New LinuxCNC Multi-Channel System – Looking for Testers & Feedback

Servus, thanks for your message, nice to meet another Austrian here!

I’m originally from the Amstetten area, but Salzburg is also home for me. I went to HTL in Steyr, and I’ve been self-employed for around 20 years, mainly working in the aerospace and automotive industries.

My background is primarily in PLC programming, CNC machining and industrial automation. Over the years I’ve worked on pretty much everything around metalworking: mechanical engineering, machine automation, fixtures and clamping systems, CNC programming, commissioning, and of course complete machine retrofits.

I also started working with LinuxCNC very early on and was one of the first to use it seriously for machining centers rather than just simpler hobby machines. That experience is actually one of the reasons why I’m now pushing the multi-channel system further, I see a lot of potential for bringing older but mechanically excellent industrial machines back to life.

Your Homag example is interesting as well. Multi-channel control could definitely open up a lot of possibilities for machines with several working areas, tables or independently coordinated processes.

 

tommylight post=350129 Benutzer-ID=17274

hermann1976 post=350128 userid=26821
Es ermöglicht die erfolgreiche Nachrüstung älterer Maschinen —z. B. kompletter Homag-Holzbearbeitungszentren mit mehreren Tischzonen— unter Verwendung von LinuxCNC.
Ich bin mir ziemlich sicher, dass dies bereits möglich ist, siehe G55, G56 usw.
 

 

I am indeed referring to a multi-channel control system.
The machine works on a component on the left machining table, while the next part can be set up on the right table simultaneously. Once setup is complete, the program is started and the table moves to a standby position. Only when the left-hand part is finished does the machining head move to the right to execute that program. At the same time, the left table moves out of the machining area to a parking position for re-setup.
There are also multi-head systems, and so on.

At one point in the past I was getting quotes for buying a double router like that. In the end our company decided it was more cost effective and practical to simply buy two separate machines.