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Contact Machines in
Motion regarding software updates for your Centroid powered CNC
control.
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Last updated July 2010
Centroid E-Mail news is published randomly by
Centroid for their dealers. Machines in Motion Inc. is presenting
this information for your general knowledge. We do not expect
Centroid control users to implement any of these topics on your own.
We simply wish to make you aware of the latest possibilities for
your current Centroid powered machine.
July 2010 Email News
New All-In-One DC Control Visual Price
Sheets
Centroid recently released the new All-In-One
DC -- featuring an MPU11 motion controller, 3-Axis DC servo
drive (expandable to 6 axes), and expandable PLC I/O all on one
affordable board. Introductory list price for the All-In-One
DC with CENTROID software is still only $1995 USD.
All-In-One DC Board Level:
Click the image above to view larger.
In the future we intend to
produce similar visual price sheets for all types of systems.
PC Requirements for MPU11-Based Controls When You
Provide the PC computer.
Dealer or customer supplied PCs for use with MPU11-based controls
must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Windows 7 Operating System - At this time MPU11 systems for
user-supplied PCs are Windows 7 ONLY (not Linux).
- 1 GHZ processor
- 1 GB RAM
Although the above specifications are the minimum
requirements, Centroid recommends:
Tuning Velocity Mode Drives For MPU11
New information is being added periodically to
regarding the tuning of third party drives, as testing is completed
and procedures are written. Currently there are three
drive-specific bulletins on this subject:
- Delta AB and A2 Drive Setup for CNC11 Systems
- Glentek Alpha Drive Setup for CNC11 Systems
- Baldor Series 23H Drive Setup for CNC11 Systems
...and three more in progress...
- Sanyo Denki Drive Setup for CNC11 Systems
- Maxsine EP100 Drive Setup for CNC11 Systems
- Fanuc Black and Yellow-cap Drive Setup for CNC11
Systems
Beta Software Releases
Available
Centroid has begun periodically
posting BETA development builds of Centroid software on the Dealer
Support Site. These versions may be provided for those who wish to
try the latest features prior to official version releases. Although
we make reasonable effort to ensure that these BETA versions will be
safe to use, they are provided for use COMPLETELY AT YOUR OWN RISK,
with absolutely no guarantee of reliability, or fitness for a
particular purpose.
If you have any questions or concerns
regarding beta software downloads, compatibility, and/or
upgrading, please contact Machines in Motion Inc.
New Advanced Acceleration/Deceleration (AD2)
Interface in Beta Releases
AD2 Acceleration and
Deceleration parameters can now be configured via its own menu
options in software versions greater than CNC11 3.01 or CNC10 2.69
rev22.
March 2010 Email News
CENTROID
is pleased to announce a new All-In-One DC Control featuring an
MPU11 motion controller, 3-Axis DC servo drive (expandable to 6
axes), and expandable PLC I/O all in one affordable unit.
Introductory list price for the All-In-One DC with CENTROID software
will be $1995 USD. This represents a significant savings when
compared to the current equivalent list price of a DC3IOB +
MPU11 + software for $2664.
See
the Quotation
form for more information on component pricing and
available options. or
Click
here for a graphic layout of the system you can build with these
components.
- CNC Software Package A
for New control sales NOW INCLUDES:
Cutter compensation
Drilling cycles
Compression Tapping
cycles
Intercon on the control
S function spindle speed
control
Multi range spindle
4th axis software
Spindle
Orientation
WCS G54-59
M98 G65 Subroutines and Macros with
user definable variables
4Mb G-code files size
Laser
compensation tables
- Price
Reductions on CNC software options.
Starting
March 1st, all new controls will ship with FREE Work Coordinate
Systems G54-59, Subroutines and Macros with user definable
variables, Compression Tapping cycles, Drilling cycles, Spindle
Orientation, Multi range spindle, 4th axis software, and larger
standard g code file size now increased to 4MB. All other software
options have had a significant price reduction as well.
Dealer
discounts for software options have changed as well, since we have
reduced the prices so significantly, a lower CENTROID dealer
discount will apply. If you have a control system with 2.60+ it is a
simple upgrade to 2.68 with get these new Free software
features.
