Generating G-code for a 5-axis CNC machine controlled by Mach3

[Anonymous]

Hi, i have edited/adapted a post processor (Mach3) for my 5 axis CNC machine (A+C rotary table-table), and it is working fine apart for a minor detail that i am trying to fix since it results in more working steps to get a part done.

Basically this problem happens when i am using 3+2 cutting strategies. Since i do not have features like dynamic work offset, what i do for 3+2 is that i create a workoffset on Mach3 for each face i intend to machine, and in Fusion each offset corresponds to a different setup.

Now when i generate the G-code of the entire program, only after the first setup i get the order A0 B0. To try and explain this better lets consider that i am going to machine 2 faces that are opposite to each other (180 degree appart), i would create a G54 for the first face and a G55 for the second face, and my code would start with the G54 and be immediately followed by A0 B0 to get the correct part orientation, but when it comes the G55 i do not have the A0 B0, which means my part will not rotate the 180 degrees needed before start machining.

However if i generate the G-code separately (one G-code file for each setup), i get the G54 A0 B0 and also the G55 A0 B0.

I know i can just go to my G-code file and had the A0 B0 line, or even just generate each setup G-code separately, but i have the opinion that one should never change the G-code files manually if there are other ways to do it (just for safety reasons) and also because i would like to optimize and simplify my work flow has much had possible.

[KrupalVala]

Hi @Anonymous ,

Use tool orientation in toolpath and set variable useMultiAxisFeatures  as a "false" in your post.

var useMultiAxisFeatures = false;

 

[engineguy]

@Anonymous 

I am confused, if you are setup for X,Y,Z A and C axis why would you be looking for a B axis output ??

What is the actual configuration you are running? Is it a Trunnion for the C and a 360 deg mounted on the Trunnion for the A ??

Or do you have the A axis along the X of the machine to swing the 90-/90+ and the C doing the 360 deg ??

Have a look at the attached test file and the PP used and you will see the different axis moves clearly.

Yes, it uses the "Tool Orientation" as already posted which is the correct way to do what you want, but I am unable to find the

var useMultiAxisFeatures = false

in any Mach3/4 Post Processors I have so don`t go tearing your hair out looking for it, can be found in the Fanuc PP though you can just as easily use the Fanuc PP as the Mach3 one which is Fanuc based anyway 🙂 🙂 🙂

Anyway, have a look at the file and try using the attached PP just for fun, it is one I use for testing different things, it does all sorts of moves and outputs and it may help a little as a pointer 🙂 🙂 🙂

Regards

Rob

[Anonymous]

My post processor did not had that line, but i added it and did like you said but it is still the same 😕

I attached some prints to explain better the problem.

[Anonymous]

Hi, first off all thank you for the reply 🙂

You are 100% correct, the way that i explained was totally confusing.

The actual setup i have is trunnion that rotates around my X and a 360 deg mounted on top of the trunnion that rotates around my Z.

However, the way it comes programmed denominates that my trunning axis e designated B and the other rotary is my A (it is my first 5 axis and its the HY-6040 cheap router from china to start in the 5 axis wolrd).

My post processor is just like yours, but adapted to my machine.

I tried yours and the it also gave me the same problem i was trying to fix (i inserted some prints to a better explanation on a previous response if you don't mind checking it 🙂 ).

Before editing this post processor i consider doing using the generic FANUC post processor that comes with fusion, since mach3 can read fanuc, and to be honest, the mach3 post processors i found are not well prepared for 5 axis.

The only problem i got with the FANUC with the 5 axis is that instead of giving me A and B coordinates i was only getting I and J so i decided to go with mach3 PP. 

Btw this is the part i am testing. Basically the first setup is to machine the top part and the other is to machine one of the sides.

[KrupalVala]

Hi @Anonymous ,

You can create all the toolpaths inside the single setup. Use Tool orientation, as shown in the below image. In the project, I have created only one setup and inside the setup we have three toolpaths with Three different faces.

Now, open the generic Fanuc post and set variable useMultiAxisFeatures  as a "false" in your post. 

var useMultiAxisFeatures = False;

Then you will get desired NC output. 

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

This does not work on machine because, it does not have have functions like DWO. So i just adapted the post-processor to let me add manual G-code lines from fusion and i solve this issue.

 Anyway, thanks for the help.

Best regards.

[engineguy]

@Anonymous 

I seem to have it working here, you don`t need stuff like DWO, however you have to do a bit more than alter just the useMultiFeatures "false", the machine configuration needs to be set for the A and C axis to be set to the correct coordinates, try the attached example file and the attached Post Processor, it seems to make odd movements but it is correct, machining order and A and C moves can be changed by changing the order of operations, any way see below and try using the files I have uploaded 🙂 🙂

See how you go and please report back so others can see if it worked for you 🙂 🙂

Hope this helps

Regards

Rob

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Hi @engineguy, sorry for the late reply but i´ve been really busy these past days. I tried the pp you posted, and unfortunately it didn't work for my machine. However i found out that it is possible to edit the pp in order to be able to insert manual G-code lines from Fusion. So i created and entire setup for my machine based on this, and now i just add manual lines to rotate the axis like i want them to.

Just like this. 

BTW, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqfZFBxvr-s this is the video with which i made this changes.

Thanks for the help 🙂

Regards