Y axis problem

In certain situations you should avoid using the radius format with G02 and G03 as it can cause problems according to the Mach3 programming notes. Small errors due to rounding of coordinate values can cause large variations in the path the cutter takes.

Martin C

Jason set Z inhibit to 10mm and also swapped I&J for R to define circle centre with no difference when run ballscrew stopped turning. Looking at Seig parts diagram confident I could replace stepper motor but if it didn't work as plug & play I'm lost electronics might as well be written in Chinese. Notice that helpline finished now too

Cutter compensation can cause problems with some controllers if there is insufficient lead-in to the start of the cut - you need to be something like a tool diameter away from the intended toolpath for some controllers to work as expected.

Here's some code from CamBam for use with Mach3 with tool radius (assumed 3mm diameter tool) already accounted for i.e. no G40, G41 or G42 Origin is at lower-right arc centre.

( Made using CamBam - http://www.cambam.co.uk )
( triangle 2/14/2019 6:28:13 PM )
( T3 : 3.0 )
G21 G90 G91.1 G64 G40
G0 Z3.0
( T3 : 3.0 )
T3 M6
( Profile1 )
G17
M3 S1000
G0 X-25.7102 Y2.6963
G0 Z1.2
G1 F10.0 Z-0.2
G1 X-1.3152 Y14.5953
G2 X3.0 Y11.899 I1.3152 J-2.6963
G1 Y0.0
G2 X0.0 Y-3.0 I-3.0 J0.0
G1 X-24.395
G2 X-25.7102 Y2.6963 I0.0 J3.0
G0 Z3.0
M5
M30

Martin.

Before you start pulling the steppers out it may be worth just doing a simple code such as an external square, that would eliminate problems with the code and radius cuts and show if the y axis is playing up.

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You losing steps at 10mm per minute?

At 10mm/min feed you are rubbing not cutting. Something around 200mm/min would be more typical for this combination of tool and material. Does your version of Mach3 have the feeds and speeds wizard? If so use it to ensure you are cutting not rubbing. Load on stepper motors will increase if you try to push a rubbing tool into the work piece.

Martin C

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Thanks everyone I will try in morning 10mm/min was to try & see what is happening but 200mm/min too much for this m/c there was no load whilst cutting as DOC was 0.2mm to see what shape was being produced not sure about losing steps as my job was programming & machining 1st article any fault I was back programming & maintenance took over m/c until fixed

If the computer on which Mach3 is installed is not up to spec, then the pulse stream will not be consitant enough for smooth movement - to the point of missing steps. Laptops are not generally considered to be suitable for use with Mach3 to drive a machine.

Acceleration settings within Mach3 must be appropriate and also be sure the machine axes aren't binding.

Martin.

Barrie just tried the 100mm square as soon as it started moving in Y m/c was making a horrendous noise and eventually stopped on the 4th side heading Y+ about 3/4 way up from comments this noise it is making is it losing steps? Martin didn't get a chance to try your prog yet computer is Acer Aspire with Windows XP bought 2nd hand for the job no wifi or internet the only thing loaded is cad/cam & Mach3. Any ideas on what to do next appreciated
Many thanks Ray

Could swap over the X & Y wires from the steppers which would totally eliminate any code or software issues.

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A video of the machine playing up could be helpful.

The whole setup needs to be fairly close to ideal for reliable running, so step duration, acceleration, max step rate and some other settings should be well chosen to try to avoid problems.

It seems you are using a laptop which may be contributing to the problem. To check for compatibility with Mach3 be sure to run the DriverTest program contained in the Mach3 folder.

Martin.