. .
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
  1. #1
    I bought a 3020 mill primarily for making PCBs and small panels and I think I might have an accuracy problem creeping in somewhere in my operation or setup. Here is my routine:

    1. Export tracks HPGL milling file from CAD program.
    2. Export outline HPGL milling file from CAD program.
    3. Export Excellon drilling file from CAD program.
    4. Import tracks milling file to SheetCAM, set outside contour routing operation and save job then save TAP file from post processor.
    5. Import outline milling file to SheetCAM, set outside contour routing operation and save job then save TAP file from post processor.
    6. Import drilling file to SheetCAM, save job then save TAP file from post processor.
    7. Load tracks milling TAP file into Mach3 and do.
    8. Load drilling TAP file into Mach3 and do.
    9. Load outline milling TAP file into Mach3 and do.



    Is this something that a Smoothstepper would sort? Or some other problem?

  2. #2
    Not sure what's going on but the drilled holes all look offset to the right!
    Maybe a zero positional error when you loaded the drill!
    Just a thought!

    peter

  3. #3
    Try exporting all as one file out of Cad then make your individual tool-paths in sheet cam move tap files to Mach3 keeps everything in same 0 position.


    Errors can creep in if you split up the cad file.

    Phill

  4. #4
    I've done two boards, first had holes offset mainly too low, this board I added 0.25mm offset but it also had a right offset it seems too.

    When changing tools or loading TAP files, the same instance of Mach3 is running so should still be in the same place?

  5. #5
    Why use an offset? if you create your tracks in cad with the given clearance between and place holes where needed then export or import into sheetcam, select all holes make toolpath, select all tracks make toolpath, export individual taps files into mach job done they all reside on the same Zero centre.

    Phill

  6. #6
    Just done a google on Excellon Ref: Excellon format - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

    (Furthermore, the implementation of Excellon output in CAD is often poor, resulting in problems such as poor registration between the drill and the image.)


    Could be your problem.

    Phill

  7. #7
    Thanks for that. The ref point seems to be the same across all 3 files. I didn't know that about Excellon files not being that accurate, and with the drills moving seemingly randomly it could be the answer.

    I'm not sure if I can export a Gerber file showing drill data though. It's only a basic CAD package.

  8. #8
    OK, after a quick check my software will export Gerber RS-274X which can includes hole data if I tick the box on exporting. Now my problem is how to I convert this into a drill file for my mill?

  9. #9
    Thinking about this overnight, I have made similar boards previously using the exact same method on two different friends mills, and those did not have the problem. Could it be an issue with my drive controller?

  10. #10
    Quote Originally Posted by richie00boy View Post
    Could it be an issue with my drive controller?
    Chances are it won't be a drive problem. Looking at the holes offsets and the fact they offset consistently it's More likely to be either a lose coupler slipping or you have acceleration set to high in Mach causing it to jump the odd step on direction changes.

    Post the tap files and will check for you. Will combine into one G-code file and then you'll see on the screen if holes are offset or whether the machines causing the problem.

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. Tool diameter accuracy
    By Neale in forum Tool & Tooling Technology
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 05-03-2014, 11:18 PM
  2. Replies: 25
    Last Post: 01-10-2013, 05:17 PM
  3. Machine bed accuracy
    By Colin Barron in forum Gantry/Router Machines & Building
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 03-11-2010, 11:24 AM
  4. Cheapo Leadscrew with minimum accuracy requirement!
    By Vikash in forum Lead Screws, Nuts & Supports
    Replies: 16
    Last Post: 06-10-2010, 11:17 AM
  5. Ball Screw Accuracy V Price
    By Wobblybootie in forum Lead Screws, Nuts & Supports
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 02-01-2010, 11:55 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •