from:"jeshua"

> On Nov 9, 2015, at 11:53 AM, Viesturs Lācis <viesturs.la...@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 2015-11-09 19:47 GMT+02:00 Jeshua Lacock <jes...@3dtopo.com>:
>> So here is example 3D printer g-code (generated from Slic3r)
> 
> Have you tried "firmware retraction" option in slic3r - IIRC it should
> place particular command for prime and retract moves, which you can
> easily "find & replace" by any means.

That is a good suggestion thank you, but with the script I found in the other 
thread there is no searching and replacing and it would work with any of the 
slicing programs out there (Slic3r was just an example).

> And is there any particular reason, why you do not use Machinekit?
> Especially I mean velocity-extrusion (g-code does not contain extruder
> position commands, but defines extrusion height and width instead and
> extruder velocity is calculated by actual velocity of nozzle movement
> - this accounts for any over- or underextrusion due to acceleration or
> deceleration etc); Alex has published his slic3r build, which creates
> proper g-code out of the box.

The reason I am not running machine kit is because I am working with as much as 
I already have in place as possible. There is always room for improvement - but 
I need to get it her running before I have much more funds to throw at her. ;)

As for extrusion commands go - for now they are going to be ignored - all I 
need my nozzle actuator to open and close in place of retraction commands. The 
extrusion rate is actually determined by gravity for now (I am starting out 
following MIT’s white paper).

Best,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
<3DTOPO.com>
GlassPrinted.com

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[Emc-users] 3D Printing Retract Script


Greetings,

I am about to print Hello World on what is likely the world’s second optical 
glass 3D printer command by LinuxCNC. My blog on the subject is here: 
http://glassprinted.com

Unlike the world’s first, I have a mechanical nozzle actuator that I need to 
close (on retract g-code) and open after the rapid move but before beginning to 
print.

I found this thread which looks like a perfect start:

http://comments.gmane.org/gmane.linux.distributions.emc.user/39222

It is a shell script that changes instance of "space E digit" with " space A 
digit" (as Axis is configured to use A as the 4th axis). This gets me half way 
there - the nozzle would close, but I need to add a similar line following a 
rapid but only following a retract. That would be safest I think.

So here is example 3D printer g-code (generated from Slic3r) - I added the 
comments:

G1 E2.0 F2400.0 //Retract
G1 X87.650 Y92.119 E2.20901 F1800.000   //Rapid
G1 X87.650 Y85.364 E2.41802 //Print
G1 X93.500 Y81.987 E2.62703 //Print
G1 X…. Y….  
G1 E2.0 F2400.0 //Retract
G1 X100.650 Y92.119 E2.20901 F1800.000  //Rapid
G1 X100.650 Y85.364 E2.41802//Print
G1 X106.500 Y81.987 E2.62703//Print
G1 X112.350 Y85.364 E2.83603//Print
G1 X…. Y….  

What I need is: 

G1 A2.0 F2400.0 //Retract
G1 X87.650 Y92.119 E2.20901 F1800.000   //Rapid
G1 A-2.0 F2400.0//Un-retract *insert 
line*
G1 X87.650 Y85.364 E2.41802 //Print
G1 X93.500 Y81.987 E2.62703 //Print
G1 X…. Y….  
G1 A2.0 F2400.0 //Retract
G1 X100.650 Y92.119 E2.20901 F1800.000  //Rapid
G1 A-2.0 F2400.0//Un-retract *insert 
line*
G1 X100.650 Y85.364 E2.41802//Print
G1 X106.500 Y81.987 E2.62703//Print
G1 X112.350 Y85.364 E2.83603//Print
G1 X…. Y….  

Awk and sed are definitely not my strength - any hints would be greatly 
appreciated! I will print someone a glass coffee mug! :)


Thanks,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
<3DTOPO.com>
GlassPrinted.com


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Re: [Emc-users] 3D Printing Retract Script


> On Nov 9, 2015, at 10:47 AM, Jeshua Lacock <jes...@3dtopo.com> wrote:
> 
> I am about to print Hello World on what is likely the world’s second optical 
> glass 3D printer command by LinuxCNC.

P.S.

I don’t know what the first one is controlled from.
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Re: [Emc-users] 3D Printing Retract Script


> On Nov 9, 2015, at 12:51 PM, Ralph Stirling <ralph.stirl...@wallawalla.edu> 
> wrote:
> 
> Jeshua,
> 
> Here is a very un-clever perl script that will do what you
> want.  It is lacking in generality, but should suffice for now.
> You probably want to make it executable if you are going
> to have it run automatically from the linuxcnc ini file.
> 
> If the mailing list strips perl attachments, I can upload it
> to somewhere.
> 
> Now hurry up and melt some glass - we're all waiting for
> that video!

Hi Ralph,

AWESOME! Thank you very much! I can’t wait to try it out.

Just let me know your mailing address and (optionally) favorite colors and one 
of the first pieces is yours! Also send me and STL or OBJ and I will do my 
best. Could be used for the actuator test. ;)


Thanks again,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
<3DTOPO.com>
GlassPrinted.com


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Re: [Emc-users] 3D Printing Retract Script

> On Nov 9, 2015, at 11:59 AM, andy pugh <bodge...@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> On 9 November 2015 at 17:47, Jeshua Lacock <jes...@3dtopo.com> wrote:
> 
>> It is a shell script that changes instance of "space E digit" with " space A 
>> digit" (as Axis is configured to use A as the 4th axis). This gets me half 
>> way there - the nozzle would close, but I need to add a similar line 
>> following a rapid but only following a retract. That would be safest I think.
> 
> If I was you, and had a machine ready to go, I don't think I would be
> patient enough to do the job properly, and I would be using search and
> replace in Gedit or Notepad++

Hi Andy,

Indeed! I actually plan to start out with no nozzle actuator working - that is 
the way MIT has been running their glass printer. That just means starting with 
single walled items such as vases. I definitely want to get that working before 
I attempt more complex forms.

That said, I can certainly manually prepare a test file with retraction, but if 
I had such a script in place I think Axis will work just like a 3D printer 
allowing far more complex forms to be printed. I could essentially “forget 
about it” and just feed it g-code like I do my other 3D printers.

> It would actually be easier for a script/regex if the rapids were G0
> moves rather than G1.

True, I was trying to think of something that will work without customizing the 
g-code so I can use any slicer.

> So, what is the criterion for spotting the difference between a rapid
> and a feed? You lines marked "rapid" have bigger F-numbers than the
> non-rapids.

Correct that would be the criteria for rapid - which could be set to any number 
in most slicers such as F.66 or what you may prefer.

Best,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
<3DTOPO.com>
GlassPrinted.com

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Re: [Emc-users] 3D Printing Retract Script


> On Nov 9, 2015, at 12:23 PM, andy pugh <bodge...@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> On 9 November 2015 at 19:12, Jeshua Lacock <jes...@3dtopo.com> wrote:
>>> So, what is the criterion for spotting the difference between a rapid
>>> and a feed? You lines marked "rapid" have bigger F-numbers than the
>>> non-rapids.
>> 
>> Correct that would be the criteria for rapid - which could be set to any 
>> number in most slicers such as F.66 or what you may prefer.
> 
> Actually, I confused matters by getting things the wrong way round.
> The rapids seem slower than the non-rapids.

Hmm, maybe in that case it sets the rapid rate before the retract, then sets 
the printing rate? 

> Do you know Python? You can do a filter with regexes in Python if
> learning sed or awk is too much. (import re )

No I have very little Python experience.

I don’t have a problem learning what I need to, but just thought it might be a 
mental sneeze for one of your whizzes out there.  ;)


Thanks,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
<3DTOPO.com>
GlassPrinted.com


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Re: [Emc-users] Universal Stepper Driver 4th Axis Config

2015-09-09 Thread Jeshua Lacock


> On Sep 8, 2015, at 10:10 PM, Jon Elson <el...@pico-systems.com> wrote:
> 
> On 09/08/2015 10:27 PM, Jeshua Lacock wrote:
>>> On Sep 8, 2015, at 9:17 PM, Jon Elson <el...@pico-systems.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> On 09/08/2015 08:59 PM, Jeshua Lacock wrote:
>>>> So the enable goes where again? Note for this 4th axis it is just a 
>>>> stepper I am trying to drive not a servo like my other axes…
>>>> I have dir, step gnd, power and now 5V figured...
>>>> 
>>> Does the enable have to be grounded or tied to +5 V to
>>> enable the drive?  I'm guessing grounded.  So, you'd need a
>>> DC SSR to connect enable to gnd to enable the drive.
>> 
>> I don’t actually know - it turns on without the +5 V.
>> 
>> This is what I am trying to drive (says based on Toshiba TB6560):
>> 
>> http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0093Y88SK?psc=1=true_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
>> 
> Wow, pretty scant info there!  Looks like it does have opto-isolation on the 
> step and dir inputs, and maybe the enable, too.  Maybe this is actually a 
> DISable, if you have +5 hooked up and ground the EN, does the motor go limp?

Thanks Jon - that is indeed the case, and everything is working now (with the 
default dip settings on that board even).

> Actually, enable is not as critical in a stepper system, unless you have need 
> to move the machine while the stepper drives are powered. Much less likely to 
> have a damaging runaway with steppers.

Gotcha. When I turn LinuxCNC Machine Power off the stepper stays on. Is there a 
pin I can connect that too to shut it off when I shut off the Machine Power?


Thanks again,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
<http://3DTOPO.com>
Phone: 208.462.4171
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Re: [Emc-users] Universal Stepper Driver 4th Axis Config


> On Sep 8, 2015, at 7:44 PM, Jon Elson <el...@pico-systems.com> wrote:
> 
> On 09/08/2015 07:30 PM, Jeshua Lacock wrote:
>> 
>> I am trying to add a 4th axis to my USC from Pico Systems.  My set of config 
>> files is at:
>> 
>> <http://3DTOPO.com/pico-univstep.tar.gz>
>> 
>> I defined the new axis as W and set it up the way the other axes are setup 
>> as far as I can tell. I didn’t set up the limit switches because I wasn’t 
>> sure what pins to use.
>> 
>> Anyhow, I can’t get Axis to launch with the W enabled. I get the error:
> At least with the old LinuxCNC, you had to define enough 
> axes (without skipping over any) to include the last axis 
> name.  So, I think you might need to set it for 9 axes :  X 
> Y Z A B C U V W (note that R and P are NOT legal names for 
> axes, these names are strictly defined by the RS-274 language.)

I just called it A as X Y Z A (still called W in the ini files) and seems to 
work now - well at least it launches - I have to wire up the 5V and and enable 
next.

