Denford Software & Machines

Micromill
VR Milling v5.23

When running a simple hand written code we have problems with the simulation and/or the real machine.

Right know the 2D/3D simulation and the real machine works, but not the Virtual machine. We get an "Arc Move Exceeds Limits" error. When we click on the "I" button, the billet and machining are shown well within the "Machining Area Box".

Last week we got an "Exceeds Limits" error when trying to run the machine (no changes where made to the offsets or program) but he simulations worked. And other times we have gotten the error codes with everything.

We also tried the file on a Compact 1000, it ran perfect in 2D/3D sim, Virtual machine, and the real machine.

Very inconsistant and confusing.
Attached is the fnc code.
Any ideas on what to look at?

Don't forget that the VR machine does not use the same X Y offsets to position the billet.

The info button shows the real machines working area, and the position of the billet is shown using the current (real) work offsets.

This is why the real machine and info would work fine, but the VR may not - its a completely seperate datum / work offset position.

In VR you can use auto datum mode which will put X0 Y0 wherever the billet is positioned. If you don't use this mode, then you will use work offsets which are set just like the real machine from the offsets button, but bear no relation to the offsets you set on the real machine. (we thought that being able to change real offsets from the VR world would not be a good idea)

PS- You can move the billet around on the Micromill table by holding down SHIFT and left-clicking on the VR billet

Hi,

I have tested the file and it worked OK once I had positioned the billet correctly in the travel.

To move the billet on the bed of the virtual machine press shift then drag the part with the left mouse button.

At the end you get the box to change billet and datum position.

Try with the values shown

The billet has to be positioned on the machine table and the offsets have to be set for the Virtual Machine, just like in using the real machine.

When using the Virtual machine, click on the Setup tab, Default Billet Size. Here you can define the size of the billet and the position on the table. You can jog the machine to bring the cutting tool to the datum position, the billet will turn red when the cutter touches it, open the offset window and set the offsets OR click on the blue banner of the “VR – 3D – 2D Simulations” window then click on the Simulations tab, click on Auto Datum. Click on the Simulations tab again and click on Datum Position. Select the Datum Position(s) you are using.

When running the Virtual Machine you don’t see much in the graphics. It is best to click on the Simulations tab, Options, select Tool Path and Hide Billet.