Milling, plotting, engraving, drilling, grinding, dispensing, cutting and much more besides with... WinPC-NC Economy ...the software that turns your standard PC into a universal stepper motor NC unit Version 2.
WinPC-NC Economy Lawful purchase of the diskette and the manual conveys permission for one person to utilise the WinPC-NC control program. Copying the diskette and the manual or changing any of the individual files or elements of the manual are forbidden. Furthermore any unauthorized transmission of the program or extracts of it will be legally prosecuted by all available means. The authors reserve all rights to the programs and to the manual, in particular the copyright.
WinPC-NC Economy Table of contents The structure of this manual................................................................................................5 Definitions...........................................................................................................................5 Use of typography................................................................................................................6 Various versions of WinPC-NC.......................................................
WinPC-NC Economy 4. Parameter settings...........................................................................................................40 4.1. Tool management....................................................................................................40 4.2. Speeds......................................................................................................................46 4.3. Coordinates............................................................................................
WinPC-NC Economy The structure of this manual ... This manual provides you with all the information needed for using WinPC-NC. It is divided into individual chapters, the contents of which are summarised below: Chapter 1: Brief explanation about WinPC-NC, the possibilities for using it and the hardware requirements. Chapter 2: Initial start-up procedure, description of how to install the program and how to adjust the initial specific parameters.
WinPC-NC Economy Descriptions of the machine and the movement directions of the individual axes are made with reference to the following mechanical layout of a flat-bed machine. The assignment of axes depend on your personal position and your viewport to the machine. Schematic layout of a flat-bed machine with your position aside Schematic layout of a flat-bed machine with your position in front of Use of typography Keyboard entries Normal script enclosed in a box, e.g.
WinPC-NC Economy Different versions of WinPC-NC The controlling program WinPC-NC is available in three different versions. Our lowcost program WinPC-NC Light offers all necessary functions for beginners, e.g. engraving, milling, drilling and PCB drilling or manufacturing modelling parts. WinPC-NC Economy is equipped with additional functions and offers with up to four axes a lot of special functions and provides support of extraordinary mechanical components.
WinPC-NC Economy What can WinPC-NC do ? 1. What can WinPC-NC do ? Universal program WinPC-NC is a software program which takes any standard personal computer and turns it into a universal NC control system for up to 4 axes. Does not require additional hardware WinPC-NC Economy is operating without any external hardware and is able to control a CNC machine or the drives directly by the controlling signals of the LPT printer port of the Windows PC.
WinPC-NC Economy What can WinPC-NC do ? Sample of a 3 axis milling plant Special features Special features of WinPC-NC Economy: • 32-bit arithmetic for an almost unlimited working range • according to industry standards it is controlling by clocking/direction signals any commercial steppermotor cards and producing stepping frequencies up to 24 kHz • as an alternative a version for the commonly known SMC stepper motor cards is available, however with restrictions of the card itself • jog mode in e
WinPC-NC Economy What can WinPC-NC do ? WinPC-NC main screen • extensive tool management function, tools can be selected individually, colors can be set, repetition and feed functions • speeds can be set between 0.01 and approx. 1000 mm/s • high-performance integrated editor • lots of external signals for synchronizing the procedure, e.g.
WinPC-NC Economy Also available for SMC800 and SMC1500 stepper motor cards i What can WinPC-NC do ? According to version WinPC-NC Economy is also available for the common SMC800 and SMC1500 stepper motor cards. When you order, please note that you have to indicate either clocking/direction or SMC version. Each version disposes of an individual motor signal, a reversal function of the program is not possible.
WinPC-NC Economy First steps 2. First steps 2.1. Requirements to hardware WinPC-NC Economy is able to control a connected CNC machine and the corresponding drives directly by the LPT printer port. In order to make this procedure possible, a real time driver has been installed in the lowest plane of the operating system providing the necessary timers and mechanisms. A faultless operation is therefore only guaranteed with Personal computers with certain minimum of requirements.
WinPC-NC Economy Please avoid background programs First steps Ill effects concerning realtime ability... • access to hard disks, diskettes and network system as well as wireless system actions • battery loading on notebooks or the constant monitoring and measuring of the battery capacity • virus scan and firewall programs in the background • Media-Player or other highspeed start-up programs awaiting in the background certain user actions.
WinPC-NC Economy List of files First steps The following files are installed to the target directory : WINPCNC.EXE WINPCNC.WPI or WTI WINPCNC.WPW or WTW WINPCNC.HLP WINPCNC.LNG WCNCCON.DLL README *.DLL *.PLT *.SMM *.DIN *.NCP *.EPS Control program Parameter file Tool file Help texts Messages and texts, multilingual Realtime driver Latest changes to the manual Some files needed in the system folders Sample NC files 2.4.