>> BTW: I assume the 5V pin on the stepper drive goes to the 5V on the USC, but 
>> where does the enable go (been a while!)?
> 
> If your stepper drivers have a common + terminal, then that 
> is right.  If it has opto-inputs that can be split, it may 
> be better to connect the minus of the input optos to GND, 
> and the + inputs to the step and dir outputs of the USC 
> board.  Note that the step output of the USC is low for 
> no-step and high for the step pulse.  This makes a 
> difference as some stepper drives do not like having the DIR 
> input change while the STEP input is "on", which could be 
> with the optoisolator's LED lit.

So the enable goes where again? Note for this 4th axis it is just a stepper I 
am trying to drive not a servo like my other axes…

The driver has:

5V  Enable  Dir StepGnd Power

I have dir, step gnd, power and now 5V figured...


Thanks!
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[Emc-users] Universal Stepper Driver 4th Axis Config

Greetings,

I am trying to add a 4th axis to my USC from Pico Systems.  My set of config 
files is at:

<http://3DTOPO.com/pico-univstep.tar.gz>

I defined the new axis as W and set it up the way the other axes are setup as 
far as I can tell. I didn’t set up the limit switches because I wasn’t sure 
what pins to use.

Anyhow, I can’t get Axis to launch with the W enabled. I get the error:

Can not find -sec APPLICATIONS -var DELAY -num 1 
HAL: ERROR: duplicate component name 'inihal'
ini_hal_init: ERROR: hal_init() failed
HAL: ERROR: duplicate component name 'inihal'
ini_hal_init: ERROR: hal_init() failed
HAL: ERROR: duplicate component name 'inihal'
ini_hal_init: ERROR: hal_init() failed
HAL: ERROR: duplicate component name 'inihal'
ini_hal_init: ERROR: hal_init() failed
HAL: ERROR: duplicate component name 'inihal'
ini_hal_init: ERROR: hal_init() failed
A configuration error is preventing LinuxCNC from starting.
More information may be available when running from a terminal.

I grepped around for ‘inihal’ but find no such term in my configs. Full error 
log is here:

<http://3DTOPO.com/wAxisErr.txt.gz>

BTW: I assume the 5V pin on the stepper drive goes to the 5V on the USC, but 
where does the enable go (been a while!)?


Thanks,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
<http://3DTOPO.com>
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] Universal Stepper Driver 4th Axis Config


> On Sep 8, 2015, at 7:15 PM, Sebastian Kuzminsky  wrote:
> 
>> Can not find -sec APPLICATIONS -var DELAY -num 1 
>> HAL: ERROR: duplicate component name 'inihal'
>> ini_hal_init: ERROR: hal_init() failed
>> HAL: ERROR: duplicate component name 'inihal'
>> ini_hal_init: ERROR: hal_init() failed
>> HAL: ERROR: duplicate component name 'inihal'
>> ini_hal_init: ERROR: hal_init() failed
>> HAL: ERROR: duplicate component name 'inihal'
>> ini_hal_init: ERROR: hal_init() failed
>> HAL: ERROR: duplicate component name 'inihal'
>> ini_hal_init: ERROR: hal_init() failed
>> A configuration error is preventing LinuxCNC from starting.
>> More information may be available when running from a terminal.
>> 
>> I grepped around for ‘inihal’ but find no such term in my configs. Full 
>> error log is here:
>> 
>> 
> 
> inihal and ini_hal_init are in task.  Maybe you have multiple instances
> of task running?  Maybe from a previous run of linuxcnc that wasn't shut
> down properly?

Thanks for the suggestion - but I don’t think so because if I disable the W it 
launches...
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Re: [Emc-users] Universal Stepper Driver 4th Axis Config


> On Sep 8, 2015, at 9:17 PM, Jon Elson <el...@pico-systems.com> wrote:
> 
> On 09/08/2015 08:59 PM, Jeshua Lacock wrote:
>> So the enable goes where again? Note for this 4th axis it is just a stepper 
>> I am trying to drive not a servo like my other axes…
>> 
>> The driver has:
>> 
>>  5V  Enable  Dir StepGnd Power
>> 
>> I have dir, step gnd, power and now 5V figured...
>> 
> Does the enable have to be grounded or tied to +5 V to 
> enable the drive?  I'm guessing grounded.  So, you'd need a 
> DC SSR to connect enable to gnd to enable the drive.

Hi Jon,

I don’t actually know - it turns on without the +5 V.

This is what I am trying to drive (says based on Toshiba TB6560):

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0093Y88SK?psc=1=true_=oh_aui_search_detailpage


Thanks,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
<http://3DTOPO.com>
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] [Off] Granite Surface Protection

2014-03-29 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Mar 28, 2014, at 9:22 PM, John Kasunich jmkasun...@fastmail.fm wrote:

 Do NOT do that to a precision plate in an ISO9000
 shop.  But if he is determined to make his cheap
 grade B plate shiny, then why not?

Thanks for all the information everyone.

My 1080 pound 4x5 foot granite surface has a glass cut looking surface that I 
bought surplus. It was used for laser measuring/referencing, but other than 
that the vendor had no idea what they had (in fact he wasn't even sure it was 
granite, thought it might be marble, but I knew they don't make surfaces out of 
marble). It has 6 holes spaced equally around it and two tiny red plastic 
phillips screws or something like that on the sides. A picture of it is here:

http://3DTOPO.com/GraniteSurface.jpg

Anyways, do you think the reason it is shiny is because it is grade A, while 
the grade B should be matte?

Yeah if I didn't have to take pretty pictures of it I really would not care 
what it looks like. But that Gorton is a beauty!

The reason I got my new surface was so that I could have a studio 
semi-permanetly set up for most shots I need, then if I needed a bigger surface 
I could set up the studio in the shop.



Thanks again,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] [Off] Granite Surface Protection

2014-03-29 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Mar 28, 2014, at 5:35 PM, Gene Heskett ghesk...@wdtv.com wrote:

 I just received a grade B granite surface that has a very dull/matte
 finish. I was planning to use it for both reference and photography and
 the image advertised showed it glossy (which is why I ordered it). I
 contacted the vendor and they told me it is impossible to make granite
 have a natural gloss to it. At the same time, my other granite surface
 is shiny as glass.
 
 Me thinks you need to escalate that with your source, he is lying. Go look 
 at any tombstone. I have  a 12 x 18 I carried out the door of Grizzly up in 
 Muncy PA several years back that is just like a mirror, but fairly close to 
 black.

I thought the same thing Gene, but sense I think I would have to pay for 
shipping back it is a loose loose situation for me unless I can pretty the darn 
stone up.

Besides the money, it would be a bet of a set back for my schedule.


Best,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] next big thing

2014-02-06 Thread Jeshua Lacock


Greetings,

Here is a 5-axis laser sintering CNC machine [DROL]: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9IdZ2pI5dA

It makes perfect sense. Its eliminating the cast part altogether and having it 
perfectly clamped and positioned on a 5-axis CNC machine.

And proves it can be practical to switch heads.

Now I think LiunuxCNC would be a good candidate for a machine like that.

;)


Cheers,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] Conversion Suggesions?

2014-01-29 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Jan 22, 2014, at 10:21 PM, Jon Elson el...@pico-systems.com wrote:

 570 Oz-In is a lot, but of course, that is only at 
 standstill.  But, they
 should do fine, especially with a belt reduction.  5 A will 
 require the big Gecko 203 drive.  For that, you might consider Gecko's 
 servo
 motors and our PWM servo drives.  The price would be pretty
 close, and the performance will be a lot better.  I can 
 advise on
 specific models, encoders, etc.

 they have a very affordable size 23 brushless motor, the
 KL23BLS115, good for 180 Oz-In (but that is a RUNNING
 rating, not a standstill rating).  $52 without encoder.
 You can get a good encoder with index from Digi-Key
 for about $38.  I have found this motor to work quite well
 with my servo amps and our Universal PWM Controller.

Hi Jon,

Interesting - yeah works out to around the same price and would be a infinity 
better set up. 

Could I use the PWM Servo Amplifier to drive all 4 axes?

I have had good luck with the encoders Kelling sells - I love that they have 
adjustable CPM. What encoders do you like?

Anything else I need?  Where does one get the connectors for your PWM Panel? 

One last question - how would you recommend going about adding a 5th axis? I 
could live with 4 axes for now manually setting a 5th axis (e.g. tilt - but 5 
would be ideal).

As a side note I have opted to upgrade the ACME screws to a ballscrews as the 
first step.


Thanks,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] Conversion Suggesions?

2014-01-29 Thread Jeshua Lacock

On Jan 29, 2014, at 10:22 AM, Jon Elson el...@pico-systems.com wrote:

On 01/29/2014 04:04 AM, Jeshua Lacock wrote:
they have a very affordable size 23 brushless motor, the
KL23BLS115, good for 180 Oz-In (but that is a RUNNING
rating, not a standstill rating). $52 without encoder.
You can get a good encoder with index from Digi-Key
for about $38. I have found this motor to work quite well
with my servo amps and our Universal PWM Controller.
Hi Jon,

Interesting - yeah works out to around the same price and would be a
infinity better set up.
Well, checking on Automation Tech, the same motor is listed at
$78, I think. So, I don't know if Keling will honor the $52 price
still on the Keling web site. The keling site may now be a zombie
web site with nobody servicing the orders.
I notice Lin Engineering seems to have the exact same
motors, but they don't show prices online.
Could I use the PWM Servo Amplifier to drive all 4 axes?
One brushless PWM servo amp will drive each motor, so for 4 axes, you'd
need 4 servo amps.

I see. That would pretty much be a deal breaker as just the power supply alone
for 5 axes would be $750.

Could I use something else (not that I don't think its not worth it - I just
don't have the budget). Can I use toroidal or switching power supply (even if
it may mean going with brushed motors)? Or perhaps this driver:

http://www.automationtechnologiesinc.com/products-page/nema23/dc-brushless-driver-for-kl23bls-115

I have had good luck with the encoders Kelling sells - I love that they have
adjustable CPM. What encoders do you like?
That would be the AMT10x series. They are certainly very
affordable, but have some lag when the motor is accelerating.
I found it a lot easier to tune the servo loop when using classic
optical encoders without interpolation.

I remember you mentioning that now. Do you like U.S. Digital or what is your
preference?

Anything else I need? Where does one get the connectors for your PWM Panel?
The connectors for the PWM controller are included. We now supply
2-part pluggable screw-terminal connectors.

Oh nice!

