MaxMotion Virtual Controller Software PC/windows Edition for Engraving/Routing/Marking machines OWNER’S MANUAL October 2001
© 1991- 2001 by Solustan, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. This document and the software, associated artwork, product designs, and design concepts are copyrighted with all rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this manual or the software may not be copied, in whole or part, without written consent of Solustan, Inc., except in the normal use of the software or to make a backup copy of the software.
Contents Contents Introduction .......................................................................................... 5 1: Installing MaxMotion ..................................................................... 9 2: Installing MaxMotion ................................................................... 29 3: A Quick Start ............................................................................... 39 4: System Requirements ...................................................................
MaxMotion for Machines
MaxMotion for Machines Introduction-5 Introduction Welcome to the world of MaxMotion™ from Solustan, Inc. MaxMotion (maximum flexibility for motion control) and MaxMotion Virtual Controller (Indexer) are very easy to use, general purpose software engines developed for the PC/Windows computers. Generally speaking, these software engines offer the following powerful but unique capabilities: ■ It allows a complete job design capabilities for an engraver.
MaxMotion for Machines MicroGrafx Designer, Aldus Freehand and other graphic programs that can generate PostScript files. MaxMotion also accepts DXF files from popular CAD programs like AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, DesignCAD, Generic CAD and others. MaxMotion supports the following Engraving machines: Dahlgren Control Systems System I and System II System 100 - 500 SCU controllers System 100 - 500Z SCU controllers Wizzard XL series Wizzard III series Machine Automation’s Multi-CAMM 22, 44, 48, 610, etc.
MaxMotion for Machines Introduction-7 Digital Tool, Inc. DR902-S1, S2, L1, L2 DR903-S1, S2, L1, L2 DR-902-SAW DR-903-SAW META-STEP 1500-1, 1500-2 META-STEP 2000-1, 2000-2 META-STEP 3000-1, 3000-2 META-SERVO 6500-1, 6500-2 META-SERVO 7500-1, 7500-2 META-SERVO 8500-1, 8500-2 ESAB Machines Gerber Dimension series routers Machine Automation Technology Multi-CAMM 22, 44, 48, 610, etc.
MaxMotion for Machines A partial list of the companies that make such amplifiers is given below: Intelligent Motion Systems, Inc. API, Inc. Superior Electric Semix, Inc. General Controls, Inc. Anaheim Automation Compumotor and Digiplan Pacific Scientific PIC Design Before you begin using MaxMotion, please take a moment to fill out and send in your registration card. The registration card is prepared such that the user needs to fill out minimum information.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 1-9 Chapter 1: Installing MaxMotion Virtual Controller It is really simple to install the MaxMotion software. This procedure assumes that the user is familiar with the working ways of Windows 3.X, 95, and 98 to move around within Program Groups, to use a mouse, and so on.
MaxMotion for Machines Installing the MaxMotion VC (Virtual Controller) application (PART NUMBER EW-401) Use the following procedure to install under Windows 3.X (a) Type or Enter WIN at the DOS prompt to load Windows 3.X, if it is not loaded already. (b) Insert the MaxMotion floppy disk into drive a: or b: (c) From Program Manager, choose Run from the file menu. Important: If you are using a desktop manager other than Program Manager, you must run the Program Manager application PROGRAM.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 1-11 (b) Insert the MaxMotion floppy disk into drive a: or b: (c) Click the Start button and choose Run. (d) Type a:\setup or b:\setup (depending upon whether the MaxMotion floppy is inserted in floppy drive A or B) and click OK. The MaxMotion Installer dialog box appears. (e) Accept the default target drive and directory displayed in the dialog box, or select and type a new drive and directory. (f) Follow the procedures and prompts on the screen and click OK as prompted.
MaxMotion for Machines Here is where you customize MaxMotion Virtual Controller to work with your machine, step motors, and amplifiers. MaxMotion Virtual Controller plays the role of job design and preparation program as well as the role of a controller. Configure the software properly and you will get excellent performance. Make sure you have the Windows 3.X, 95 or 98 program Manager displayed on your computer monitor.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 1-13 for enabling the Pause/Resume/Kill capability during output. When the Virtual Controller concept was conceived back in 1995, the fastest computers had Intel 486 chips. Some of the slower chips could not manage Pause/Resume/Kill capability while sending out timely output for smooth motor operation. Disabling the capability made the machine run smooth. No need to worry about disabling it with today's fast Pentium chip based computers.
MaxMotion for Machines machines supported by MaxMotion. Generally, these machines can be categorized into two broad categories: (1) Machines that can be upgraded to take advantage of the latest features of MaxMotion and Windows environment. These are older Dahlgren, Meistergram, Newing Hall, New Hermes, and other engraving machines. Detailed machine setup is already done for you ahead of time. All you need to do is to make proper selection of the engraving machine from the list.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 1-15 physical connections for the axis, always keep the sets together. The sets are pins (2,3), (4,5), and (6,7). Also make sure that any one set is used only once in the configuration. The above picture shows pins of axis per standard setup. Generally, it is not required to change Z axis. However, a user may want to swap X and Y axis for his convenience. Swap pins 2 and 3 for pins 4 and 5.
