only need to home one of those axis's so is that the best way or should I software set up and change around the axis's in the program? Would I need a 4 axis or 5 axis controller?

This controller seems like it would be a good fit for our application, is the User Interface something that could be changed slightly? Can you rename the icons or delete/add from showing up? I see you can put our company logo on it as well. If this isn't an option to do on the users end, can it be done by Masso for a fee? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I'm also including a picture of a similar system for reference (not my design)

Thank you in advance!

JC

 

[breezy]

Justin,

Interesting machine.

I can follow most of what you want to do with each axis, but am lost on the requirement to slave the B axis.

I'll also need another axis (B?) to turn the chuck on the opposite side but I'll need to slave it

Can you setup the B axis in parallel with the A axis then you don't need the fifth axis in MASSO, or do you need to have separate control of the B axis to open/close the chuck?

How are you coding the program to do the cutting?

In regards to the User interface we are in the process of doing an upgrade of it.

Regards,

Arie.

 

[planoguyjc]

Hi Arie,

These are great machines for people that mostly use Round, Square, or Rectangle Pipe or tubing. I sent you some information to review in regards to machine operation to hopefully give you a better idea of what the machine does. It's very similar to the industrial laser cutting machines but uses a plasma cutter instead.

In regards to setting it in parallel, The B axis would only be used to only turn the stock, the same as A axis. I will not be using it to open/close the chuck as this will be done either manually or pneumatically. It seems parallel would be the logical idea but I'm not sure as I'm a beginner in this stuff. The problem I would imagine with this method is I can't monitor each motor positioning, possibly causing a misalignment. In the screen shot I sent to you, they have 5 axis coordinates shown with 4 of them with homing switches. If they ran this in parallel, wouldn't it just show data for 4 axis's and not have coordinates shown for the 5th motor that is paired with A ?

In regards to coding to do the program. I haven't narrowed that down completely but we might start with Sheetcam as they have a rotary plugin for tube. I've also been looking at some CAD/CAM companies with tube cutting software that have the ability to create a post processor for the G-code to run the machine. I'll have to send you that information as well so we check requirements. These programs can get pricey so we'll probably test out Sheetcam initially until we bite the bullet and purchase a better program. Did you have any recommendations in regards to programs to use for our application?

Thank you,

JC