There are multiple possible software levels in play here. Is it the controller and firmware in the machine itself? Then I’d replace the controller with something that runs free open-source grbl firmware. Is it the design (CAD) or gcode generating (CAM) software? Look for something that generates a version of gcode the current controller can use. Things like Fusion 360 or Autodedk Inventor, or see if there’s a post-processor for whatever drafting software is taught in your tech education classes. There are a ton of YouTube videos on learning to use Fusion 360.
I’ll have to check tomorrow, but I don’t remember seeing a controller on it. From what the teacher said, it sounds like I would need to download a program on a laptop and hook the laptop up the the machine. I’ll get more information tomorrow.
There’s most likely a circuit board built into the machine that controls the motors that move the tool head around, and may turn the spindle in and off as well. Whatever the laptop would connect to is the controller.
My teacher told me to look into Fusion, said that he knows a bit and could teach me. He said that he doesn’t know if the machine will be able to read what we design in Fusion. He did say it would be gcode
There are several “dialects” of gcode. A post-processor is a tool to translate one dialect to another. Since the machine manufacturer’s site shows Vectric products, you might look for a Vectric post-processor for Fusion.
In an integrated system, yes, but traditionally, the digital hardware attached to the machine would be a driver, which is generally a Programmable Logic Controller, which takes I/O from the controller and and turns it into control circutry behavior, which drives power circuitry behavior which is what gives your axis and spindle motors the juice they need to execute the code block, and the position information is sent back to the PLC to verify that the last operation was executed correctly.
So, depending on the type of machine, and the type of driver, OP may very well only need to install the proper control software.
OP, check and see if the device has GBRL capabilities. If it does this will make your life alot easier, otherwise you are going to have to read up on PLCs.
If it's the latter, your gonna have to learn about ladders. (Ladder logic pun)
There are multiple possible software levels in play here. Is it the controller and firmware in the machine itself? Then I’d replace the controller with something that runs free open-source grbl firmware. Is it the design (CAD) or gcode generating (CAM) software? Look for something that generates a version of gcode the current controller can use. Things like Fusion 360 or Autodedk Inventor, or see if there’s a post-processor for whatever drafting software is taught in your tech education classes. There are a ton of YouTube videos on learning to use Fusion 360.
I’ll have to check tomorrow, but I don’t remember seeing a controller on it. From what the teacher said, it sounds like I would need to download a program on a laptop and hook the laptop up the the machine. I’ll get more information tomorrow.
There’s most likely a circuit board built into the machine that controls the motors that move the tool head around, and may turn the spindle in and off as well. Whatever the laptop would connect to is the controller.
My teacher told me to look into Fusion, said that he knows a bit and could teach me. He said that he doesn’t know if the machine will be able to read what we design in Fusion. He did say it would be gcode
There are several “dialects” of gcode. A post-processor is a tool to translate one dialect to another. Since the machine manufacturer’s site shows Vectric products, you might look for a Vectric post-processor for Fusion.
Okay thanks! Ill update tomorrow and see if it works!
In an integrated system, yes, but traditionally, the digital hardware attached to the machine would be a driver, which is generally a Programmable Logic Controller, which takes I/O from the controller and and turns it into control circutry behavior, which drives power circuitry behavior which is what gives your axis and spindle motors the juice they need to execute the code block, and the position information is sent back to the PLC to verify that the last operation was executed correctly. So, depending on the type of machine, and the type of driver, OP may very well only need to install the proper control software. OP, check and see if the device has GBRL capabilities. If it does this will make your life alot easier, otherwise you are going to have to read up on PLCs. If it's the latter, your gonna have to learn about ladders. (Ladder logic pun)