WinPC-NC Economy Screen layout First steps The title bar and menu bar are located at the top edge of the screen. The drop-down menus open from the menu bar. The quick speed buttons enable you to select important functions simply by clicking with the mouse.
WinPC-NC Economy First steps Display of the realtime module if the USB dongle has been correctly recognized 2.5. First setup and test moves Executing an intial test run with the motors there is nothing else to do than connecting the machine with the LPT port and checking or amending the occupation of the controlling signals. LPT port, pin layout WinPC-NC is using the following signals for motor actuation...
WinPC-NC Economy First steps • note the port address under which the LPT port is registered in the system. With onboard ports it is usually the port address 0378hex. Locating the LPT port by means of the device manager The detected port address has to be registered in WinPC-NC under parameter-ports- LPT.port address and complete the process by clicking the function keys SAVE and OK. After this procedure it should be possible to perfom a simple test run with function JOG or MOTOR TEST.
WinPC-NC Economy Operating WinPC-NC 3. Operating WinPC-NC 3.1. Graphical display of the NC file Graphical preview The graphical preview function in WinPC-NC is activated as soon as of the NC files an NC file is selected. All contours or vectors can be seen in the tool color. In addition, two rulers can be seen with the current dimensions and positions. The workpiece zero point is identified by a small black dot and the current machine position as a small red dot.
WinPC-NC Economy Operating WinPC-NC Graphical display of a 3D file with colored shading The following actions are possible on the graphical display : Zoom With the zoom function, it is easy to view certain sections of the screen in a magnified view. After you select the function by clicking the zoom button, the cursor appears as a cross and you can click and drag a rectangle to select the required area.
WinPC-NC Economy Operating WinPC-NC appears as a hand. With it, you can click and drag any point to move the image to where you want. The movement track is displayed as a line while you are dragging. Once you release the mouse button, the graphic appears in the new position to where you have moved it. Display original size Clicking this symbol restores the original size and position. This undoes all zoom and move actions.
WinPC-NC Economy Operating WinPC-NC Display with machine table and working area Set tools active/inactive All tools which are used in an NC file are displayed along the lefthand edge in the tool frame. They are shown using their current colors. A tool can be deactivated or activated simply by clicking the tool box. Switching in this way has the same effect as activating it in the parameters. Once tools have been switched, they immediately appear in the graphical display.
WinPC-NC Economy Operating WinPC-NC 3.2. Drop-down menus and function keys Modern interface WinPC-NC has a modern user interface. All functions can be activated by drop-down menus. In addition, frequently required functions can be activated quickly using the function keys or speed buttons. The drop-down menus are divided into several functional groups, e.g. all functions concerned with selecting and editing files are grouped together in one menu. All parameters and tools are set using another menu.
WinPC-NC Economy Operating WinPC-NC Open F2 Open without parameters Editor F7 Exit Press the alt (-D) shortcut key to open the file menu. FILE-OPEN File selection by menu The FILE-OPEN menu item calls up an interactive function for selecting a NC file. File selection dialog box In the dialog box, it is possible to change drives and folders, as well as to activate filters for certain file name extensions.
WinPC-NC Economy Operating WinPC-NC NC file in the integrated editor The editor can also be activated using function key (F7) or by clicking the editor button. FILE EXIT You can select the FILE EXIT menu item to exit WinPC-NC. Clicking the exit button has the same effect. 3.3.2. MOVE menu Functions for moving the machine The MOVE menu groups together all functions which are used for controlling the machine and the tool changing.
WinPC-NC Economy Operating WinPC-NC WinPC-NC controls the X and Y motors during move commands. The Z motor moves up and down during tool movement commands. All three axes can move at the same time in 3D files. Progress display During machining, a window displays the progress as a percentage. In additon the realtime file display is available where the current performed command line is marked by a cursor bar.
WinPC-NC Economy Operating WinPC-NC MOVE JOG The JOG menu item calls up the manual setup function for the machine. This function can also be accessed by pressing the (F5) function key or with the jog button. Jog function Exact movement In JOG mode, it is possible to move all motors step-by-step or with the keyboard continuously with the white arrow keys or with the mouse. Pressing or mouse a key briefly or clicking the corresponding direction button causes only one motor step to be performed.
WinPC-NC Economy Operating WinPC-NC WinPC-NC can move the axes endlessly, i.e. movement continues for as long as a key remains pressed. The axis brakes when the key is released and comes to a stop without any step losses. The second possibility involves moving discrete distances. Distances between 0.01mm and 100mm are possible, as well as inch dimensions. The currently set distance is displayed in the window.
WinPC-NC Economy Setting up the 4th axis Operating WinPC-NC If a 4th axis is available, the appearance of the jog dialog box is some what different. In this case, it also includes buttons for moving this axis slowly and quickly, as well as boxes for displaying the axis positions. Jogging with the 4th axis MOVE JOYSTICK JOGGING As an alternative to the mouse and keyboard, it is also possible to move the machine manually using a connected joystick.
WinPC-NC Economy Operating WinPC-NC Manual move with joystick MOVE-REFERENCE The function REFERENCE MOVE also called homing runs all axes to the reference switches in a defined sequence. Reference point of the machine Every axis starts moving at reference speed 1 and searches for the reference switch of the machine. Movement stops when the switch changes its level. Then movement starts at speed 2 in the opposite direction back away from the switch.
WinPC-NC Economy Operating WinPC-NC The dialog box contains the following possible functions : • Place an inserted tool in the magazine • Pick up a new tool • Measure the length of a tool • Identify the tool which has just been inserted As a rule, WinPC-NC always remembers which tool was used last and the status of the collet chuck. As a result, this information is retained over more than one session.
WinPC-NC Economy Operating WinPC-NC 3.3.3. PARAMETERS menu The PARAMETERS menu contains all the setting options for WinPC-NC. It is made up of several dialog boxes which contain the parameters grouped by function. Tools... Speeds... Coordinates... Miscellaneous... Data format... Machine... Signals... Macro... Interfaces... Save Save as... Load shift-F2 The shortcut key for activating the PARAMETERS menu is (Alt-P) . Clicking the parameters button has the same effect.
WinPC-NC Economy Operating WinPC-NC Saving parameters and tool settings Subdividing between two parameter files offers the advantage that all machine parameters only have to be saved once, and they only have to be saved in this file whenever changes are made. PARAMETERs SAVE AS... The second Save function allows you to enter any file name for the project parameters. In this way it is possible to produce parameter settings for various operating procedures or materials. PARAMETERS-LOAD...
WinPC-NC Economy Operating WinPC-NC Signal test Motor test Status information Joystick calibration Check position Teachin SPECIAL FUNCTION-SIGNAL TEST This test function can be used for checking the axis inputs of the controller, i.e. the limit and reference switches, as well as the outputs. Signal test Interactive testing of all inputs/outputs WinPC-NC continuously interrogates the limit switches and reference switches on all supported axes and displays their status.
WinPC-NC Economy Operating WinPC-NC SPECIAL FUNCTIONS-MOTOR TEST The MOTOR TEST special function is used for ascertaining the optimum speed settings. A window displays all parameters relevant to the step calculation. Motor test The required values can be entered in the parameter boxes, after which a test run can be performed immediately in order to check all parameters. Clicking the Move button causes WinPC-NC to move the selected axis continuously forwards and backwards.
WinPC-NC Economy i Operating WinPC-NC The optimum parameters for a stepper motor axis depend on many factors, e.g. the motor characteristic, the type of drive used (spindle or belt) and the load to be moved. SPECIAL FUNCTIONS-STATUS INFORMATION Informationen about the realtime module WinPC-NC Economy works only in conjunction with the realtime module WCNCCON.DLL. The special function Status information reads out and displays the version and serial number of it.
WinPC-NC Economy Operating WinPC-NC Joystick calibration SPECIAL FUNCTIONS – CHECK POSITION The CHECK POSITION function is another test function in WinPCNC. It can be used for checking the accuracy of the reference switches. Result of the position check Check reference position Relatively small step discrepancies may be due to the switches. Large discrepancies, on the other hand, indicate previous step losses.
WinPC-NC Economy Operating WinPC-NC SPECIAL FUNCTION-TEACHIN By means of the function TEACHIN simple programs in various formats can be created by moving and following the contours. Special function teachin Creating programs interactive The new program is displayed in the teachin window on the left side of the dialog. In the top part actions can be activated prior to the teachin process. The large window on the right-hand displays all available actions, e. g.
WinPC-NC Economy Operating WinPC-NC 5. Click on exit button and the program is automatically finished. 6. The new created program should be stored before leaving the function. Possible actions during the teachin process are as follows : Move line Moving to a new position. This moving step is either an operation in open curcuit with high speed or immersed with feed rate. Several lines can be teached successively and the function is left if no other movement has taken place.
WinPC-NC Economy Operating WinPC-NC HELP-LIABILITY The HELP-LIABILITY function displays a text with the license conditions and a disclaimer. Please read this information carefully before using WinPC-NC. HELP ABOUT WinPC-NC Activating this menu function displays information about the current version and revision number.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings 4. Parameter settings 4.1. Tool management Project-related tool management WinPC-NC has a user-friendly tool management function. It is possible to define up to 10 tools with specific values for each working project. The parameters are divided between several dialog boxes. WinPCNC stores all the values defined in these dialog boxes into the tool file using the PARAMETERS-SAVE menu function. Tool files have the *.WPW filename extension.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Color Colors in the graphical display The Color parameter for each tool is used in the graphical display of the data. As a result, it is easy to adapt the color display to suit your own requirements or to harmonize with the CAD program you are using. Clicking the colored box opens a dialog box in which you can select a new color. All colors supported by the current Windows display settings can be selected.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Plunge speed The plunge speed specifies the speed with which each tool is pushed into the workpiece. It is necessary to consider certain limit values here, depending on the material and the tool. Advance speed The advance speed or feed rate defines the working speed for each tool when the tool is pushed into the workpiece. This value is irrelevant for straightforward drilling applications.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Braking and acceleration always take place before and after tool movements. This parameter is irrelevant in straightforward drilling applications and is ignored. Tool dimensions Tool management (window 3) Plunge depth The plunge depth specifies the distance by which the Z-axis of each tool is moved downwards into the workpiece. The depth is defined in millimeters and is always measured starting from the plane of the zero point.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Repetitions Routing in stages Frequently, several passes are required when routing thick or hard materials. The parameters Repetitions and Z feed correction mean you do not have to restart a working process several times in succession using different plunge depths. The repetition always applies to a complete contour line or for a hole, i.e. WinPC-NC remembers every insertion point and returns to it after the tool is next withdrawn, in order to start the next pass.
WinPC-NC Economy Compensation of various tool lengths Parameter settings Working with different tools it usually does not happen that all tools are of the same length. Therefore it is considerably difficult to determine and observe the exact plunge depth. WinPC-NC is able to measure the various lengths of tools automatically and compensate them during operation. i Paramaters for tool length measurement are only available if the function is enabled.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Automatic length correction This parameter activates automatic tool length compensation. Having a separate parameter to enable this function makes it possible to restrict compensation to projects in which it is really needed. i Tools are not automatically measured after being changed. Instead, this measurement must be explicitly selected using the MEASURE TOOL function before each tool is used.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Speeds parameter Rapid speed Speed with the tool raised Rapid speed is used for moving to a new position with the tool lifted out of the workpiece. These are unproductive movements which WinPC-NC always moves at the fastest possible speed. Jog speeds These parameters specify the speeds during jog mode. Two speeds can be defined.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Reference movement of an axis Reference point of The edge of the reference switch defines the absolute machine zero the machine point or reference point for this axis. A low value should be specified for speed 2 so the movement ends with the shortest possible ramp when moving free. i WinPC-NC distinguishes between machine coordinates (with the reference position as their origin) and workpiece coordinates with the workpiece zero point.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Following settings are possible : Machine reset or program reset Only with restarting WinPC-NC it is possible to place back the override values to 100% New file Values are placed back by loading a new NC file Job start Reset of the values is made by the following start of an job process. 4.3. Coordinates In the Coordinates dialog box it is possible to define all parameters relating to dimensions, help points and the unit of measurement.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Working area and monitoring working area Software area monitoring The working area defines the section, e. g. for marking material dimensions. Limits are visible in the graphical display and it is immediately recognizable whether milling or engraving can be effected with the material piece. A check is made when job starts.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Park position Defined position for breaks It is necessary to define a park position if the machine slide is to be moved out of the working area at certain times. This may be necessary for a tool change, for example, or for clamping the workpiece. It is also possible to make this definition during jog movement by moving into position with the keyboard or mouse.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings The possible units are millimeters and inches. HPGL files are usually in units of 1/40 mm or 1 mil, while drilling data are usually in 1/100 mm or also 1 mil. EPS and AI files are in 1/72 inch. Units in the program The UNITS parameter defines the units for dimensions and speeds used in the graphical display and the parameters.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Mass production function Parameter for mass production Number of pices next to and apon each other These paramaters determine the numbers of pieces in rows apon and in column next to each other. Offset zero points This paramater defines the distance between the working pieces. The offset has to be slightly greater than the dimensions of the pieces.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Mass production with 5 times 2 parts Circular engraving Engraving on cylindric bodies By means of the 4th axis WinPC-NC is able to create round engraving on a cylindric body. Any Y-coordinate of the engraving data is calculated by means of the defined diameter and are moved by rotation of the 4th axis.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Y-axis is circular This parameter generally switches on or off the function for circular engraving. Diameter The diameter of the cylindric body is essential for executing calculation of the Y-coordinates and should be entered with greatest exactness. i Round engraving is only possible with data in HPGL format. Sample of circular engraving Tangential cutting An exisiting 4th axis can also be actuated by WinPC-NC as tangential axis for cutting tasks, e. g.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Parameter for tangential cutting Enable tangential axis The parameter Enable tangential axis is generally responsible for switching on or off the tangential axis function.If it is activated this function will also be considered during reference move. i Tangential cuts are only possible if the 4th axis is equipped with a defined reference switch or if a reference move has been carried out. Otherwise the user is asked to execute a reference move.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings With the parameter knife lift you can determine the height in millimeters, in which the cutter is lifted prior to rotation. This should be setted in the way to avoid damages of the material to be cut. Lift with PU/PD Lifting the cutter during rotations is normally directly effected by the program.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Data formats and associated parameters Data format WinPC-NC understands various NC data formats, and is able to import these files, display them and perform the movements on the machine. At present, the commonly used plotter format HPGL, MultiCAM, two drilling formats, G code (DIN/ISO) and ISEL NCP are possible. Furthermore WinPC-NC is able to recognize vector informations of postscript EPS and AI files, e. g. as created by various Adobe programs.
