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Nick
03-08-2018, 10:41 PM
Right so I've started on an large cast iron/EG mill build. Plan is to use several cast iron surface plates I have bought on ebay and embeded in epoxy granite, the hope is this will give me a flat surface to mount the linear rails to.

This is the current design in fusion

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Travel: X 400mm, Y 250mm, Z 400mm
Total weight 600-800kg
Rails: 20mm hiwin clone rails
Ball screws: Generic rolled Chinese ball screws, with a plan to upgrade in the future.
Spindle: Initially: 2.2kw water cooled spindle. The plan would be to upgrade to a BT30 and 1.8kw servo from AliExpress if I can get this made and then integrate ATC
Electronics: UC400 ETH, Initially steppers, with upgrade to 400W AC servos.

Epoxy granite: Silimix 282 + west systems epoxy 105/206 10% by weight, 0.25% black iron oxide


Cast iron:
I’ve got one 36 x 16 inch plate

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Along with four of these 18x12x2in plates

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The large surface plate is reasonably flat, however the smaller plates are out by about 0.05-0.15mm. I am planning on trying to hand scrape them flat.

Issues:
1. I have got to cut one of the cast iron plates into four for the column mounting blocks, I’m not sure how I will do this as they're 2 inch's thick, I think I will try with a cutting disc
2. The column and table will consist of more than one cast iron piece, I’m not quite sure what the best way to keep alignment is, I think I will have to use a flat surface, possibly the big surface plate to cast against and an angle plate.


I've got the epoxy and Silimix. I have made the mould for the base and I think I will cast this first to check that the epoxy granite doesn't warp the surface as it sets. I'll post back with the results!

mekanik
04-08-2018, 10:57 AM
Hi Nick
Thanks for posting, will be following with interest.
Mike

Nick
07-08-2018, 07:15 PM
Right so I’ve casted the base. I started by preparing the surface plate, I cleaned the underside with a wire wheel and then drilled and tapped several holes for M6 and M10 bolts, so the epoxy would anchor.

The surface plate had a hole drilled in the top when I got it, I thought this might be helpful to run wiring/pipes through, so I routed some PVC pipe to the back of the surface plate. Before I decided to cast the surface plate in epoxy, I did briefly try and cut it, I sealed this cut with silicone. I also drilled two pairs of holes in each side and passed pvc pipe through, this will let me pass some chains through to lift it.

The mould was made of melamine "furniture" board I got from wickes, sealed with silicone and then three applications of wax were applied (three was necessary in testing, it's a huge pain when it sticks). The surface plate was lowered with an engine crane face down into the mould.

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Mixing the epoxy granite was the hardest part, it took ages. We did it in 25kg batches, with one person packing the mould while the other used a hand held mixer. We also had a bench grinder attached to the mould, with an eccentric weight, but it quickly ripped itself free of its base. It took just under two hours in total and I managed to add some steel plate to act as mounting points later on and a small section of steel as a future motor mount.

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I let it cure for about 48 hours before removing the melamine mould.

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There are some areas that haven't fully combined and some air inclusion, this is worse on the side away from the bench grinder and I think related to poor vibration. But overall i'm fairly happy with how it turned out. As a very crude test, I've put a tenth indicator on a 30cm extension and jumped up and down over the base, I can't really get it to deflect. It weighs about 220kg now.

I was also concerned that the curing epoxy would warp the surface, so I tried to map out the base with a indicator, there is very little movement (apart from the end I cut which shows about 2 thou of deviation). I also used a 2 foot straight edge, I can't pass a 0.02 mm feeler gauge under it. I don't think its warped significantly.

Next step is to scrape all of the cast iron inserts for the column, I've started to do this, its slow work, but I think will be possible. I'm going to have to think of a way to level the end of the base, my surface plate isn't big enough so i'm not entirely sure how to do this?

Nick

Chaz
07-08-2018, 08:01 PM
Following.

How big is the area you need to get flat? I had similar challenges so had to be inventive with my own concrete build.

routercnc
07-08-2018, 09:49 PM
Interesting project. I was thinking about building a dedicated milling machine the other day but priced up the off the shelf bits (motor spindle rails screws etc ) and talked myself out of it for now.
You have a nice set of parts lined up so should make a great machine. Looking forward to watching your progress.

Nick
09-08-2018, 11:13 PM
The area to flatten is 900 x 400mm and my surface plate is 600x600.

Yeah I talked myself out of it a few times. I'm not sure its going to be very economical, the BT30 spindle itself is a substantial cost.

Chaz, I found your concrete build very interesting and I've thought about a moglice/DWH approach. I'm lacking a big enough reference surface though, any ideas on how I could overcome this?

