Not Cutting Correctly

[bnguyen]

Good morning All,

I recently got a used 2010 PRS Standard and it's now it's finally assembled with a few test cuts.
I have the Partworks version 3.5 software running from the previous user and made a drawing to cut a plenum for a vacuum table, it the first major cut on the machine.
Everything looks right on the software paths and all, but when I cut the paths are jumping way off.
I'm not quite sure what the problem is but here is some more information to help better assess the situation.

1. I have not updated the software, maybe there's some miscommunication between the machine and computer?

2. I used a 3/8" bit using the setup for a 1/2" straight cut while just changing the bit size to the 3/8" size.

I appreciate the help since I have no idea what's causing the problem.

Thank you,
Binh

[scottp55]

Binh, Congrats on machine!
You need to post more info I think--some pics of the trouble spots would help also.
Probably a packet ET test to eliminate Comm issues(do a UT--read directions---then do a a 4" MX or MY move and then a UD to get packet info).
Exactly what do you mean by "jumping" around?
That's a fairly old SB3, maybe someone can recommend the best one for that machine if you don't want to go with Version 3.8.24(the latest I think).
Good Luck!
scott

[scottp55]

Oh, maybe scale back a little on feeds/speeds just in case you're losing steps in case the previous owner had his settings on the ragged edge.

[bnguyen]

Thank you Scott!
I'm not currently at the shop but I will take pictures of what I'm talking about. The cuts are at least 6-8 inches off of the position of where it's suppose to be. I'm doing pocket cuts for a plenum for a 48 x 96 gantry. The cuts start with a spine down the center and branch out on both sides. While doing the "spine" the cuts are centered but when the machine begins to branch off the cuts are out of position. I will send a image of the cut path.

[bnguyen]

Here's the image of the 3d cut path.

[srwtlc]

Binh,

Some things to check... Since it's a Standard, what are your feed/jog speeds set at (in the file during the cut)? If too high, you could be loosing steps. Once it's off position and you stop it, if you do a JH to jog home, is it at the home position or is it off? If it's off, your likely loosing steps/position during the cut. This can be due to feeds set too high for your machine or from too aggressive ramp settings. I'd recommend resetting the default values for your machine to be sure the ramps are at the default. Do this with a UR and choose the proper file for your machine. Also, does the tool move the commanded distance? If you tell it to MX or MY 10, 20, 30, etc., is that the distance it moves? If it's off, your unit values may be wrong. UR will take care of that too.

As far as versions go, either 3.6.46 or 3.8.26 will do. Control box firmware update is needed to go from one to the other.

[bnguyen]

Thank you both very much for the responses! I have not checked the feed but will do that today and see if that makes the difference. I hope this is the issue and suspect this may be the issue because when I return to the home position the zeros are off. This has happen in simple cuts (circle) also. I will also look at the unit value to check if all is correct.

I have posted a video below of the test cut that went wrong. Hope this helps!
Thank you again for the responses!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQ-rP3JGU7g&list=UUARL7OQr2LVYVcKidfK2tKg&index=1

[scottp55]

Binh, Link shows it as "private" so it doesn't show.
Computer illiterate here--is there a setting you can change?

[bnguyen]

Sorry here you go.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQ-rP3JGU7g&list=UUARL7OQr2LVYVcKidfK2tKg

[srwtlc]

Without sound and being that it's sped up, it's pretty hard to tell anything.

[bnguyen]

Gentlemen,

I took your recommendations and lowered the feed speed from 7 to 5 ips and not going as deep in the cuts (1/2" pocket to 1/4" with multiple passes). I also think the drawing that I did for this vacuum plenum table was probably corrupt or not drawn correctly, so it was getting lost once the cuts were branching out. I'm going back to the drawing board for a plenum for our vacuum table. Again, I appreciate all the help!

Binh

[scottp55]

Don't get disappointed Binh. Let us know if slower feeds/ Depth of Cut helped.
Drawing takes time, but it's never wasted as each time you get faster and the Vectric tutorials show me new "shortcuts" and "cat skinning" methods every time I draw along with them.
Forum searching and archives plus posting very specific questions will still be be your best new friend:)
Loose HDMI connection yesterday was driving me bonkers until I isolated it:) New shelf design vibrates just enough for connection to fault and gave me an error that it said it couldn't recover from. Blowing connection out and Firmly pressing connector in solved problem---Haven't decided yet whether final solution involves duct tape/bungee cord, or both:)
scott

[bnguyen]

Thank you Scott! This encouragement is very much needed. I simplified the drawing and was able to get a very clean cut while learning the necessary settings for this application. I am constantly playing with different drawings and testing them, to make sure what I draw is cut correctly. At times I feel like the progress is 1 step forward and 3 steps back but from your post I understand that the shopbot relationship is one that requires "nurturing" for long term rewards.

For example, I got the machine going and not the prox switch for the y is not working. Blew the connections, jiggled the connections, switched between the x and y,... I determined that its the wire. So now on the search for a new cable. I just tell myself good things require hard work.

Again, I appreciate the post and will keep you updated on the status of the machine.

Cheers,
Binh