|
How
to install Mach2
| Are
you new to the CNC industry or are you a hobbyist? Please read below. |
| Software
- CAD, CAM, Controllers, Z Axis, Y Axis, X Axis, Limit switches, Router
Mounts |
| Steps
to help you decide on your cnc venture. |
Q
- What do I need to get started if I have no knowledge of cnc machining? |
Answers.
1. Know what you what to make.
2. Find the CAD (computer aided design) software that will best
fit your needs and budget.
3. Find the CAM(computer
aided Machining) software that will best make your cnc machining
most efficient.
4. Determine if nesting parts
on the desired size machine will be cost effective. Always think
bigger but in your budget.
5. Find the Controlling software that will take the G-code and transfer
motion instructions to the motor.
We recommend Mach 2.
6. Will you need the machine
to be as accurate to the diameter of the average human hair? (.003)
inches.
7. Chose the size of machine based on accuracy, maintenance, rigidify,
size, rapid capacity, clearance, strength of motor.
8. Know what you what
to make
|
| Turn-key |
Q
- Do we sell a fully complete turn-key cnc package? |
| A
- Yes, because of all of the variables you will have to request want
you need. When requesting a quote - please let us know what you already
have that is mentioned in our option page of the machine you are looking
at. |
| Software |
Q
- What software do I need in order to get the machine running? |
| A
- 3 total software. #1-CAD, #2-Cam, #3-Controller. |
| Software |
Q
- How can I keep the price of my software low? Can you recommend a
low priced CAM Software? |
| A
- Yes - Email us your most important product details and we will help
place you into the right software. |
| Accuracy |
Q
- I will be making face cuts into thin plastic. will the z axis be
accurate to at lest .010 inches? |
| A
- After installation of the table we recommend that the table be surfaced
to achieve parallel to the y axis. |
| Accuracy |
Q
- When should I be concerned about accuracy as I am machine parts
with high tolerance requirements? |
| A
- The faster the cut and bigger the cut with the accuracy is compromised.
For finish or high tolerance slow down feed and lower cut width and
depth. |
| Accuracy |
Q
- How small is 0.003 inch? |
| A
- The average human hair from the head is about 0.003 inch. The KG-3925
machines is able to cut the accuracy of plus or minus 0.001 (3 times
smaller than that of the average human hair. Click
here to see pictures. |
| Wood |
Q
- I intend to cut wood should the machines you sell do the trick? |
| A
- The tolerance will be more than accurate for wood cutting. Our customer
currently use the KG-3925 to cut inlay pockets for mother of pearl
inlays. |
| Plastic |
Q
- How do I hold down Thin (0.200 - 0.400) Plastic? |
| A
- The Plastic industry uses vacuum tables with drill holes and a strong
vacuum. We are planning on developing a table to hold down plastic
to sell along with the machines. |
| 6061
Al |
Q
- I intend to cut 6061 Aluminum, What machine do you recommend. |
| A
- We recommend the KG-3925 machine with the Z axis linear Guide up
grade. |
| T-Slot
Table |
Q
- Does the T- slot table come pre aligned? |
| A
- The table is installed not aligned by any measureing devices but
aligned to the tabel frame only. |
| Table |
Q
- Can I take the middle extruded support out if I want to make a vacuum
table. |
| A
- Yes but we recommend that the table you install afterwards will
be thicker than 0.75 inches of High Density MDF. |
| Table |
Q
- The extrusions look weaker than welded tables of other machines
out there. How can I make your machines more rigid? |
| A
- By adding wood, hard dense plastic, or a metal table tops and using
at least to anchor points the table will become rigid enough to machine
wood plastic and light metal. Most customer prefer to make their own
table to minimizes cost. |
| Table |
Q
- When do I need more than a home limit switch (more than 3) |
| A
- You would need more than 3 when you wish to avoid crashing into
the fixtures. |
| Limit
SW. |
Q
- Do you have a limit switch for the all of your machines? |
| A
- Currently we only have the limit switches on the KG-2525 and bigger
machines. |
| Servo
vs Steppers. |
Q
- What is the difference in the two motors? |
| A
- Usually Servos are better than steppers. Steppers are great ways
of saving money for light cutting. Steppers are accrate but at time
may lose steps. Our Servos do not lose steps and are fitted with encoders
that track the revolution of the motor. We have had much request and
belive that the machines using servos are great because they hold
the rated torque at high RPM much much better than steppers. Go with
steppers if you are starting out on the smaller machines or using
it for hobby. Go with servos even on the small machines if you are
making money, or do not want to lose steps. Typically if you run a
part at 100% and the machine fitted with steppers does not lose steps,
than parts made after that running at 100% should not lose steps.
