MachineMate Documents and Downloads
A number of MACHINEMATE INC documents, applications and programs are available for viewing or download.
Here are several shortcuts to the section of interest:
PLC Printer Configuration Files
Part Program Conversion Utility
All of the .pdf documents are presented in the Adobe pdf file format. If you do not have the Adobe Acrobat Reader, the software is free to download at www.adobe.com.
For each document, it is advised that you right-click on the link and select ‘Save Target As…’ so that the file is downloaded to your PC for more convenient access. An approximate size (rounded up to nearest 10 KB) is included for each file to allow an estimate of the download time (that will depend on the speed of your internet connection).
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MACHINEMATE INC distributes a periodic newsletter (INFOMATE) with product and information updates. These are generally short (only a few printed pages) and are in pdf format. See the top section for Adobe Acrobat Reader information.
Issue 1 (Feb. 2001) (30KB) – introduction to MACHINEMATE INC and our controls
Issue 2 (Apr. 2001) (80KB) – TIMTOS and Westec trade show recaps
Issue 3 (Jun. 2001) (90KB) – Eastec trade show recap; several new product announcements; backup email address and web site
Issue 4 (Aug. 2001) (80KB) – Teach panel product announcement; new fall trade show schedule
Issue 5 (Oct. 2001) (80KB) – EMO recap; announcements for Warner & Swasey and Kearney & Trecker control retrofit packages
Issue 6 (Dec. 2001) (60KB) – 2002 trade show schedule; new features in the latest CNC version
Issue 7 (Jan. 2002) (50KB) – announcement for Pratt & Whitney control retrofit package; foreign language support
Issue 8 (Apr. 2002) (80KB) – general motion control retrofit with MachineMate; South-tec and Westec trade show recaps
Issue 9 (Jun. 2002) (80KB) – announcement of Rockwell Automation buying CNCs from MachineMate; Eastec trade show recap; new LN model; real-time data monitoring; complex interpolation features
Issue 10 (Aug. 2002) (90KB) – three recent applications (laser cutting, lumber processing, serial communications for axis control), standard drilling and turning cycles, information about work cycles and compile cycles
Issue 11 (Nov.
2002) (100KB) – IMTS recap, new size 11 encoders to replace same size
resolvers, information about the SERCOS monitor utility
Issue 12 (Feb.
2003) (70KB) – two new MTBP models, new 19” operator panel with 15” color
display and touch screen, CAM from Cadem, rugged linear encoder feedback
systems, features in new CNC release, new product brochure, 2003 class schedule
Issue 13 (Aug.
2003) (70KB) – new power supplies (5V and 24V), 2003 trade shows, ITI grinder
retrofit, reverse engineering features, non-servo axes, new manuals, Visual
Basic example
Issue 14 (Dec. 2003) (60KB)
– new relay output module (16 relays with N.O. contact rated at 3A, 24VDC or 110VAC),
Wisconsin Fall 2003 trade show, new address
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The following list is the set of manuals for the control that is available on-line. A printed copy of each is also available for purchase from MACHINEMATE INC. A complete set is also available as a package, either as printed documents or on a CD (which includes a copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader).
· Hardware manual (4.3MB)
· NC Programming manual (2.8MB)
· Operator manual (2.6MB)
· Software manual – PLC programming tool (1.1MB)
· Software manual – PLC interfaces (1.1MB)
· Software manual – Logic Analyzer and Visualizer (400KB)
· Start up manual (3MB)
These documents are available electronically to current customers or to qualified potential customers. They are the same as the printed documents – but by having the pdf copy you have immediate access to the information you need and, at your convenience, you may print the number that your company requires. MACHINEMATE INC wants to provide efficient support for its customers – not to depend on the printing and delivery of its documents. The bound documents can be purchased but there is no restriction for a customer to print their own copies.
To obtain access to these documents, please provide the necessary company and contact information.
· Please copy the text template information into your email package before sending it. If you click on the text link, you should get a window with the text file contents (probably your browser but it could be Notepad). The suggested next step is to select all the text (Ctrl-A in IE or Notepad), copy it to the clipboard (usually Ctrl-C) and then paste it into the body of your email (usually Ctrl-V) in another window. If your internet browser does not immediately provide a viewer for the text file, then please copy the text file to your PC (right click on the link and select ‘Save Target As…’ so that the file is downloaded to a directory that you select. After the download is done, double-clicking on the file should bring up the contents (probably Notepad; if you get a dialog to assign a program to the .txt extension, specify Notepad from the list) and proceed as directed above.
· This procedure is awkward. This site will be upgraded soon to handle an online form with a ‘submit’ button to handle this process more efficiently.
Upon the reception of the completed form via email,
the access to the set of on-line documents will be returned to you. If you wish
to purchase a printed copy of a manual, please contact us at the number at the
bottom of this web page.
An installation checklist document, that relates the individual manuals to the respective tasks for an installation and startup, is available to read or download.