MaxMotion for Machines Section II General setup section II will allow you to setup limit switches and the distance you desire from the limit switches, once you reach home. If you have a machine (e.g. Newing Hall engraving machine with TLC controller) with no limit switches, the Section II will be set up with Limit Switches "Not Present" in all three axis. The limit switch part of the logic will not be activated in the application. However, if you do have a machine with limit switches (e.g.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 1-17 switch. Once the machine reaches the limit switch, it should back off by the value selected in the Offset Home value in the section II. It is preferred that the minimum value is 0.05 inches. The starting position can be changed to any other position on the table other than the upper left corner by taking one of the three following steps: 1. Change the values of X and Y offsets for the Home in the Section II. 2.
MaxMotion for Machines user needs to do is to provide the diameter of the object where the engraving takes place. Spindle Delay: Spindle delay was always available in MaxMotion Virtual Controller and it was preset at 1 second in the Initialization file (MaxMotion.INI). This control of the delay is now brought to the application interface in order to make it easy for the user to change or set the delay for values other than 1 second.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 1-19 familiarize with the section III of the Machine Setup. You can get to Machine Setup by pulling down the File menu in MaxMotion. You can select left switch or right switch or both the switches. Left and right are selection boxes and either or both can be selected at the same time. Click on the box to select it and click again on the box to deselect it.
MaxMotion for Machines Start offset values can be set up for all three axis. This is different from the offset values in limit switch set up. Here is an example of the use of the start offset: Dahlgren System 1 table and some of the Scripta tables have bottom loading chucks for the tools. The tables require upper left as the starting position. However, the Z axis need to travel away on Y axis to get away from the table surface in order to load and unload the tools.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 1-21 Whenever the job starts, the tool will move from the Home position over to where the material is with the Start Offset value of the Z axis until it gets to the first shape. At this point, the tool will travel down to the material and then penetrate to the depth declared in the material selected in the Materials menu. When it finishes the first shape and is moving over the to the next shape, the Z axis will move up only by the Lift value declared in the Materials menu.
MaxMotion for Machines Backlash Backlash is a very important feature to take care of the mechanical inconsistencies in machines. Every mechanical device is slightly different. Also, its characteristics change as it ages. If there is a mechanical problem which creates backlash and as a result, the machine does not come back to Home at the end of a job, the mechanical problem should be fixed.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 1-23 processing power makes it possible. The first check box will guarantee that the machine will move at a constant linear velocity along all the paths including straight lines, angular lines, curves, etc. It would be a good idea to stop the limit switches without decelerating unless you plan to move to the home position at a very high speed.
MaxMotion for Machines Before invoking MaxMotion, you must first insert the adapter in the parallel port on your PC computer. Each Identification Adapter is unique so your MaxMotion program can only execute with the ID adapter supplied with it. If you wish to attach a printer or a plotter to the same parallel port, simply plug the parallel cable into the ID adapter. Once installed, the ID adapter is totally unobtrusive and will not hinder any of the capabilities of the computer.
After filling out proper information, make sure and store these pages as part of your manual. You can use it in the future if you have to install the MaxMotion application again. Now you are ready to engrave with MaxMotion. Now launch the MaxMotion application. Make sure you have selected the proper settings for your machine in the Machine Setup, Section I, Section II, Section III, Section IV and Edit Materials area.
Revert Steps per in Z Axis Steps per in Y Axis Steps per in X Axis Save Direction, set to for Step, trigger on the Direction, set to for Step, trigger on the Direction, set to for Step, trigger on the Port Setup Section I Section I High Falling edge Close Low for positive move Falling edge Low for positive move Rising High Falling edge Low for positive move Rising High Rising X in in High Low when the switch is open Save Close Low when the switch is open from Z limit swit
Normal X: Backlash Revert X: Start Offsets: Start from in Wide Table Setup Spindle Motor Delay Spindle Motor Save Y: Y: Left Switch Automatic Auxillary Controls: Axis Selection: Table and Tool Setup Section III Z: Z: Steps in Close in High Sec.
in/sec in/sec in/sec Move Z Feed Up Jog Lift Close in/sec in/sec in/sec Move Z Feed Up Jog MaxDepth Depth Dwell Lift per pass Save in/sec Z Feed Revert in/sec Engrave in in in in Revert Jog Z Feed Up Move Z Feed Engrave MaxDepth Depth Dwell Lift per pass Save in/sec in/sec in/sec in/sec in/sec Cutter: Dwell Lift per pass MaxDepth Depth Cutter: Save in/sec in/sec in/sec in/sec in/sec Edit Materials Tool Speed: X Revert Jog Z Feed Up Move Tool S
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 2-29 Chapter 2: Installing MaxMotion HPGL type controllers It is really simple to install the MaxMotion software. This procedure assumes that the user is familiar with the working ways of Windows 3.X, 95, and 98 to move around within Program Groups, to use a mouse, and so on.
MaxMotion for Machines Installing the MaxMotion HPGL application (PART NUMBER EW-201) Use the following procedure to install under Windows 3.X (a) Type or Enter WIN at the DOS prompt to load Windows 3.X, if it is not loaded already. (b) Insert the MaxMotion floppy disk into drive a: or b: (c) From the Program Manager, choose Run from the file menu. Important: If you are using a desktop manager other than Program Manager, you must run the Program Manager application PROGMAN.EXE, before executing step c.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 2-31 Install MaxMotion device driver for machines with HPGL type controllers This procedure requires you to install Microsoft provided Generic/ TEXT only driver. This driver is included with Windows 3.X version of the software from Microsoft. You need to have original Windows diskettes or CD ready before you proceed with this step. MaxMotion uses this Microsoft provided driver to communicate to your controller. (a) Start Windows, if you have not done so already.
