I an an electrician and have some PLCs laying around. Anyone know how these could be used in CNC apps, mainly X-Y tables? which I have two of.
I'm thinking PLCs could be used for additional inputs and outputs, motor speed etc.

 I saw this post and PLCs used here:-

http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,5536.0.html

regards,
Shane Dwyer, AU

If your PLC has modbus you can use it with Mach for extra I/O, tool changers etc. I have one on my lathe and it did the gear change routine for my spindle (now have AC servo), the toolchange for 6 position turret, 4 position toolpost, worked the chuck, coolant and loads of I/O for buttons and servo drives.

Hood

Oh also if your PLC has analogue inputs you can use them for FRO and SRO.

Hood

If the PLC has a pulse output, or a motion module it can also run a tool changer motor totally independant of Mach....so I have read.
Barfeeders, pick and place too.
Leaving Mach more freedom to run the part program.
RC

mine is operating a 12 position tool changer operating a total of 5 relays , a brake and monitering a total of 14 prox sensors and as soon as I iron out the details will also be operating the automated tool setting probe

I an an electrician and have some PLCs laying around. Anyone know how these could be used in CNC apps, mainly X-Y tables? which I have two of.
I'm thinking PLCs could be used for additional inputs and outputs, motor speed etc.

 I saw this post and PLCs used here:-

http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,5536.0.html

regards,
Shane Dwyer, AU

Hi Shane,

I'm not sure what you want to do with a PLC, but to get some idea of what can be don't with Modbus devices, have a look through the ModIO manual at;

http://homanndesigns.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=4

Also check out the Wiki at;

http://www.machsupport.com/MachCustomizeWiki/index.php?title=Mach3_Pendants_links
http://www.machsupport.com/MachCustomizeWiki/index.php?title=Main_Page

Cheers,


Peter.