Custom TwinCAT CNC Router

4 axes are controlled by the Beckhoff NC Interpreter. This motion control solution can be applied to any application that requires a cartesian robot. Hardware and software developed by Beyond Kinematics LLC.

[@OMCanam]

Which software have the post processor available for exporting to the machine ? (e.g. MasterCAM, Fusion360, etc.)
3D machining and complex machining features exist ? (threading, tool changer, 5 axis machining)
3D live toolpath display can be done ?
Hardware specs need to be high ? (e.g. i7)
What is the cost related when comparing with similar controller (Centroid, SmoothStepper, etc.)/hardware (IPC vs PLC or proprietary motion controller) needed ?
Thanks alot,
Regards from Eastern Canada

[@BeyondKinematics]

Hi @OMCanam
The Post processor was custom made, in this case using Vectrics Vcarve pro software. Post processors can be easily made for other programs such as Fusion360
The router shown is using the TwinCAT NCI package which allows for 3 path axes and 2 auxiliary axes. Tool changing is possible with programming, but is not used in this video. TwinCAT CNC is another available package that allows for 5 axis machining and has much more advanced features
The user interface is custom developed using TwinCAT HMI. 3D visualization is possible with programming but has not been implemented in this example
Hardware specs do not need to be high, the PC running this was a quad core i5 from around 2015.
This example was running on a common desktop PC purchased on Ebay for $150. The cost for all electronics (stepper motors, stepper terminals, power supplies, cabling, etc..) was around $2700. If an industrial PLC was used, that would add an additional $2000 or more depending on controller hardware purchased