At times customers do push the machines to a certain feed rate and
the stepper motor is not powerfull enought to pung or cut out thick
passesetc. This customer after learning more about cnc would typically
upgrade to a servo system and servo controller box. Average price
difference is about $500 plus compared to a steppers system. |
| Small
EndMills |
Q
- How do I get my endmills that are 1/16 to 1/32 onto a PC-892 or
similar spindle that does not have does collets availble? |
| A
- We recommend that you buy a 3/8 collet. There are more 3/8 shafts
with cutting diameters of 1/16 or 1/32. We are getting more endmills
as a part of our inventory. So please check with a rep. We may be
able to point you into the right direction. |
| Limit
SW. |
Q
- Is it important that K2cnc knows what I plan on cutting mostly to
place me in the right machine? |
| A
- Yes - The proper Ball screws can be installed to accommodate 10
rev -20 rev per inch to achieve better details on fine engraving. |
| Vacuum
Hood. |
Q
- Do you have a vacuum hood? |
| A
- It has been design and is being tested. We will go into production
when we have a version that will suite the majorities applications. |
| Software |
Q
- I have some software already. Do I need to buy Rhino VisualMill
etc... |
| A
- The only software you may need if you do not already have a control
software is Mach 2. You just need to be able to post process your
machine paths into a Fanuc format and Mach 2 will use those G-codes
to control the machine. K2 CNC routers are flexible. The customer
can use many variation of CAD and CAM software to produce parts. The
main thing you need is to output G-code to Fanuc formatted which almost
all CAM software is set up to do. |
CAD
software
Design models, lines, circles, acres, points |
Q
- Do you have a list of company that have software for CAM? |
A
- CAM
Software: Computer Aided Machining
| Company |
Start
Price |
Recommended
for: |
| AutoCad |
$5000+ |
2D,
2.5D, 3D |
| RhinoCAD |
$500+ |
2D,
2.5D, 3D - Organic designing |
| ArtCam |
$7500+ |
2D,
2.5D, 3D - Organic designing, Great for sign making and constant
designing. Easy to use. Great phone, email support, and training. |
| SolidWorks |
$5000+ |
2D,
2.5D, 3D - Assembly designing
|
|
CAM
software
Creates G-Code |
Q
- Do you have a list of company that have software for CAM? |
A
- CAM
Software: Computer Aided Machining
| Company |
Start
Price |
Recommended
for: |
| OneCNC |
$5000+ |
2D,
2.5D, 3D |
| VirtualGibbs |
$5000+ |
2D,
2.5D, 3D |
| MasterCAM
|
$5000 |
2D,
2.5D, 3D |
BOBCAD-CAM
|
NA |
2D,
2.5D, 3D |
| RAM |
$NA |
2D,
2.5D, 3D |
| MeshCAM |
$1000 |
2D,
2.5D, 3D |
| VisualMill |
$850+ |
Signs,
2D, 2.5D, 3D, Guitars.
Recommended under $2000 |
| Rhino
CAM |
$NA |
2D,
2.5D, 3D
Recommended under $2000 |
| ArtCam
|
$7500 |
Signs,
2D, 3D, Guitars. |
| Dolphin
|
$NA |
2D,
2.5D, 3D |
|
Controller software
Reads
G-Code
|
Q
- Do you have a list of company that have software for controlling
the motors? |
A
- Yes,
Below are a list and other info of Controller SofterwareCAM Software:
| Company |
Start
Price |
Recommended
for: |
| Mach2Windows
2000/XP |
$159 |
Recommended |
| Master5
Windows 95/98 |
$NA |
|
| TurboCNC
DOS (free) |
$NA |
|
EMC
Linux (free)
|
$NA |
|
| DesKAM
Windows/DOS |
$NA |
|
| CNCZeus
DOS (FANUC 6M like) |
$NA |
|
|
Still
have a question? Click here to fill out a inquiry.
| KG-3925
vs KG3925-G |
| The
Difference |
| More
Rigid |
Q
- How is the frame different? |
| A
- We are now using more aluminum material to provide a stronger frame
structure for the 39 inches of travel. |
| Pulley
Covers |
Q
- Is there a pulley cover on the new KG-3925-G? |
| A
- Yes - This helps in preventing chips to fly into the gears. |
| Easier
assembly |
Q
- Is it easier to assemble the new KG-3925-G than the KG-3925 version? |
| A
- A new streamline design allows users to assemble the machine in
less time. We used a pivoting design on the gantry to collapse the
Z and Y axis to allow for smaller shipping dimensions. The user would
get the machine and place back 4 screws to bring it back to its fully
assembled state. |
| X
motor location |
Q
- Where is the motor of the 39inch travel located. |
| A
- The motor is located under the table and comes with pulley covers.
This new design requires less table top space. It also protects the
motor while in transited. |
| Mach
2/3 (CAM) |
| Installation
Video |
| Video |
Q
- How do I set Up? |
| A
- You can view the set up video online. Click
Here |
| Mach
2 Config for K2 machines |
Q
- How do I set up my Mach 2 for a K2 CNC router? |
| A
- We have the configurations on the web, on CD, or may email it to
you after the purchase of Mach and deposit. |
| Posting
to Mach2 |
Q
- If I can not find the Mach2 Post processor - What can I use instead? |
| A
- You can use the Fanuc post processor. Please do a test run to verify. |
| Vacuum
Table |
| MDF
- Plastic - Circuit Board - Flat on porous |
| Availability |
Q
- Do you currently have a vacuum table? |
| A
- No. We should have one designed in early 2006. |
| What
to use if I make one |
Q
- What HP and what should I expect to pay? |
| A
- It's about the CFM - Industryal grade vacuums are about $3500 for
the vacuum only. 3hp or 5 hp. |
| Pricing
of the Custom Sizes |
| Software
- Price, Z Axis, Y Axis, X Axis |
Still have a question?