One last question - how would you recommend going about adding a 5th axis? I
could live with 4 axes for now manually setting a 5th axis (e.g. tilt - but
5 would be ideal).
Two PWM controllers can be daisy chained off one parallel
port, to go up to 8 axes. You can use the extra channels
for spindle encoder/speed control, jog pendant, etc.
When you connect the additional controller, the driver
automatically detects it and exports additional HAL pins.

Awesome! Do they each get their own serial port?

Best,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171

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Re: [Emc-users] Conversion Suggesions?

2014-01-29 Thread Jeshua Lacock

On Jan 29, 2014, at 6:26 PM, Jon Elson el...@pico-systems.com wrote:

On 01/29/2014 04:35 PM, Jeshua Lacock wrote:
I see. That would pretty much be a deal breaker as just the power supply
alone for 5 axes would be $750. Could I use something else (not that I don't
think its not worth it - I just don't have the budget). Can I use toroidal
or switching power supply (even if it may mean going with brushed motors)?
Or perhaps this driver:
http://www.automationtechnologiesinc.com/products-page/nema23/dc-brushless-driver-for-kl23bls-115

Our PWM servo amp is not a power supply is is a power amplifier
that takes a control signal and sends a measured amount of power
to the motor. The Automation Tech device you mention is a SPINDLE
driver, not meant for positioning servos.

Understood, thank you for clearing that up! So I guess to use a power supply I
would have to use something like a brushed motors, Gecko controllers and your
USC instead (like I have now for another machine).

The Automation Tech device says: DC Brushless Driver for KL23BLS-115. I
thought KL23BLS-115 is the brushless motor you had recommended:

http://www.automationtechnologiesinc.com/products-page/dc-brushless-motor/kl23bls-series-11

It says on the product description:

An external voltage of 0-5V can also be used to control the speed. The
direction of the motor is specified by direction control input. - See more at:
http://www.automationtechnologiesinc.com/products-page/nema23/dc-brushless-driver-for-kl23bls-115#sthash.pyCNlU0w.dpuf;

Apparently they also have a driver for their smaller brushless motors.

I remember you mentioning that now. Do you like U.S. Digital or what is your
preference?

US Digital is OK, but the Avago encoders are not much more
expensive, and you get a wide range of resolutions, as well as
an index output.

Cool, thanks!

One last question - how would you recommend going about adding a 5th axis?
I could live with 4 axes for now manually setting a 5th axis (e.g. tilt -
but 5 would be ideal).
Two PWM controllers can be daisy chained off one parallel
port, to go up to 8 axes. You can use the extra channels
for spindle encoder/speed control, jog pendant, etc.
When you connect the additional controller, the driver
automatically detects it and exports additional HAL pins.
Awesome! Do they each get their own serial port?

There is no serial port. These devices are controlled by the
PC PARALLEL port, and one Par Port can control two boards.
The boards synchronize between themselves over the par port
bus.

Sorry - I meant parallel port. Nice it only needs one! Would I need a special
cable to connect the boards?

Best,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171

Re: [Emc-users] Conversion Suggesions?

2014-01-22 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Jan 22, 2014, at 10:25 AM, Jon Elson el...@pico-systems.com wrote:

 On 01/21/2014 11:10 PM, Jeshua Lacock wrote:
 Greetings,
 
 I am the proud new owner of an Bolton Tools AT750 combination lathe and mill 
 see here:
 
 http://3DTOPO.com/Bolton-AT750.jpg
 
 I am super impressed with the machine so far.
 
 
 Ugh, we have a somewhat similar machine at work, it is 
 pretty awful.
 I wish you'd asked here before buying it.  there are so many
 limitations in workspace, etc. it is a real pain to do 
 anything bigger than
 a thimble in size.

Hi Jon,

Hmmm, what machine are you referring to? I just checked and I have full 8x12x3 
inches of travel for the mill.

I have been using it to lathe hardened steel shafts and has been turning like a 
dream so far. Haven't yet milled anything though.

 Will you be using the original leadscrews?  They have a lot of
 backlash.  If you tighten a vise on the table it binds the
 Y travel.  The Z mechanism is really laughable, backlash between
 the quill and pinion is probably several mm.  I did a 
 square-column
 mill some time ago and replaced the Z rack and pinion with an
 eBay ballscrew.  The X and Y screws on that machine were quite
 tolerable.

I figured backlash was common to just about all reasonably priced mills, and I 
was wondering what folks did with them to compensate with CNC.  I just checked 
the backlash on my Z and with the micro-adjust knob I can not feel any 
discernible backlash. I certainly can feel backlash on the Z quick feed and on 
the X and Y leadscrews.

Eventually I would like to replace them with anti-backlash ballscrews. I would 
like to get the machine up and running first if I can expect reasonable results 
from it. I think I read somewhere a while back someone compensated for the 
backlash in software and virtually eliminated the problem without having to 
replace the leadscrews.

Speaking of anti-backlash ballscrews, have you guys seen this printable:

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:125529

I have printed them out - and they work amazing! On a 3/4 shaft it takes over 
100 pounds of force before it slips - and you can pretty much make it tight as 
you like within reason. NIce thing is it just slips too - no damage when 
overloaded. It is also configureable for travel per revolution.

 The Pico USC will be fine, but depending on the drivers used,
 may not be necessary.  If you use Gecko drives with the 10 X
 microstepping, the USC starts to look good due to the required
 step rate.  The Gecko drivers are VERY good.

Yeah I was planning on going with Gecko. Good to know, thanks Jon!

I guess the biggest uncertainty right now is how much torque I might need on a 
machine like this. I was guessing something like the first stepper listed here:

http://www.kelinginc.net/NEMA23Motor.html


Cheers,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] Conversion Suggesions?

2014-01-22 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Jan 22, 2014, at 5:39 PM, Gene Heskett ghesk...@wdtv.com wrote:

 On Wednesday 22 January 2014 19:14:34 Jeshua Lacock did opine:
 
 Speaking of anti-backlash ballscrews, have you guys seen this printable:
 
 http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:125529
 
 That is a cute idea, but you likely have zero real repeatability.  And that 
 IS the name of this game.  The only place that would be usable would be 
 with real servos getting feedback from a linear scale encoder driven by the 
 table you are moving.  That of course adds 300 to 500 USD per axis.

Hi Gene,

Anecdotally so far repeatability seems perfect. You can see the virtual 
threads marked (by a little oil on the rod). As far as I can tell unless you 
exceed the pressure and make it slip - it stays perfectly in the virtual 
threads...

In any event I am going to do some tests with a dial indicator that I can share 
here if there is any interest. Also, I am going to place a level across a set 
of them, place a laser pointer on the level and mark the point on the wall. 
After moving to and from that point - any angular difference will be greatly 
exaggerated and should be completely obvious.


Cheers,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] Conversion Suggesions?

2014-01-22 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Jan 22, 2014, at 5:39 PM, Gene Heskett ghesk...@wdtv.com wrote:

 There is a link for how to make nuts that fit your screws, usually with 
 less than a thou of backlash, using acetal/delrin for the nut material.
 
 http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/threads/43645-Making-Acetal-leadscrew-
 nuts-the-easy-way
 
 These have the advantage of less friction than a std nut under load, very 
 low wear rate and virtually zero backlash when molded around your existing 
 screws.  I don't know as I would try and make a half nut assembly that way, 
 but a full nut on the Z with my ball screw and nut on my lathe has not been 
 a problem as I just use the keyboard to move it.

Nice!


Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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[Emc-users] Conversion Suggesions?

2014-01-21 Thread Jeshua Lacock


Greetings,

I am the proud new owner of an Bolton Tools AT750 combination lathe and mill 
see here:

http://3DTOPO.com/Bolton-AT750.jpg 

I am super impressed with the machine so far.

I am open to any suggestions for converting the machine to full LinuxCNC.

I was thinking for budget and simplicity to go with steppers with perhaps Pico 
System's Universal Stepper Controller.

How much torque is recommend? To control the spindles, should I get VFCs? Any 
recommended to work well with LinuxCNC?

I think I will gear down the steppers at least 2:1 if not more. Recommendations 
would be great here too!


Thanks a Zillion!



Cheers,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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[Emc-users] Servo Following Error


Greetings,

I dusted off my CNC machine which required a bit of TLC.

The system is now perfectly stable and all axis work using both Manual Control 
and MDI. Shortly after I try to run gcode it stops with most often a following 
error or sometimes something is silently throwing the estop.

I am using Pico's universal stepper controller with their gecko interface.

Please see a plot of the axis that is causing the following error on my test 
gcode:

http://3dtopo.com/z-servo-plot.png

I am really stumped, any advice would be greatly appreciated!


Thanks,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] Servo Following Error


On Dec 17, 2013, at 6:49 PM, Peter C. Wallace p...@mesanet.com wrote:

 maybe out of velocity headroom?

Hi Peter,

Thanks, but I have the speed and acceleration way down for now. It used to work 
much much faster….


Thanks again,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] Servo Following Error


p.s.

It still can go plenty fast (200+ ipm) using manual control or MDI...

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Re: [Emc-users] Servo Following Error

On Dec 17, 2013, at 7:17 PM, Peter C. Wallace p...@mesanet.com wrote:

 On Tue, 17 Dec 2013, Jeshua Lacock wrote:

 Date: Tue, 17 Dec 2013 18:57:25 -0700
 From: Jeshua Lacock jes...@3dtopo.com
 Reply-To: Enhanced Machine Controller (EMC)
emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net
 To: Enhanced Machine Controller (EMC) emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net
 Subject: Re: [Emc-users] Servo Following Error

 p.s.

 It still can go plenty fast (200+ ipm) using manual control or MDI...

 If my math is right it looks like it blew up at 200 IPM
 (d/dt pos ~4 so ~4 IPS or 240 IPM)

 Does the error happen in the same place if you run the program again?

Hi Peter,

It looks like Max Velocity was at the default max (912 in/min) for that test, 
but I confirmed it does the same thing with max velocity set way low like 16 
in/min.

Interesting it would go that fast though because currently the limits I have 
set for testing in the config file are far lower than that. E.g. that 
MAX_VELOCITY for that drive is currently set to 30.5 and PID_MAX_VEL is set to 
30.65.

It does seem to stop on the same gcode line for any given gcode file.

Best,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171

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Re: [Emc-users] Servo Following Error

On Dec 17, 2013, at 7:33 PM, Peter C. Wallace p...@mesanet.com wrote:

 On Tue, 17 Dec 2013, Jeshua Lacock wrote:

 Date: Tue, 17 Dec 2013 19:29:46 -0700
 From: Jeshua Lacock jes...@3dtopo.com

 On Dec 17, 2013, at 7:17 PM, Peter C. Wallace p...@mesanet.com wrote:

 On Tue, 17 Dec 2013, Jeshua Lacock wrote:

 Date: Tue, 17 Dec 2013 18:57:25 -0700
 From: Jeshua Lacock jes...@3dtopo.com

 p.s.

