4th Axis Software

matta

matta

Cue Snob
Silver Member
Updated: 4th Axis Software

** edit ** added the download link

I've been working on some software for those of us with 4th axis machines.

This piece of software creates g-code ring files* from basic 2d g-code files.

* ring files: I refer to them as ring files. I'm not sure what the technical term would be. A ring file would be a g-code file that cuts one female, rotates some, cuts another female, rotates again, cuts another female... and so on...

Download: http://rotator.gotdns.org/downloads/rotator.v.056.msi (Windows Installer)

Example 1:
example.01.jpg

8 indexes
1 input file: the dot


Example 2:
example.02.jpg

8 indexes
2 input files: the diamond and the dot


Example 3:
example.03.jpg

6 indexes
2 input files: the diamond/dot pattern and the dot

For more information, please see http://rotator.gotdns.org/
 
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Most controllers will support simple sub-routines. Once your write a few, you can use them over and over.
Here's a very simple 4 call.
G90
G00 A0.0
M98 P1 [m98=call program]
G00 A90.0
M98 P1
G00 A180.0
M98 P1
G00 A270.0
M98 P1
G00 A0.0
M02
O1 [program 1]
[end sub, begin normal g-code]
N3 G00 Z.1
N2 G00 X0. Y.04
N4 G01 Z-.1 F15.
N5 X1.85
N6 G00 Z.1
N7 Y-.04
N8 G01 Z-.1
N9 X0.
N10 G00 Z.1
M99 [m99=return to sub-routine]

Here's the same 4 call, but using 3 tools:

G00 A0.0
M98 P1
G00 A90.0
M98 P1
G00 A180.0
M98 P1
G00 A270.0
M98 P1
G00 A0.0
G00 Z1.5
M00 [stop for tool change]
M98 P2
G00 A90.0
M98 P2
G00 A180.0
M98 P2
G00 A270.0
M98 P2
G00 A0.0
G00 Z1.5
M00
M98 P3
G00 A90.0
M98 P3
G00 A180.0
M98 P3
G00 A270.0
M98 P3
G00 A0.0
M02
O1
[gcode here tool 1]
M99
O2
[gcode here tool 2]
M99
O3
[gcode here tool 3]
M99

Here's 8 inlays, only 4 of one size/shape and 4 of another.

G00 A0.0
M98 P1
G00 A45.0
M98 P2
G00 A90.0
M98 P1
G00 A135.0
M98 P2
G00 A180.0
M98 P1
G00 A225.0
M98 P2
G00 A270.0
M98 P1
G00 A315.0
M98 P2
G00 A0.0
M02
O1
GCODE
M99
O2
GCODE
M99
 
Sheldon, that's a very elegant solution. I actually do that on another machine.

However, I find this much more simple. No editting code. No chance of entering typos. I'll send you a copy and let you see what you think.

I'm trying to finish the installer at the moment.
 
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I would try to overcome the hazel of doing these things manually. Scripting is something I do in other programs, but for G-code there is so many good packages out there. I had a look at OneCNC which does everything, but then it costs.

Keep up the good work, I would follow you're work and have a look when my machine finally arrive and I'll get that 4th axis sorted.

N
 
Matt, this looks like a simple enough program to use. I have am looking forward to testing this and recomending to others. Thanks for adding the link.

Jim.
 
I'm having trouble downloading the msi file. If any of you have successfully downloaded it, would you mind sending it my way?

Thanks

my email address is the same as my username at gmail.com
 
dchristal said:
I'm having trouble downloading the msi file. If any of you have successfully downloaded it, would you mind sending it my way?

Thanks

my email address is the same as my username at gmail.com
Click to expand...


I've sent it to you in an email. Let me know if anyone else has a similar issue.
 
You could try putting it in a zip file. That will pass people's anti-virus, anti-whatever filters a little easier.
 
Contact

Sir,
I started looking at your program and I have some questions. Do you have a number where i can call you and talk to you?

V/r
Richard
 
rsmith_1972 said:
Sir,
I started looking at your program and I have some questions. Do you have a number where i can call you and talk to you?

V/r
Richard
Click to expand...

I'm on the way out the door to play league at the moment. Give me a call at work Monday. The number is 704.489.8360. Just ask for Matt.
 
Sheldon said:
You could try putting it in a zip file. That will pass people's anti-virus, anti-whatever filters a little easier.
Click to expand...

I've added a link to the zip file. That may help.
 
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