One of the questions we get asked often at shows where we present the machine is, “Does is include the software?” Which we generally reply saying yes it include UCCNC which is the machine control software or sometimes referred to as motion control software. So in this post I’d like to explain a little further what that means. UCCNC is what actually drives the Stepcraft machine. But just because it can make precise movements of the machine doesn’t mean it is very smart. It relies on a few things in order for it to work properly and get your project created.
Machine Parameters – During the install of the UCCNC software and following along Step 2.2 of the First Steps (UCCNC) Manual you should have installed the correct machine parameters for the machine you purchased. When this is done it creates a shortcut on your desktop that loads the parameters into UCCNC when it opens. This is the first step. The parameters include the travel distance for the axis, how they are connected to the machine, direction of travel, and how each motor has to turn to complete one unit of distance (mm).
Homing procedure (Reference Movement) – This is the next vital step to proper operation. You’ve loaded the correct profile so the machine knows how far it can move BUT it doesn’t know where it is until the reference movement is performed. On the upper right hand side of the UCCNC screen there is a button labeled home all. Along side are smaller red buttons which allow you to home axis individually. When you complete the homing procedure the machine now knows where it is, if the machine is properly aligned you can now move all the axis their full range of motion and because the machine parameters are loaded it knows when it needs to stop at the far end of the axis.
So now the machine knows how to travel and where it can travel. What happens next?
Load File – Now UCCNC is ready for a project. It reads a g-code formatted file using a “Mach 2/3 Arcs mm” post processor which contains instructions telling it where to move, how fast, etc. Properly creating this file is done using a CAM program. We sell CAM software from Vectric and feature articles and videos explaining it’s functions. We’ll get into that in another article. Assuming you have created a g-code file and you want to create it on your Stepcraft. The next thing to do is load the file using the load file button. When the file opens you will see a preview of the tool path in an overhead view by default. There are buttons along the left hand side of the screen that allow you to change the view. Below that you’ll see a window showing the g-code, this is for reference. You don’t need to know what the instructions are.
If you receive an error opening a file it may be that you are trying to open a drawing directly or Vectric project file. While the Vectric file does contain the tool path information you created, it’s basically in a different language. Saving the tool path(s) as a g-code file is translating that information into something that UCCNC can read.
Zero the work piece – Remember UCCNC doesn’t know everything, so it doesn’t know where your material is loaded, or where to start the project. When you began your project in the Vectric software the first thing you set up was the project size and the X Y Datum position. This sets a start point in relation to the project. Now match that with how the project is designed. The zero buttons in UCCNC have a zero all (if all axis are where they need to be) and individual buttons as well (if you need to adjust one value independently). To line set the Z height you can do it by eye depending on how precise your project needs to be, by using a piece of paper as a spacer lowering the Z axis until you can still slide the paper but feel resistance, or by using the optional tool length sensor. Remember when setting the Z height to slow down the jog speed for more precise lowering.
Cycle Start – Now everything should be ready to go. Clicking cycle start will begin the project, if you have a manual spindle you will need to turn it on before clicking cycle start, if you have an HF Spindle the spindle will start when cycle start is clicked.
Cycle Stop / Reset / Emergency Stop – If something is going wrong you have a few ways to stop the machine depending on your proximity to the machine and computer. The most urgent would be to press in the emergency button or click reset in UCCNC. If it is a more minor issue clicking Cycle Stop is optimal.
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