 It still can go plenty fast (200+ ipm) using manual control or MDI...

 If my math is right it looks like it blew up at 200 IPM
 (d/dt pos ~4 so ~4 IPS or 240 IPM)

 Does the error happen in the same place if you run the program again?

 It looks like Max Velocity was at the default max (912 in/min) for that 
 test, but I confirmed it does the same thing with max velocity set way low 
 like 16 in/min.

 Interesting it would go that fast though because currently the limits I have 
 set for testing in the config file are far lower than that. E.g. that 
 MAX_VELOCITY for that drive is currently set to 30.5 and PID_MAX_VEL is set 
 to 30.65.

 It does seem to stop on the same gcode line for any given gcode file.

 can you add a plot of the commanded velocity?

Sure thing, please see:

http://3dtopo.com/z-servo-plot2.png

It is now the 4th channel (purple).

You can also see my LinuxCNC window and the line it stops at for this file.

Best,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171

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Re: [Emc-users] Servo Following Error


On Dec 17, 2013, at 8:26 PM, Jon Elson el...@pico-systems.com wrote:

 n 12/17/2013 08:29 PM, Jeshua Lacock wrote:
 
 
 It looks like Max Velocity was at the default max (912 in/min) for that 
 test, but I confirmed it does the same thing with max velocity set way low 
 like 16 in/min.
 Turning MAX_VELOCITY down in the INI file will make it 
 worse.  OR,
 do you mean turning it down in the GUI (Axis?)  Depending on 
 LinuxCNC
 version, the GUI max velocity slider may not limit your
 rapid\feed (G0) moves!  So, make sure you can move at the 
 desired
 speeds in G1 first.  If it only fails in G0, then it is most 
 likely that
 you have set excessive velocities in your [TRAJ] section.
 Interesting it would go that fast though because currently the limits I have 
 set for testing in the config file are far lower than that. E.g. that 
 MAX_VELOCITY for that drive is currently set to 30.5 and PID_MAX_VEL is set 
 to 30.65.
 My reading of the plot is about one vertical unit at .2 
 (200m) in half
 a second, or .4 per second = 24 IPM.  That's a rough guess 
 by eye.
 Also, the error trace is very suspicious!  It hums along at 
 a very small
 error (~.0005 or less) for the entire move, then suddenly 
 surges to
 .010 or so when it trips the following error limit.  The 
 only thing I can
 figure is that the next command is for a MUCH higher velocity,
 which the motion hardware cannot perform.
 
 It does seem to stop on the same gcode line for any given gcode file.
 
 That is also quite bizarre, if true.  If the same line of 
 the G-code file
 tells it to do something different, it would be odd for that 
 to cause
 a fault.

OK - thanks everyone for their help!

I actually just plugged the power supply directly into the wall instead of 
through a SSR controlled by the USC.

Must be some sort of interference?



Best,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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[Emc-users] 4kw China Spindle

2012-11-27 Thread Jeshua Lacock


Greetings,

I was wondering if anyone here on the list has used one of these and if they 
would recommend it or not:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-4KW-WATER-COOLED-SPINDLE-MOTOR-4KW-DRIVE-INVERTER-VFD-4-/251098918142?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0hash=item3a76a96cfe

Otherwise I am open to suggestions!


Thanks,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] Wireless pendant

2012-11-20 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Nov 19, 2012, at 4:31 PM, Bruce Layne wrote:

 On 11/19/2012 05:13 PM, Jeshua Lacock wrote:
 I asked for the 3D models of the buttons so I can print them out with the 
 text a different color than the button, along with color coding the buttons. 
 If anyone wants some buttons printed, just let me know and I can do it for 
 the cost of shipping them to you.
 
 It sounds like you're interested in the same issues with the buttons 
 that I am - primarily changing the wording from HOME if something more 
 appropriate can be chosen, and contrasting color for the button text, 
 although we're assured that in real life it's very easy to read the 
 button text, and I suspect I'll mostly be using a those buttons by feel 
 so the text almost doesn't matter.

Hi Bruce,

I think having stuff color coded like green for go and red for stop is very 
helpful, especially during the period you are learning the buttons.

 I can sympathize with not wanting to try to precisely dispense silicone 
 rubber into the text when molding the rubber overlay.  If I was 
 designing that for short run production, I'd have been inclined to turn 
 that little LinuxCNC gantry router from his video into a precision 
 silicone rubber dispenser, and I'd have probably designed the buttons 
 with sunken text and filled the area around the text (much easier to do) 
 with rubber of a contrasting color and I might have even gone full pimp 
 and made the button tops black and the text and the rest of the rubber 
 overlay clear so I could shine some LED light up through the text for 
 backlighted keys.  That'd impress the chicks.

I like the idea, but as far as ease of manufacturing thousands of buttons, I 
think I would have 3D printed them using a dual color 3D printer. I bet he 
could have printed all the buttons he needed in a few days mostly unattended.

You could do the same stuff too, use transparent plastic and a different color 
for the text. I am sure he raised more than enough to justify the expense of a 
dual extruder 3D printer...

 If you get a chance, see if it'd be possible to redesign the plastic 
 housing and the rubber keypad overlay so the rubber sheet is larger, so 
 it could be used to completely seal the pendant so it'd be coolant proof 
 rather than coolant resistant.
 
 If you decide you'd like to make some improved rubber overlays, I'd be 
 interested in two of them.


I was planning on creating new buttons; not new rubber overlays. I am not sure 
what would be involved with that...


Best,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] Wireless pendant

2012-11-20 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Nov 19, 2012, at 5:17 PM, Sven Wesley wrote:

 Hmm.., I digged a bit deeper in the text and vid's. It's a shame the
 button
 text is moulded with the buttons. To me homing should be made once at
 startup. It seems he's using homing when it should be a touch off. I'll
 ask
 him about it.
 
 Did he reply?
 
 I went ahead and ordered one too.
 
 Yes, Jerome replied and said that the buttons were changeable.
 Unfortunately I didn't order one before the time ran out.

I missed the deadline too, but if you email him, I think he could take your 
order. He did for me and I just paid with PayPal.

 Homing should be made once at startup to find the machine boundaries, not
 be used as a zeroing function. That's what Touch Off should be used for.

So once the machine has auto homed itself, you manually move the end mill to 
the corner or center of the feedstock and then Touch Off? Does the set the 
offset for all axises?

If that is how it is done, then we would just have to replace the Home button 
with a Touch Off button function.


Cheers,

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http://3DTOPO.com
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Re: [Emc-users] Wireless pendant

2012-11-19 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Nov 9, 2012, at 1:52 PM, Sven Wesley wrote:

 2012/11/9 Sven Wesley svenne.d...@gmail.com
 
 2012/11/9 Bruce Layne linux...@thinkingdevices.com
 
 
 On 11/09/2012 02:59 PM, Sven Wesley wrote:
 
 Looks like a good idea. The eBay versions seems more rugged though.
 
 I had the opposite impression.  I thought the Jog It looked a bit home
 made, but very rugged.  In one of the videos, when the Jog It is placed
 onto a table, it made a substantial WHACK that sounded like a solid
 block.  Another video shows one being run over by a car and presumably
 surviving.  It's reported to be coolant resistant, but it looks like it
 wouldn't take much effort to make it coolant proof.
 
 I ordered a pair of them, even though I don't have a Tormach so I think
 the pendant would look better in black instead of white. Partly, I just
 wanted to support anyone who is marketing a plug-N-play device for
 LinuxCNC.  That it's an open source plug-N-play device for LinuxCNC is a
 bonus.
 
 BTW - The QA on the KickStarter features the guy who is selling the Jog
 It saying that part of the reason he developed it was because he found
 the lower cost Chinese MPG pendants to be too fragile and, well,
 basically cheap.  Let go of the spring return jog wheel and the machine
 motion continues.  That sort of thing.
 
 
 I'm absolutely on your side when it comes to supporting such a device.
 And hey, it's open source. I can make it wireless. ;)
 
 
 Hmm.., I digged a bit deeper in the text and vid's. It's a shame the button
 text is moulded with the buttons. To me homing should be made once at
 startup. It seems he's using homing when it should be a touch off. I'll ask
 him about it.

Did he reply?

I went ahead and ordered one too. 

I asked for the 3D models of the buttons so I can print them out with the text 
a different color than the button, along with color coding the buttons. If 
anyone wants some buttons printed, just let me know and I can do it for the 
cost of shipping them to you.

The firmware is configurable, so being able to print new buttons we should be 
able to customize it away.

How would you have the buttons instead? I haven't used homing and touch off 
yet, I usually just manually home like he did in the video, but I would love to 
do it the right way.


Cheers,

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Re: [Emc-users] Laser Intensity from Z Value?

2012-11-17 Thread Jeshua Lacock


Thanks everyone for all the great advice!

I think for cutting I will use spindle speed, which will allow me to use the Z 
for multiple passes if needed to cut through thick material (e.g. 3/4 wood).

It looks like Graster is the ticket for doing raster engraving. I like how the 
XY movement is direct raster dimension commands (e.g. it moves from the 
beginning side of the piece directly to the end side with just two positions) 
and varies the laser intensity along the way.

My main interest is to get cutting working, then engraving will be the frosting 
on the cake. 

I am building a whole new machine for it that has a usable area of 5x9x3 feet! 
It is coming along nicely, but I can't wait to start using it!

Thanks again!


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Re: [Emc-users] Differential signal from encoders

2012-11-15 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Nov 13, 2012, at 2:08 PM, Viesturs Lācis wrote:

 I somehow had skipped the fact that encoders on servos have
 differential signal output, but 7i39 cards expect single-ended signal.
 Since that is plasma machine with all the noise from plasma, I do not
 think that using only half of the differential signal is a good idea.
 
 I was thinking that I could try making a 422-to-ttl converter, based
 on the scheme in top-left corner of this sheet:
 http://www.kmitl.ac.th/~kswichit/Rs422/Rs422.pdf
 
 I just would like to ask, if other list members have some experience
 with this - I like to make sure that I am not going to build some
 rubish before I have actually taken soldering gun, so I would
 appreciate any input on this.

I am using these:

http://www.cnc4pc.com/Store/osc/product_info.php?cPath=64_78products_id=401
http://www.cnc4pc.com/Store/osc/product_info.php?cPath=64_78products_id=337

Cheap and they work great.


Cheers,

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[Emc-users] Laser Intensity from Z Value?

2012-11-15 Thread Jeshua Lacock


Greetings,

I was thinking of controlling my CO2 laser intensity using the Z value in the 
G-Code.