- Software Upgrade
Path
Also
interesting, any CNC10 based control software that is updated to
version (v2.68), will not require unlocks to
receive the now free options. These new "Free"
options are included with that version of software. You
simply have to update Your current Centroid control to the latest
version (v2.68) and those options will automatically be activated.
This is a nice selling feature to encourage software upgrade sales,
the customer will not only be getting the latest version of CENTROID
CNC software but also free Work Coordinate Systems G54-59,
Subroutines and Macros with user definable variables, Compression
Tapping cycles, Drilling cycles, Spindle Orientation, Multi range
spindle, 4th axis software, and larger standard g code file size now
increased to 4MB is included with v2.68.
This
no-unlocks-required software version is scheduled to be released
within the next few weeks. For any
control running software versions below 2.60, a new flash card is
needed. You may also need an updated computer, flash card
reader, &/or larger RAM memory.
2.66 Software Release
January 1, 2010 Centroid has released it's latest
software update. Among the new features are:
New Backplot (tool path graphing) has been
implemented with Graphics Acceleration to improve speed and
usability. Additionally, mouse control has been implemented for view
rotation, panning, and zoom. This new backplot is only available for
Mill controls.
Several improvements to
the engine block features of our specialty control systems. Contact
Machines in Motion Inc. for specific details.
Changed the maximum length of the file name to
1024.
G2/G3: Huge arc radius crash (that
occurs only in a specific machine configuration) has been
corrected.
Added an online user manual
to the CAMS menu.
>>Update
to fix crash when exiting NEDIT
<<
NEDIT:
Added F8 Save key.
Other Changes and Minor Bug
Fixes |
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MPU 11 Hardware set available
While Centroid has not issued one of their dealer newsletters
Machines in Motion Inc. is here to announce that during the summer of 2009
Centroid has completed their latest CNC control hardware set.
It is expected that by early 2010 the MPU11 hardware set will
replace Centroid's current CPU10 based control hardware. This
new board set provides faster processing and update times than
earlier system boards. It also resides outside of the PC computer
eliminating related technical problems such as phased out
ISA or PCI expansion slots. Instead, the control PC will
communicate to the MPU11 control board via Ethernet . Many new
features will be developed for this updated board such as dual
feedback, allowing the use of scales for increased precision.
Velocity loop servo control. More PLC inputs & outputs. A more
responsive MPG. Simpler connection to third party servo drivers and
more. It is expected that the MPU11 hardware set will be more user
friendly for the DIYS types. |
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January,
2009
CENTROID is pleased to announce the recent release of CNC10
v2.64. This maintenance release supersedes the 2.63 release and it
is recommended that all systems currently running 2.63 be upgraded
to 2.64.
In this release:
- The editor (NEDIT, which is accessed by pressing F6 from the
main screen) has been modified with added function key shortcuts
at the bottom of its user interface, in order to make it more
compatible with the look and feel of the rest of the CNC control
software. In addition, syntax highlighting has been added (to make
G/M code programs easier to scan, read, and edit).
- An issue regarding the Feed Hold and Tool Check keys, which
occurred on some manual tool change machines has been fixed.
- Several other minor changes and fixes have also been
implemented.
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2.63 Software Release
December, 2008
Centroid is pleased to announce the
recent release of CNC10 v2.63. With this release Centroid has added
several new features, and made extensive software improvements.
Some highlights include:
* Added Remote Access and Diagnostics. This feature allows
technical support to remotely logon to a control via the Internet
for the purpose of remote diagnosis, viewing, and file transfer. If
you're Centroid technician is on-site and on the 'net, Centroid
Factory tech support can be right there to assist.
* An angle
probing cycle has been added to automatically calculate an angle
from any two probed points.
* An Engine Block Interface has been
added under the CAM menu (F5). This is a specialized conversational
interface to support machining, probing, and inspection of
automotive engine blocks.
* Accel/Decel module improvements and
other changes to improve smoothness of operation, particularly in
metric mode.
* CNC Linux now works with Active Directory Network
without the need for a bridge PC.
* Extensive improvements in
Metric handling.
* Improved Backlash functionality to allow for
use of both positive and negative Backlash comp values while Laser
comp is in use, in order to adjust the laser-compensated backlash.