MaxMotion for Machines (d) List of Printers should show up inside the Printers dialog box when the Add>> button is clicked. The very second item should be Generic/ Text only. Select it by clicking on it. Click Install button and one of the two following will happen. (e) If the Generic/Text Only driver was ever installed on this windows system and removed, the file may still be on the hard disk drive. In this case, it will simply show up in the Installed Printers area of the dialog box.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 2-33 (h) If one of the serial ports is selected, it is important to make sure that the communication parameters are set properly. As soon as either serial port is selected, the Settings button will become active. Click Settings button to bring up the Settings dialog box as shown below: Multi-CAM Routing machines require generally the following communication parameters: 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bits, and hardware handshake.
MaxMotion for Machines 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and X-on/X-off handshake. The controllers for other machines may require different setup. Make sure that the settings in this dialog box matches the parameters set up on the machine. Click OK after making the necessary changes in settings. Click OK in the Connect dialog box. You will be now back to the Printers dialog box with the proper selection of the machine and the port.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 2-35 Use the following procedure to install under Windows 95 or 98 (a) Type or Enter WIN at the DOS prompt to load Windows 95, if it is not loaded already. (b) Insert the MaxMotion floppy disk into drive a: or b: (c) Click the Start button and choose Run. (d) Type a:\setup or b:\setup (depending upon whether the MaxMotion floppy is inserted in floppy drive A or B) and click OK. The MaxMotion Installer dialog box appears.
MaxMotion for Machines (c) Printers folder will be displayed. If you do not see Generic / Text Only printer icon as one of the available printers, click on the Add Printer icon. If you do see the driver present in the folder, go directly to the point (f) below. (d) Now, work through the Add Printer Wizzard. Select Generic as your printer manufacturer, the only available printer Generic / Text Only will be selected automatically. Click Next and follow the Wizzard to install the printer driver.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 2-37 (g) Again, pull down File menu and select Properties. Properties box will show up with various tabs. Click select Details tab. Select the port to which your controller of the machine is connected. There is not much you have to do besides selecting the parallel port. However, if you have to select a serial port, you should set the proper communication parameters to match with the controller’s parameters in the Port Settings.
MaxMotion for Machines communication parameters: 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bits, and hardware handshake. New Hermes EP controller module require generally the following communication parameters: 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and X-on/X-off handshake. New Hermes Unica machine require generally the following communication parameters: 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and hardware handshake. It is connected to Com 1 or 2 Serial port of your computer.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 3-39 Chapter 3: A Quick Start Machine Set-Up: ( 1) Set MaxMotion software for your particular XYZ table ................................ Chapter 3- 41 ( 2) Use Control Pad ............................................... Chapter 3- 42 ( 3) Adjust the setting for the surface and get ready for the job ...........................................Chapter 3- 44 ( 4) Set limit switches and set home position ..........
MaxMotion for Machines (20) Create a text line at an angle ........................... Chapter 3- 75 Engraving: (21) Engrave a job ................................................... Chapter 3- 76 (22) How to engrave any part of a job ..................... Chapter 3- 77 (23) Pause the machine while in operation and continue or quit ............................................... Chapter 3- 79 (24) How to use SmartPlate™ ..................................
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 3-41 Machine Setup: ( 1) Set MaxMotion software for your particular XYZ table (Virtual Controller only) Step 1. Open MaxMotion program under Windows 3.X, 95, or 98. Step 2. Click on the File menu and Select ‘Machine Setup’. Step 3. Select the port address that is used to connect the table. Step 4. Select the name of the machine that is connected to the port. Step 5. Familiarize yourself with the sections of the General Setup. Check Machine Setup section of Chapter 1.
MaxMotion for Machines (2) Use Control Pad (Virtual Controller Only) Step 1. Click on the File menu and Select ‘Control Pad’ (short cut Ctrl + p key combination). Control Pad for the Laptop Computer 0 p ; 8 7 u 9 o i j k m l . Step 2. Observe the layout of the Control Pad and notice that it is similar to the 10 key keypad of your standard PC keyboard. Notice the design of the alternate Control Pad for the key boards with no keypad such as Laptop computers.
MaxMotion for Machines Step 6. Step 7. Step 8. Step 9. Chapter 3-43 will travel up and down from the surface point while engraving. ‘Home’ key will move the table to home position if the table is equipped with limit switches and if the limit switches are engaged in the Section II of the Machine setup. Pause and Space bar are very important keys. All other keys operate only when the Control Pad is visible on the screen. Pause and Space bar key operate while the job is being processed.
MaxMotion for Machines ( 3) Adjust the setting for the surface and get ready for the job (Virtual Controller & Motorized Z-axis only) Step 1. Go to the starting position of the job in one of the following ways: A. Set the material anywhere on the table and move the tool to the defined starting position (One of the six in Section III, Machine Setup) of the material as your temporary home by using the control pad. B.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 3-45 ( 4) Set limit switches and set Home position (Virtual Controller Only) Step 1. There are four basic settings possible based on the type of machine in use. A. Machine with no limit switches. Examples are, Newing Hall TLC, Dahlgren System One, etc. There are no limit switch settings required here. The ‘Home’ position is wherever you start the job from. The operator should be able to go to the Section III of the Machine Setup and select any of the starting positions.