Maybe I could use 0-1 for 0% to 100% percent, or perhaps 0-255.

I have a Pico Systems DAC board that outputs 0-5 volts that in turn will 
control the laser power from 0 to 100%.

Can anyone suggest how I could configure LinuxCNC to control the DAC from Z 
values? 

Or can anyone suggest if there might be a better way to do it?


Thanks,

Jeshua Lacock
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Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] Floating plasma torch - asking to share experience

2012-11-15 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Nov 13, 2012, at 2:39 PM, Viesturs Lācis wrote:

 2012/11/13 Peter C. Wallace p...@mesanet.com:
 
 You can sense ferror or PID output (on a torque mode drive)
 on a voltage mode drive like the 7I39, ferror (and a slow move
 against a resiliant stop) is probably the best route for
 switchless limit sensing
 
 Thank You!
 I better will try to make a mount for torch, where it can slide a
 little and attach a small switch to it.
 I might use this option, if everything else fails, because moving
 rigidly attached torch into material does not sound very encouraging
 and I am not sure that client will understand that too :)

Just my 2¢

I think if the axis itself doesn't have any intentional backlash, you could 
mount the torch with a stiff spring.

In normal operation you won't have any backlash from the spring (only if it 
hits the work piece).

My 3D printer table is actually mounted on springs, and in normal operation the 
springs do not adversely affect the quality. 

The springs primary function is to allow the table to be leveled by tightening 
a bolt on each corner, but I have seen the springs allow it to compensate for 
extra ooze. Without the springs the stepper motors will lose position, with the 
springs the table just brief lowers to compensate for the extra material.


Cheers,

Jeshua Lacock
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http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] Floating plasma torch - asking to share experience

2012-11-10 Thread Jeshua Lacock


Here is an intelligent solution:

http://www.cnc4pc.com/Store/osc/product_info.php?cPath=70products_id=330


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Re: [Emc-users] Plasma Cutting on a Mill.

2012-11-09 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Nov 6, 2012, at 6:15 AM, andy pugh wrote:

 On 6 November 2012 13:06, John Thornton bjt...@gmail.com wrote:
 Depending on the thickness you might not have enough speed to make a
 clean cut. It would cut at any speed but might be fugly. On my
 Hypertherm 1250 for example with the fine cut consumables mounted the
 cut speeds vary from 2286 mm/min to 3174 mm/min for 3.4mm down to 0.6mm
 steel.
 
 I am getting rather ahead of myself here, as the machine has yet to
 move under its own power, but with 750W motors and 5mm ballscrew pitch
 I might well be able to get up to that sort of speed.
 The travels are rather small, but possibly still useful.

And, of course he could go to high lead ballscrews if needed.

I just ordered a 32mm with 32mm lead, and a 25mm with 25mm lead...

I think ballscrews are generally available up to the diameter of the ballscrew.


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Re: [Emc-users] [OT] Vacuum System

2012-10-04 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Oct 2, 2012, at 5:25 PM, Kirk Wallace wrote:

 I am not familiar with Kickstarter.com, I'll check it out. I can't
 imagine why someone would give me money to play in my shop, but I could
 think of worse things that could happen.

Yeah, many people successfully raise money just for you to play in your shop.

I think the key to successful Kickstarter funding is to promise to make the 
whole project open source.

That way, someone might donate $5 or $50 to make the technology available for 
all interested. Then anyone for $X can follow your BOM and instructions and 
have a vacuum deposition system.

Stompy that Jason mentioned raised $100k to build a ridable 18-foot 6-legged 
hydraulic robot. I think the key to their success was making the project open 
source. As they point out, the $65k they needed to build the robot sounds like 
a lot, it is nothing compared to what a commercial robot like that would cost: 
millions if you could even find one. So we all benefit from the technology 
being open source. Perhaps one just wants to build part of the robot such as a 
leg for whatever reason - it brings it in grasp of anyone that really 
needs/wants it.

For most Kickstarter projects the funder gets one of the first available 
finished product being offered (e.g. if you offered a vacuum deposition kit), 
but most people that funded Stompy funded it because they just thought it was 
cool or wanted the technology to be developed.


Cheers,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
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Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] [OT] Vacuum System

2012-10-02 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Sep 30, 2012, at 9:45 PM, Kirk Wallace wrote:

 I'm playing with the thought of putting a vacuum deposition system
 together to coat telescope mirrors with aluminum. It looks like I could
 get everything I need from eBay at relatively low cost. Of course,
 elements of LinuxCNC could be used to monitor and control the system.
 Does anyone have any links to a system I could study or copy, or any
 other information? One issue is what I need for a pressure gauge, a
 Pirani and or ionization gauge?

Cool!

I bet if you made the whole project open source you could get funding for it on 
Kickstarter.com.

Anyhow; just an idea! I would love to see an open source project for this.


Cheers,

Jeshua Lacock
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Re: [Emc-users] [off] Lost PLA Casting

2012-09-25 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Sep 24, 2012, at 6:33 AM, Steve Stallings wrote:

 It looks like he used a crucible lifter to do the
 pour. 

Guilty as charged!


Jeshua Lacock
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Re: [Emc-users] [off] Lost PLA Casting

2012-09-25 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Sep 25, 2012, at 9:54 AM, Kent A. Reed wrote:

 Congratulations, Jeshua. Your project made Hackaday today. I hope your 
 website is ready for the inevitable bump in traffic.

Thanks Kent!

Ready, willing and able!!!


Cheers,

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Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] [off] Lost PLA Casting

2012-09-24 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Sep 23, 2012, at 9:42 PM, Gene Heskett wrote:

 Sweet Jeshua, even if the movies didn't play on FF.  What format were they?

Thanks Kent and Gene!

The movies are Quicktime MV4.

 But thats an odd bucket for handling the hot alu.  

It is actually a very standard silicon carbide crucible these days. The two 
most common ceramic crucibles in use are graphite and silicon carbide.

 What I've used for 
 casting iron was an equally long handled, fireclay covered bucket that we 
 tipped over sideways to pour the iron out by rolling the loop on the other 
 end of the handle to control the pour.  In a half knealing position with 
 the left knee sticking out to hold the weight in the middle of the handle.  
 The bucket held about 80 lbs of iron  weighed about 30 lbs empty.  I spent 
 a summer in '60 doing that, and my back reminds me of how dumb that was 
 24/7/365 since.

Wow! Sounds brutal!

I have a steel crucible that holds about 100 pounds of aluminum and weighs over 
30 pounds empty. The most I ever poured at once was about 50 pounds of 
aluminum. It was very difficult! That is when I decided I need a tilt furnace 
or a tap hole furnace for doing parts that heavy.


Cheers,

Jeshua Lacock
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Phone: 208.462.4171


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[Emc-users] [off] Lost PLA Casting

2012-09-23 Thread Jeshua Lacock


Greetings,

This web page describes the process I used going from OpenSCAD to casted 
aluminum parts in a day:

http://3dtopo.com/lostPLA/

The casted parts are ultimately going to be controlled by LinuxCNC.


Cheers,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] Rapid Prototype for CNC mill

2012-07-28 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Jul 27, 2012, at 10:10 AM, Jon Elson wrote:

 Not to mention no need for support material.
 
 Not true.  In fact, that is about the only drawback to the DLP system, 
 is there is no
 way to make a model with a different (soluble) support material.  There 
 are certainly
 some models that have separable parts or gaps in the parts that could 
 use a support material.
 Proper layout of the build can sometimes overcome this by building at an 
 angle.

Hi Jon,

I guess i should have said that it requires less support material since the 
fluid is there to support the area as it is cured. In other words, each layer 
is buoyant - unlike the plastic extrusion printers.

 The other drawback is the fixed number of pixels on the projector.  A 
 guy in England
 is working on using the spinning mirror from a laser printer, a powerful 
 blue diode
 laser and a carriage to scan the raster down the vat to make a machine 
 that has high
 resolution over a larger build area.  His early tests look quite 
 promising.  But, he
 will have to develop custom electronics, probably using an FPGA, to modulate
 the laser to produce the raster.  (It is possible to gut a laser printer 
 and fudge the
 myriad sensor inputs, but it might be a lot easier to just start from 
 scratch.)

Yeah, the limited size is the main reason why I didn't consider funding the 
Kickstarter project. The build area at 100 microns is only 4x3 inches and only 
2x1.5 at 50 microns. Using an HD projector would of course increase that size 
to an almost practical size (still 8x6 inches is pretty small). But going that 
route, I would be better off just building my own so I don't pay for two 
projectors.

Now if I did jewelry, the stock size would be much more suitable.

I wonder about using 4 HD projectors or would optical distortion along the 
edges be a problem? That would allow a roughly 15.5x11.6 build size at 100 
microns.


Best,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] Rapid Prototype for CNC mill

2012-07-28 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Jul 28, 2012, at 4:07 PM, andy pugh wrote:

 On 28 July 2012 22:59, Jeshua Lacock jes...@3dtopo.com wrote:
 
 I wonder about using 4 HD projectors or would optical distortion along the 
 edges be a problem?
 
 You could move the build platform around above the single projector.
 (or the projector under the platform)

Hi Andy,

Great thought! It is so obvious too, can't believe I didn't think of it.

I wonder if barrel distortion from the projector would still be a problem? I 
suppose if it was it could be compensated for in software - just like there is 
software to remove lens distortion from photos...


Cheers,

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http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] Rapid Prototype for CNC mill

2012-07-27 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Jul 26, 2012, at 10:35 PM, dave wrote:

 I like the inverted approach. 
 
 More to the point what is the absorbtion max wavelength for the polymer?
 In more specific terms what wavelength gives the best polymerization?
 Curious minds want to know. ;-)
 
 To put in simpler terms what emission source is likely to maximize
 polymerization?

Hi Dave,

I think traditionally DLP has used UV.

I am not sure about the b9 resin, but it apparently uses visible light.

You might try asking Michael Joyce:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/b9creations/b9creator-a-high-resolution-3d-printer

Or perhaps the yahoo user group Jon mentioned:

diy_3d_printing_and_fabricat...@yahoogroups.com


Best,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] Rapid Prototype for CNC mill

2012-07-26 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Jul 26, 2012, at 6:54 AM, Ed Nisley wrote:

 On Wed, 2012-07-25 at 22:19 -0600, Jeshua Lacock wrote:
 like what for instance?
 
 Stabilized build environments, extruders with flow-control valves,
 improved filament feeders, less rickety mechanics...
 
 Basically, all the obvious improvements. [grin]

Hi Ed,

Seems like the rickety mechanics are to deliver low cost more than anything. 