* Added foreign language translations in German, Swedish, and
Finnish.
An All-In-One USB Software Update is available to update both
CNC10 and CNC Linux from any earlier 2.6x version to the current
version in a single update. This allows you to update your control
software with one simple update, as long as your existing version is
2.6x or newer.
Beginning with software version 2.60 Centroid has upgraded the
core Linux operating system. This newer operating system prevents us
from providing a simple USB upgrade but allows us to expand your
control's features and functionality.
Systems running 2.36 and earlier require a new flash card which
is available from your local Centroid dealer (and Machines in Motion
Inc.). All of your G-code files, Intercon files, and option unlocks
will be transferred to the new flash card/hard drive.
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2.36 Software Release
September,
2007
Some of the new features found in
our latest version software include:
Dig To Cad Menu -
A new button was added to the Digitize Menu that will convert 3-axis
and 5-axis digitized files to
a CAD compatible format. The user can still use the old 3-axis
method for converting digitized files found in the utility menu.
However, this method does not work for 5-axis digitized files.
Inverse Time Parsing - CNC10
now converts inverse time feed rates (1/time) into standard feed
rates (units/time) while parsing G code. G93 now turns on inverse
time parsing and given feed rates will be converted to standard feed
rates while parsing. G94 disables inverse time parsing and given
feed rates will be interpreted as units/time. An inverse time
smoothing algorithm is incorporated with this feature and is enabled
by default. The smoothing algorithm can be disabled by adding 8 to
parameter 56.
Command Line
History - Pressing up in
MDI will bring up your last entered command. Up and down scrolls
through the history stored in the file. |
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New 750 watt Motor
CENTROID is pleased to announce
that a new SEM 750 watt servo motor replaces the old 750 watt motor.
Our new motor provides more torque and is physically smaller than
the old, while keeping the same price. |
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French Manuals & Control Software
July, 2007
In order to answer the demand from
our French CENTROID control users, we are looking for Beta testers
to test our French software and manuals.
Please contact Machines in
Motion Inc. for more information.
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CENTROID Opens Additional Location
CENTROID has opened an additional
location to provide more space for machines, training, and system
integration. With this extra space, high demand items will be kept
in stock and ready-to-ship. This will allow CENTROID to shorten lead
times while providing better customer service.
The new location is located in
Curwensville, Pennsylvania. |
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Create
Copies of a CENTROID
CNC Linux Flash Card
March,
2007
Make copies of a
CENTROID CNC Linux based flash card with your Windows PC. A tech rep
"must have" WinImage.
WinImage is a shareware program that will allow you to copy Linux
flash cards with your Windows PC. This useful tool is great for
building multiple flash card hard drives with default
configurations, upgrading the customer to a larger Flash card, or
even keeping a backup flash card for the customer. With WinImage
you'll create an image of the FC and then copy/burn to any source
such as a new larger FC or CD or HD for
archiving.
Check out the (dealer) Tech Bulletin for
complete instructions.
View
and Copy Files From a CENTROID Linux based Flash Card
View and Copy Linux based files from a
CENTROID CNC Flash card on your Windows PC using Explore2FS. This
tool allows you to view and copy/paste any file from a Linux based
CENTROID CNC flash card. This is useful for retrieving system
configuration files and part program files. All you'll need is
the explore2fs.exe program and a compact flash card reader.
Check out
the (dealer) Tech
Bulletin for complete instructions.
A
note to Machines in Motion customer's. It can be tempting to
do this with your own control's flash card (hard drive).
FIRST: Make a report file and store
it in a safe place. This will back up the machine specific files
running on your control.
SECOND: Be aware, if you do
something to corrupt your flash drive, the cost of our providing a
replacement flash card, with all the required formatting, operating
system, & control software is $295.00. These are available to
ship the same day.
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New
Sentinel Key
Dealer's will soon be receiving a new
upgraded sentinel USB keylock with Offline Intercon orders. The new
key has improved construction and features a LED lit tip that can be
viewed at any angle.
The new housing is more durable than ever
before:
- Case is
constructed from a single piece of molded
plastic
- The metal
connector continues into the housing for a more secure
attachment
- All keys will be
shipped with a protective cap to keep the USB connections
clean
The new USB keylock
works with Offline Intercon v1.51+ and DEMO Offline
v2.32+.
