Software, controller or operator error?

[HandyManBill]

New 96-48- Prs Standard with 2.2hp HSD spindle, VFD1000

I loaded SB3 with a file to cut, this after you guys (Kenneth & Scott) helped me find out that the artwork I had was no good (overlaps on vectors) so I reworked the file and got it to look good and was ready to cut. XY axis were zeroed, the file loaded and then the program went immediately to the Cut dialogue box, no option to zero the Z axis, was bit #6 on the router...the usual routine, so, I cancelled and tried again, then did a manual zeroing of the Z axis and this time it went thru and started running the file and stopped in the middle of the sign but the spindle was still running. I tried the spacebar, no luck, hit the STOP button on the controll box, no luck again then turned the power off.

Thinking it may be an issue with the software I uninstalled the SB3 and re-installed, same thing again. I had problems with my controller and it was just returned to me by SB and this is my first file to try and cut since getting it back. Have contacted them via email but not heard back. Any Ideas???

[adrianm]

If the software thinks that tool #6 is already loaded and zeroed then it will go straight into the cutting routine if you're using the ATC or MTC routines.

If I'm at all unsure what tool the machine thinks it's on I run the tool change routine (C1 on mine) to make sure it's set correctly.

No idea if that's part of the problem or not but I know it caught me out a couple of times when I started using numbered tools.

[ken_rychlik]

It sounds like you may have used a tool changing post processor when you made your toolpath and you don't have auto tool changer on your machine. A 2.2 spindle is one you change bits manually on.
If that is the case, then when the cutting file called for a different tool that would mess up your machine and cause it to mess up.
There are ways around it, but for just starting out, I would suggest you use a basic post processor and only make one toolpath per tool. With the basic postprocessor, it will not ask for a tool change. You have to have the correct tool loaded and zero'd before starting the file.

[garyc]

BIll...
Sound like Adrian has hit it on the head. When using the TC postprocessors (same for ATC & MTC use) if you change a bit when the software is not active, you should use the "C1" to enter the new tool number into the system.

You will also have to assign a unique tool number to each tool in your database. You will not be able to accept the default of "tool #1" for each tool and have the system track which bit is in the spindle.

[HandyManBill]

Gary,

When I wrote: " zero the Z axis, "was bit #6 on the router"...the usual routine, I meant that was the usual dialog that SB3 would go thru, step by step and then and only then would it ask if you were ready to "start the spindle". I have not done any changes in Partworks 3.5 to what I have been doing, I tried another file that I have cut before with no problem and the SB3 performed with the same results....went directly to cut. I do not have an ATC but the postprocessor is ShopBot TC (inch).

I did talk with Frank at SB this morning and he had it happen to him 1 out of 3 times and was supposed to get with someone that deals with the software issues and contact me then, no word as of yet. (SB3 - ver 3.6.38)

Thanks for all of your input.

[garyc]

Bill...
I didnt think that you had an ATC, BUT... when you use the "TC inch" (or MM) post the MTC system is enabled. If you have posted a file previously that used the same number tool, the system recorded that tool number and may assume the bit is zeroed. Therefore it may go straight to cutting.

Questions:
Have you changed a bit without using the C1 to enter it into the system?
Have you assigned unique tool numbers to each tool in your data base?

You may want to upgrade to 3.6.44. There were no core code changes, but there may have been some enhancements to the operating files. Check with Frank as he is aware and logging your isuue.

[HandyManBill]

Bill...
I didnt think that you had an ATC, BUT... when you use the "TC inch" (or MM) post the MTC system is enabled. If you have posted a file previously that used the same number tool, the system recorded that tool number and may assume the bit is zeroed. Therefore it may go straight to cutting.

Questions:
Have you changed a bit without using the C1 to enter it into the system?
Have you assigned unique tool numbers to each tool in your data base?

You may want to upgrade to 3.6.44. There were no core code changes, but there may have been some enhancements to the operating files. Check with Frank as he is aware and logging your isuue.
Gary,
If the only program I have to create toolpaths is the one that came with the machine (Partworks 3.5) and the ONLY postprocessor that is available to choose is "TC inch" or (mm) , then I am going to say that the software has an issue.

To your question number 1) - I have never changed a bit that deviated from what was in the PW program file...I use the example of tool #6 because that is what is defined as the 60 degree V-carve bit in the menu, so consequently that is what would be in the .sbp file that is saved from PW. So yes, I have changed when the bit when the spindle stops and prompts to change the bit to the next bit....does that make sense?

Question 2) The tools I have are already in a database that I presume SB has loaded onto the program.

[ken_rychlik]

Bill there are normally 8 or ten post processors you can choose. When making a file you choose the one best suited for your machine. If you don't know how to choose a different post processor it is right when you are saving the toolpath to run. Near the bottom is a selection box.

[srwtlc]

Bill,

I agree with Kenneth, if you're manually changing the tools and zeroing the z axis yourself where and when you want and not a LINK user, save yourself some headaches and use the ShopBot_Arc_Inch.pp or if you have a spindle, use the ShopBot_Arc_inch_Spindle_control.pp. If it's not in the list, they can be found in C:\SbParts\PartWorksPosts or if it's not there then look in C:\SbParts\PartWorksPosts\PartWorksPosts_ARCHIVAL. Copy the appropriate one and paste it in to your PartWorks user data folder in the Postp folder.

I'm not a big fan of all the daisy chained files used to control the MTC system, but then again, I'm a bit old school when it comes to changing my tools in and out. I know what one I want when I want it and just change it. :p

[adrianm]

I started using the MTC system heavily a few months ago when I started doing jobs that needed several tool changes. Got to say it's a massive time saver and it's much easier only having to save one toolpath for each job.

I did spend a fair bit of time streamlining the code though as I wanted to be 100% sure what was going on.

[HandyManBill]

Bill,

I agree with Kenneth, if you're manually changing the tools and zeroing the z axis yourself where and when you want and not a LINK user, save yourself some headaches and use the ShopBot_Arc_Inch.pp or if you have a spindle, use the ShopBot_Arc_inch_Spindle_control.pp. If it's not in the list, they can be found in C:\SbParts\PartWorksPosts or if it's not there then look in C:\SbParts\PartWorksPosts\PartWorksPosts_ARCHIVAL. Copy the appropriate one and paste it in to your PartWorks user data folder in the Postp folder.

I'm not a big fan of all the daisy chained files used to control the MTC system, but then again, I'm a bit old school when it comes to changing my tools in and out. I know what one I want when I want it and just change it. :p
Scott,
Thanks for the info on location to find addtional postprocessors, I did try the "ShopBot_Arc_inch_Spindle_control.pp" but gave me an error message when attempting to save it, but did copy and include the "ShopBot_Arc_Inch.pp" plus "ShopBot_inch.pp" and ShopBot_MM.pp" now the question is which would you typically use? I am just getting into CNC Routing and still going thru the tutorials and such also, what are you refering to regarding "MTC system"?
-Bill

[srwtlc]

Bill,

MTC stands for manual tool change. If you use a post processor that is listed with 'TC' in it's name, you can save several toolpaths that use different tools to one file and when cut on the machine, you'll be prompted to change the tool and so on until the file is finished.

If you have a spindle and the speed control, I'd use the one named ShopBot_Arc_inch_Spindle_control.pp. If the error was when you tried to save a toolpath, you may have two or more toolpaths selected that use different tools. That pp can only save different toolpaths if they use the same tool. If the error was in the SB3, then what was the error.

Don't use the ones that don't have arc in the name as they can cut arc/circles in a segmented fashion and possibly give undesired edge quality. Use the arc inch ones for all toolpaths.