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  1. #11
    MRob's Avatar
    Lives in Eastbourne, United Kingdom. Last Activity: 25-06-2018 Has been a member for 3-4 years. Has a total post count of 9.
    All these axis! OK so, two axis for positioning the tool (X and Y), then a rotary table axis on the tool (no idea what thats called... doesnt need continuous, maybe just change angle a couple of times per part). Then the workpiece spindle axis which should be able to both go at speed, and precision angle controlled (which I always thought was the C??).

  2. #12
    Quote Originally Posted by MRob View Post
    (which I always thought was the C??).
    There are VMC, HMC and Lathe Conventions, Mill/Turn adds complexity and a degree of the manufacturer making it up as they go along.
    On a lathe the main spindle is on the Z Axis.
    You think that's too expensive? You're not a Model Engineer are you? :D

  3. #13
    A conventional lathe has no Y axis ;-)
    You think that's too expensive? You're not a Model Engineer are you? :D

  4. #14
    m_c's Avatar
    Lives in East Lothian, United Kingdom. Last Activity: 2 Days Ago Forum Superstar, has done so much to help others, they deserve a medal. Has been a member for 9-10 years. Has a total post count of 2,908. Received thanks 360 times, giving thanks to others 8 times.
    Lathe axis are confusing.

    As magicniner says, inline with the spindle is the Z axis.
    Standard across the spindle line is the X.
    Y axis is typically if the entire X/Z axis can be moved (typically it won't be at 90 deg to the X)
    C is typically if the spindle can be positional controlled.

    Off course, by the time you get into that level of complexity, you're verging on mill turn, in which case it really does vary.
    I just tried searching for a suitable diagram, and have just learnt nobody really uses an A-axis on lathe (should be rotary around the X axis), and B-axis which should be rotary around the Y axis, is more likely to be used for the tailstock/second spindle housing linear Z movement.

    However I'm sure I've seen diagrams where the tool holders are mounted on rotational axis labelled A and B.
    Avoiding the rubbish customer service from AluminiumWarehouse since July '13.

  5. #15
    Back to the main question though -
    If you want continuous rotational positional control of your lathe spindle then you will need a sensor on the spindle and a motor/controller capable of the speed for conventional turning and also the hold for stationary and torque for slow mill-turn operations with live tooling, (that eliminates steppers) a controller capable of operating a brake on the spindle may be required.
    Given the power in a motor required for slow moves and stationary hold for live tooling, even with a brake you will need a higher power servo motor than you think (multiple rather than fractional horse), I think your proposed budget may require expansion, you'll only really find out when you start asking for quotes.
    Before you buy anything you should start with your chosen CAM software and proposed controller as this will have to deal with running the hardware and if your project ends up needing a 4/5 axis CAM and a genuine Fanuc controller you may find your budget not going far.
    You think that's too expensive? You're not a Model Engineer are you? :D

  6. #16
    MRob's Avatar
    Lives in Eastbourne, United Kingdom. Last Activity: 25-06-2018 Has been a member for 3-4 years. Has a total post count of 9.
    The circuit board side is my biggest worry... I'll focus on researching that for now then, really I am so clueless in that area it's embaressing. Hopefully I'll find some sort of bodge workaround instead of paying an arm and a leg. I mean I could pay more, but I kinda dont want to!

    Interesting with the power of the servo - looking on alibaba at similar 4 axis lathes with live tooling, they seem to be good with 3kW, which is reassuring.

    Re axis - OK I am using X, Z, C and maybe B. Got it!

  7. #17
    m_c's Avatar
    Lives in East Lothian, United Kingdom. Last Activity: 2 Days Ago Forum Superstar, has done so much to help others, they deserve a medal. Has been a member for 9-10 years. Has a total post count of 2,908. Received thanks 360 times, giving thanks to others 8 times.
    Dynomotion KFlop could handle what you're trying to do, provided you understand the kinematics involved, and aren't averse to a bit C programming.

    Mach could be used, but I think that would involve CAM being responsible for handling tool offsets/angles, as I don't think it can handle the tool offsests when you get into angling tools around.

    I'm sure LinuxCNC might be able to handle it, but I've got no idea how much it can do without getting deep into custom programming.
    Avoiding the rubbish customer service from AluminiumWarehouse since July '13.

  8. #18
    Quote Originally Posted by m_c View Post
    Mach could be used, but I think that would involve CAM being responsible for handling tool offsets/angles, as I don't think it can handle the tool offsests when you get into angling tools around.
    Once you move into 3D parts with 4 axes and above it's best to have your CAM handle all that, that way provided your machine model is accurate your simulation will be accurate, as will any machined parts saved out of your simulation as solids.
    You think that's too expensive? You're not a Model Engineer are you? :D

  9. #19
    MRob's Avatar
    Lives in Eastbourne, United Kingdom. Last Activity: 25-06-2018 Has been a member for 3-4 years. Has a total post count of 9.
    Bit of an old thread bump, but with regards to changing the tool angle, I can do this in Fusion for creating a cut, and I think I can add manual code for tool changes as well. I am tending towards LinuxCNC for its expandability and the number of axis it can deal with (if I want to add e.g. laser engraver later) - and also the price is right :). Hopefully I can do a macro or other Linuxcnc equivalent to handle the "tool change". Then perhaps I can also add in z and x offsets to position the cutter correctly as part of the macro, although I'm still a little fuzzy on that. Hell am still pretty fuzzy on all of this actually, but I am learning!

    Physically the tool change will be like a horizontal tool turret, with say only 3 or 4 actual tools on it (e.g. rough, final cut, and parting), but with the ability to lock at other angles. If done like a proper tool turret I could have e.g. 30 degree increments, but I could probably just make a rotary table with a brake on it and a geared stepper, should work - so long as it is rigid enough, and I'm pretty sure I can figure that out.

    Does this all sound reasonable?!
    Last edited by MRob; 29-03-2018 at 05:10 PM.

  10. #20
    Quote Originally Posted by magicniner View Post
    A conventional lathe has no Y axis ;-)
    Which confuses me as my digital readout on the lathe is X and Y. There again, the lathe functions perfectly well without a Z axis (do I hear a violin plaintively playing 'Hearts and Flowers'?)

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