Click here to fill out a inquiry.
| Controller |
| Motor,
Control Box, Wires, E-Stop, Reset Button |
| E-Stop |
Q
- Do I have to restart the programmed when the E-Stop is activated? |
| A
- No... |
| E-Stop
for spindle |
Q
- Do I have an E-stop for the spindle? |
| A
- Beta version is finished - ETA Dec 2005. |
| Motor
Fault |
Q
- What happens when the machine hits something or if the machine crashes
into a fixture? |
| A
- The motor has feed back and will auto fault and the breaker on the
box will shut off the machine. |
| Custom |
| Size
of Tables, Table Top, 2 Z heads, Vacuum Table, Spindle heads, |
| Q
- Can you do textile add on of a custom head made to cut into leather
and vinyl? |
| A
- 3 total software. #1-CAD, #2-Cam, #3-Post Process. |
| Q
- What is the largest your company will build |
| A
- We will build up to 4 x 8 feet. If you would like a large machine
than you would need to contact Kevin Liboon. Click here to email him. |
| Q
- Can you weld a table for a custom table? |
| A
- At this moment no, We are in a process of relocating to a larger
place to accommodate welding and large machines. |
| Q
- How long would it take to build a 4x8 table |
| A
- 4 weeks from down payment date. Click here to see how to start. |
| Pool
Cue Makers |
| Accuracy,
Model to chose, What you can do |
| Q
- What size should I be looking at? |
| A
- KG-3925 |
Still have a question?
Click here to fill out a inquiry.
| Guitar
Makers |
| Accuracy,
Model to chose, What you can do |
| Q
- What size should I be looking at? |
| A
- KG-3925 |
| Q
- Does the machine do inlays |
| A
- Yes |
| Q
- Does the machine make 3D surface for the handle and body of the
Guitar? |
| A
- Yes, The machine is a full 3D motion CNC |
| Q
- Can I cut the full depth of the Guitar? |
| A
- Yes, by using the right length cutter you can program your cuts
to appropriately cut in multiple steps to achieve your depth. Max
is depth is from 5" to 12". Notice the Routers typically
hold maximum 0.500" diameter endmills. |
| Q
- Are you going to any events? |
| A
- Yes, NAMM 2006 - Anaheim CA |
| Technical
Questions |
| Software
- Price, Z Axis, Y Axis, X Axis |
| Motor
Setup |
Q
- Q - I have one of your machines. How do I set up the controller
(Geckodrive G201s)? |
A
- Here is a quick start.
Printer Port Pinout:
2 - X Step
3 - X Dir
4 - Y Step
5 - Y Dir
6 - Z Step
7 - Z Dir
-
The blue wire needs +5V from the PC, I use the Mouse port or USB
port.
-
Download a demo version of CNCZeus from www.cnczeus.com
- If you are running windows, create an MS-DOS floppy disk
- Unzip the program to the floppy
- Reboot and run the Demo "ZDEMO.EXE"
- Hit F5 to setup.
- In submenu Parameters, Change X/Y step per unit to 10000 (0.2
pitch ballscrews) and Z step per unit to 20000
- Change MAX FEED to 300 Inch/Min
- Change ACCEL. Inch/Sec to 50 (You may have to adjust the values)
- Change G0 ACCEL/DECEL to OFF
- Change Step transition X Y Z to high-low transition pulse
- ESC button to save changes
- In submenu Port Setup, X Step Pin 2, X Dir Pin 3, Y Step Pin 4....
- ESC button to save changes.
- F9 for manual jog, if screen below F9 does not say Rpd JOG hit
it again.
- Use cursor key to move table
|
| Q
- What else do I need to start using the machine? |
A
- Currently, our machines come with drive motors and controller.
You will need to add the following:
- Depending on which model you get you may need to add a table top/legs
and a way to mount your part
- A cutting router (spindle)
- Computer with controlling software (CNCZeus, Mach2...) the software
will take g-code and make the machine move.
- Design and CAM software (software to generate g-code)
Look on our links page for more resources: http://www.k2cnc.com/links.asp |
Still have a question?
Click here to fill out a inquiry.
| Upcoming
Designs and parts |
| Size
of Tables, Table Top, 2 Z heads, Vacuum Table, Spindle heads, |
| Q
- Can you do textile add on of a customer had made to cut into leather
and vinyl? |
| A
- 3 total software. #1-CAD, #2-Cam, #3-Post Process. |
| Q
- What is the largest your company will build |
| A
- We will build up to 4 x 15 feet. |
| Q
- Can you weld a table for a custom table? |
| A
- At this moment no, We are in a process of relocating to a larger
place to accommodate welding and large machines. |
| Motor
Mounts |
| Types
of motor, Coupler Attachments, Encoder |
Still have a question?
Click here to fill out a inquiry. |