I'm starting to wonder if I will have to leave the base as it is. If I could be confident in the way I was measuring it and I was sure it was flat to say 0.02-0.05mm I would probably be happy and just shim/scrape it later. Does anyone a good way to measure how flat a surface is that's bigger than your reference surface?

Chaz
10-08-2018, 11:23 AM
The area to flatten is 900 x 400mm and my surface plate is 600x600.

Yeah I talked myself out of it a few times. I'm not sure its going to be very economical, the BT30 spindle itself is a substantial cost.

Chaz, I found your concrete build very interesting and I've thought about a moglice/DWH approach. I'm lacking a big enough reference surface though, any ideas on how I could overcome this?

I'm starting to wonder if I will have to leave the base as it is. If I could be confident in the way I was measuring it and I was sure it was flat to say 0.02-0.05mm I would probably be happy and just shim/scrape it later. Does anyone a good way to measure how flat a surface is that's bigger than your reference surface?

I bought a hollowed out 'reference' block from someone. Its around 900 x 600 x 600 and might be good enough for what you need. It has slots in it and few holes / marks but its what I used to lay my Y rails, then later X and Z from that.

Where are you based? Might be worth a chat, PM your number if you think its worth discussion via phone.

AndyGuid
11-08-2018, 10:07 AM
Was just trawling through some older "subscriptions" and think this might be your "reference box" Chaz :

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From http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/10480-Workshop-growing-nicely

Chaz
11-08-2018, 10:26 AM
Was just trawling through some older "subscriptions" and think this might be your "reference box" Chaz :

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From http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/10480-Workshop-growing-nicely

Yep.

Nick
16-08-2018, 08:46 PM
Chaz, that might work, how much does it weigh? I am based in Yorkshire, where about are you based?

Just changed jobs, making very slow progress on the build at the moment.

Chaz
17-08-2018, 09:22 AM
Chaz, that might work, how much does it weigh? I am based in Yorkshire, where about are you based?

Just changed jobs, making very slow progress on the build at the moment.

Hi, its fairly heavy (estimated 300-400kg). Pity you arent closer, I'm in Uxbridge / Ickenham, West London, Near the M40 / M25.

Sure, happy to help if I can.

Nick
08-10-2018, 09:18 PM
This is a bit delayed but I owe a big thanks to Chaz who has let me borrow his reference surface. It has been really helpful and I am not sure how I would of progressed without it. I tried to pick it up in a Fiesta, which unsurprisingly didn't work, thankfully it came on a pallet.

I've been making slow progress, I settled for an angle grinder for the cutting of the cast iron blocks, it took forever... I have managed to rough scrape all the surfaces for the column.

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These blocks of cast iron are the ones highlighted below.

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I have also scraped the main cast iron block.

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They're not perfect but within 0.03 mm. I am making the mold and getting the inserts ready, I plan to cast the column next week. Just trying to work out how to drill 18mm holes through the 2 inch cast iron blocks, my drill press isn't up to it and I really don't want to have to buy a mag drill, I don't know if anyone has any other ideas?

Nick

Chaz
08-10-2018, 09:41 PM
This is a bit delayed but I owe a big thanks to Chaz who has let me borrow his reference surface. It has been really helpful and I am not sure how I would of progressed without it. I tried to pick it up in a Fiesta, which unsurprisingly didn't work, thankfully it came on a pallet.

I've been making slow progress, I settled for an angle grinder for the cutting of the cast iron blocks, it took forever... I have managed to rough scrape all the surfaces for the column.

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These blocks of cast iron are the ones highlighted below.

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I have also scraped the main cast iron block.

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They're not perfect but within 0.03 mm. I am making the mold and getting the inserts ready, I plan to cast the column next week. Just trying to work out how to drill 18mm holes through the 2 inch cast iron blocks, my drill press isn't up to it and I really don't want to have to buy a mag drill, I don't know if anyone has any other ideas?

Nick

Scrape Scrape Scrape ....

I was going to ask how you were getting on.

routercnc
10-10-2018, 10:07 PM
Would the blocks fit on a lathe cross slide to drill the holes using a bit or boring head in the chuck?
Or the other way around with the block rotating on a lathe face place and bit or boring head in the tailstock?

Nick
21-10-2018, 08:36 PM
Quick update

That was a great idea with the lathe cross slide although I couldn't quite get it to work, having issues with its size. I ended up getting a mag drill... Drilled 60 holes and tapped for the insert bolts.

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Mould made and epoxy poured, all 150kg of it. Got it done in about 90 minutes with two of us. Had some slight issues, no vibration, we ran out of pigment towards the end and the mould blew out on one side. But overall went ok, if anyone wants more details on how to go about this I could write a more detailed post / video.

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Will probably de-mould tomorrow.

Nick
23-10-2018, 11:50 PM
It looks bigger out the mold

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Chaz
25-10-2018, 08:24 AM
It looks bigger out the mold

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Lovely. Keep at it ....

