Mach 3 Post

[reeltime273]

Hello everyone,

New to the community.  Still learning abut Fusion 360.  I currently utilize Mach 3 Mill for my post which I downloaded from the Fusion Post links.  I'm also currently using the free version until I get comfortable with the software, this version doesn't allow me to do tool changes for multiple operations.  I have been posting out each operation as a single program, which is OK, since that is what I had to do on my older CNC machine. 

I have noticed that the tool does not return to the "zero" position after running each program.  This means that I have to "re-zero" the part after the completion of each operation.  Has anyone else seen or experienced this issue? 

If so, what did you do to resolve the issue.  I would like to to go to the "zero" position after every operation, this will make it easier to change the tool and go to the next operation.  Is this resolved modifying the post? 

Thanks for your help.

Mark,

Bridgeport Series 1 , 3 Axis CNC Mill.   

[seth.madore]

Which "zero" position are you looking to see; machine home? What codes would do that for you? (I imagine a G28 or G53. assuming you have limit switches)

[reeltime273]

I do have limit switches, however I usually zero the machine on the corner
of the part, I would like it to return to that location after the program
is complete. It makes it easier to run more than one (1) part.
Yesterday, I changed the G28 to G53 and it seems to have worked somewhat
better but I'm not sure if that is even the resolution.

Thanks,

[seth.madore]

You could modify the post to have a hardcoded G0 X0 Y0 at the end of each tool, that might get you what you want. Personally, I'm not fond of that, as there are times that there could be something in the way at that location (clamps/fixtures)

function onClose() {
  optionalSection = false;
  writeln("");
  setCoolant(COOLANT_OFF);
  onCommand(COMMAND_STOP_SPINDLE);
  writeRetract(Z);
  forceWorkPlane();
  setWorkPlane(new Vector(0, 0, 0)); // reset working plane
  writeBlock(gFormat.format(0), "X0"+" "+"Y0");     <--add this line
  //writeRetract(X, Y);   <-- comment out this line ("//")
  

[programming2C78B]

if you look through this post, I have it so I can add a "home" value (relative to g54) that the machine goes to when the part is done running. I usually make it 2" to the right, and 2" away (y+) from my part so I can clear off the top and remove the part. 

Definitely run g53 when possible. 

[reeltime273]

I have modified a a few other posts in the past (Anilam, Prototrax) and have had some success.  The Mach 3 Post seems a lot more complicated.  Is there some type of manual on definitions and formatting for Mach 3?  

Thanks, Mark