Can this use pre-programmed FANUC from other cad cam systems, such as GIBBS, or Mastercam, as long as it is standard G code programming, or is there something special with the Mach3 system?
Also, you can buy programs on line for cutting a lot of different art items. Are these usable also? Is the Langmuir system run by the computer, or specifically from machine or MACH3 system?
Looking at purchasing one in the next month, but want to be sure I can use my work cad cam to write programs, and just download them at home into the computer, or pull them into the MACH3 system, and cut parts I want . Thanks for any light someone can shed more on subject.
Post processors are different for every controller out there. While they all read G0 X0Y0 the same, and G1 X10Y10 F80, Mcodes can vary from controller to controller. And there are fucntions/commands that one machine might use, that another does not.
Mach3 plasma code is as simple as it gets, so I would assume if it was written for plasma it has a good chance of working. But you would need to look over the code to make sure it looks right. And preview it in Mach3 to make sure it looks like it will run.
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I have been programming CNC’s for a lot of years. Other than specifics for plasma (speed/feed, etc) they all use basic Go, G1, G2 G3, basic codes. Varrying controls do however use multi functions differently per manufacturer. I’m wondering if the Mack3 uses it’s own post processor, or if I can use the 2d on my Gibbs to write complete 2d programs, such as a basic Haas mill would use. No canned cycles. Thank you for the insight and response.
I wouldn’t recommend using a post processor designed for a Haas, you would at least want to start with a post processor that is made for a plasma table.
For every cut made, here is the G-code needed.
G0 x0y0 (Rapid to start)
M3 (Fire torch)
G4 p800 (Dwell for 800 milliseconds)
G1 X10Y0 F80 (Move to end of cut at feedrate)
M5 (turn off torch)
G0 X0 Y0.5 (Rapid to start of next cut)
M3 (Fire torch)
G4 P600 (Dwell for second cut)
ect.
On a milling post processor, you have a tool change command, spindle speed, and spindle direction. It will not stop the spindle until there is a tool change. Where on a plasma post, it will output M5 after every contour is completed.
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Thanks for the info.
I understand that the Miscellaneous functions (M codes) will be different. (ie. M3 starts torch vs starting spindle in clockwise rotation for a HAAS, and M5 shuts off torch vs stopping HAAS spindle). Looks like, as far as contouring, the rest is basically the same in G code.
So nearest I can figure, I can use my Gibbs cam at work, and edit for M codes, and be good to go.
Thanks for your time and reply.
I’m gaining more understanding, the more I read. Now to figure out if my garage has enough power to run plasma, heat, and AC at the same time, and if my AC is big enough.
Also need to know if I need internet to run the Mach3 and Fusion, or if I can transfer program with thumb drive.
If you use Fusion, there would be no need to use gibbs cam… But I mainly wanted to point out all of the start stops and dwell times needed for a plasma post. If you post with a milling post, you will need to manually find where every contour line starts and stops to manually add those commands.
Fusion just needs to do a online license check every few months, though I mainly use mine online as I have wifi throughout my house and garage. Mach3 might need internet to register the license, but after it has no need for a internet connection. So feel free to transfer your files via USB drive.
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Thanks for the info Mike. That answers a couple more questions. lol
So I wouldn’t need a full time online link, like I do for My Gibbs cad cam, which runs via internet?
Thanks again
I use Mastercam for mine.
Do you have internet in your work space? Or just transfer files via thumb drive or something?