From the forum posts and documentation I understand that if I slave my B axis to the Y axis, the B axis requires its own separate homing sensor - I plan to do this.
I understand that this auto-squaring is a particularly beneficial feature for larger CNCs where gantries may be prone (using belts, etc ...) to become out of square.
I have a new CNC, less than 1mX1m cutting area, that uses ball screws and linear bearings on hardened tubular rails. Each Y axis has its own motors - all are stepper motors.
My first question concerns using the sensors to correctly set up the auto-squaring of slaved Y/B axes.
When I set up my homing, my plan was to push my X axis forward until the linear bearings reach their ends of travel in order to create a starting position reference (assuming I mounted all rails correctly/accurately, the linear bearings are set equally in their blocks, and all axes are square).
Then, I would jog the X axis back past the Y axis sensors.
Next I set up the homing of the Y axis sensor. I am a bit unsure what to do next. My plan was to jog the X axis using the smallest increment until the y axis sensor triggers, then I would carefully adjust the B axis sensor so that it just triggers at this exact same location/time. Is this best practice for ensuring both sensors of slaved axes are as square as possible?
My second question is, for the size and type of linear motion of my CNC, will auto-squaring be the best method to get accuracy and repeatability of the homing? (I understand that there are a myriad of other factors that impact a CNCs accuracy and repeatability)
Or, in my case would it be best to use a hardware slaving solution, where drives are connected in parallel?
If I understand correctly, the auto-squaring method will rely heavily on my set up and implementation of the Y and B sensors, as well as how well they perform.
I would appreciate it if those with experience can let me know if my above thinking and plans are correct, as well as what your thoughts are on which homing method might offer the best results for my set-up.
Tom
I understand that this auto-squaring is a particularly beneficial feature for larger CNCs where gantries may be prone (using belts, etc ...) to become out of square.
I have a new CNC, less than 1mX1m cutting area, that uses ball screws and linear bearings on hardened tubular rails. Each Y axis has its own motors - all are stepper motors.
My first question concerns using the sensors to correctly set up the auto-squaring of slaved Y/B axes.
When I set up my homing, my plan was to push my X axis forward until the linear bearings reach their ends of travel in order to create a starting position reference (assuming I mounted all rails correctly/accurately, the linear bearings are set equally in their blocks, and all axes are square).
Then, I would jog the X axis back past the Y axis sensors.
Next I set up the homing of the Y axis sensor. I am a bit unsure what to do next. My plan was to jog the X axis using the smallest increment until the y axis sensor triggers, then I would carefully adjust the B axis sensor so that it just triggers at this exact same location/time. Is this best practice for ensuring both sensors of slaved axes are as square as possible?
My second question is, for the size and type of linear motion of my CNC, will auto-squaring be the best method to get accuracy and repeatability of the homing? (I understand that there are a myriad of other factors that impact a CNCs accuracy and repeatability)
Or, in my case would it be best to use a hardware slaving solution, where drives are connected in parallel?
If I understand correctly, the auto-squaring method will rely heavily on my set up and implementation of the Y and B sensors, as well as how well they perform.
I would appreciate it if those with experience can let me know if my above thinking and plans are correct, as well as what your thoughts are on which homing method might offer the best results for my set-up.
Tom
