Denford Software & Machines

I've been having a problem with VR milling or my machine where it will plunge into the work piece when trying to perform an arc procedure.

I've simulated the code in loads of different software (but not VR milling as my pc is under powered) and it all looks fine.

I've attached my gcode in the hope that someone can help me.

Thanks,

Dan

What machine are you running on? doesn't say in the file.

Pete

Hi Pete,

Its a Triac PC using VR MIlling 5.49.

thanks,

Dan

Following some research it looks like the Triac PC doesnt support Plane selection commands G17 G18 and G19.

Is this correct?

Are you importing DXF to VR5 and getting it to do the G code? If so you would think that VR5 would only use valid codes for the machine. Having said that I have thought some of the things in VR5 and its post processing compared to VR2 and associated software produced different files/code for the same drawing.

Pete

I'm using AutoDesk Fusion 360. It's probably the best CAD software I've ever used and the CAM is exceptional.

I do all my milling from a 3D model so processing DXFs isn't really an option.

I've changed the post file in fusion to only use regular arc commands and it seems to be working Ok now.

It would be good to get confirmation that plane selection isn't supported.

I have to admit, my knowledge is quite limited, I've only ever used Pro desktop/engineer and techsoft 2d design tools.
Used to do a lot of 3D work using Denfords post processor and VR2 (many years of successful 3D models for students in school)
2D stuff was produced with in 2D Design and again many years with no problems.
2D Design updated and lost the inbuilt post processor so we moved to VR5 and Quick Cam Pro (3D post processor).
Kind of got the importing of DXF from 2D sorted for 2D and 2.5D machining but always had issues with QuickCAM Pro 3D files in VR5, The machines (old 'legacy' micromills) would loose position, mess up, couldn't run the files in VR2 as some of the G-codes weren't recognised. however running old VR2 files in VR2 would machine fine. Made me think that there isn't true support for legacy machines within VR5. Denford pointed out the micromill wasn't really suited to full 3D machining (but I had used it for this for years)
We have just got a Novamill and Microrouter Pro, still old machines but with newer control boards and not a single problem with any file I have produced yet.

I need to lean more on the G codes as I have an old DOS starturn 5 at home, the original design program is very limited and the new one I bought can't produce threading cycles for the old machine. It does however title each section within the G-code so when I need to come to do threading cycles I should be able to just re write the required section.

I am interested in the Autodesk, is it expensive?

Pete

Hi Pete,

AutoDesk Fusion 360 is free for enthusiasts and startup companies.

I've been working with CAD software for almost 20 years and this is hands down the best CAD software I've ever used.

It is comparable to Solidworks but much more flexible and it had AutoDesks HSM CAM software builtin.

I wrote my own 2D CAD software http://www.design-app.co.uk but I've not used it since I started using Fusion.

Fusion also has a postprocessor for Denford machines that works well other than the plane selection.

I hope that helps.

Great, thanks for the info, that will be getting Dloaded ASAP

Pete

Hi Dan, Can you check what Eprom is fitted to the control card or is it a NextStep card? You would need a V2.1 or DENFORD BETA.

Hi Martin,

I'm new to Denford machines. I believe it's a next step card. How can I verify?

If the seven segment LED on the control card is red then it is a SmartStep/DenStep.

My machine looks like it uses a rack type card. Denstep?

Is this upgradeable?

I presume the seven segment LED is red?
Can you see what Eprom version is fitted?

Hi Martin,

I will have a look later and post some photos. How can I check the eeprom?

Thanks,

Dan

If you look down the side of the card you should be able to see the Eprom & version number.

Had a quick look at the machine and it seems the eeprom is v2.1

It is a DenStep with the latest eprom fitted.

There is an upgrade available to a USB NextMove card & VRMilling version 5 software. It would be a UGR0007.