WinPC-NC Economy i Parameter settings WinPC-NC usually recognizes the format of the selected file automatically. Automatic identification of the format Usually most of the supporting NC formats are automatically recognized by WinPC-NC during file opening. It rarely happens that errors are produced in this way. If it should be the case they can be easily eliminated by switching off the identification function and by manual adjustment of the correct format.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Output signals with M commands In G code programs, it is possible to switch almost all outputs such as the spindle, cooling, etc.using M commands. This parameter prevents WinPC-NC from operating a signal automatically and forces it to utilize exclusively the M commands which are used. Otherwise, WinPC-NC would automatically switch on the spindle at the start of the process and switch the cooling on and off when lifting and lowering the tool.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings File display of realtime during a job 4.5. Miscellaneous parameters The miscellaneous parameters include various switches and other settings which are not assigned to any other group. Miscellaneous parameters Start and end position This switch specifies where the start and end point of each working process should be located. The machine also moves to the position after reference movement.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings There are 3 possible start and end positions : Stop WinPC-NC stops at the reference position after reference movement, and at the last coordinate after each job process Zero point The machine moves to the defined zero point after reference movement and after each job process. Park position WinPC-NC moves to the defined parked position after reference movement and after each job process.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Origin of Coordinates The zero point is at the coordinate origin, i.e. where the CAD programs places it for the output. N This setting is to be recommended if several files are being used on the same workpiece, e.g. routing and drilling a board or when using G code files. Center The zero point is in the middle of the workpiece, i.e. exactly in the center of the coordinate dimensions in the X and Y-axis directions.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Display as drilling job with marks showing insertion points Z-axis clipping When the Z-axis clipping function is activated, WinPC-NC monitors the maximum Z-axis depth and cuts off all deeper movements at the working area limit. Password and period of validity This parameter acitvates a password which must be entered prior to change the parameters or a loaded program. The password is fixed.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Partial display of a file with marking Save last positions WinPC-NC can save the current machine position after each movement and job. This is meaningful if the machine works without reference switches or if it is not always possible to carry out a reference movement. The position values remain unchanged even after exiting or restarting the program. Enable resume job WinPC-NC can continue operation of an interrupted job exactly at the interruption point.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Button orientation Adapting the movement direction of the buttons It is possible to use 4 settings to rotate the X and Y-axis directions through 90 degrees at a time in order to adapt the orientation of the movement buttons in jog mode to take account of the machine orientation. Button orientation position 0 Button orientation position 1 Positions 2 and 3 turn the X and Y buttons through further 90 degree steps.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings 4.6. Ports Port parameters Joystick If you want to use a joystick to set up the machine, you must use this parameter to define the game port used. i A connected joystick must be configured in the Windows system prior to use and must be calibrated with a special function. Address of LPT port Address of the LPT port WinPC-NC Economy actuates a connected machine directly by the existing printer port without requirement for additional hardware.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings • select with the right mouse button the function properties and then resources • note the port address under which the LPT port is integrated into the system. For internal ports the port address usually is 0378hex. Identification of the LPT port address by the device manager The detected port address has to be registered in Win PC-NC under parameter-ports-address of LPT-port. The procedure is finished by clicking Save and OK.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Signal parameters Input signals Synchronization with various sensor signals WinPC-NC can synchronize the job sequence with various input signals. The option of activating these signals depends on definition and assignment of the signal transmissions and inputs.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Automatic repeat Perform the process repeatedly When the start signal is active, it is possible to use this parameter to make WinPC-NC wait for the next start signal as soon as it finishes a working process. This means no input from the keyboard or mouse is required. Dwell time after Z up and Z down In many applications, it is a good idea or indeed a requirement to wait a moment after the tool has been lowered or raised, before starting X and Y-axis movements.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Machine-specific parameters Axis resolution The resolution boxes define the number of motorsteps per rotation. If you are using gear units or step down/step up ratios, you can enter the calculated values here directly. The unit is steps. Distance per rotation You have to use this parameter to define what distance is moved during one motor rotation. Defining the axis resolution with two parameters offers the advantage that no calculation inaccuracies can arise.