MaxMotion for Machines starting position with the help of the ControlPad. Step 2. Starting offsets are to be entered as follows: X axis - Positive value if the initial offset is to move to the right before getting to the actual starting point. X axis - Negative value if the initial offset is to move to the left before getting to the actual starting point. Y axis - Negative value if the initial offset is to move away from the operator before getting to the actual starting point.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 3-47 left before getting to the actual starting point. Y axis - Negative value if the initial offset is to move away from the operator before getting to the actual starting point. Y axis - Positive value if the initial offset is to move toward the operator before getting to the actual starting point. Z axis - Positive value and the initial offset move can only be going down toward the material. D.
MaxMotion for Machines axis. (You should still be declaring the lift value in the Materials Menu for the short lifts between shapes while machining.) OR DECLARED VALUE IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE OPERATOR TO UNDER STAND THE TWO DIFFERENT Z AXIS SETTINGS: 1. MAXIMUM STROKE VALUE IN CASE THE LIMIT SWITCH IS PRESENT OR DECLARED VALUE OF THE MAXIMUM STROKE IN SECTION III OF THE MACHINE SETUP... IF THE LIMIT SWITCH IS NOT PRESENT.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 3-49 Layout and Design: ( 5) Layout a simple job with or without auto layout (Virtual Controller and HPGL) System initialization sets up a default font name and size. You can change this later to the most common font you use day in and day out. Step1. Click on the Job Design menu and Select ‘Auto Layout’. Make a number of easy but obvious choices, ■ Plate size 4 in. high X 6 in. wide ■ Select number of lines 0 for a free layout or Select number of lines for auto layout.
MaxMotion for Machines following: MaxMotion! The best product To come along Since the introduction of computerized Engraving machines. Step 3. You should see a job design ready to go to engraving machine. Suddenly, you decided that you want to add another line to the layout. Stop 4. Click the text cursor anywhere inside the last line. Use the right arrow key to move the cursor to the end of the line. Step 5. Click ‘Enter’ or ‘Return’ key. It will create a new line. Enter text - Thank You, Solustan.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 3-51 Step 9. The job is still in the text mode. You can save it, open it, edit it, change it, and engrave it easily. However, you want to see what lines it will engrave. Click ‘View Paths’ in Job Design menu. Observe all the lines engraving tool will follow.
MaxMotion for Machines ( 6) Create a multi line badge in Auto Layout (Virtual Controller and HPGL) Step 1. Click on the Material menu and Select the Engraving Material you wish to use. You can edit materials to set up proper speeds, depth, lift, and dwell, if necessary. Step 2. Click on the Job Design menu and Select ‘Auto Layout’. Select the plate size. Enter 3 for the number of lines. Auto job layout has default selection of inches for the line height.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 3-53 typing the lines as follows: MaxMotion The Controller Killer Note that all the lines have the same font. Explore the possibility of changing your design with the help of Font, Auto Layout, and Edit Layout in Job Design. Step 4. You can select any line or many lines with the arrow pointer. You can also select any or many characters with the text cursor. Now you can go into Font menu to change fonts and sizes. Step 5. You can add or subtract lines or move lines around.
MaxMotion for Machines (7) Create and use a Variable List (Virtual Controller and HPGL) Variable list can be entered as a simple ASCII file while in MaxMotion. It can be imported into MaxMotion from any word processed file. Save the file in the word processor as a text file with line breaks. Give a file extension of *.txt. Step 1. Click on the File menu and Select ‘Open’. Step 2. Change Files of Types to Template Files in the Open Job dialog box. Step 3. Select and open badge.tpl. Click on OK. Step 4.
MaxMotion for Machines Step 6. Step 7. Step 8. Step 9. Chapter 3-55 B. Click ‘Get Name’ and open a previously stored file with a list. C. Click ‘Get Name’ and open a file provided by your customer. Click ‘Get Name’ and select and open list.txt. The selected file name with its path will show up in the List Management dialog box. Click on OK. Click ‘Open’ in the List Management dialog box. Note that the file is organized with names and titles in alternate lines.
MaxMotion for Machines Step11. Explore the power and the capabilities of this function . Change the fonts for Name and Title. Change height. Change the order by selecting Title first and Name second. These jobs are ready to go to the engraving table.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 3-57 (8) Create and use Batch/Matrix operations with a Variable List (Virtual Controller and HPGL) This is a continuation to the previous feature of the Quick Start Variable List. Step 1. Set up your plate, job, and Variable List per your file in the List Management (see feature 7). Step 2. Click on the Job Design Menu and Select ‘Matrix Settings’. Step 3. Declare the size of the material.
MaxMotion for Machines Step 8. Click on the Job Design menu and Select ‘Batch/Matrix output’. Batch/Matrix Output dialog box shows up. It will show you the material size you entered in the Matrix settings dialog box. It will also show you your plate size. It will declare the total number of plates in this job. It will show all of the selections that you just made in the Matrix settings dialog box. The From Plate... to Plate...