Machines
in Motion can send you a copy of the Version 2.32 off-line Intercon
program to run on your desk top or lap top computer. As noted, this
software will work without the unlock key for practice or learning
what conversational programming is all about. The Sentinel key is
required to post out your program in G-code. If you would like a
copy Just ask
us.
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Free
Educational Software Package Policy
CENTROID is pleased to offer educational
institutions “Free” CNC software options in addition to standard
control software, when used in a classroom setting. In order
to qualify, please provide your Centroid Dealer the following
information on your School’s letterhead.
- Overview of the Schools
CNC program
- Instructor’s
name, mail stop, email address and phone number
- Copy of the course
syllabus, with comments on how the CENTROID equipped machine will
be utilized
- Number of students
currently enrolled per semester for the current year, next year
and past years
- Number of PC CNC/CAD
workstations in the classroom
After completion of the sale and receipt
of the information requested, CENTROID will issue to the Dealer a
full compliment of our software options, a $10,900.00 value if
purchased separately. The Dealer will issue the software to the
school instructor.
The donated software options will
include:
- Subprograms and
Macros,
- Compression Tapping,
- Rigid Tapping,
- Multiple Work
Coordinates,
- Coordinate System
Rotation,
- Scaling and
Mirroring,
- Unlimited File Size,
- Mold Magic™,
- Digitizing &
Probing, (Requires purchase of CENTROID's DP-4 Probe)
- Engraving,
- Autocad® DXF Import.
Offline Demo CD CENTROID control and
conversational programming software for all your student work
stations are included.
If you have any questions feel free to
contact our Sales Office at
714 528-7061 or via email sales@cncmachinesinmotion.com
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Dealer
School
Photos
The Advanced Dealer Training
was a great success! Thanks to all the dealers who attended in 2007.
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Linear package includes the DX-1
programming box with servo driver, servo motor, and cabling.
Some
of the uses found for this package are:
- Upgrading an existing back gage.
- Building your own material stop for sawing or
other applications.
- Couple this servo system to a rotary table you
already own.
- Be creative. Any application where you need to
program motion, repeat or adjust position, or feed at a
programmed rate of
speed.
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Check Out
These Great DX1 Prices
CENTROID has the lowest prices on Single
Axis CNC control packages. All packages include pre-wire, motor
cable and motor or rotary table. Check out these great prices on the
DX1 control and DX1 control packages:
DX1 Single axis
control................................................$2,995
Rotary
packages:
DX1 with
RT-100..........................................................$
8,025
DX1 with
RT-150..........................................................$
8,995
DX1
with
RT-200..........................................................$
9,990
DX1
with
RT-250..........................................................$11,295
DX1 with
RT-320..........................................................$11,995
Linear
packages:
DX1 with 7inlb
motor.....................................................$ 3,735
DX1 with
10inlb motor...................................................$
3,886
DX1
with 17inlb
motor...................................................$
3,925
DX1
with 29inlb
motor...................................................$
4,055
DX1
with 40inlb
motor...................................................$ 4,195
DX1 with 750W
motor...................................................$
4,345
DX1 with 1KW
motor.....................................................$ 4,425
DX1 with 2KW
motor.....................................................$ 4,945
DX1 with 3KW
motor.....................................................$ 5,352
| Highlights
from earlier
| issues
of Centroid News |
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Choose
F2 if the desired file is not on your control's hard drive.
Select
the location of the desired file.
Advanced
file search features can filter out unwanted file types making it
easier to find the file you want.
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Current
Software v2.32
The current software v2.32 is available
for download.
Software version 2.32
features a return to a "Function key
driven, file loading menu system" to answer the need for an easy way
to load a program into the control. With the simplified system, no
knowledge of computer location paths is needed to load a file from
common sources to the control. Users now can select the source to
load a file from, with labeled Function Keys. Function keys for
Floppy, USB, Hard drive, and LAN have been added. This new Loading
system is called the "Simplified File Load" system. The new
Simplified file load system is now the default system used by CNC10
to load G code and Intercon files onto the control from any
source.
Additional helpful features have also been
added such as:
- Load
an Intercon file (.ICN) from any source and Intercon will start
automatically.