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Maximum start/stop speed The start/stop speed specifies the fastest possible speed with which the stepper motors can start up without ramps. The value is important for calculating path control, because braking at sharp edges or corners does not have to be to a standstill, but only down to this start/stop speed. Start/stop speed and ramps The optimum value can be ascertained with tests, e. g. by the function MOTOR TEST.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Invert movement direction There are two possible remedies if one of the motors is moving in the wrong direction. Changing over the movement direction Either swap over the motor winding connections or change the movement direction with this parameter. The direction signal for controlling the motor is then inverted before being output. Reference switch This parameter enables you to define in which direction the axis is moved in order to search for the switch.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings The spindle speed is generated from WinPC-NC Economy on the data byte (pin 2-9) of the second LPT port. Clocking pulse length Signaltiming Controlling stepper motor drives is usually executed by brief clocking impulses. The pulse duration is susceptible by this parameter and they are always generated for at least 10µsec. These impulses may be to short to be recognized by the electronics when using specific input filters or opto-couplers.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Machine bed dimensions and area monitoring Machine size The effective movement area of the machine can be defined using these parameters. If area monitoring is activated, WinPC-NC checks and monitors these limits during subsequent movements, including jog movement. A parameter activates or deactivates monitoring of this limits. Reference point position As a rule, the axes positions are reset at the reference switches during a reference move, i. e.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Checking reference switches Reference move exclusive with vacant switches Prior to a reference move the parameter induces WinPC-NC to check the switches. Only if each defined switch is vacant a reference move can take place. This test makes sense if several reference switches are connected on the LPT port by a single input line and if it is not possible for WinPC-NC to recognize the axis currently placed on its switch.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Axis resolution/distance per rotation The resolution parameters operate in the same way as the standard X, Y, Z axes. If you enter 360 or 36 as the distance per rotation, then you can program the 4th axis as a rotational axis in degrees or 1/10 of a degree. Homing offset The homing or reference offset defines the angle differential from the zero position after moving clear of the switch.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Enable special functions Enable or disable special functions in WinPC-NC Economy There are some special functions in WinPC-NC Economy which are not activated by delivery. The enabling or disabling of these functions is possible with these paramaters. i Enabling or disabling of special functions is only possible by restarting the program WinPC-NC.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings 4.9. Macros The macros function in WinPC-NC offers you a powerful tool for individual adaptations to an extremely wide range of different mechanics and applications. User-definable macros enable the working sequence to be influenced and configured in many respects. i Flexibility with macros In order for macros to be used in WinPC-NC, they must be enabled as a specila function. WinPC-NC always stores defined macros in the WINPCNC.
WinPC-NC Economy Parameter settings Editing buttons Creating macros Example 1 Release tool These allow the current macro command to be deleted, replaced or a new command can be added Macros are defined in a procedure made up of several steps: • Select a program condition by double-clicking in the left-hand list box. This is the program condition for which the macro is to be defined. The top right list box then either displays an existing macro or No macro defined.
WinPC-NC Economy i Parameter settings Please note that certain macro commands like offset or macros for certain additional functions, e. g. automatic tool changer, are only usable by WinPC-NC Professional. Do not operate signals automatically Outputs automatic or with macros Normally, WinPC-NC operates a few output signals automatically. For example, the Job in progress output is set at the start of a working process and reset at the end or after a cancel.
WinPC-NC Economy Initial start-up with the machine 5. Initial start-up with the machine Machine adjustment After software installation on your PC it is necessary to carry out some start-up processes and corresponding adjustments. This procedure is only necessary with the initial start-up procedure and generally relates to the adjustment of your machine.
WinPC-NC Economy Initial start-up with the machine Assignment and application of the possible input/output signals concerning the existing port pins is characterized in the following chapter. For an initial start-up, you do not require any signal input or, to simplify matters, you can use the predefined signals. i Please note ! The software WinPC-NC Economy is a controlling component only and used within a unit.
WinPC-NC Economy Pinning LPT2 Initial start-up with the machine Pinning of the second optional LPT port is as follows: Pin 2-9 output analogeous output, 256 degrees binary coded Pin 1 Pin 14 Pin 16 Pin 17 output output output output vacant vacant vacant vacant Pin 10 Pin 11 Pin 12 Pin 13 Pin 15 input input input input input vacant vacant vacant vacant vacant signal mass (0V GND) Pin 18-25 User definable additional in-/outputs All inputs on PINs 10, 11, 12, 13 and 15 as well as the additional P
WinPC-NC Economy Initial start-up with the machine Pin 10 Pin 11 Pin 12 Pin 13 Pin 15 input input input input input Pin 18-25 vacant reference switch vacant vacant vacant signal mass (0V GND) Port LPT2 is used analogously to clock/direction version and can liberally be assigned on the in- and outputs. Further technical information concerning controlling SMC cards can be learned from documentation of the card.