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 3-59 ( 9) Create and use Batch/Matrix operations without a Variable List (Virtual Controller and HPGL) This can be a useful procedure when you need to step and repeat multiple copies of the same job. Step 1. Go to JobDesign menu and create your job with plate size, graphics, and text for multiple copies. Step 2. Click on the Job Design Menu and Select ‘Matrix Settings’. Step 3. Declare the size of the material.
MaxMotion for Machines Step 8. Click on the Job Design menu and Select ‘Batch/Matrix output’. Batch/Matrix Output dialog box shows up. It will show you the material size you entered in the Matrix settings dialog box. It will also show you your plate size. It will declare the total number of plates in this job. It will show all of the selections that you just made in the Matrix settings dialog box. The From Plate... to Plate...
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 3-61 (10) Import clip art, logos, and designs from Corel Draw (Virtual Controller and HPGL) Step 1. Design jobs in Corel Draw or you can Import clipart into Corel Draw. Step 2. Select all and select the thinnest line from the tool box for the artwork. Step 3. Select all and unfill all the graphics and fonts. Step 4. Export files as Illustrator *.EPS or *.AI files. Select Illustrator 88 or 1.1 and ‘curves’ for your output. Step 5.
MaxMotion for Machines (11) Continue the previous job to fill large TrueType fonts (Virtual Controller and HPGL) Step 1. Use feature (5) to layout the job again. Step 2. Select arrow cursor on the Tool Pad and click anywhere outside to deselect all the line. If any or all are selected you will see blue boxes around the selected lines. Step 3. Click arrow on the last line of text to select it. Select a proper tool to fill these characters. Step 4.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 3-63 Step 6. Select magnifying glass from the Tool Pad and click on the ‘U’ character of the word ‘You.’ You will only see the outline of the character and all proper blue dot positions. Step 7. Click on the Settings menu and Select 0.010 inch fill tool. Step 8. Remember that the sensitive part of the offset and the fill tools is the lower most point of the tool. Make sure that the lower tip of the tool is inside one of the selected shapes.
MaxMotion for Machines (12) Create mirror image and rotate graphic files: (Virtual Controller and HPGL) Step 1. Click on the Job Design menu and Select ‘AutoLayout’. Enter 2 for high and 3.5 for wide in Plate size. Click Create. Step 2. Click on the File menu and Select ‘Import’. Select PostScript files in the files of types, if it is not already. Double click Example2.AI file. IBM logo shows up on the screen. Step 3. Click on the Graphics menu and Select ‘Scale Shapes’. Scale proportionally.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 3-65 (13) Select text for kerning and editing: (Virtual Controller and HPGL) Step 1. Type in some text with a text tool from the tool pad. Step 2. Position the text cursor on the left edge of the first character but inside the character that you intend to select. Step 3. Drag across while holding down the mouse button to select the text. Step 4. Hold down the CTRL key and depress the up arrow key to increase the space between characters.
MaxMotion for Machines (14) Move lines, objects only in the horizontal or vertical directions: (Virtual Controller and HPGL) Step 1. Hold down the shift key while click selecting lines and/or objects to be moved. Step 2. After you select the last object, make a small move with the left mouse key held down. This action will lock the movement only in the direction it senses first (horizontal or vertical).
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 3-67 (15) How can you change default settings? (Virtual Controller and HPGL) Step 1. Click on the Settings menu and Select ‘Default Settings’. Step 2. Make all the necessary changes and Save.
MaxMotion for Machines (16) What are the short cuts for magnifying glass? (Virtual Controller and HPGL) Step 1. Select Magnifying glass from the tool pad and bring it over to the design plate. Step 2. Left mouse button will enlarge the view. Right mouse button will contract the view. Step 3. Wherever you click to magnify, that point will move to the center of the next magnified screen. Step 4.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 3-69 (17) Lowdown on the Materials menu (Virtual Controller and HPGL) Step 1. Click on the Material menu and select any material. Step 2. If you want to create your own material settings then click on the Material menu and Select ‘Edit materials’. Step 3. Now, you can enter all the different engraving values to meet your needs. Step 4. Click Save to make the changes permanent. For more details refer to chapter 9 of the manual.
MaxMotion for Machines (18) Positive or negative Engraving: (Virtual Controller and HPGL) Say we have a 2 in. x 3.5 in. plate. Let us design a badge and reverse engrave it. Step 1. Click on the Job Design menu and Select ‘Auto Layout’. Select plate size to be 2 in. high and 3.5 in. wide. Enter zero for number of lines. Click Create. Step 2. Click on the File menu and Select ‘Import’. Select and OK on example1.ai file. You should see a AAA logo centered in the plate. (Observe Import . . .
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 3-71 the blue dots are located. Step 5. Click on the Setting menu and Select ‘Fill’ with 0.060 in. Observe that the cursor changed to a paint-brush. Step 6. Drag the paint brush inside the logo and click anywhere. Step 7. MaxMotion is smart enough to fill only the appropriate area. Step 8. Click on the Edit menu and Select ‘Select All’. Go to the Settings menu and select Fill with another size and click inside the logo. Step 9.
