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Hickory implement C-axis for lather?
Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2024 3:33 pm
by andrkorb
Sorry for my stupid questions but I'm hobbyist. I bought Hickory for my lathe conversion on CNC, looking what doing Uwe I'm really impress, so I decided implement C-axis for my lathe. Could you pls let me know If I need something more than mentioned below:
- upgread licence to Ultimate
- aditional servo drive (etherCat) for C axis,
- mentioned servo for C-axis can work as spindel as well?
Thx for support
Andrzej
Re: Hickory implement C-axis for lather?
Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2024 5:07 pm
by centroid467
You should be able to set up a C axis with Hickory with a separate servo drive and a way to disconnect it from the spindle like Uwe's clutch setup. You will probably need to work on some macros and/or PLC code for the changeover between C axis and analog spindle mode.
Otherwise, you can use a servo that has analog inputs and switch between EtherCAT position and analog velocity modes. You'd have to power down the servos and therefore the Hickory to do this. I know the Delta ASD-B3A series will work for this application. I don't know off the top of my head if you will have to wire the encoder signal from the drive to the Hickory's encoder inputs but it seems necessary at this point. Regardless, this method is going to be annoying.
There are some new features in development that might make this easier with Hickory but they will not be available for some time so your best bet is to do the clutch or other disconnection system for automated changes between the two drives.
Re: Hickory implement C-axis for lather?
Posted: Tue Nov 12, 2024 4:37 pm
by andrkorb
centroid467 wrote: ↑Mon Nov 11, 2024 5:07 pm
You should be able to set up a C axis with Hickory with a separate servo drive and a way to disconnect it from the spindle like Uwe's clutch setup. You will probably need to work on some macros and/or PLC code for the changeover between C axis and analog spindle mode.
Otherwise, you can use a servo that has analog inputs and switch between EtherCAT position and analog velocity modes. You'd have to power down the servos and therefore the Hickory to do this. I know the Delta ASD-B3A series will work for this application. I don't know off the top of my head if you will have to wire the encoder signal from the drive to the Hickory's encoder inputs but it seems necessary at this point. Regardless, this method is going to be annoying.
There are some new features in development that might make this easier with Hickory but they will not be available for some time so your best bet is to do the clutch or other disconnection system for automated changes between the two drives.
Thank you for your advice. It seems that implementation of C-axis must wait until Hockory will be updated with new features
Re: Hickory implement C-axis for lather?
Posted: Tue Nov 12, 2024 7:33 pm
by suntravel
I would use a spindle drive with -10/+10V and a Servo with clutch and gear reduction for C-axis.
This way you do not need an oversized spindle drive for low end torque and you will have a better resolution for the C-axis because of the gear reduction.
Uwe
Re: Hickory implement C-axis for lather?
Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2024 3:41 pm
by cnckeith
suntravel wrote: ↑Tue Nov 12, 2024 7:33 pm
I would use a spindle drive with -10/+10V and a Servo with clutch and gear reduction for C-axis.
This way you do not need an oversized spindle drive for low end torque and you will have a better resolution for the C-axis because of the gear reduction.
Uwe
exactly, Hickory is ready to go and has C axis support for a dedicated C axis servo motor.
one of my favorite C axis Servo "clutch" designs is not a clutch at all but, a simple slide that engages the C axis servo directly to the Lathe spindle via a pneumatic slide, c axis servo has a polyurethane drive wheel on the motor shaft and the spindle has large diameter knurled ring mounted to the spindle shaft.
Re: Hickory implement C-axis for lather?
Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2024 3:54 pm
by cnckeith