;)

In that regard, what do the patents protect? I am also curious how the filament 
feeders could be improved.


Cheers,

Jeshua Lacock
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3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] Rapid Prototype for CNC mill

2012-07-26 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Jul 26, 2012, at 10:53 AM, Jon Elson wrote:

 Jeshua Lacock wrote:
 
 I am just curious, like what for instance?
 
 I am monitoring a group working on curing liquid resin with light from a DLP
 computer projector.  There are a number of machines working, and a guy
 has done a kickstarter project that accumulated over $500,000, now he has
 to deliver 200 complete 3D printers.  A number of people working in this
 area are having to work around several active patents on releasing the
 model from the build vat.  The scheme projects the image through the clear
 bottom of the vat, using the vat to keep the layer level.  The model sticks
 to the vat bottom.  An obvious scheme to release it is to tilt the vat, that
 is covered by a patent.  The latest scheme, used in the kickstarter project,
 is to use a layer of PDMS (a type of clear silicone) to prevent the
 curing of a tiny layer right at the surface.  You still get a suction 
 effect,
 so he slides the model over to a region where the floor is lower, breaking
 the suction.  This apparently avoids any patent infringement.

Hi Jon,

Yes, I am familiar with the project and DLP printing technology.

I did not know about the patent work-around however.

 The reason for projecting through the bottom is so you don't have to 
 fill the
 entire vat with expensive resin, at several hundred dollars per liter.
 You only need to keep the vat filled to a depth of a couple mm, and 
 replenish
 as it is consumed by the build.  Also, if you build from the top, you 
 need some
 kind of wiper to level the resin surface, again you run into patent issues.

True, but the resin is much less expensive from the b9 project. The b9 resin is 
closer to $100 per liter, but still.

 The advantage of this over FDM/FFF (reprap style) is that an entire
 layer of arbitrary complexity can be built in parallel, and at about 8-10
 seconds/layer. 

Not to mention no need for support material.

;)


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Re: [Emc-users] Rapid Prototype for CNC mill

2012-07-25 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Jul 25, 2012, at 1:15 AM, a...@conceptmachinery.com wrote:

 Those all was close but not what i ask for.
 I am looking for real - real- rapid prototype. What this means ?
 1. rapid prototype should have 2 liquid materials-- main material and 
 support material.

Hi Aram,

Actually, the MakerBot Replicator has two print heads as an option. And others 
have added a second head to RepRap, Ultimaker, etc.

It is then possible to print the part with ABS and the support with PLA. PLA 
can then be dissolved while leaving the ABS intact:

http://www.makerbot.com/blog/2010/10/19/pla-proven-as-a-dissolveable-support-material/

Or a slower method is just using hot water:

http://www.bitsfrombytes.com/forum/post/safe-support-material-removal-really-works

An other option is to print the supports with water soluble PVA:

http://wiki.makerbot.com/pva

 2. rapid prototype must have CNC programmable head - like with EMC2 AC 
 servomotor that open close needle valve that controls amount of plastic 
 that introduced with head.

The MakerBot MK7 head does just that:

http://store.makerbot.com/stepstruder-mk7-complete.html

 3. rapid prototype must have accuracy around on 0.005 to have real use 
 to make real commercial model prototype. CNC programmable head must be 
 able to change accuracy from 0.001-0.01
 by changing M code in CNC program.

I personally don't see this as a major hurdle. Currently print resolution can 
be changed by manually changing out the print nozzle. There is no reason why an 
adjustable print aperture or automated tool changer could not be developed 
though.


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Re: [Emc-users] Rapid Prototype for CNC mill

2012-07-25 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Jul 25, 2012, at 6:19 PM, Ed Nisley wrote:

 All those patent that you refer are too old and antiquated.
 
 The earliest 3D printing patents are, indeed, beginning to expire, so I
 expect to see a bunch of interesting developments in the DIY field.

Hi Ed,

I am just curious, like what for instance?


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Re: [Emc-users] [Off] Ballscrew Support?

2012-07-23 Thread Jeshua Lacock


Greetings,

So I just got a response from my ballscrew vendor. They can supply a 40mm 
diameter with 40mm pitch (3048 mm long) for a reasonable cost. Less than $1k 
including shipping and machining.

Looks like that could safely rotate at 977 RPM which would move the ballnut at 
1538 IPM (with both ends supported with double bearings spaced apart).

Even though it will cost me additional money, it may cost less (not to mention 
significant time/experimentation/etc) compared to machining the required 
hardware to drive the ballnut with my current ballscrews. Also, seems like 
rotating the ballscrew can be problematic - I read at sufficient RPM's the 
lubrication can driven away from the ballscew from centrifugal force.

I was planning on having a ballscrew for each rail, but if I go this route I 
think I will only have a single ballscrew in the middle of both rails. The main 
reason (besides cost) is the significant inertia the ballscrew will have 
rotating at speed.


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Re: [Emc-users] [Off] Ballscrew Support?

2012-07-22 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Jul 22, 2012, at 5:45 AM, Mark Wendt wrote:

 Of course, you could also just go the rack-and-pinion route.
 The rack teeth should point down to shed dirt and chips.
 
 I don't recall the specifics, but I read somewhere that rack-and-pinon was
 not a good solution. Maybe it had something to do with resonance?
 
 Dunno why they said that, I've been running the rack and pinion for a few
 years now, as have quite a few others on their machines, and the rack and
 pinion works just fine.  No resonance, though that's usually a factor of
 the stepper motor and drive, and there are ways to dampen the resonance so
 that it's a non-factor.
 
 I like the very minimal amount of backlash, and very positive gear
 engagement in my setup.

Thanks Mark, good to know!


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Re: [Emc-users] [Off] Ballscrew Support?

2012-07-22 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Jul 22, 2012, at 11:04 AM, Jon Elson wrote:

 Todd Zuercher wrote:
 Neither, of our 5x10 routers have any support on the long table screws
 (12 ft long).  But they are large diameter screws, secured, fixed and
 stretched in position with a rotating nut moving the table.  I think
 rotating the nut rather than the screw helps a lot with wip.
 
 Well, it completely removes it, in fact!  If the nut is not perfectly 
 centered, the screw
 may vibrate slightly, but it won't do anything terrible.  When the screw 
 is spinning
 fast, the vibration can build to very large amplitude very quickly and 
 permanently
 bend the screw.

The more I think about it, I really think this is the best solution despite the 
challenges involved. If it fails miserably, then I guess I will go with rack  
pinion as a backup plan.

Has anyone successfully machined the parts required? I would be willing to 
commission to have couple mounts to be manufactured. Looking on the web I did 
find some people who reported success building their own.

Here is one mount:

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?p=798791#post798791

And another:

http://www.mycncuk.com/forums/showthread.php/3340-Rotating-Ballnut-design-ideas

WIth a video of it running at 590 IPM here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSNFD9zx7fE


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Re: [Emc-users] [Off] Ballscrew Support?


On Jul 21, 2012, at 9:50 AM, Jon Elson wrote:

 Jeshua Lacock wrote:
 
 It looks like over a 10 foot span I have about 24mm (0.96 inches) of sag in 
 the middle. 
 
 10 foot span?  25 mm diameter?  Oh, my, that sounds WAY past the safe range.
 See http://www.nookindustries.com/ball/BallCalculators.cfm#CriticalSpeed
 for a critical speed calculator.  With the stiffest fixing of the ends, 
 you might
 be able to get 500 RPM safely.  That would be 100 IPM with a 5 TPI screw.
 With a coarser leadscrew pitch, you don't ned as high an RPM, so maybe
 this will be OK.

Thanks everyone for all the very useful information!!! Most of the information 
I had no idea about!

And thanks for the calculator Jon. Using End Fixity B (one end double bearing 
the other single bearing) for 117 inch span I get a safe RPM of 278.

At 5cm/rev that is 547 IPM. I think I could happily live with that. More 
important than top end speed to me is how fast the table can accelerate. And 
for a 250+ pound table 547 IPM rapids seems pretty decent to me. This axis is 
also going to be the slowest, so for raster scanning I can move more rapidly on 
the Y axis.

If I had double bearing on both sides (End Fixity C), I would get to 805 IPM 
and with End Fixity D I would get to 1220 IPM. Unfortunately, I think that 
would require taking the ballscrews to a machine shop. I guess if I ever want 
faster top end speed that is an option. 


Thanks again,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] [Off] Ballscrew Support?


On Jul 21, 2012, at 5:49 PM, andy pugh wrote:

 On 21 July 2012 23:04, Jeshua Lacock jes...@3dtopo.com wrote:
 
 At 5cm/rev that is 547 IPM. I think I could happily live with that.
 
 That's a very high-lead ballscrew. I haven't seen any balls crews with
 a pitch twice the diameter. Are you sure you are not a factor of 10
 out?

That is funny - at the same time you must have been thinking of this, I was 
double checking it!

The specs said the lead was 5. I had assumed 5cm - in fact it is only 5mm! Doh! 
So you are correct - off by a factor of 10!

To make matters worse, I thought they were 25mm, but they are 20mm.

So that drops the safe speed down to a miserable 43.89 IPM.

:'(

Damn. Anyone want to buy two brand new ballscrews?

:D

Maybe I will use them on a laser cutter instead. High speed is not as important 
to me on a laser cutter as it is on a 3D milling machine. Path lengths are 
*much* longer doing 3D stuff versus 2D cutting….

Maybe I will use timing belts for this machine. Just seems like they will have 
a lot of flex over a 10 foot span. Chain drive?


Cheers,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] [Off] Ballscrew Support?


On Jul 21, 2012, at 5:49 PM, andy pugh wrote:

 On 21 July 2012 23:04, Jeshua Lacock jes...@3dtopo.com wrote:
 
 At 5cm/rev that is 547 IPM. I think I could happily live with that.
 
 That's a very high-lead ballscrew. I haven't seen any balls crews with
 a pitch twice the diameter. Are you sure you are not a factor of 10
 out?

Hm...

It looks like if have a sliding support like you suggested trailing on either 
side of the ball screw by 38 inches that would allow me to get up to 1113 RPM 
which would give me a pretty respectable 388 IPM….


Best,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] [Off] Ballscrew Support?

On Jul 21, 2012, at 6:24 PM, John Kasunich wrote:

n Sat, Jul 21, 2012, at 06:04 PM, Jeshua Lacock wrote:

Damn. Anyone want to buy two brand new ballscrews?

Maybe I will use them on a laser cutter instead. High speed is not as
important to me on a laser cutter as it is on a 3D milling machine. Path
lengths are *much* longer doing 3D stuff versus 2D cutting….

