A .tap file is the gcode file, right? If so, that will be less helpful than the .crv (since the .crv will show all of your toolpath settings, ramps, etc - unlike the gcode).
Would love to hear more about why/how you expected ChatGPT to be able to pick up on problems in your gcode? (That's not a criticism - I'm surprised at all the novel applications people find)
-Mark
Hi Mark,
I used the .tap file because I'm saving that to a USB drive and that gets plugged into the unit. That's all the CNC reads. I recently subscribed to ChatGPT and pay $20 month (work related). Below was its response to my initial query. I am able to upload a picture of tool defined in VCarve and it can read / comment on it. A picture / response is below as well. I find ChatGPT much better than trying to use Google. You are able to get responses specific to the issue you are asking about and not have to click through a bunch of links. It's incredibly helpful. And I don't want to come in and ask questions of the community without doing a little homework myself.
ChatGPT Response:
From the inspection of the G-code file, I can see the initial Z-axis movements, which control the cutting depth.
Here are a few key points:
- Tool Description:
- (T1 D=0.25 CR=0. - ZMIN=-0.75 - FLAT END MILL): This indicates a 0.25-inch flat end mill with a maximum depth of cut of -0.75 inches.
- Z-Axis Movements:
- The first Z movement brings the tool to Z0.6 (which is above the material).
- The next movements gradually lower the tool:
- Z0.2, then Z0.0394, and then down to Z-0.0368 (going slightly below the surface).
- The further movements continue going deeper incrementally, like Z-0.0407, Z-0.0446, Z-0.0482, etc., but none of these initial cuts are as deep as 1/4" (which is 0.25 inches).
At first glance, the G-code doesn’t suggest a sudden 1/4-inch cut initially. However, the file could be designed to make deeper cuts after a series of these small passes, which might be causing the issue you're experiencing.
Possible Causes:
- Workpiece Z-zero setting: If the CNC machine's Z-zero is not set correctly on the surface of the material, the machine may interpret an incorrect starting position, leading to deeper cuts.
- Tool Offset or Tool Length Issue: There might be an incorrect tool offset or length setting, causing the CNC to cut deeper than intended.
To troubleshoot:
- Ensure the machine's Z-zero is properly set on the material surface before starting the cut.
- Double-check the tool length offset settings in the machine’s controller.
Let me know if you'd like help analyzing more of the code or troubleshooting the machine further!
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I pasted this picture in:
ChatGPT Response:
Based on the
Pocket Toolpath setup in VCarve that you shared, here are a few observations:
Key Parameters:
- Cutting Depths:
- Start Depth (D): 0.0 inches – This is correct, meaning the cut starts at the surface of the material.
- Cut Depth (C): 0.1 inches – This indicates that the tool will cut 0.1 inches deep, which seems reasonable depending on your material and the design. However, if your CNC is cutting much deeper (like 1/4 inch), this suggests that the Z-axis zero might not be correctly set on your CNC machine, or the machine is not respecting this setting.
- Tool:
- The tool defined is the Whiteside (RU2075) 0.25" Dia Up Spiral. This is consistent with what you previously showed, and the tool seems appropriate for the cut.
- Passes:
- You have set 2 passes. With the cut depth of 0.1 inches, this should mean each pass cuts approximately 0.05 inches (half the total depth), which is very reasonable for controlled cutting.
- Ramp Plunge Moves:
- Ramp Distance: 0.3 inches – This is a good setup for easing the tool into the material and reducing stress on the bit by ramping into the cut gradually.
Potential Issues to Consider:
- Z-Axis Zero Setup: Even though your settings are correct in VCarve, if the Z-axis zero is set incorrectly on the machine (perhaps it’s set too low), it could be starting the cut deeper than intended. Double-check the physical Z-zero setup on your machine before running the program.
- Toolpath Simulation: Before exporting the G-code, run a toolpath simulation in VCarve to verify the depth of the cuts and ensure there are no unintended deeper plunges.
- Tool Offset in CNC Controller: If there’s a mismatch in the tool offset on your CNC machine, the machine may cut deeper than programmed. This can happen if the tool length or offset values in the machine controller are incorrect.
Recommendations:
- Ensure the machine’s Z-zero is accurately set to the surface of your material.
- Check the tool offset settings on the machine to match what is in VCarve.
- Try a small test cut to confirm the machine is following the 0.1" cut depth in 2 passes as defined here.
If everything checks out in VCarve and the machine is still cutting too deep, the problem is likely on the machine-side settings.
Let me know if you'd like further assistance with any of these steps!