MaxMotion for Machines Step16. Click on the Settings menu and Select fill with 0.060 in. tool. Step17. Click the Paint-Brush anywhere inside the plate. Step18. Viola! Only the background (negative) is engraved! Always do tool offset first & fill afterwards. Step19. Click on the File menu and Select ‘Machine’. Now you will see the final screen for engraving. Verify the size of Plate and Material. You can make last minute changes for the position of the job, cutter speed, depth, lift and dwell.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 3-73 (19) Positive and negative arc creation (Virtual Controller and HPGL) Step 1. Type a line of text in a plate with the help of the text cursor. Step 2. Select the arrow cursor and click on the line. The text line should have a blue lined box around it. Step 3. Slowly, move your arrow cursor toward the top horizontal blue line that is part of the text box. Notice that the arrow cursor will become a two headed cursor as it comes close to the line. Step 4.
MaxMotion for Machines Step 6. Take the steps 3, 4, and 5 again except bring the cursor toward the bottom horizontal line of the text box. Drag the mouse down and watch the negative arc form in front of your eyes. Step 7. If you created positive arc and you wanted to change to the negative arc, bring the positive arc down and flatten the line before changing in the opposite direction. Step 8. Experiment the following: A. Change the line height. B. Change the character spacing . C.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 3-75 (20) Create a text line at an angle (Virtual Controller and HPGL) Step 1. Type a line of text in a plate with the help of the text cursor. Step 2. Click select the line with the arrow cursor. Click on the JobDesign menu and select Font.. Step 3. Edit the Line Angle box to 15 from 0. Step 4. Click OK. Notice the line rotate to 15 degrees angle. Step 5. Pick the line with the arrow cursor and drag it to wherever you want.
MaxMotion for Machines Engraving: (21) Engrave a job (Virtual Controller and HPGL) Step 1. Prepare a job following instructions from the features (5), (6), (10) or any other procedures in layout and design. Step 2. Click on the File Menu and Select ‘Save As’. At this point Enter the job name and Save the Job if you wish to keep it. Step 3. Click on the File menu and Select ‘Machine’ in case of a Virtual Controller implementation and select ‘Plot’ in case of a HPGL machine.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 3-77 (22) How to engrave any part of a job: (Virtual Controller and HPGL) This is a revolutionary power of graphically selecting and engraving any part of a job. Step 1. Select your plate size to be 8 in. x 8 in. Step 2. Click on the File menu and Select ‘Import’. Step 3. Double click on Example1.ai file. The AAA Logo will show up on the screen. Step 4. Click on the Graphics menu and Select ‘Scale Shapes’. Step 5. Scale proportionally. Change the value of width to 7.
MaxMotion for Machines Step 7. Click Cancel. Select Arrow key and click into any one of the shapes of the logo. Blue dots will show up for the shape. Step 8. Click on the File menu and Select ‘Machine’. The selected part will be blue and the rest of the job will be black. Only the Blue part will be sent to the table to be engraved in its respective position.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 3-79 (23) Pause the machine while in operation and continue or quit (Virtual Controller only) Step 1. While engraving is taking place, the computer screen shows an hour glass. Step 2. Depressing the Zero key on the 10-key keypad anytime will pause the process of the job. The tool will be retracted and the machine will wait for the next command. HOME Step 3. The operator has three choices: A. Depress the Space Bar again and the operation will resume. B.
MaxMotion for Machines (24) How to use SmartPlate™: (Virtual Controller Only) Step 1. Position the material to be engraved on the table. Define approximate rectangular area in your mind that bounds the area to be engraved. Step 2. Click on the File menu and Select Control Pad. Control Pad will show up on the screen. Click the mouse a few times until it locks up. Step 3. Use arrow keys to move the engraving tool to one of the corners of the rectangular area.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 4-81 Chapter 4: System Requirements The hardware requirements for MaxMotion are very simple and straight forward. MaxMotion works under Microsoft Windows environment. This means that if the PC is capable of handling Windows, it is also capable of handling MaxMotion. Specifically, Hardware: The requirements specifically for MaxMotion are very little. However, we are suggesting a reasonable system configuration that is adequate.
MaxMotion for Machines CD-ROM drive desirable but not necessary Software: Microsoft Windows version 3.X, 95, or 98. AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, DesignCAD, Generic CAD and other CAD programs that can generate DXF files, only if you plan to import DXF files. Corel Draw 3.0 or higher or equivalent design programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Aldus Freehand, Deneba Canvas, Arts & Letters, Micrografx Designer, etc., only if you plan to import graphic files. Fonts and clip arts as necessary.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 5-83 Chapter 5: MaxMotion Basics This chapter provides an explanation of how to use basic MaxMotion commands, icons, and techniques to get started. You should have an understanding of MaxMotion Basics first before continuing on in the program. Double-click on the MaxMotion icon Once you install the MaxMotion program, create a shortcut for the application and place it right on your desktop. This will allow you to launch the program easily and save time.
MaxMotion for Machines Main window of MaxMotion application Menu Bar Tool Box Working Area Title Bar Status Line Slide Bars Title Bar Displays the name of the program, MaxMotion in this case, and file name you are currently working on. It will simply show MaxMotion, if no files are open. Menu Bar Displays titles of various pull down menus. Upon clicking any of the highlighted title, a menu with a list of commands will be pulled down.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 5-85 Working Area Also known as Edit screen or Layout screen where the job is composed. Status Line Information about currently selected command or action to be taken is displayed here. Slide Bars Standard Windows type slide bars (right and bottom) used to position view of screen. Either clicking on the bar or holding down the mouse on the arrows on either side of the bar will pan the screen. Using the Mouse Left Mouse Button Is generally the main mouse button.