Nick
23-11-2018, 11:37 PM
Small update

I've made a temporary stand and put the column on the base

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I don't have a square big enough to see how perpendicular it is. Has anyone bought a granite square ? the only one I can find is this one
https://www.zoro.co.uk/shop/measuring-and-test-equipment/granite-and-cast-iron/sc250x160mm-granite-squareuare/p/ZT1017535X?utm_campaign=pla-Measuring+%26+Test+Equipment+-+&utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping-pla&utm_keyword=ZT1017535X&istCompanyId=6aa6787b-063e-4414-802d-129f235df603&istItemId=wtqixraxat&istBid=t&gclid=Cj0KCQiA597fBRCzARIsAHWby0G1E86q2EKwm5Y_CtKv CBDQ2Vn4PZ_CN72Tnip4TnW703CYWfOIOvMaAg9CEALw_wcB

I have been making slow progress with the table, I have reduced the table width to 240 mm and I've got two ground 25x50x1000 mm bars to use as the rail mounts.

The table "offcut" from reducing the table size width has been cut into four and scraped flat and parallel to act as spacers. I was starting to scrape the table flat but the carbide came off my scraper...

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I am slightly concerned that there isn't enough support under the steel bars and they will deflect. You can see this in the renders below, with the overhanging steel bars and the small amount supporting epoxy granite. I'm thinking about adding some threaded rod or increasing the thickness of the epoxy, i'm not sure if this is necessary though, thoughts on this?

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silopolis
01-12-2018, 01:41 PM
Hi Nick,

Very very nice project! I'm planning the exact same machine but first option is to use steel tubes filled with EG. Second is directly casting EG like you did. Anyway, will follow with great interest.

Would you mind sharing your model for study, or maybe just give us dimensions of base and column?

Thanks for sharing your experience, this surely prove helpful at some point...

Cheers

Envoyé de mon ONEPLUS A5010 en utilisant Tapatalk

Nick
02-12-2018, 01:06 AM
Sure, it's not quite finished and I have had some difficulties with exporting it. All the joints have gone, does the iges file below work?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/6w12be2b4wt1f2e/EG%20v19.iges?dl=0

The rails are from the Hiwin website and I've used these models off grabcad

https://grabcad.com/library/lichuan-servo-60st-m01...
https://grabcad.com/library/ac-servo-110sy-04030-1
https://grabcad.com/library/bt30-spindle-2

The design is based around the cast iron surface plate and blocks that I bought, I think this has resulted in the base being too narrow and long.

I think with hindsight starting with a welded steel filled epoxy structure would of been a good idea.

I look forward to your build, let me know if I can help

Nick
21-07-2019, 10:38 PM
Some progress today, managed to cast the table.

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Chaz
22-07-2019, 07:35 AM
Good to see that you are still at it.

Nick
06-11-2019, 11:32 PM
Some progress:

It started to look a bit like a mill:

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Next step was to flatten the base casting so I could get the rails on. It was to big an area to scrape and the reference surface and base were to heavy to invert. So I blocked off two rail sized areas with wood and then used an angle grinder to lower the rest of the surface, a bit crude but worked well.

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I then flipped my surface plate and lowered it onto the base. It wasn't that far off, you could see damage from the previous owners of the surface plate.

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After several rounds of scraping, it is flat to about 0.02 - 0.03 mm

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Y axis and saddle installed:

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Next step is to flatten the Z-axis rails, im using the same process as with the base, flipping the surface plate, it's really slow going.

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Nick
03-01-2020, 09:20 PM
More progress, rails installed, steppers installed on temp 3D printed mounts, temporary head and spindle.

First axis movements (Y axis not working):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAVXK-23kD0&feature=youtu.be

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Next steps:

Alignment, use mill to mill better mounts, mill permanent head BT30, servos, way covers.

Does anyone have any experience with the cheap AC servo's on aliexpress? In particular the 60ST-M01930? Not found much on these.

Has anyone bought way covers from aliexpress? I was thinking about getting some "Armoured bellow cover"?

Nick

Chaz
03-01-2020, 10:09 PM
Ive looked at the servos, Ill be getting some once we get this house buying marlarky done.

Congrats, commented on your video.

JAZZCNC
03-01-2020, 11:56 PM
Does anyone have any experience with the cheap AC servo's on aliexpress? In particular the 60ST-M01930? Not found much on these.


Where you located Nick.? Says E yorks.? Anywhere near Goole.

I've got some 400W waiting to go on a machine which are exactly the same drives and motors just lower power. So if you want to have a play with them on the bench your welcome to come over. For the money, they can't be beaten.

Edit: Actually just had thought.? They could actually be 600w I had set of 400w and 600w but fitted one set to a machine and I think they where the 400w. I'll Check when I get back to work on Monday.

