|
|
|
|
If you're a developer, experimenter, hobbyist or potential OEM
customer, you've found the right place. This page explains
various ShopBot CNC Control System modules and components for those
interested in creating or modifying their own tools or robots, or
for using our systems in manufacturing other products.
Developers/Integrators: ShopBot control systems have been
used to implement a number of different types of automation
equipment. The systems are highly configurable making available
one to five axes of
simultaneous motion with software control. ShopBot
software can run in the background behind your custom interface. Feel free to download our software and study the examples of custom
controls in the
"For Developers" folder.
OEMs: ShopBot has provided OEM robotic control for several
manufacturers, from resin-dispensing to ice-carving. We can provide
an affordable, high-performance control or control and drive system
for most robotic applications. |
 |
Experimenters and CNC Hobbyists: We built CNCs
ourselves and enjoyed doing it, and for a while we sold kits for
the adventurous (see our History).
But the reality is that in this day of affordable CNC (be it a
ShopBot or another tool), the build-it-yourself approach is only for
a select few. If you really get off on building your own tools, then
yes, give it a go. But, if your time is valuable and you
really want a CNC to help make other stuff, then you are probably
better off buying a complete tool that's ready to go to work for you.
If you are one of those select few who wants to build your own, great! We empathize and
appreciate you. Consider using one of our Control Systems as the
core component of your CNC or robotic project. As described below,
we offer several different types and levels of solution, in each
case getting you started with proven but highly flexible software
and control components.
Upgrading Older (non-ShopBot) CNCs: Many older CNC tools
still have excellent mechanical components, though their motion
and control systems may have become outdated. ShopBot Control Systems
can provide a very affordable upgrade alternative for these tools.
There will be some work required to bracket and adapt motors to
your existing tool, but once the mechanical link is made, you are
ready for high-performance cutting and machining.
Upgrading Older ShopBots: We try to make improvements and
advances in our controls available for all ShopBots. Our latest
software is always
available for free download from this website, and we encourage ShopBotters to keep current. We are always adding new features and,
of course, do our best to get any bugs quickly repaired.
The Control System components described below can also be used to
upgrade older ShopBot tools for improved performance. Modules
particularly appropriate for upgrades are indicated below. Because
existing ShopBot owners already own a license to the Control System
software, and because we are usually able to re-use the existing
control board, we offer a $250 rebate on purchases of upgrade
systems when the old control board is returned.
Overview of
ShopBot CNC Controls and Drive Systems
ShopBot’s Control and Drive Systems are modular. The
diagram below lays out the basic components and provides a way of
thinking and a set of standard names for components of our CNC systems.
ShopBot CNC Controls and
Drive System. By this term we mean the
whole CNC motion production system; this is what we provide with a
CNC tool.
 |
ShopBot Control System
refers to the CNC intelligence and basic software control system.
This includes the ShopBot Control Software that is running on a PC,
its connection to the Controller Card, the Controller Card and the
software on the card. The
components are linked in a system that generates motion
profiles and encodes and transfers them to the outboard device, where
the information is translated into step and direction instructions
that directly produce action. Step and direction information can be
used to activate many types of generic, motion-production drivers or
devices. Thus the ShopBot Control System is the smallest chunk of
ShopBot Control stuff that can actually used by a developer or OEM. The ShopBot Control Software, the Connection
and the Controller Card and Software are each individual parts. They fit into the system, have value, and can be sold separately but
none has any operational capability without all of the others.
Note that while the software is
available freely for download from our website, only owners of tools
or Control Systems actually own a ShopBot software license.
One ShopBot
Control System = one
software license. In effect, this license is represented by the
Controller Card because it contains all the circuitry and software
for decoding information sent to the Control Box. Controller Cards
for various systems are conceptually interchangeable, though they do
come in several specific variations.
Interface Board.
The Controller Card is fitted to an Interface Board to make the electrical connections available for
use. The Board can vary from something very simple with only a few terminals to a board with more capabilities such as our PRSalpha board that
provides a full, industrial-grade CNC interface with safety
interlock, relays, isolation and protection circuits, etc. When we
put a Controller card together with an Interface Board, we call this
combined assembly a Control Board.
To create any kind of physical
CNC action, the system needs to include
Motor Drivers and Motors. The Interface
Board is connected to the Motor Drivers by Driver Connectors,
and then the Motor Drivers are connected to the Motors by
Motor Cables. Depending on the system, the Motor Drivers may
be on the same physical interface board (see PRT systems below). Our Control Box
contains/houses/protects the Controller Card, Interface Board, and
Motor Drivers.
ShopBot Control and Drive Systems
We provide a variety of Control and Drive systems
that are available to developers, OEMs, and general experimenters. They
range from very basic controllers to full blown CNC systems ready to
mount or retrofit to machines. The diagram below provides an outline of
these systems.
[Enlarge]
[Enlarge]
Systems and Pricing
Please
contact ShopBot's Development Group for a quote on a system to your specifications.
Quantity pricing is available to OEMs.
|