· Installation startup checklist (20KB)
Several other documents that are also presented as links on the home page are provided in the pdf format.
The single sheet
four-panel color brochure of the main MACHINEMATE INC products is also available to
read or download.
· MachineMate brochure (360KB)
The two-page overviews of the basic controls are also available to read or download.
· MM1 sell sheet / sales brochure (100KB)
· L2/eCNC sell sheet / sales brochure (90KB) – new in 2002
· eCNC sales brochure (180KB) – new in 2002
· L2 sales brochure (280KB) – new in 2002
The six-page
brochure of all the MACHINEMATE INC products is also available to read or download.
· Products brochure (90KB)
Brochures for the
MACHINEMATE INC accessories are also available to read or download.
· Handheld operator station (MPG) brochure (80KB)
· Machine Tool Builder's Panel (MTBP) brochure (230KB)
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MACHINEMATE INC can provide a version of the control software as a CNC simulation and the PLC development software package. This package is sometimes called ‘Dry CNC’ or ‘MACHINEMATE – no hardware’. This CNC package can run part programs in test mode without actual axis movement (as no axes are connected) and no active I/O (as none are connected). As this is a complete CNC package, any add-ons using the standard DDE connection can be exercised as well.
This product can be provided to our Value Added Customers to assist in their sales and development efforts. Please contact MACHINEMATE, INC by phone or email (the information is at the bottom of this page) if you are interested in obtaining this product.
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Start Up Applications – for a real machine
In the Start Up Manual, an example for the PLC application is provided, including a template for both the basic axis control (two axes are shown, for either analog drives or SERCOS drives) and the mechanism for handling the part program codes in the PLC (like the M-codes – which can vary based on the particular application). With just this simple application, the CNC will be able to home, jog, and run part programs. This application is saved as a .zip file, so please right-click on the link and select ‘Save Target As…’ to save the file to an appropriate directory. The application is thoroughly described in the Start Up Manual.
· PLC Start Up Application (ST) (.zip: 54KB)
The above project is done in Structured Text (one of the five IEC-1131 languages). Ladder Diagram (another IEC-1131 language) is the other standard language provided with the soft PLC. If Ladder Diagram is preferred for the project, then select the following package instead:
· PLC Start Up Application (LD) (.zip: 54KB).
The other three IEC-1131 standard languages (Function Block, Instruction List and Sequential Flow Chart) are available as options for the soft PLC. The soft PLC can handle modules using any of the five different IEC-1131 programming languages.
These application templates were updated on April 16, 2003.
Start Up Applications – for simulation (e.g., Dry CNC on
a lap top)
As mentioned above at Dry CNC, MACHINEMATE, INC can provide a version of the control software as a CNC simulation and the PLC development software package. The above PLC start up application, with a few simple modifications to run without the drives and I/O, can also be used to provide the template for the PLC in this simulation and development environment. With just this simple application, the CNC will be able to run part programs (in a test environment), enabling the development and test of the PLC application without the actual machine (i.e., at least the logic for the processing of the M-codes but without I/O activity). This application is saved as a .zip file, so please right-click on the link and select ‘Save Target As…’ to save the file to an appropriate directory. The application is essentially the same as the one thoroughly described in the Start Up Manual. Projects are available for both the Structured Text and Ladder Diagram IEC-1131 languages.
· PLC Start Up Application - Simulation/Development - ST (.zip: 54KBB)
· PLC Start Up Application - Simulation/Development - LD (.zip: 54KB).
These application templates were updated on April 16, 2003.
The above PLC start up application is rather simple (a template to build on). With a little additional PLC programming, tool management can be supported in the application also. The basic application (above) supports axis motions, spindle commands, tool diameter and tool length compensations and this one (below) also supports tool exchanges (M06) and tool management (i.e., tool movement in/out of spindle, tool wear, etc.). This application is saved as a .zip file, so please right-click on the link and select ‘Save Target As…’ to save the file to an appropriate directory. The application is essentially the same as the one thoroughly described in the Start Up Manual with the additional program unit for tool management. Projects are available for both the ST and LD languages; each project includes a module for fixed location tooling (spindle tool is returned to its fixed pocket location) and a module for variable location tooling (spindle tool is swapped with next tool). Each zip also includes an example text file that can load a tool table with several tools. Note that this tool management module for simulation is a template that can be readily adapted to an actual machine application.
· PLC Start Up Application with Tool Management - Simulation/Development - ST (.zip: 63KB)
· PLC Start Up Application with Tool Management - Simulation/Development - LD (.zip: 62KB).
These application templates were updated on April 16, 2003.
MTBP and MPG Applications
MACHINEMATE, INC also sells a Machine Tool Builder’s Panel (MTBP) for an operator station and a Handheld Operator’s Station with a handwheel (otherwise called an MPG, manual pulse generator). The MTBP has a number of general purpose push buttons; each can be custom engraved to suit the application. The MPG has two general purpose push buttons; typically one is to enable the handwheel or they are the jog plus and jog minus functions. To make the implementation of these hardware items easier, an example PLC application has been prepared for the MTBP. Each application is saved as a .zip file, so please right-click on the link and select ‘Save Target As…’ to save the file to an appropriate directory. Projects are available for both the ST and LD languages.