Nick
05-01-2020, 11:51 PM
Chaz - First movements have been very rewarding, hoping the pace picks up now.

I'm near Hull about an hour from Goole, that's a very kind offer, it might be a while till I could get over. That's reassuring that you've got them to work. I'm having a hard time making sense of the Chinese-English hybrid manual. I would be using them in the "position mode" initially, have you had any issues with overshoot? Are you using "open collector input mode" or using the suggested "AM26LS31 similar line drive"? Or 0-10v? I found the below video, which was bit concerning having to play around with the internal PID settings...

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

Nick

JAZZCNC
06-01-2020, 04:33 PM
I'm having a hard time making sense of the Chinese-English hybrid manual. I would be using them in the "position mode" initially, have you had any issues with overshoot? Are you using "open collector input mode" or using the suggested "AM26LS31 similar line drive"? Or 0-10v? .

I've used both Analog and Differential inputs on these drives, both work ok but Analog does require more work with tuning if closing the loop back to the controller
If you're using a decent controller with Step & dir then you won't need to mess around with line drivers as it will provide differential outputs.


I found the below video, which was bit concerning having to play around with the internal PID settings...

Don't be concerned because it's quite normal to have to tweak the PID settings. Servos are tuned according to the load they have to move so it should be no surprise that some tweaking is needed as it's impossible for them to be tuned correctly at the factory or when sat on a bench.

To how much tweaking needed depends on many factors including Input Mode and how or where the loop is closed. If using full closed-loop back to the controller then affectively 2 Pids have to be dealt with. First, the motor needs to be tuned to the drive using the drives PID. Then the position loop for the Controller needs to be tuned using it's PID.

Don't be afraid of PID tuning it's not rocket science but does involve a bit of black magic to perfect. Mainly it's just tweaking few settings until it behaves how you'd like. Little patience is all that's needed.

Edit: Checked today and the motors are the 600W version.

Nick
03-02-2020, 08:30 PM
Jazz thank you for your post, this makes a lot of sense, you've reassured me re the servos. I've decided on using the analog interface with Linux CNC, mesa 7i92 and 7i77 with the controller closing the outer loop. I might need some help with the tuning. I've bought 600w for the X and Y, I have also committed to the BT30 spindle with a 1.8 kw servo.

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Waiting for the servo for the spindle, pneumatic cylinder and mesa cards.

Made a start on the pneumatics, I've gone with a "mist cooling" system using the water filter approach I found on the here, works well.

Got a lot of time consuming jobs done, filled the spindle head with epoxy granite, got the y-axis movement working. Made a few chips with jogging.

Next major problem is protecting the ways from chips, I've seen several designs. Would anyone be interested on collaborating on a way cover design?

I've seen a few designs:

Chris DePrisco made some with sheet metal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GSEayp8Ioo
This looks very labour intensive

This looks less labour intensive and less skilled, could potentially 3D print the sides: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2DJ8RQy4D4

This project (which is a bigger, much more polished version of mine) uses way covers from aliexpress (I found a link and I think they cost about £400), this could be emulated by putting sheet metal on cheaper bellow way covers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTC5gWVmt0o

Then the simplest option is using rubber or a fixed cover with acrylic. Thoughts on this?

JAZZCNC
03-02-2020, 09:47 PM
Don't overthink the way covers they don't need to have scissor mechanisms. Just let them slide so push-pull each other in and out. Many industrial machines use this method and it works fine, the Fadal machine I have here just uses the push-pull method. Your welcome to look at or copy these covers which are off the machine.

I'll take some pictures for you to see how they are made up.


I've decided on using the analog interface with Linux CNC, mesa 7i92 and 7i77 with the controller closing the outer loop. I might need some help with the tuning..

Do you have any experience of Linux CNC.? If not then get ready for a massive learning curve because with servos and closed-loop it's a different ballgame to Steppers. I'm very experienced with lots of controllers and I'm struggling big time with Linux CNC. Luckily I've got a Linux Guru in my camp working on it, hey Clive S . . :whistle::hysterical:

Nick
25-02-2020, 07:34 PM
I'll take some pictures for you to see how they are made up.


That would be great. I've put some rubber sheeting in for the moment.




Do you have any experience of Linux CNC.? If not then get ready for a massive learning curve because with servos and closed-loop it's a different ballgame to Steppers. I'm very experienced with lots of controllers and I'm struggling big time with Linux CNC. Luckily I've got a Linux Guru in my camp working on it, hey Clive S . . :whistle::hysterical:

Nope, It's been a massive learning cure. Very slow progress, hours of scanning the Linux CNC forum. You get stuck on silly things like setting up the home switches for what seems like hours. I gave up with stepconf and pcnconf wizard and just played around with the "hal" and "ini" files. I have however got Linux CNC working with steppers via a computer parallel port.