- View
and load any recently loaded files (both Intercon and G-code).
- Sort
by chronological or alphabetical order.
- View
on-screen help.
- Toggle
on/off the details about files your files.
Other
2.32 Improvements include: radial digitizing, axis pairing,
home to "alignment marks" homing routine, G76 fine boring cycle, CSR
and WCS decimal places increased, probing retract rates and more.
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Pendant
One Shot Buttons Did you know that you can
setup One Shot Buttons to take care of tedious tasks? With the One
Shot overlay these buttons are easily
located in the auxiliary
buttons section of the CENTROID jog
pendant.
Review Tech Bulletin 194 for
directions on how to setup one shot
buttons.
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Z-Axis
MPG
Z-Axis
MPG makes it possible to move the Z- axis while a job is in
progress. This is a much used feature on
Water Jet cutting machines. You will also find this a popular option
for routers and other specialty types of
machinery.
Review
Tech Bulletin
186 for directions on how to
set up "on -the fly" Z-Axis MPG Mode.
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DX1
Improved Incremental Jogging
We have improved
incremental jogging by adding 3 programmable
increments. With the new changes, once the
increments are set in the parameters for the first time, they
can be selected on the fly! Simply push and hold down the
1, 2, or 3 button on the number pad to display and set the jog
increment all at the same
time.
See above section for
more info including prices and specifications.
Click
here to download the brochure in
PDF |
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Stock
Controls are ready to ship
Need it fast? Two
standard types of control systems are now in stock ready to
ship!
In stock:
M-400S with S-Function fully wired
M-400S with M-Function fully wired.
The controls are
ready for immediate delivery.
Call sales @ 714 528-7061 for more
details.
Click
here for further details on the S-Function version
Click
here for further details on the M-Function version
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Mill
Training Video Now Available
The all new CENTROID CNC Mill control training video is now
shipping. One training DVD is included with every CNC Mill control
purchased. This new 2 hour training video covers everything from
powering up the machine, homing out, setting tool offsets,
programming parts with Intercon, setting part zeros and using tool
check and program restart features. A special section is included
just for setting tool heights while using a CNC knee mill. This
great training aid is only available on DVD. We are sending you two
copies of the new DVD today, extra copies are available upon
request.
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5-Axis
Innovations & Customer Success
Through the evolution
of CENTROID’s 5-Axis Cylinder Head Porting program, customers are
experiencing some great results. The introduction of our 5-Axis
digitizing routines has allowed customers to complete heads in hours
when they would normally take days to finish.
Time efficiency
and quality have been our driving force for the latest version of
our 5-Axis porting program. The tolerance and finished surface
quality, is better than the best machines on the market today. What
makes CENTROID’s 5-Axis program such a superior value? We offer a
proven system - not just a machine.
- You will receive a
custom built 5 axis machining center engineered from the outset
for the porting of cylinder heads.
- You will receive 2
weeks of intensive training covering each phase of operation to
capture your existing port geometry, then turn it into a tool path
that will be identical on each and every head.
Our new advances
became very evident during the recent digitizing and cutting of a
complex Volkswagen head. The unique challenges faced on this project
have pushed CENTROID to new limits. We (and you) can now take a 20
valve Volkswagen head and completely re-port it in less than 3
hours. This same process used to take as much as 3 weeks or more!
With constant communication and support to our customers, every time
Centroid makes a technological breakthrough you benefit
too.
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Floppy
Drives Discontinued
Starting September 1st, 2005, Centroid will no longer offer the
Floppy Disk Drive on our controls. Our customers report, using our
USB port to be a much superior method of transferring files.
While Centroid is no longer offering an internal floppy solution,
if needed, you have the ability to use a USB based Floppy Drive -
pictured here. |
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New
Dual Handwheel Control for Lathes
Add that natural, manual control feel, to your CNC Lathe with
CENTROID's Dual Handwheels for Lathes. Order these with your next
Lathe control and mount the magnetic case to your lathe. Our
handwheels provide a familiar way to set up tools and touch off part
zero positions for the operator. A rapid position joy stick is
included. The new handwheels work with both AC and DC servo CENTROID
Lathe CNC systems and offers improved control for both types by
providing smoother more natural feel when jogging the machine.