Maybe I will use timing belts for this machine. Just seems like they will
have a lot of flex over a 10 foot span. Chain drive?

I saw an idea once that attempted to solve the problem of timing belt
stretch by attaching one belt along its full length to the machine
frame, then meshing another belt to that one to drive the axis.
A picture is worth a thousand words, see this posting:

http://www.mycncuk.com/forums/showthread.php/1599-Planning-and-build-of-my-8020-aluminium-CNC-Router?p=10463viewfull=1#post10463

It essentially becomes a rack-and-pinion of sorts. I didn't read that
full thread to see if he actually built the machine, and how it worked
out. I think I also saw the same idea discussed on CNCzone.

Interesting.

Yeah, looks like he never built it - or at least reported back.

Of course, you could also just go the rack-and-pinion route.
The rack teeth should point down to shed dirt and chips.

I don't recall the specifics, but I read somewhere that rack-and-pinon was not
a good solution. Maybe it had something to do with resonance?

Cheers,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171

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Re: [Emc-users] [Off] Ballscrew Support?


On Jul 21, 2012, at 6:47 PM, Peter C. Wallace wrote:

 Ahh here it is:
 
 http://bell-everman.com/products/linear-positioning/servobelt-linear-sbl

Thats pretty cool.

I wonder what keeps the belts together? Gravity?


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[Emc-users] [Off] Ballscrew Support?


Greetings,

I am upgrading my machine to handle a full 4x8 foot board of material (and 5 
feet of Z!). The new table is 5x9 feet.

I just received my 3-meter 25mm supported rails and 25mm C7 ballscrews.

I am sure with a 10-foot span that the horizontal ballscrews will sag a little 
from gravity. Is this much of a concern? Does anyone know of a trick to put 
some kind of support in the middle of the span? I can't think of any practical 
way.

Thanks!


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Re: [Emc-users] [Off] Ballscrew Support?


On Jul 20, 2012, at 6:00 PM, Stephen Dubovsky wrote:

 Sag is only the start of the problem.  The whip is going to be the real
 problem.  

Hi Stephen,

I am not sure I understand what you mean by whip?

 The ballnut is no holp holding it up at the limits of travel.

My thoughts too.


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Re: [Emc-users] [Off] Ballscrew Support?


On Jul 20, 2012, at 6:43 PM, Dave Caroline wrote:

 A box of pictures is awol at the moment when I find it I will scan a
 better picture I think I have

Hi Dave,

Sounds interesting, but I am afraid I don't quite grasp the concept. I am a 
visual learner and the concept is quite clear from those images.


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Re: [Emc-users] [Off] Ballscrew Support?


On Jul 20, 2012, at 7:32 PM, Jon Elson wrote:

 Apply tension to the screws through the frame of the machine?

Hi Jon,

Interesting! I wonder how much tension it would need - seems like a quite a 
lot. Seems like the shaft would slide off or damage the bearings before 
adequate tension was achieved.

Do you know if this is done in practice by any large machines?


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Re: [Emc-users] [Off] Ballscrew Support?


On Jul 20, 2012, at 7:40 PM, andy pugh wrote:

 On 21 July 2012 02:32, Jon Elson el...@pico-systems.com wrote:
 
 Apply tension to the screws through the frame of the machine?
 
 A linear rail and several supports tied to the carriage and each other
 with string, utilising the pathetic performance of string in
 compression to advantage.

Hi Andy,

OK; I am afraid you guys totally lost me!


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Re: [Emc-users] [Off] Ballscrew Support?


On Jul 20, 2012, at 8:47 PM, Gene Heskett wrote:

 I have this mental picture of Andy, with the equivalent of a whole can of 
 Skoal in his cheek, but its not Skoal, its his tongue. ;-) 

Hi Gene,

I sensed sarcasm, but I was too dim to make full sense of what Andy was saying!

;)


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Re: [Emc-users] [Off] Ballscrew Support?


On Jul 20, 2012, at 8:27 PM, Stephen Dubovsky wrote:

 whipping around.  You have a long thin rod that will be spun at high
 speed.  Its going to act like a jump rope ;)  Im told long machines hold
 the screw stationary and spin the nut to solve that problem.

Hi Stephen,

It is easy for me to imagine it bouncing up and down a little, but apparently I 
am lacking the brain power to imagine what would actually make it whip. It 
seems either end would have to be rapidly moved up and down (or side to side) 
for a whip to occur and the ends will be planted quite stationary.

The table will move 2 inches per revolution, so even at 550 RPM, it would move 
the whole length of the rails (10 feet) in 10 seconds which seems really fast 
to me. The table weighs about 250 pounds, so I can't imagine moving it faster 
than that.

550 RPMs does not exactly strike me as spinning at high speed. Besides, 
wouldn't the gyroscopic force help stabilized oscillations?


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Re: [Emc-users] [Off] Ballscrew Support?


On Jul 20, 2012, at 9:13 PM, Stuart Stevenson wrote:

 Andy's solution is the correct solution. A string will fold under
 compression. This will allow the supports to collapse together when the nut
 moves their direction on the screw. The string will pull the supports along
 with the nut and allow the supports to space themselves along the screw
 with the spacing equivalent to the length of the string sections.
 
 The 5 axis Cincinnati machines in my shop have .007 to .009 in
 preload/stretch.

Hi Stuart,

Thanks for the clarification!

I am not sure what yo mean by preload/stretch though.


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Re: [Emc-users] Status of Linux-emc and 3d printing?

2012-06-29 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Jun 28, 2012, at 9:54 AM, Ed Nisley wrote:

 On Thu, 2012-06-28 at 10:50 -0400, John Stewart wrote:
 I don't remember being that impressed with their x/y speeds
 
 They tend to produce better results below 30 mm/s, mostly because the
 stock firmware doesn't use any acceleration limiting at all, and I've
 seen some down around 10 mm/s near my Sherline's limit.
 
 Using firmware that applies acceleration limiting helps with the
 non-printing moves, but the plywood-and-acrylic frame isn't rigid enough
 to print accurately much above 40 mm/s. The dreadfully heavy custom
 build platform in my TOM requires a rather low acceleration, but even
 the stock platform isn't a real featherweight…

I understand that the Ultimaker is currently the fastest (possibly highest 
quality too) hobby plastic extruder readily available.

I think I recall reading that printing up to 400mm/s has been achieved, but 
200-300mm/s is more realistic. Here is the Sprinter firmware:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIBuUfd4cwY

Here it is printing at 300 mm/s:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5SoEdRzKlA

From the Sprinter firmware page:

• The slow corresponds to the current default setting of sprinter, with 
an acceleration of 7000mm/sec^2, corresponding to an acceleration time of 14ms 
and a distance of 0.7mm to 100mm/sec. So, 0.25mm moves will never reach full 
speed.
• The fast acceleration was 70 mm/sec^2=acc. time of 0.14ms and a 
distance of 0.007mm. So basically, there is hardly any acceleration.

I understand that it can print much faster than the Makerbots because the print 
head weighs much less (the Makerbot shleps 2 stepper motors around, the 
Ultimaker 0 stepper motors).

I wonder how much faster one could be with servos instead of stepper motors.

Also, the Ultimaker has considerably higher resolution. If I were to buy a 
standalone unit (and I am seriously tempted) I think I would go with the 
Ultimaker (larger print volume too).


Best,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] Status of Linux-emc and 3d printing?

2012-06-29 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Jun 29, 2012, at 8:03 AM, Ed Nisley wrote:

 On Fri, 2012-06-29 at 00:59 -0600, Jeshua Lacock wrote:
 Ultimaker is currently the fastest 
 (possibly highest quality too) hobby plastic extruder
 
 The Bowden extruder notion seems to have more trouble with ooze: half a
 meter of filament beyond the drive wheel prevents fast retraction.

Yeah, I have heard that, but I think the proof is in the pudding, and from what 
I have seen Ultimaker produces superior results compared to its competitors.

Personally, I wouldn't mind cleaning up some strings to get faster/better 
quality results if I had to.

 Reducing the extruder mass certainly improves the speed, at least given
 the usual under-powered and over-loaded stepper drives... [grin]

Indeed, like I said, I would love to see what some proper servos could do.

;)


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Jeshua Lacock
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Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] OT: 3D Printer Mods?

2012-06-26 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Jun 26, 2012, at 9:17 AM, Roland Jollivet wrote:

 Well, here's a fleshy take on 3D printing. Probably the best answer to my
 original question. Very worthwhile if you're the one waiting in the queue...
 
 http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/anthony_atala_printing_a_human_kidney.html

Hi Roland,

Yeah, thats a good one, but printing titanium parts definitely gives it a run 
for the money:

http://www.technologyreview.com/featured-story/426391/layer-by-layer/

I mean; Titanium. Just say it!

;)

As for the best of both worlds, here is a story about a printed jawbone:

http://www.technologyreview.com/view/426844/a-3-d-printed-jawbone/


Cheers,

Jeshua Lacock
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Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] OT: 3D Printer Mods?

2012-06-26 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Jun 26, 2012, at 9:38 PM, Jack Coats wrote:

 Eventually it will be a command like:
 
   Tea, Earl Grey, Hot
 
 and out it will come from the replicator.  ... But not in my lifetime. ... 
 Sigh.

Hi Jack,

At the exponential rate technology is going that might be debatable.

;)


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Phone: 208.462.4171


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[Emc-users] XY Scanner Galvos

2012-06-26 Thread Jeshua Lacock


Greetings,

Has anyone used servo motors with mirrors as scanner galvos using LinuxCNC to 
drive them? Or possibly a polygonal mirror with an encoder?

If not, can it be done? Seems like with the kinematics it should be possible.

I imagine for high resolution over a relatively large area (at least 1m square) 
the servo would have to be geared down quite a bit - maybe around 100:1.

Any insight into this topic would be greatly appreciated!


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Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] CO2 Laser Control

2012-06-21 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Jun 20, 2012, at 1:40 AM, Viesturs Lācis wrote:

 2012/6/20 Jeshua Lacock jes...@3dtopo.com:
 
 My thought was to change the focal point as material is cut. I understand 
 that these lasers have a very narrow depth of field when focused sharp 
 enough to cut metal (or even wood). So, lets say my focal length is 0.05 
 inch, each pass I could move the focal length 0.05 down. Seems like it would 
 allow me to cut essentially as thick material as practically needed, 
 provided I did enough passes.
 