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I have made my first chips and broken my first end mill on the servo mount for the X-axis. There were lots of issues milling this the X-axis pulley keep slipping. It looks a bit rough, I left 0.5mm of axial so I had to file it down, no finish pass but I think it will be functional. Waiting for a new belt to try it out.

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5mm 2 flute end mill: RPM: 8000-10000 WOC 1mm, DOC 4mm, chip load per tooth around 0.04mm, feed 600mm/min
8mm 2 flute: RPM 8000-10000, WOC 1.6mm, DOC 8mm, chip load 0.05?, feed around 1m/min

I have got the china servo motors (analog) working with Linux CNC on the desk, closing the loop in control, it wasn't too painful to figure out. The mesa 7i77 card is really nicely made, nice manual, lots of IO.

If anyone is interested I will write a tutorial on getting the china servos working with Linux CNC, it might help with small things like I got stuck for a a good few hours before I realised I needed to set Pn146 to 0 on the servo.

Very brief video of first'ish chips

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzXHVFuu-qo

JAZZCNC
25-02-2020, 11:36 PM
I have got the china servo motors (analog) working with Linux CNC on the desk, closing the loop in control, it wasn't too painful to figure out. The mesa 7i77 card is really nicely made, nice manual, lots of IO.

If anyone is interested I will write a tutorial on getting the china servos working with Linux CNC, it might help with small things like I got stuck for a a good few hours before I realised I needed to set Pn146 to 0 on the servo.

Very brief video of first'ish chips

Bloody hell not joking when said video was brief I blinked and was done. . . :hysterical:


Regards Linux and Servo's how's the following error, have you checked it in hal scope.? . . . We are struggling (well not me but my guru) with the Step/dir to get full speed without throwing a following error.

JAZZCNC
29-02-2020, 03:13 PM
Hi Nick,

Here's those way covers I was talking about, pictures didn't do it justice so a little video shows it better. Hope it helps


https://youtu.be/aoHXJ9wZT-E

Nick
02-03-2020, 06:12 PM
Hi Nick,

Here's those way covers I was talking about, pictures didn't do it justice so a little video shows it better. Hope it helps


https://youtu.be/aoHXJ9wZT-E

Ah thank you very much, I see what you mean now, those look great, really simple design, just sheet metal and a few welds. I will give making some a go.

Following error wise. What speed are you aiming for? How have you found tuning the internal PI loops? I'm struggling to tune the servos. I'm just about at less than 10 microns f-error now on the X and Y, I am cheating slightly acceleration dropped a bit, speed reduced to 1500mm/m. I think my main issue is the servo speed and torque loops aren't tuned. The error got a lot better when I put in the inertia load into Pn257 after I ran the Fn018 mode to get the inertia ratio. I'm using gain adjustment mode 1 (Pn258) and then adjusting the "rigid grade selection" until I get oscillations / vibration. I found the linuxCNC tune very sensitive to FF1

I haven't worked out how to properly tune the internal PI's because I can't work out how to bring linuxCNC into open loop and then command a specific speed in LinuxCNC. I am thinking about using the internal speed command function and toggling this with push buttons. Say set it to 250, -250rpm and then I will be able to jog it back and fourth while looking at the HAL scope.

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Clive S
02-03-2020, 07:03 PM
I haven't worked out how to properly tune the internal PI's because I can't work out how to bring linuxCNC into open loop and then command a specific speed in LinuxCNC. I am thinking about using the internal speed command function and toggling this with push buttons. Say set it to 250, -250rpm and then I will be able to jog it back and fourth while looking at the HAL scope.

Nick. What mode are you using ie position or torque etc. Have you seen or read this:-

https://forum.linuxcnc.org/10-advanced-configuration/32367-servo-tuning-detailed-how-to

I am in the same boat as you and struggling with a following error when using closed loop. Changing closed to open loop is just one change in the hal file.
This is also my first time with halscope :whistle:

Nick
02-03-2020, 07:34 PM
Nick. What mode are you using ie position or torque etc. Have you seen or read this:-

https://forum.linuxcnc.org/10-advanced-configuration/32367-servo-tuning-detailed-how-to

I am in the same boat as you and struggling with a following error when using closed loop. Changing closed to open loop is just one change in the hal file.
This is also my first time with halscope :whistle:

Yeah, that's what i've been following, really useful. I also found the John Thornton guide's. Using speed mode, via a mesa 7i77, so linuxCNC is running the position loop.

I will try torque at some point I think. I'm sure the issue is with the drive speed and torque PI loops. How have you gotten on with setting the drive PI settings? I'f i put it in open loop I think the axis will drift and I don't think I could command an analog signal? or maybe I could?

