center of a work piece.
Loading the Code
If you have not done so, go to the Kronos Robotics
website and download the test files for this
procedure. Using the File menu, load the G-code
file labeled “KReduCNC slowtest 10x8.txt.” Once
loaded, your Mach3 screen should look like the
one shown in Figure 18. To run the G-code, hit the Cycle
Start button shown in Figure 19. Your machine should
start to move. This particular program is a very small one I
wrote that uses the ability of the G-code interpreter to run
subroutines. It simply moves to each corner of the machine,
raises and lowers the Z axis, then
does it all over again forever, until
you stop the program by hitting the
stop button.
Let this program run for a couple
of hours. If your machine is losing
steps, eventually one of the axis will
start banging against something. If
this happens, stop the program, and
go back to the appropriate tuning
section and repeat the process.
If everything seems okay, you can
stop the program and load the G-code file labeled “KReduCNC fasttest
10x8.txt” and run it. This program
runs about four times faster. Let it
run for a couple of hours as well.
Important!
When running the tests, make
sure the wires going to the stepper
motors are clear to move without
rubbing. The X and Y axis motors are
stationary, so they don’t present
much of an issue. The Z axis,
however, is another matter. It will
have a tendency to rub against the
upper frame brace. Over time, you
could rub the insulation off the wire.
There are a couple ways to
prevent this from happening. You
can support the wires from
overhead, or you can put some sort
of sleeve over the wire. Split loom
tubing works well for this and is
available at most home centers in the
electrical section.
Conclusion
This completes the KReduCNC
tuning and break-in. Your machine
should be able to run smoothly and
accurately. Next month, we will get
the clamp table built and attached to
the machine. SV
14 SERVO 12.2016
A complete bill of materials, as well as additional information can be
found on my website at www.kronosrobotics.com/kreducnc. For any
questions or comments, please visit the SERVO Magazine forums at
http://forum.nutsvolts.com/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=17408.
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