· PLC Start Up Application with MTBP - ST (.zip: 62KB)
· PLC Start Up Application with MTBP - LD (.zip: 61KB)
These application templates were updated on April 16, 2003.
The following file has just the MTBP code modules (in ST and LD). The export module is provided that can be imported into another PLC application.
· PLC MTBP Application - ST and LD (.zip: 5KB)
These application templates were updated on March 6, 2003.
To make an MPG implementation easier, an example PLC application has been prepared also for the MPG pendant. This application is saved as a .zip file, so please right-click on the link and select ‘Save Target As…’ to save the file to an appropriate directory. The zip contains two files: one export file for the MPG code in each of the ST and LD languages.
· PLC MPG Handwheel Application – both ST and LD (.zip: 5KB) (one push button enables the handwheel)
· PLC MPG Jog Application – both ST and LD (.zip: 4KB) (the two push buttons are for jog plus and jog minus)
These application templates were updated on March 6, 2003.
The following file has all the MTBP and MPG code modules in one PLC project (in ST and LD). All the export modules are also provided that can be imported into another PLC application. This one download gets a number of the separate examples (for the MTBP and MPG) just described.
· PLC MTBP and MPG Application - ST and LD (.zip: 79KB)
These application templates were updated on April 16, 2003.
Miscellaneous Applications
To make some applications easier, several other templates have been created.
One PLC template has been prepared as a simple example for simple coolant control by M-codes. Another PLC template has been prepared as an example for remote program control, including 1) the PLC loading a part program from a disk file, 2) the PLC running a part program directly from a disk file and 3) the PLC changing operating modes between manual, automatic-sequential block and automatic-single block. Another PLC template has been prepared as a simple example for handling a rapid override switch (note: the MachineMate’s MTBP does not have this switch). These three templates are saved in a single .zip file, so please right-click on the link and select ‘Save Target As…’ to save the file to an appropriate directory. The zip contains three files: 1) one export file for the coolant control code with one module in each of the ST and LD languages, 2) one export file for the remote program control code with one module in each of the ST and LD languages and 3) one export file for the rapid override switch code with one module in each of the ST and LD languages.
· PLC Miscellaneous Applications – both ST and LD (.zip: 70KB)
These application templates were updated on April 16, 2003.
One PLC template has been prepared as a simple example for the PLC writing a disk file (actually a part program) and the PLC reading a fixed record text file. These modules are within one PLC project, in a single .zip file, so please right-click on the link and select ‘Save Target As…’ to save the file to an appropriate directory. The zip includes examples of the two files being processed. The project has the two examples in each of the ST and LD languages.
· PLC File Example Applications – both ST and LD (.zip: 62KB)
These application templates were updated on April 16, 2003.
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When printing projects in Ladder Diagram, the default printer configuration file might result in networks spanning two pages with the ‘portrait’ layout. Example printer configuration files for either the portrait or landscape layouts are available. Unzip the two files to the ‘iec1131\IEC1131 Engl’ folder in the ‘C:\Program Files’ path to the IEC programming tool. For the PLC project, select File, Printer Setup and Browse to navigate for the selection of the appropriate configuration file. By having both configuration files available, it is easy to alternate between the two layouts for any projects.
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All CNC controls have slight differences in their part program formats even though they use the RS274 standard. MachineMate also has slight differences in its part program format compared to that of other vendor controls. MACHINEMATE INC has developed a simple utility for converting part programs that had been written for other CNC controls. This utility does not do a complete G/M code conversion (which can be difficult as some vendors do not have consistent G/M codes across their control models). The utility just makes sure that the NC statements follow the basic rules of syntax.
If the NC part programs for the MACHINEMATE control are new (for example, a CAM package will generate the programs), then no conversion utility is usually required. However, especially with retrofits, existing part programs might be run on the MACHINEMATE control so a conversion might be needed. Either the part program is manually reviewed and edited if necessary or a utility can detect and make repetitive changes.
To read the overview of this utility, click on the utility user guide (in pdf, 20KB). This brief user guide describes the utility, its rules for a conversion, and also lists the various controls whose part program format can be converted by the utility.
To download the utility, click on the utility download (in .zip, about 420KB). This package includes the utility programs, a readme.txt describing its use, and the user guide. Several control model targets have additional supporting files; those are included in zip files within this zip file. There are actually two versions of this utility included; one is a command line version enabling conversions to be done in a batch mode (via .bat files) while the other is a Windows interactive version with menus having checkboxes and selection dialogs to define each conversion.
This utility was updated on January 26, 2004.
If you have any questions, please contact us at:
MACHINEMATE, INC.
phone: 920-907-0001
fax: 920-907-0181
email: [email protected]
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