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New
Sealed Keyboard Available at a lower price
With any CENTROID CNC control you can use a
regular PC keyboard or our fully sealed unit. We found that about
half our customers prefer a regular open style PC keyboard and the
other half prefer a sealed unit. The CENTROID sealed PC keyboard is
liquid proof and provides reliable and durable keyboard operation in
a shop environment. Our keyboard is: fully sealed, coolant proof,
long lasting in shop environment, and has tactile feedback (raised
buttons with distinct action). Only $485.00 |
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CNC10 v1.11
Release
Centroid's new CNC10 hardware board requires
the Linux
operating system. Expanded features and control
abilities are now
available with this innovative combination.
Current DOS based
controls can also use the Linux operating
system for staying up to
date and to provide easier networking
with other computers. |
Added Features
include: Aug.
2004
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- DXF
Import: A new software feature that allows users to
import Autocad DXF files into Intercon. It converts points,
lines, arcs and circles from Autocad DXF files to Intercon
operations. The Intercon operations include: linear, arc,
irregular pocket, rectangular pocket, circular pocket, frame,
drill, tap, bore and thread. DXF Import is a software unlock. This
is an Optional control feature.
- System
Test: A G-code file that provides a thorough system test to
prove the integration has been successfully completed. If the test
has not been completed successfully, a warning message is
displayed at startup (for systems with IDs after July 15,
2004)
- Improved
Keyboard Jogging: All previously known problems with Keyboard
jogging and control have been eliminated. There is no longer any
need for a special PLC program to work the spindle and coolant
functions from the keyboard
- Joystick
jogging support: Machine parameters 124-127 can be used to
specify PLC inputs to perform axis jogging for the first two axes.
Intended for lathe applications but can be used in Mill
software
- Probe
detection while jogging: Added probe protection while jogging.
If the probe input is detected while jogging, jogging is stopped
and only slow jogging is permitted until the probe input is
cleared
- Dwell time
added to groove and turning cycles: Additional field in lathe
Intercon groove and turning cycles to specify the amount of time
to dwell before X axis retraction of the tool
- Drag plot
improvements: Now you can see and compare drag plots. Date of
drag run is inserted into file, new runs are prepended to the old
runs, old runs are displayed in red on graph, and the latest run
appears in yellow
- 5th axis
pairing: Can pair 5th axis with 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th axis.
Useful when one axis is driven by 2 servo motors.
- Background
editing: With Background Editing, the user has the ability to
edit a G-Code file while CNC10 is running. This allows users to
edit or write a G-Code program while cutting parts
- G22/G23
work envelope soft limits: Programmable software travel limits
enabled with G22 and disabled with G23
- 90 day
reminder to clean air filter: Every 90 days a reminder to
clean the controls air filter is displayed on the screen
- User
Maintenance menu: <F6> User Maint. option added to
utility menu. This menu provides user access to drag plot and lash
compensation menus without requiring a password
- Linux
based: We are now shipping all normal orders with
Linux.
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The last DOS version of Centroid control
software is v8.23 issued
July, 2004
October 26, 2003
news
* New M-400 Brochure now
available. Download from our web site in PDF.
* Current
CNC7 software is Version 8.21. Improvements and
additions.
* New 5C Collet Rotary table at a great
price!
* Now shipping! New SD3 and SD1 servo
drives, faster, better, more power.
* New DC single axis
Servo drive makes 4th axis add on easy.
* Mastercam
no longer available.
* New dual hand wheel support for
simultaneous axis movement.
* Now shipping! New PLC
the RTK3 faster and simpler.
* New 5 Axis CNC
controls are shipping!
* New Two axis intercon
now available.
* New on site Service contracts
available. |
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CNC7 Version 8.21 is shipping with all
new systems.
Below is a list of the new
added features and options that you will want to know about.
* 5th Axis Support: 8.21 can
control 5 axes with a 6th axis spindle encoder input.
* Dual Handwheels: Two
handwheels can be used simultaneously.
Uses a free motor encoder
input port for each handwheel.
* 2 Axis Intercon: INTERCON MILL can post
two axis programs.
