CNC machine semaphore application, using expressions (Expr.txt) – Part 3
At this step of the process we pretty much defined everything needed for semaphore application and we can begin writing the program. Diagram of program First we will illustrate simple program diagram(flowchart). Diagram is very helpful, because it visually illustrates the program flow(in this case state machine) which we can use as a reference when […]
CNC machine semaphore application, using expressions (Expr.txt) – Part 2
What is a State Machine and how it is used? If you google State machine, this would be the average result more or less: “A state machine is a behaviour model. It consists of a finite number of states and is therefore also called finite-state machine (FSM). Based on the current state and a given […]
CNC machine semaphore application, using expressions (Expr.txt) – Part 1
For this multi-part tutorial we will create CNC machine semaphore(signal tower lamp). We hope that this tutorial will serve as a good example on how to set application goals and requirements as also on how to define the tools and solutions for achieving them, while using powerful tools and flexibility of PlanetCNC motion control system. […]
Notepad++ plugin
I use Notepad++ a lot. It is the best txt editor for me. I write all my scripts/g-codes in there. As an experimentation I created plugin that implements TNG expression engine as Npp plugin. It simply evaluates selected text as expression and stores result to clipboard. I no longer need calculator 🙂 Here […]
How to mill and drill PCBs using Gerber and NC Drill files with PlanetCNC TNG software
This tutorial is intended to help you with production of single side PCBs with your CNC machine, Gerber files and PlanetCNC TNG software. Before any work is done with machine you must be sure that the ‘Gerber’ and ‘NC drill’ files of your PCB design are correct and are generated with correct parameters. Some Gerber files […]
Tool change settings in PlanetCNC TNG software
Prior following this tutorial we recommend that you perform tutorials below: How to measure tool offset with fixed tool sensor in PlanetCNC TNG software How to measure work position with movable sensor in PlanetCNC TNG software Tool change settings are located under File/Settings/Program Options/Tool Change: Tool Change settings are divided into three setting […]
Using PRINT command with PlanetCNC TNG software
PRINT command will display any text, variable or parameter value used in PlanetCNC TNG or gcode program. It can be considered as a debug tool, trough which user can observe and diagnose execution of program. As an output, PRINT command uses Output window/panel: Example 1: Click in the MDI window and type this text: […]
Program debugging in PlanetCNC TNG software
Debugging tools in PlanetCNC TNG For purposes of program observation or debugging, user can use PRINT and LOG commands, output window and state tabs for parameter value display. G-code ref manual will also come very handy. Output window To show/hide output panel in PlanetCNC TNG main window, click the middle square symbol in the upper […]
Gcode in PlanetCNC TNG software
PlanetCNC TNG is a motion control software intended for control of CNC machines. As a standard, g-code is used as native programming language. PlanetCNC TNG software processes gcode program and sends series of commands to motion controller. Controller interprets these commands and arranges coordinated machine motion. Gcodes G-code commands can be divided into multiple […]
Plasma CNC and THC (torch height control) with PlanetCNC
Plasma CNC cutting machine is one of the most commonly used types of CNC machine. It’s used mostly for cutting Steel, aluminium and other conductive materials. Like any other type of CNC machine, plasma machine has it own specifics. Machine should be properly designed for such type of machining, considering slag, steel dust, high temperatures, […]
Customization of PlanetCNC TNG user interface
How to create new profile in PlanetCNC TNG software Adding user toolbar buttons in PlanetCNC TNG software How to create custom tabs in PlanetCNC TNG software
Using o-words with PlanetCNC TNG software: Loop blocks
You can use loop o-words with PlanetCNC TNG. Sometimes you need to execute line(s) of g-code in a loop while evaluating specific condition. When condition evaluates to false, program will exit loop. This comes useful for e.g. repetitive motion sequences, parameter manipulation etc… O-word loop commands consist of: O-do – Begin loop block O-while – End loop […]