WinPC-NC Economy i Initial start-up with the machine Incorrectly setted axis resolutions cause dimensional inaccuracies and inexact speeds. 5.3. Definition of LPT port By the next step you have to define in WinPC-NC Economy the used LPT port respectively to determine its internal port address. Ascertainment of LPT port adress In order to ascertain the port address you have to activate the device manager in the system control. Please carry out the following actions: 1.
WinPC-NC Economy Initial start-up with the machine The detected port adress has to be registered in WinPC-NC under paramater machine-signals-port addresses followed by clicking Save and OK. After this process a simple test run with the function JOG MOVE or MOTOR TEST should be possible. Please act with the greatest possible care and be always aware of uncontrolled machine movements. If the axes do not move smooth or move at all, just increase the clock length parameter step by step.
WinPC-NC Economy Initial start-up with the machine Error Possible cause Solution Movement of the Incorrect port pinning wrong axis Control and adjust the port pinnings Axis X moves Direction signal works always in with incorrect logic opposite direction, i.e. moves to the left by activated right-hand arrow and the other way round Change the parameter INVERT MOVE DIRECTION under machine parameters After checking the X-axis a further test of the both other axes is advisable.
WinPC-NC Economy Initial start-up with the machine 5.5. Adjustment of the reference switches The way of function of the limit and reference switches can easily be checked with the special function SIGNAL TEST. After activating this function a window appears with LED display for the most important inputs. Special function SIGNAL TEST with LED displays of the most important inputs Manual activating After manual activating the switch of your machine please observe of the switch the reactions on the screen.
WinPC-NC Economy Initial start-up with the machine A detailed description of the signal wizzard and the possibilities for defining and setting the inputs and outputs is listed in the next chapter. 5.6. Sequence and direction of reference move In the following step settings for reference move of the machine are stipulated. Please carry out the following steps: 1. Open parameter dialog box parameter-machine 2. Under reference switch at pos./neg.
WinPC-NC Economy Initial start-up with the machine Error Solution Axis moves into wrong direction Define the reference switch at the other end Axis moves into correct direction, but very slowly Switching logic has been adjusted incorrectly and has to be inverted and define the reference switch at the other end Axis moves slowly into correct direction, but stops on the switch Switching logic has been adjusted incorrectly and has to be inverted and define the reference switch at the other end Axis m
WinPC-NC Economy Signal wizzard 6. Signal wizzard 6.1. Using input and output signals One of the most essential functions of WinPC-NC is the management of input and output signals. Input and output signals By means of inputs many useful functions have been implemented, e.g. • Monitoring of the axes by limit switches • Moving reference and thereby calibration of the axes • Synchonization with various signals, e.g.
WinPC-NC Economy Integration of the signals Signal wizzard WinPC-NC is able to manage a lot of different signals, certainly all inputs and outputs are not reqired for each task. In this way it is quite simple to assign the required signals to the available supplies of the LPT printer port using the signal wizzard. Each LPT printer port disposes of 5 input lines at the pins 10, 11, 12, 13 and 15 and 4 additional output lines at the pins 1, 14, 16 and 17.
WinPC-NC Economy Signal wizzard Interactive signal testing 4. Click to the function Done and change again into the window of the signal wizzard. Select now the corresponding input signal in the lefthand window (e.g. I235 reference switch X) and open the drop-down menu below in order to assign the pin number (e.g. LPT1 Pin11). Assignment of pin numbers to the input lines 5. With normally open contacts (color change from black to red) always select the normal pin number.
WinPC-NC Economy i Signal wizzard With inputs WinPC-NC reacts only to a HIGH level. Please take care that the switching logic with the possibility for inverting is assigned in the way that an activated switch generates a HIGH level. 6.3. Assignment of output lines Assignment of outputs The assignment of outputs is similar to the assignment of inputs. Please carry out the following steps : 1. Connect the required cables to the available pins and use for control purposes a LED light or a lamp. 2.
WinPC-NC Economy Signal wizzard Assignment of the pin number for output lines 6. Proceed in the same way with all other required input signals and finally save the settings. 6.4.
WinPC-NC Economy Signal wizzard 6.5. Output signals available Possible outputs WinPC-NC is able to manage the following output signals : Output signal Q255 Ready Q251 Axis moves Q250 Boost Q242 Spindle Q243 Cooling Q244 Dispensing Q245 Purging with compressed air Q246 Job works Q249 Spindle lefthand/righthand Q100-107 Output Mxx Q220-230 vacant Assigned actions Indicates whether the controlling software is ready with HIGH level. In the case of error the output turns to LOW.
WinPC-NC Economy Additional Information 7. Additional Information 7.1. Interpreters At present, interpreters are implemented in WinPC-NC Economy for serveral NC data formats. • • • • • • HPGL Drilling data Multicam G code (DIN/ISO) ISEL NCP Postscript (vector information in EPS and AI files) 7.1.1. HPGL-Interpreter Plotter data with the HPGL Interpreter The HPGL interpreter recognizes the most important commands in HPGL plotter language.