JAZZCNC
02-03-2020, 07:57 PM
Nick, Clive is using Step & Dir Mesa card not Analog +/-10v using Position mode in the drive. He's using the same AASD Drive as you but 30A with 1.8Kw servo.

Clive S
02-03-2020, 08:24 PM
Yeah, that's what i've been following, really useful. I also found the John Thornton guide's. Using speed mode, via a mesa 7i77, so linuxCNC is running the position loop.

I will try torque at some point I think. I'm sure the issue is with the drive speed and torque PI loops. How have you gotten on with setting the drive PI settings? I'f i put it in open loop I think the axis will drift and I don't think I could command an analog signal? or maybe I could?

I believe that torque mode is more difficult . I am using step/dir not analogue which should be easier.

I will be away for a few days but will catch up on my return.

Nick
22-03-2020, 09:04 PM
Quick update:

Control box nearly done, MPG installed one of the cheap aliexpress ones, finally got an E-Stop. Its got space for 5 servos and 1 servo for a spindle, 3 installed. The 7i77 and one cheap parallel breakout board to drive 1 stepper (currently the Z axis, will hopefully rotate the tool changer)

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I tried to keep AC separated from low voltage, the 7i77 to servo connections are using twisted pairs, I ended up hand soldering these. I have tried to ground everything in one place. Some thoughts:

Those cheap ebay "crimp tools" are really effective. The "DB25 solderless connectors" on ebay were invaluable for checking the wiring to the AC servos and the MPG. I got a 800x600x210mm box, I wish I had gone for a 250mm depth the door is catching on the AC servo encoder connectors when closed. I will have to swap the cable trunking out for a deeper version I used 40mm, think I will go for 60mm or deeper.

Z-axis counterweight system next

Chaz
22-03-2020, 09:18 PM
Nice Nick.

I'm keen to hear your thoughts on those drivers / servos. Been looking them myself for whatever I build next.

Nick
23-03-2020, 09:23 PM
I like them, I would struggle to give you any real reason to get them though. There well priced, reasonably well built, a ton of settings and configuration options, I don't think I will use half the functionality they have. I got them running quite quickly in analog speed mode. Compared to steppers they sound quieter, you get encoder feedback, potentially better high speed performance, index for homing and integrated power supply.

Main issues have been tuning the servo without dedicated software and documentation, i'm still far off on this and i'm not really taxing the drives which is a bit concerning. I know Clive has been having problems with large >1mm following errors on high speeds with step/dir setup and there are reports of several people having some interference issues with using them in step/dir.

Clive S
24-03-2020, 12:00 AM
Main issues have been tuning the servo without dedicated software and documentation, i'm still far off on this and i'm not really taxing the drives which is a bit concerning. I know Clive has been having problems with large >1mm following errors on high speeds with step/dir setup and there are reports of several people having some interference issues with using them in step/dir.

Nick you are correct but I am in discussion with Peter he tell me the ping times are too high 0.35. I am now looking into that the PC I am using might be crap.

But not given up yet.

Chaz
24-03-2020, 09:22 AM
Nick you are correct but I am in discussion with Peter he tell me the ping times are too high 0.35. I am now looking into that the PC I am using might be crap.

But not given up yet.

0.35 milliseconds?

Nick
21-04-2020, 05:11 PM
Update:

I'm up to 3m/min rapid speed on X and Y, it will go a lot faster but the stand shakes and rocks. Got index homing, f-error < 0.03mm reliably, still not quite tuned but its working ok. I've got no idea on feeds and speeds, I keep stalling the 24k rpm spindle with larger end mills or gumming up smaller end mills.

Got the counter weight system in place now, went a bit over the top with the chain and mounts:

279142791327917

Which has meant I've finally got the Z-axis servo installed.

I think the next step is an enclosure, i'm using some Dexter like shower curtains at the moment chips are still going everywhere.

I'll get some designs done and see what you guys think

Chaz
21-04-2020, 05:20 PM
Update:

I'm up to 3m/min rapid speed on X and Y, it will go a lot faster but the stand shakes and rocks. Got index homing, f-error < 0.03mm reliably, still not quite tuned but its working ok. I've got no idea on feeds and speeds, I keep stalling the 24k rpm spindle with larger end mills or gumming up smaller end mills.

Got the counter weight system in place now, went a bit over the top with the chain and mounts:

279142791327917

Which has meant I've finally got the Z-axis servo installed.

I think the next step is an enclosure, i'm using some Dexter like shower curtains at the moment chips are still going everywhere.

I'll get some designs done and see what you guys think

Congrats. The Z belt looks loose from the pic - is it tight?

The 24K spindles dont have a lot of torque. What KW rating is it?