* New Aux key functions and One Shots:
Aux keys can be programmed to execute CNC7
functions such as Set ABS/INC
Zero, Manual Mode, Power feed and INTERCON MILL
One
Shots.
* Enhanced
Keyboard Jogging: Keyboard Jogging now supports spindle, coolant and
Aux keys.
Keyboard jogging is now
available in CNC7 LATHE AND MILL.
* Distance to go DRO: A second DRO can be
displayed showing the distance to go for each axis.
* INTERCON Mill Help: Help
pictures for most operations are now available.
It really makes
intercon even easier to learn.
* Lathe Tool ICONS Screen – In version
8.21 we have improved the tool library by changing
the
“Tool Library” screen to a “Tool Details” screen. This screen
recommends a nose vector based
on graphical ICON selection
of front/back approach, spindle direction, left/right
spindle
location, vertical/horizontal
mounting, normal/reversed mounts, and hand of tool.
Other
graphical selection ICONS are
tool type, ID/OD operation, and coolant. Offsets and
references
can be set from this
screen.
* Smart
Load Menu now Loads INTERCON Files – version 8.21: The CNC7 load
menu (F2) now
loads INTERCON files
directly. F5 in the load menu switches to the INTERCON
directory. |
New PLC designed specifically for automatic tool
changer machines. Centroid's new "Squid I/O module"
reduces machine to control wiring time.
* New
"cabling concept", all cables are labeled and
dedicated.
* All cables are included and pre-made
with labels attached.
* Will be used in all
future ATC control systems.
* Compatible with both
AC brushless and DC brush control systems.
*
Eliminates intermediate barrier terminal strips
* Reduces #
of connections and reduces chance of loose
connections.
* Built in relays for atc motor, carousel
in/out, tool in/out, index sensors, flood and
more.
* Designed for both swing arm and
carousel tool changers.
* 35 inputs/38 outputs
and 12 bit (smooth) spindle analog output.
*
Compatible with previous Centroid PLCIO2 communication
protocol.
* Looks like a giant
squid. |
DOS Software Version 8.11
READ ABOUT PREVIOUSLY ADDED CENTROID CONTROL
FEATURES or for more information please
contact Machines in Motion inc.
(714)
528-7061
February 2003
Keyboard Jogging: - This allows you to run and jog
the machine from the designated keys on the keyboard, eliminating
the need for a Jog Panel.
Live
PLC Debug: Now while your control is operating you can press
ALT-I to display the PLC inputs, outputs, memory, and program
stages.
Grid
Digitizing Speed Improvements: Digitizing a part will now run
about 25% faster. Imagine the time you will save for those large
complex parts.
File
Caching: This allows the control to load the file being cut from
a remote location to the Flash card while the program is being cut.
Once the program is cut the file will be stored in its original
location.
User
Specified Paths: User definable program storage using the
following files Pathhm.ini(mill) and pathl.ini(lathe).
Input
Macro: Gcode programs can now prompt the operator for input. The
versatility and flexibility is endless. For example, if you have 10
parts that are all the same except for hole depth or diameter, you
now only need one file instead of 10. You can cut different parts
without having to download new files or change the set
up.
Random Access Tool Changer - Enhanced tool changer
support for random access tool changers, including first ever tool
bin numbers, memory of ATC tool positions even at power
down.
Coordinate System Rotation: This optional feature
allows the entry of rotation angles between -90.0 and +90.0
degrees. Contact Doug at (714)528-7061 to purchase the unlock for
this feature, which retails for $350.
Irregular pocket cleanout: Clean out
non-rectangular and non-circular shapes with a closed contour
right on your control using Centroid's exclusive "Intercon"
conversational part programming software. (included with every
control)
Automated Part Counter: Users can enter the number
of copies of a part they wish to cut, and have CNC7 automatically
repeat the part until the desired number of copies is met. Use
this feature with barfeeders on a lathe or on your
mill.
Block Skip: Users can choose to skip lines in a CNC
file that begin with a forward slash ('/').
Axis
load meters: Monitor the load on your axis motors with this
new graphical meter. The horizontal bars shown underneath the axis
DRO reflect the current PID output for that axis.
Intercon integration: Intercon is now a part of
CNC7M and CNC7T instead of being a separate executable as in
previous versions. Works even faster.