MaxMotion for Machines the working area now while holding down the shift key (note that the magnifying glass icon changes to a - sign) will zoom out without resizing the objects. It is important to note that wherever you click will become the center of the new screen. Right mouse button also provides zoom out capability. Selecting, Grouping, Resizing/Moving Selecting Is simply clicking on an icon, menu command, or a shape in the work are with an arrow.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 5-87 screen. The primary use of merge for an engraver is to create jobs with multiple columns. Save This command will save the file. Make sure to understand where it saved it. Save As This option allows you to make a new copy of the current file, saved with a new name. Import MaxMotion can import three types of files, referred to as PostScript(*.AI, *.PS, or *.EPS), CAD Files (*.DXF), and old MaxMotion files. If you have files created by older versions of MaxMotion (*.
MaxMotion for Machines Print This command will print the job to the printer you have connected. Exit Selecting Exit will close the program and remove it from the RAM memory. Edit Undo Allows you to undo last action taken on the screen. Cut The Cut command will cut or remove selected text or contours and will paste them to the Windows clipboard. Copy The copy command will copy to Windows clipboard without removing selected text or contours from the screen.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 5-89 Job Design For detailed information see Job Design in Chapter 8. Font Allows you to choose font, type, size, width spacing, character width, and line angles. The capability of controlling the character width allows the creation of many fonts out of a single font. Auto Layout Gives you an easiest way to set up a job with selections for a number of lines, height of lines, factored or even spacing, and percentage coverage.
MaxMotion for Machines Allows you to view the entered text as curves without converting to curves. (View Curves can take place either as block or text) Convert to Paths Select the text as a block and not as a text. Now the text can be converted to curves. (Convert to Curves can take place only if it is selected as a graphic block) Import List Allows you to import variable text in the form of ASCII text into your job design.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 5-91 Choosing Material By choosing a material from the material menu, cutting parameters like tool speed, cutter depth, tool size, material size, etc. are automatically set. Edit Materials Edit materials allows you to set the parameters mentioned in choosing material. Custom material settings can also be created. Settings Offset The outline command is used for creating tool offsets to compensate for the cutter diameter.
MaxMotion for Machines graphics. These graphics are typically the artwork imported from graphic programs (*.ai, *.eps, or *.ps type files) or CAD programs (*.DXF type files). If you need to flip/rotate or scale text or inserted graphics, first convert them to paths and then treat them as graphics. It is important to note that once the text is converted to paths it is no longer text and cannot be edited as text. Grid Allows you to turn the grids off or on.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 5-93 piece. Pull down the Graphic menu in and select ‘Change View-Only’. The selected part will turn green to signify that it has become stationery or reference part of a design. Now, you cannot select, move, scale, or send it to the engraving table. If you do want to make it Non-Stationery, scale it and send it to engrave, simply hold down the Ctrl key while selecting. The blue dots will show up. Pull down the Graphic menu and select ‘Change ViewOnly’ again.
MaxMotion for Machines
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 6-95 Chapter 6: File Menu Under the file menu are the commands for bringing PostScript or CAD files into MaxMotion, starting new files and various other commands including the command for machining or plotting. To access these commands and more, click on “File” or use ALT + F key combination and then click on the appropriate command. FILE MENU (Alt+F) New (Ctrl+N) You may want to create a new document right within the MaxMotion with its own capabilities.
MaxMotion for Machines Open (Ctrl+O) Open... command will allow you to open a previously saved job (*.max) files or previously created templates (*.tpl). Machine/Plot files (*.max) are created by MaxMotion. Before the job is processed, MaxMotion must convert the design into the proper format. This is done automatically whenever a Drawing file is opened. After the first conversion, you should save the resulting Machine/Plot file for future use.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 6-97 columns in separate files. Edit individual files and use merged files mainly for viewing and sending it to the machine. Merge job command will allow you to insert a previously saved job file (*.max or *.tpl files) into your current design that is already on the screen. The merging will take place in the following manner: The top left points of the two saved files are matched while merging.
MaxMotion for Machines Save (Ctrl+S) The key combination of Ctrl+S is the short cut for the Save command. At the time of new, open, or exit if the user chooses to save, it is ‘saved’ not ‘saved as’. Only at the time of saving a new file, ‘save’ acts as ‘save as’. Unlike in save as where you click OK and know it is saved, in ‘save’ there is no way to know if it has actually saved. For this reason, the action is acknowledged on the status line.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 6-99 Pull down the File menu and click select Import.... An Import dialog box will be displayed. This is a standard Windows type dialog box that allows you to select a file to be imported. If you click on the down arrow of the List Files of Type:, you will see that MaxMotion reads three types of files, referred to as PostScript(*.AI, *.PS, or *.EPS), CAD Files (*.DXF), and old MaxMotion files. If you have files created by older versions of MaxMotion (*.