When you say 'larger' endmills - what size and what RPM are you running them at? You should run pretty much everything at 24K RPM. Below 12K RPM these spindle will stall, drilling becomes a challenge, so interpolation is the best option. Smaller End mills being gummed up is too little lubrication if doing Alu - a bit of WD40 and you should be sorted. On my 'old' 4KW Chinese VFD Id run it at 24K RPM all the time, just adjust the feed rate based on cutter diameter (up to 12mm) which is pretty much max unless you go for some interesting facemill / MT adaptor which Id be concerned about using on these type of spindles.

You can do a bit of tweaking in the VFDs but not a lot if you use the standard HY one. You can get better ones - but then you might want to consider a 380V spindle and use something like the Ecogogo VFD that does Vector and upconverts the voltage.

JAZZCNC
21-04-2020, 05:48 PM
I've got no idea on feeds and speeds, I keep stalling the 24k rpm spindle with larger end mills or gumming up smaller end mills.

What material are you cutting and what grade.? These spindles don't like large endmills or large drills, Not enough torque at the speeds required.
I pretty much exclusively cut Aluminium with mine and 8mm 3 flute works best. They will happily cut between 10-16K and will also drill at these speeds with drills up to 8mm thou I tend to turn up the RPM for drilling any way because of small drill size.

If you have Cam software that supports adaptive tool paths then use them because really suits these spindles with higher speeds n feeds and allows you to remove a good amount of material without stressing the spindle motor.

Regards the gumming up you are probably cutting to slow or even too shallow so your rubbing rather than cutting and overheating the tool. It's a common error people make when not used to cutting aluminum. Often They think it's the opposite and they are going too fast so slow it down or take even shallower cuts and it gets worse still.!!
That or you are trying to cut shitty 1050 series aluminum which is a nightmare to cut unless you cut through it in one go.?

It's a Similar thing with chatter.! . . don't slow it down, up the feed rate to push harder to increase tool pressure and it often goes away. Thou it's all a learning curve and each machine behaves slightly different and you tweak to suit.

Machines coming on nice..:encouragement:

Chaz
21-04-2020, 06:05 PM
Yep, look up adaptive or tricordial milling - best for these type of machines. They arent made to 'hog' material.

Nick
21-04-2020, 07:23 PM
Spindle - 2.2Kw, i'm using a mist cooler, pressurised coolant and air adjusted to make a large droplet mist. Aluminium all 6082

So it sounds like i'm doing a few things right but a lot wrong, i'm using adaptive tool paths in fusion.

The best success i've had is with 8mm 3 flute carbide end mill - 12000 RPM, feed 2.5 - 3m/min, DOC 5mm, WOC 20% this worked really well for a while but eventually it looked like it engaged a bit to much and stalled and broke.

I managed to break a 10mm end mill, similar settings, stalled really quickly (with hindsight i'm not sure why I did this). I've been using an aliexpress 12mm HSS rougher with good success recently with much smaller DOC to reduce load.

I've broken all my 3 flute 5mm /6mm end mills so far, best success was 16000 RPM, feed 1.2m/min, WOC 20%, DOC 2mm 0.025 feed per tooth.

I think your right with the rubbing, the chips didn't look very big with the 5/6mm cutters, i'm a bit concerned if I increase the RPM to 20-24k I would need to go at crazy feed rates? it looks scary going higher than 1m/min with a 5mm. What sort of feeds are you using at 24k RPM?

I could double the 5mm feed per tooth to 0.05, that would give 3m/min with 20k RPM? I could increase the RPM on the 8mm 3 flute: 16K RPM, 3.2m/min feed and reduce DOC?

Chaz
21-04-2020, 07:39 PM
Avoid 3 flute - 2 flute or less for Alu - unless you user roughers like this which work very well - https://www.shop-apt.co.uk/3-flute-roughing-carbide-end-mills-for-aluminium/roughing-end-mill-for-aluminium-10mm-diameter-3-flute-uncoated-carbide.html - can go 8mm too - cheaper / easier.

HSS wont serve you well, dont bother with it.

2500 - 3000 mm/min is quick. I wonder if your spindle will bog down with this. the WOC is nice and narrow - you could try that at 10% with even a deeper DOC but Id runs slower feeds on that.

You are probably going to find that the problem is that you cant get the chips cleared - 3 flute is not as good (unless using a rougher as it breaks the chips into things that look like oversized dust).

Those feeds would work on 3 flute but chip evac is an issue.

At 24K RPM on something like a 6mm endmill (2 flute) Id run along at 1200-1500 with 20% WOC and a 10mm DOC. Endmills like working deep when doing adaptive paths - use all the of the cutting surface. Then work out how fast / wide you can go. The smaller the endmill the faster you need to spin. I'd never run your 2.2 KW under 24K RPM on Alu - no point. Dont be scared to feed quicker but only if you can get the chips out.