"C"
axis indexing control for lathes: This feature greatly
increases the usefulness of lathes by making it possible to do
live tooling on lathes to do side-drilling, or create pockets or
flat surfaces. Initially, the index and hold method will be
supported. Index position is controlled from a G-code in degrees
-- much like a rotary table. The spindle can then be held firmly
in place by a brake. The "C" axis feature requires a spindle
drive (inverter motor combination) which will accept Centroid's
torque mode commands. For smaller (table top) lathes under
1hp, Centroid can adapt our DC brush drive to control a DC brush
spindle motor in both velocity and position "C' axis modes.
For higher horsepower, a third party inverter with torque mode
such as the Control Techniques drive must be used.
Interpolated "C" axis is also available under G-code
control. However, it must be remembered that "C" axis is not
as accurate or as powerful as a rotary table. Applications
are limited to light duty engraving where accuracy is not a
concern.
Rapid override on F9 key: A rapid override button
has been added. The F9 function key now appears during MDI, while
running a job, and on the Run menu. It works in conjunction with
the PLC/jog panel controlled rapid override.
Spindle speed display: This feature measures the
spindle speed and displays an averaged value in the status window.
The spindle speed display is activated by machine parameter 78,
with a value of 1.0 turning it on. The measured speed is
calculated from machine parameter 34 (Spindle Encoder
Counts/Revolution) of the encoder that is connected to the axis
specified by parameter 35 (Spindle Encoder Input).
New
Digitizing Cycle, "Cam Copy": This new digitizing function
will copy a 2D contour such as a Cam (commonly found in textile,
newspaper and plastic bag machines) OR around the perimeter edge
of an irregular shape. This new feature makes reproducing complex
Cams or pockets fast and easy. Cam Copy takes the work out of
reproducing complex 2D shapes. A G-code program to cut the
part is instantly created by Cam Copy. Repeat-to-Depth is
included for multi pass machining. Adding cutter comp for
any size cutter is made simple. See instant graphics of the
digitized part. This feature received a lot of attention
recently at the Southtec show. Note: for our existing
Digitizing customers -- Any control that currently has the
Digitize option will automatically have this new feature once it
has been updated to 7.54. Centroid User
Bonus!
Error Message Log: Message logging allows
technicians to display a file of past error messages. See the
Message log section in the Version 7.50 (or newer)
manual.
Data
recording macros (M120, M121, M122, M123): Allows the
recording of machine positions into a file. This is best used with
the new Custom Probing Feature to do custom CMM (coordinate
Measuring) and custom Digitizing operations. See the Version
7.50 manual (or newer) "M" function section.
Custom Probing macros (M115, M116, M125, M126):
Allows the Probing of positions from a user's G-code
program. Example uses are automatic Probing and setting a
part zero, automatic probing and setting a scale factor depending
on the size of the part on the table. See Version 7.50 (or
newer) operator's manual "M" function section.
Z-axis scale summing: Scale summing allows a quill
scale to be summed with the A-axis of a bed-type mill. This
is a handy feature for those cases where a Z-axis quill has a
(glass) scale installed. See CNC Tech Bulletin #131.
Bi-directional laser compensation: The
bi-directional laser compensation feature uses two tables (one for
each direction) to compensate for pitch error. As an extra
benefit, "Lash" (backlash) is automatically compensated
continuously over the entire length of travel. Also included
is a manual input table feature that allows technicians to had key
in adjustments to the compensation tables without having to
re-laser the system.
Arithmetic functions in G-codes and user variables:
Allows calculations within G-code programs. Useful for advanced
G-code programming applications. For example: a taper or "draft"
could be put into a part program by repeatedly calling a 2D
contour while computing a new smaller scale factor and depth for
each pass.
Important notice regarding Mastercam: Systems
shipping with software version 8.01 will no longer include
Mastercam (Level 1, V3.21) as a standard feature. If you require
Mastercam (Level 1, V3.21) to be included in your systems, please
contact your Centroid representative to make arrangements. Please
note that effective Sept. 1st, 2002, Mastercam will be a software
accessory. Contact Machines in Motion for more
information.
|
|
Presented by Machines in Motion Inc. last
updated November 12,
2007
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