Punched tin on ShopBot?

[robert_cheal]

Gary,

That is an interesting idea. I do have some smaller air cylinders about 1.5" D.
I am not sure if I understand how to activate
them, I am not familar with PRT drill PostP.
I will have to look into that.

Thanks, Robert

[Gary Campbell]

Robert...
You will need a way to mount the cylinder very firm. The 1.5" cylinder may give more pressure than needed, and move slower with low volume of air than you would like.

Look the the Sbparts\Custom files at "Custom 8" This is the file that the PRT Air Drill used to operate the drill. If you use the correct postP, you will get a 2D jog/move file to the center of your circular vector. Then "C8" is called. If you read, as possibly modify the timing to suit your needs, A punch operation would occur.(with correct pneumatic valving)

I would use a single solenoid, 4 or 5 port valve. This will allow a single momentary "on" signal to plunge and then return when off.

Depending on your software version, you should be able set the X & Y offsets in the my_variables file and have a relatively simple way to toolpath and punch the tin.
Gary