For 2 flute id be looking at this range - https://www.shop-apt.co.uk/end-mills-for-aluminium-standard-length-2-flute-45-helix-uncoated-carbide.html - probably the 8mm or 10mm. Ditch the 3 flute stuff, its the main problem you are having.

JAZZCNC
21-04-2020, 08:45 PM
Avoid 3 flute - 2 flute or less for Alu -




I'd never run your 2.2 KW under 24K RPM on Alu - no point. Ditch the 3 flute stuff, its the main problem you are having.

Oh Shit all these years I've been doing it wrong.!!! . . . . Silly me why be worried about tool life or finish quality just wap it up to full chat and let it go.!! :stupid:

Chaz
21-04-2020, 08:55 PM
Oh Shit all these years I've been doing it wrong.!!! . . . . Silly me why be worried about tool life or finish quality just wap it up to full chat and let it go.!! :stupid:

We going there again?

Chaz
21-04-2020, 09:00 PM
Nick, before this descends into a shitfest, take whatever info you think is appropriate and see what works for yourself and your setup. Clearly some of us have different experiences and outcomes. Id prefer not for this thread to be ruined too.

The response could have been different but it wasnt. So will leave it at that. Feel free to call me if you want, you have my number.

JAZZCNC
21-04-2020, 09:13 PM
We going there again?

Nope.!! . . .but your talking shite again so it's very tempting.:encouragement::toot:

Chaz
21-04-2020, 09:26 PM
Nope.!! . . .but your talking shite again so it's very tempting.:encouragement::toot:

OK cool - I like the 'again' part. There was no shit in our previous coming together, not from my side, only the truth. I stopped - could have provided a lot more detail to question some of your responses but I thought better of it.

You just love confrontation and drama, don't you?

JAZZCNC
21-04-2020, 10:20 PM
OK cool - I like the 'again' part. There was no shit in our previous coming together, not from my side, only the truth. I stopped - could have provided a lot more detail to question some of your responses but I thought better of it.

You just love confrontation and drama, don't you?

Ye whatever.! :sorrow: :dejection::stupid:

Nick
06-05-2020, 12:09 PM
Thank you both for the advice. I have had a lot more success. I bought an array of end mills from shop apt. I have also been using single flute end mills that I saw used on a Datron machine, these seem to work quite well, there is a bit of chatter and they make funny sounds on ramping. I've even tried filming this.

https://youtu.be/wAAnl7nuGu8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzcaeC728n0&feature=youtu.be

I have noticed that my setup isn't as rigid as I thought, there is nearly negligible backlash if I move the table with no force but if I apply some force to the table I can move it about 0.05mm in x and y direction, I can get it to almost 0.1 if I really lean. I'm not sure where this is coming from, I think it might be the ballscrews / x-axis belt, i'm not sure how to isolate this? I know a lot of people were having issues with the ball screw BK12 mount bearings.

I have ordered some metal for the enclosure, I was going to try and bend sheet metal, but I've abandoned this idea and I am going to weld a frame and then bolt/weld sheet metal onto it. Not sure what to do about the doors yet, any ideas?

2806428065

Washout
06-05-2020, 01:29 PM
there is a bit of chatter and they make funny sounds on ramping. I've even tried filming this.

Is the "funny" sound you're hearing on ramp down for the pockets, that kind of crunchy gravel sound as the tool gets below a certain point? If so I'd wager that is the tool re-cutting chips which your air is not clearing out of the pocket. I've added a second air nozzle to my machine recently to try and combat some of this, as chips love to lie in the lee of pocket walls and hide from that airstream.

Hope that helps.

Chris

JAZZCNC
06-05-2020, 10:47 PM
100% it's re-cutting chips when spiraling down, you need lots more air to blow them out.

Nick
07-06-2020, 09:35 PM
Update:

Enclosure nearly done, the design I came up with was really stupid, it weighs loads and took forever. If I was to do it again I would used thicker sheet metal without a frame. Lots more work than I thought. I finally weighed the mill, comes out at about 700kg in total.

I changed the castors on the frame to support the weight and so I could level the frame, spent a lot of time deciding on these. Please ignore terrible welding.

28318

Mill pan:
28317

Mill on:
28315

Sides on:
28316


Next step is to put some polycarbonate windows in the sides and then finish painting, doors after...

Doddy
07-06-2020, 11:54 PM
Your welding is fine... it's your grinding that's awful :-)

Those FootMaster's are brilliant, have three sets holding up three big things (lathe, 2x mill bench and my welding bench). Aim-Tools are a pretty cheap source of them

Kitwn
08-06-2020, 06:30 AM
Your welding is fine... it's your grinding that's awful :-)



He's right Nick. Weld it like bird poo then grind it down, add car body filler as required, sand down to a smooth finish and paint over the evidence. Ask any cut-and-shunt car fixer.