 
 It depends on the focus angle. Make the angle smaller and You shall
 increase the focal length.
 That is why lasers are pretty limited about the material thickness they can 
 cut.
 Anyway, I think that You certainly can forget about cutting metal that
 way - if the material is not pierced through, then there is no way for
 melted metal to escape the cutting zone, so only way to remove it
 would be evaporate it, which would make the process very slow, and You
 most certainly _do not_ want to do that, unless You have very
 high-tech ventilationfiltration system for the table, because metal
 vapors are very unhealthy.
 I do not know if this several passes approach would work for wood.
 This certainly is the first time I hear about this way, regarding
 laser cutting.

Good points. 

According to:

http://nilno.com/cgi-bin/optics.cgi

even a 150W CO2 laser should be above the vaporization point of most metals, so 
I was thinking it could be vaporized - same with wood. Any laser cutting 
machine is going to need proper ventilation, and I don't even plan to be in the 
same closed room when it is running.

 True. Seems like Smoldering Dog (sorry I don't see any other name posted) is 
 having some good success (website is linked from the wiki):
 
 http://nilno.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi
 
 How do You intend to deliver the laser beam from laser diode to
 cutting head? Mirrors? Fiber optics?
 I did not see it mentioned in the page You provided.

I was actually not planning on a diode, rather a CO2 tube. I was thinking of 
using mirrors, much like the optical path shown here:

http://builders.reprap.org/2011/09/boot-strappable-open-laser-cutter-part.html


Cheers,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] CO2 Laser Control

2012-06-21 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Jun 20, 2012, at 6:06 AM, Eric H. Johnson wrote:

 Using a Z axis to adjust the height should be a simple matter, controllable
 either as a direct motion command or tool offset. I suspect, however, that
 in the case of aluminum sintering you will have a very small usable depth of
 field since the energy imparted per unit area is going to decrease at the
 square of the increase in diameter of the spot size.

The idea with sintering is you only need a narrow depth of field. It just needs 
to be adequate for the layer height which might be quite small (e.g. 0.001 
inch)...

And for sintering that I envision, the current layer will always be the same 
distance from the laser head, so the spot size and power should be consistent.


Cheers,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] CO2 Laser Control

2012-06-20 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Jun 20, 2012, at 1:01 AM, Viesturs Lācis wrote:

 2012/6/20 Jeshua Lacock jes...@3dtopo.com:
 
 It states that those power supplies can be controlled from a TTL PWM, so I 
 assume that it will be easy to control from a standard parallel port with 
 HAL and LinuxCNC. Is that correct?
 
 It _should_ be, based on the amount of information provided.

Hi Viesturs,

Excellent, thank you.

 Has anyone set up a servo or stepper drive to adjust the laser's focal 
 point? Seems easy enough, guess I am just wondering how to tie it into 
 g-code.
 
 IMHO You do not necessarily need it to be controlled from g-code -
 manual (probably through vcp) adjustment would work as well or do You
 expect the thickness and type of material to vary during single run of
 g-code file?

My thought was to change the focal point as material is cut. I understand that 
these lasers have a very narrow depth of field when focused sharp enough to cut 
metal (or even wood). So, lets say my focal length is 0.05 inch, each pass I 
could move the focal length 0.05 down. Seems like it would allow me to cut 
essentially as thick material as practically needed, provided I did enough 
passes.

 I think that hardware design is the hardest part - those lenses will
 not like dust on them, so You would like to enclose them. And then
 also get them moving by a motor... I guess You will need someone more
 knowledgeable about lasers to share their experience, how exactly to
 set this up. I think that stepper motor would do, the problem might be
 homing the whole lense adjustment thing, but it really much depends
 on actual design, how You integrate lenses in the overall
 construction.

True. Seems like Smoldering Dog (sorry I don't see any other name posted) is 
having some good success (website is linked from the wiki):

http://nilno.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi

But because his focal point is fixed, he cannot cut material any thicker than 
his lasers depth of field.


Cheers,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] SCARA robot arm 3D printer

2012-06-20 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Jun 19, 2012, at 9:46 AM, andy pugh wrote:

 On 19 June 2012 15:46,  transis...@transistor-man.com wrote:
 
 As the printer is a SCARA arm
 
 This is an interesting development, as it has more printable
 components than a conventional RepRap. You could (in theory) print the
 arms, whereas printing linear slides is more tricky.

Wow, that is a really great idea! Pretty much the only thing you couldn't print 
is the steppers (and electrical components) - but those things are cheap!


Cheers,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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[Emc-users] CO2 Laser Control

2012-06-19 Thread Jeshua Lacock


Greetings,

I am thinking about making a laser attachment for my CNC machine with something 
like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/80W-CO2-Laser-Tube-Power-Supply-Engraver-Cutter-New-/150552923492?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0hash=item230da74d64

I am tempted to go with the 130W:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130W-CO2-Laser-Tube-Power-Supply-Engraving-Cutting-/160470882820?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0hash=item255ccf5a04

I bet that might even be enough power for selective aluminum sintering.

It states that those power supplies can be controlled from a TTL PWM, so I 
assume that it will be easy to control from a standard parallel port with HAL 
and LinuxCNC. Is that correct?

Has anyone set up a servo or stepper drive to adjust the laser's focal point? 
Seems easy enough, guess I am just wondering how to tie it into g-code.

Before I embark on this adventure, I would appreciate any advice you might 
have. Thanks!


Cheers,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] Workshop Servo tuning seminar

2012-06-17 Thread Jeshua Lacock


On Jun 16, 2012, at 10:35 PM, Jon Elson wrote:

 I was hoping to go to the CNC Workshop to attend and video tape your seminar 
 on servo tuning.
 Do you know if there is a way I can attend this without paying the $150.00, 
 I am only going to see you and nothing else.
 Just thought I'd ask as all I want to do is attend the servo tuning seminar 
 and can't spend $150.00 on just that.
 
 I can't do anything, but you need to email or call George Bulliss at 
 Village Press.  There is a
 Saturday-only admission that is cheaper.

Hi,

I would throw in $50 to see that. Let me know if that would be helpful.


Best.

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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[Emc-users] 3D Printer Parts


Greetings all,

I am thinking these are the parts I am going to order to get started with a 
printer attachment for my CNC machine:

http://store.makerbot.com/extruder-controller-v3-6.html 
$99
http://store.makerbot.com/stepstruder-mk7-complete.html 
$199
http://store.makerbot.com/black-abs-1kg-spool-1-75mm-filament.html  $48

http://www.geckodrive.com/geckodrive-step-motor-drives/g251x.html   $89
_

$435


I think that I am just going to try the MakerBot extruder controller for now 
because it comes with a working thermocouple. It seems to be a pretty good cost 
considering it is the power controller and thermocouple all in one (and should 
just work). I will just have to send the M-words for temperature out of a 
RS485, which based on the postings I saw should be trivial with LinuxCNC.

Question: the gecko 251x states the minimum voltage is 15v. The extruder 
stepper is rated for 5v:

http://store.makerbot.com/nema-17-stepper-motor.html

Also, the Gecko 251x shows more inputs than what I see on that stepper motor (4 
wires). I have never used a stepper motor before. Can anyone tell me if the 
Gecko will work with that stepper?

Oh, can anyone recommend a decent RS485 card that will just work with Ubuntu?

Any other advice before I actually place an order would be greatly appreciated, 
thanks!


Cheers,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
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http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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[Emc-users] 3D Printer Parts


Greetings all,

I am thinking these are the parts I am going to order to get started with a 
printer attachment for my CNC machine:

http://store.makerbot.com/extruder-controller-v3-6.html 
$99
http://store.makerbot.com/stepstruder-mk7-complete.html 
$199
http://store.makerbot.com/black-abs-1kg-spool-1-75mm-filament.html  $48

http://www.geckodrive.com/geckodrive-step-motor-drives/g251x.html   $89
_

$435


I think that I am just going to try the MakerBot extruder controller for now 
because it comes with a working thermocouple. It seems to be a pretty good cost 
considering it is the power controller and thermocouple all in one (and should 
just work). I will just have to send the M-words for temperature out of a 
RS485, which based on the postings I saw should be trivial with LinuxCNC.

Question: the gecko 251x states the minimum voltage is 15v. The extruder 
stepper is rated for 5v:

http://store.makerbot.com/nema-17-stepper-motor.html

Also, the Gecko 251x shows more inputs than what I see on that stepper motor (4 
wires). I have never used a stepper motor before. Can anyone tell me if the 
Gecko will work with that stepper?

Oh, can anyone recommend a decent RS485 card that will just work with Ubuntu?

Any other advice before I actually place an order would be greatly appreciated, 
thanks!


Cheers,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] 3D Printer Parts


On Jun 11, 2012, at 10:03 AM, andy pugh wrote:

 On 11 June 2012 01:09, Jeshua Lacock jes...@3dtopo.com wrote:
 
 http://www.geckodrive.com/geckodrive-step-motor-drives/g251x.html   $89
 
 I think this is overkill for an extruder, which is only ever going to
 move relatively slowly.
 You would almost certainly be fine with one of the Leadshine-type
 drives, such as:
 http://www.leadshine.com/Product_Show.aspx?ID=34
 For rather less than half the price of the Gecko.
 Or even a TB6560 board like http://www.ebay.com/itm/261027785850

Thanks Andy, good to know for future additional multiple extruders.

For now I think I will go with a Gecko so that I can use it for other 4th 
axises modules such as a turn table or lathe spindle. Both things I have been 
wanting for a long time.


Best,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] 3D Printer Parts


On Jun 11, 2012, at 10:46 AM, doug metzler wrote:

 If you're going to get any kind of Gecko for this application get a
 G540 - handles all your axes at once (except the second head).

Thanks Doug,

I actually have servos for my XYZ. I just want to get one extruder working for 
now. But in the future when I install multiple extruders I will probably start 
with that. I would love to have 4 extruders online!

 But that is also a 15V part IIRC.  But that's ok - the only reason the
 Makerbot uses a PC power supply is because they are dirt cheap and TUV
 certified.  You can use any supply you want.  I use 15V supplies.

OK, that was my main concern. I just don't understand how the Gecko will know 
not to give it more than 5v?

 I ended up throwing away my cheap Chinese junk stepper drivers because
 they kept missing steps when coming out of idle.  I run Keling KL-
 4030's which are inexpensive and have worked well for me.
 
 Also, probably doesn't make a difference, but I got an UP! 3D Print
 head and the thing has been bulletproof from day one.  But you have to
 keep the fan running.

Interesting. I think I will go with the MakerBot for now because it costs less 
and seems to be more common, with all of the replacement parts available 
separately.

Are you using it on your mill, or do you have a dedicated printer for it?


Cheers,

Jeshua Lacock
Founder/Engineer
3DTOPO Incorporated
http://3DTOPO.com
Phone: 208.462.4171


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Re: [Emc-users] 3D Printer Parts