Product category:
Software, off-line programming, CAM, for metal cutting machine tools
News Release from: Tormach, LLC | Subject: CNC Machine Control software
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 11 May 2007
CAM integrated machine controller
Precise computerised cutting technology now available to individual craftsmen and small to medium-sized businesses
Tormach, innovators of personal CNC technology, announced today the release of its new CNC Machine Control software Based on a platform of widely popular CNC controller Mach 3 from ArtSoft, the M3 release contains new modifications that allow direct integration with a variety of CAM applications
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 11 May 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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Small CNC machine shops can now take advantage of a consultancy service now offering a consultancy service ranging from G-code assistance to full scale machining projects.
With its mid-size, affordable, and highly accessible PCNC 1100 mill equipment, Tormach has finally brought the benefits of precise computerised cutting to individual craftsmen and small to medium-sized businesses.
Besides well-designed hardware, easy-to-use PC-based software controls have been a critical element in the personal CNC trend.
"Our mission has always been to make the transition to CNC milling easy and affordable," says Tormach CEO Greg Jackson.
Further reading
Compact CNC milling machine is under US$7,000
More compact and inexpensive than traditional milling machines, a machine with the same strength, power, and accuracy to cut high-performance alloys is priced at only US$6,800.
Low cost toolholders offer quick changeover
To reduce the high cost of tooling - a barrier to truly affordable CNC machining - a range of low cost, quick-change toolholders has been introduced.
"Our M3 release takes a big step toward lowering the barrier to CNC.
Every machine we ship now includes CAD, CAM, and the new Machine Control program".
"This is unheard of for a $6800 CNC mill, but we felt that full integration was part of our goal".
Tormach customers receive access to 3D CAD with Alibre Design Xpress, a user-affable mechanical modeler.
CAM software, which converts CAD drawings and models into machine-read toolpaths, is included with the PCNC 1100 mill in the form of a starter edition of SheetCAM.
CNC Machine Control converts CAM-produced g-code instructions as machine movements.
The M3 modifications allow the program to work directly with SheetCAD, as well as TurboCADCAM and SprutCAM.
Other features of the new controller include a 'feed and speed' calculator, pre-programmed M-codes for tapping head, improved tool path displays, a maintenance hour log, and extended conversational programs, in addition to new user definable G28 operation.
The M3 release has been coordinated with the release of Tormach's Jog/Shuttle Controller, a low cost accessory for manual motion control.
The Jog/Shuttle controller is considered "plug and play" through a standard USB connection.
"Legacy electronic hand wheels, commonly known as MPGs, or Manual Pulse Generators, are clumsy in comparison to a Jog/Shuttle interface," says Jackson.
"Instead of a simple wheel-controlling position, the Jog/Shuttle method has two concentric wheels controlling both position and velocity dynamically".
The M3 release requires Windows XP or Vista and is available as a free upgrade for all past Tormach mill users.
It can also be downloaded for trial use in an offline mode when a PCNC 1100 mill is not available.
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