Wire EDM machining with UCCNC

[cnv]

Hi,

Short questions:
A: Is it possible with UCCNC to receive a STOP signal on one input, which stops executing G-code, then proceed again when receiving a START signal on another input?
B: is it possible with UCCNC to receive external control signal to override FEED speed, including 0% feed? That would be practically the same result as A.
C: please confirm there is currently no support for reverse movement (go back on toolpath then forward again).

Long explanation:
The idea is to drive a Wire EDM machine, using simple 2D profile toolpath, but to be able to stop axis movement when spark gap decreases (wire is getting close to workpiece) then continue moving forward when the EDM process has successfully eroded workpiece material thus enlarging spark gap.
We develop a custom spark generator which is able to measure spark gap, thus able to send the START / STOP signals or FEED override signal to UCCNC.
Only question is, is UCCNC able to work in this method?

[cncdrive]

Hi,

A.) Yes, you can configure 2 input triggers to 2 input pins, attach one to the stop button call and one to cycle start button call.
B.) You could create a macro or macroloop. In a macro button (20000 to 20999) you could code a feedrate override with writting the feedrate override textfield or call the feedrate override + and - buttons.
Or in a macroloop you could read the inputs continously and do the things you want in the macroloop code.
C.) Yes, thats correct, there is no reverse run option.

[cnv]

Thank you for the clear and detailed answer!

[Battwell]

the only aftermarket control i have seen that can work like this fully is kmotion using a kflop. there is a chap on there that has built a superb wire edm. he sells his code and power supplys etc.
(the only one i know that can reverse a small amount once the arc is formed)
wire edm is a very complex bit of kit to do right.

[cnv]

the only aftermarket control i have seen that can work like this fully is kmotion using a kflop. there is a chap on there that has built a superb wire edm. he sells his code and power supplys etc.
(the only one i know that can reverse a small amount once the arc is formed)
wire edm is a very complex bit of kit to do right.

Thank you for your valuable input!
The idea is to buffer step/dir signals with a microcontroller (signals intercepted between UC300 and stepper drivers), so we can back up ourselves (move back and forth within the buffer), but we need to stop UCCNC from sending new signals to prevent buffer overflow.
From what I read above, this seems feasible.

[Battwell]

I look forward to seeing this
I love innovation.

Probably possible if you feedhold and record until idle status is achieved.
But you wouldn’t be able to release the feedhold until it’s back to exactly the same position or you will get a jump.

[Ruslan]

Hi, I also interested in making wire edm machine with UCCNC control. But I thought to use it in another way. Power generator will measure current in wire gap and will override feed. When current goes high feed is reduced and if current falls feed is increased. Also I want to know if it possible in UCCNC to send data(data for power generator) from g code program. I think that we can use 2 analog outputs of UC300ETH for current and voltage control, but maybe we will need more parameters(time durations) for good erosion process.