c:\miters_gantry.html

MITERS Aerotech 3D Gantry
Usage Guide by dgold@zblob.com

G-Code control language supports many motion primitives: line, arc, spline, eliptical arc, corner rounding, etc.

Normally a milling head might be attached to the gantry but other heads can be attached as well.
You can operate the gantry with your choice of:

The X and Y axis of the gantry have open linear magnet tracks with very powerful magnets along the entire length.
Nuts, bolts, washers and ferrous dust are powerfully attracted to these magnets. You can damage the gantry if you operate with an obstructed magnet track.
Before operation inspect the length of the X and Y magnet tracks to ensure they are free of obstructions, such as a nut or washer which may have fallen into the track and stuck to the magnet.
Always take care with small iron and steel parts around the gantry.
If you are machining a ferrous metal, you must set up dust containment measures around the machining head such as a barrier and active vacuum. It is nearly impossible to remove ferrous dust from the magnet tracks if you allow it to get there.

The X and Y axis motors of the gantry require compressed air for cooling. The motors can be damaged if the gantry is operated without proper air pressure.
Connect compressed air supply and turn on compressor. Check pressure guage and adjust if needed. There should be 15-20 psi.

The Gantry electrical control board is located under the gantry table. It requires ventilation and it should be kept clean.

Turn on the gantry "Main" power switch on the power control box. The electrical control board fans should start.
Move the gantry head manually to your desired '0' location.
Start the U500MMI program.
Position Sensor Alignment

The software determines the position of the X and Y axes using position sensors. The alignment of these sensors is a bit fragile, so you must check that the software is able to properly detect motion of the X and Y axes.
Move the head manually to the extreme corner of its X,Y range. You may need to disable the axes to allow manual motion.
Do File->Reset within U500MMI to set the '0' location in the software.
Move the head manually to the opposite corner of its X,Y range, and check that the software sensed a position change of 510 to 525mm for both X and Y axes. If not, the sensors need to be adjusted.
The two sensors are labeled "Renishaw RGBX" and are found along the X and Y tracks. The sensors are adjusted manually by loosening with a small hex key. They are very sensitive! They have an LED on them which is green when aligned and red when unaligned, you can use this to help adjust but in the end you must get the software to show the motion properly.

Enable the X, Y and Z axes as needed and jog each a small distance to test. The MITERS gantry does not have a U axis.

Always keep the power switch box handy when operating in case you need to turn off the head and/or gantry immediately.
Always protect people with a safety shield or goggles. The workstation has a sliding safety shield for protecting the operator.
Use appropriate motion speeds for the task. The gantry can easily destroy milling bits or your piece by trying to cut too fast. Either of these failures can cause flying debris.
Use proper bits for the task. There are many types of milling bits for different types of cuts and materials.
When using G-Code, do a dry-run of your command or program to ensure proper motion speed and action. Errors in your command or program could easily destroy your piece, the table, the gantry head or the milling bit by trying to move in the wrong direction or at the wrong speed.

The U500MMI software is the main tool provided by Aerotech for direct control of the system.
This software allows direct jogging of the axes, single-command G-code entry and execution, and G-code program loading and execution.
If you drive the gantry past its operating range or any other error is shown for an axis, click 'Fault Acknowledge (F8)' to continue operation.
To position the X or Y axis manually, disable them in the software. When enabled they are locked by the motor. the Z axis can not be positioned manually.

Enter individual G-Code commands in the 'MDI' command box in U500MMI, and click 'execute' to run them.
G-Code command reference is in U500MMI "Help" menu.
See the sample G-Code programs such as the miters_sign.prg

Sequences of G-Code commands can be saved in a text file.
See the sample G-Code programs such as the miters_sign.prg
U500MMI can load and run G-Code program files. Use File->Load_Program or click the "Load" button. Then:
The ''Restart' button has the following effects:

The "Cycle" button executes your program according to the setting of the "Single/Auto" toggle button:

Use the FeatureCAM software to convert DXF diagrams to G-Code. You can also draw the diagram directly with this software. This usage mode has not been tested yet.