CNC machine semaphore application, using expressions (Expr.txt) – Part 1

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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.

 

How to begin?

First we need to clarify and define application requirements.

Semaphore application requirements

We want:

  • to use a semaphore with 5 lights.
  • Each light with different colour will visually represent dedicated machine state.
  • Combination of two active lights is allowed. This applies when NC program is running and pause is initiated.
  • Additionally, alarm should be activated if, at the beginning or during the program execution, front door of machine enclosure is open(ed) or pressure sensor is activated. Pressure error will be able to initiate alarm state also in Idle state.
  • In case of alarm, system should prevent or stop program execution.
  • Play siren sound to notify CNC operator.
  • Alarm notification is displayed on the main screen and at the status bar.
  • Alarm state needs to be reset. Hardware Reset button will be used.
  • If alarm is not reset and system is shut down, system will notify user to reset any pre-existing alarm at the system startup.

 

Machine states are:

  • Estop state
  • Idle state
  • Run state
  • Pause state
  • Alarm state

 

State description:

Estop

Estop state indicates that estop has been activated either using a PC keyboard key, controller estop pin (e-stop button) or Error pin indicating a motor driver fault.

This state will be indicated using active RED LIGHT on the semaphore.

 

Idle

Idle state indicates that machine is turned ON and connected with PC. Machine in Idle state does not perform any motion.

This state will be indicated using active YELLOW LIGHT on the semaphore.

 

Run

Run state indicates that CNC machine is executing the NC program.

This state will be indicated using active GREEN LIGHT on the semaphore.

 

Pause

Pause state indicates that machine is executing NC program, however program pause has been initiated, meaning program execution is on hold.

This state will be indicated using active ORANGE LIGHT in combination with active GREEN LIGHT(Run state) on the semaphore.

 

Alarm

Alarm state will indicate if CNC machine enclosure doors are open, at the start of program or during the program execution. So, if doors will be opened in any other state than Run, there is no need for an alarm.

This state will be indicated using a  BLUE LIGHT on the semaphore. In this state, we will also use siren sound alarm.

 

What hardware will we use?

So, we need to control 5 lights on the semaphore, and read one enclosure door switch. Meaning we need to occupy 5 digital outputs and 1 digital input of our MK3 controller.

But, digital input and output pins of controller are a precious commodity.  It would be better to use these pins for some other purpose.

More economic approach would be the use of ExtInOut board. This board expands the number of inputs and relay outputs used with controller by 8, respectively.

 

-ExtInOut board relays will control the semaphore lights, while one of the inputs will be used to evaluate CNC front door switch and Alarm reset button: ExtInOut board

-PlanetCNC Mk3 motion controller and EXT interface will be used for communication with external ExtInOut board: Mk3 controller

-Semaphore lights will be simulated with normal LED’s. If a real semaphore device would be used, integration would not be much different.

Programming the application

For a clearer and effective programming, we will use a concept called State Machine. Its functionality is suitable for the type of our application.

Drawing a flowchart will help us with visualization of such state machine and better overview of state definitions and state transition conditions.

Since we need constant and responsive background evaluation of various parameters and control of relay outputs, all our code will be included in the Expr.txt file.

 

 

In part 2 we will describe our state machine and Expr.txt file