WinPC-NC Economy HPGL Syntax Additional Information The following commands represent a valid HPGL data file : PA [x,y[,x,y]]; PR [x,y[,x,y]]; PU [x,y[,x,y]]; PD [x,y[,x,y]]; SP x; IP x,y,[,x,y]; SC x,y,x,y; CI r[,a]; AA x,y,a[,c]; AR x,y,a[,c]; Move to absolute position(s) Move to relative position(s) Lift and move tool Lower and move tool Select tool Define scaling points Define scaling factors Draw complete circle Absolute arc Relative arc In addition, the interpreter recognizes the following command
WinPC-NC Economy Additional Information 7.1.2. MultiCAM-Interpreter HPGL extended with 3D commands The MultiCAM format is a 3D expansion of the HPGL standard. It includes all previous HPGL commands and some additional ones by means of which the Z-axis can be moved synchronously with the other axes. A differentiation is made between 2D and 3D modes. There must always be 3 coordinates in 3D mode, i.e. one for the Z-axis as well.
WinPC-NC Economy Additional Information The drilling formats prescribe the following syntactical rules, amongst others, which must be observed when creating or revising the data. • • • • Every command must be in its own line If coordinates and a tool command are contained in the same line, then the tool is changed first before drilling takes place at the position The coordinates can also include a decimal point, e.g. X123.
WinPC-NC Economy Additional Information G19 G70 G71 G90 G91 G98 M commands M00 M02 M03 M04 M05 M06 M07 M08 M09 M16 M30 M66 M70 M71 M72 M73 M74 M75 M76 M77 M-70 M-71 M-72 M-73 M-74 M-75 M-76 M-77 Other Plane YZ Dimensions in inch Dimensions in mm Absolute position information Relative position information Define subroutines Program halt End of program Spindle on, clockwise rotation Spindle on, counterclockwise rotation Spindle off Change tool Coolant on Coolant on Coolant off Wait for input, input number
WinPC-NC Economy Example: Square with rounded corners Additional Information %prog2 N001 G90 N002 G71 T1 M6 N003 G00 X110 Y100 Z10 N004 G01 Z11 N005 G01 X190 N006 G03 X200 Y110 J10 N007 G01 Y190 N008 G03 X190 Y200 I-10 N009 G01 X110 N010 G03 X100 Y190 J-10 N011 G01 Y110 N012 G03 X110 Y100 I10 N013 G01 Z10 N014 G00 X0 Y0 Z0 N015 M30 Start of program Absolute coordinates Dimensions in mm, tool 1 Speed to 1st position Plunge movement with Z Feed movement in straight line Arc about center point etc...
WinPC-NC Economy Example: Drilling cycle as subroutine Additional Information %prog2 N001 G90 N002 G00 X110 Y100 N003 L1 N004 G00 Y110 N005 L1 N006 G00 Y120 N007 L1 N008 G00 X0Y0 N009 M30 N020 G98 L1 N021 G01 Z20 N022 G00 Z0 N023 G01 Z25 N024 G00 Z0 N025 G01 Z30 N026 G00 Z0 N027 G98 L0 Start of program Absolute coordinates Rapid traverse to 1st position Call drilling cycle Next position etc... End of program Define drilling cycle End of subroutine 7.1.5.
WinPC-NC Economy Additional Information Program and graphical display of an ISEL NCP program 7.1.6. Postscript interpreter As an additional interpreter a postscript import filter has been implemented in WinPC-NC which filters vector information out of common postscript files, e.g. as it is created by Adobe Illustrator® or Corel Draw®. Other postscript informations in the files are uninteressting for CNC processing and are disregarded. Please create PS files always without header.
WinPC-NC Economy • Additional Information HPGL syntax error There is an invalid HPGL command in the plotter file. It does not correspond to the syntactical rules and therefore cannot be processed by WinPC-NC. • Connection canceled The connection to the DLL-controller is interrupted. This can happen when other window programs or drives interfere with the realtime tasks. • Status stack full/empty An internal error has occurred in WinPC-NC.
WinPC-NC Economy • Additional Information Communication failed / Timeout Communcation of WinPC-NC interferes with the realtime-DLL. Please report this error to the program authors, providing as many details as possible. • Protection hood not closed The protective hood or another protective device has not been closed and therefore no process can be started. The machine can still be set up.
WinPC-NC Economy • Additional Information Maschine positioned on the reference switch You intend to execute a reference move, however there is at least one axis already positioned on the reference switch. Start moving back all axes from the switches by manual operation. • Cannot install file WinPC-NC tried unsuccessfully to install a file. Possibible causes are insufficient memory capacity or missing allowance for access in the current register.