MaxMotion for Machines [FANUC G-Code] XCode=X YCode=Y ZCode=Z ArcCenterXCode=I ArcCenterYCode=J CenterIncremental=0 ; Character(s) prefixed to line #, e.g. N170. Leave it blank if no line # or digits-only line #.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 6-101 Comment=; MoveCommand=G00 LineCommand=G01 ArcCW=G02 ArcCCW=G03 SetInch=G70 SetMatric=G71 DrillHole=G81 SetAbsolute=G90 SetIncremental=G91 ToolDown=M10 ToolUp=M11 JobEnd=M30 [Laser G-Code] XCode=X YCode=Y ZCode=Z ArcCenterXCode=I ArcCenterYCode=J CenterIncremental=0 LineNumber= Separater=, Comment=; MoveCommand=G0 LineCommand=G1 ArcCW=G2 ArcCCW=G3 SetInch=G70 SetMatric=G71 DrillHole=G81 SetAbsolute=G90 SetIncremental=G91 Go Home=G07 ToolDown=M11 ToolUp=M21 JobEnd=M30 HP
MaxMotion for Machines code based files. If you do not see your favorite import filter when you check the HPGL code import filters, please, get in touch with us. We will be pleased to set up a filter to import your file structure.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 6-103 whatever you want. This is only the upper limit of number of shapes to be imported from a single file. This, however, does not prevent number of shapes in layout overshooting this limit by either importing another file or creating shapes within MaxMotion. All different format files. Only one document may be open at one time. However, Merge and Import command allows you the flexibility of opening and importing additional files and merging them easily.
MaxMotion for Machines and white dot means pen up. In 3D or colored bitmap white dot means pen up. We take an average of red, green and blue color intensities and determine the depth in 256 levels for colored jobs. Black will be engraved at the maximum depth. This gradation of the level takes place only in 3D output and 3D output has to be checked. The depth of the bitmap can also be changed from the ‘Change Depth’ dialog under graphics menu.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 6-105 Machine Setup/Plotter Setup When selected, the machine/plotter setup dialog box will appear. When clicked on the machine/plotter box, a list will be displayed with the model numbers of all the machines supported. Select the machine of your choice to which you will be working with.
MaxMotion for Machines Control Pad (Ctrl+P) Control Pad for the Laptop Computer 0 p ; 8 7 u 9 o i j k m l . The standard 10-Key key-pad (Control Pad) on the keyboard is functionally made available to control the X,Y,Z table. Most of the functions offered in the control Pad are off-line. The machine is controlled from the keypad. It is positioned properly before a job is sent from the computer.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 6-107 If the PC/Windows computer used is not Intel 486 DX2/66 MHz or faster, it may be advisable to turn-off the PAUSE/RESUME capability. This can be achieved in the Machine setup menu. Spindle motor enable/disable and Spindle motor delay in millisecond is set up here. Control Pad for LapTop Computers: The Maxmotion software capability is extended with the possibility of driving the machine from laptop Computers in addition to desktop PC/ Windows computers.
MaxMotion for Machines ■ To setup the zero position for the Z-axis, move the tool up or down until a desired point is reached. Depress the SURFACE key to inform the software of your Z position. The Z-axis will move up immediately by the Z-up value called out in the selected material in the materials menu. The system is ready to machine your design needs.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 6-109 3 seconds to process on a 100 MHz Pentium computer before it started engraving. This is the fastest engraving software on the market. Normal sequence of engraving is as follows: The job sorting routines are finely tuned. First the graphics are sorted with the new sorting to minimize unnecessary travel while up in the air, then append all text lines at the end.
MaxMotion for Machines sent out to the machine and will override the settings at the machine. Layout The Layout parameters are used to position your job exactly where you want it on your material. By using base line and left margin you can place the lower left corner of your job anywhere within your material dimensions. Current job / Auto Centering The current job parameters are used to automatically center your job to the material size showing.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 6-111 Dwell: Amount of time in seconds the cutter will stay at the same position in the material before making X,Y moves to cut the material. Material Size Material size defaults to the dimensions set up in the Plate Setup window. Table Shows the table that is selected in the Machine/Plotter Setup window. Also, it displays the size of the table available for machine/plotter.
MaxMotion for Machines engraving machines, The following changes have been made: Print command will print only a dot, not target symbol. Stationary template will not be printed. Design plate will be printed only if 'Cut design window' is enabled. Offset and fill will be printed. When you print on a printer, now a dot will be difficult to see, having been stripped of target symbol.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 7-113 Chapter 7: Edit Menu The edit menu contains basic Windows programs edit features such as cut, copy, paste, etc. To access edit commands and more, click on “Edit” or use ALT + E key combination and then click on the appropriate command. EDIT MENU (Alt+E) Undo (Ctrl+Z) Allows you to undo last action taken on the screen. Most of the actions can be undone. However, it is best to explore as more editing features added all the time to make the software intuitive.
MaxMotion for Machines Copy (Ctrl+C) The copy command will copy to Windows clipboard without removing selected text or contours from the screen. After copying one text or contour the next text or contour copied will overwrite the Windows clipboard. Paste (Ctrl+V) Any shape may be cut or copied to the clipboard and pasted into the current document. The copy will be pasted into the exact location of the original.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 7-115 If these shapes were filled as is... this is the result. If Reverse Path is used on the center rectangle... this is the result. Select the object or the shape for which you need to reverse the path. Then go to edit menu and select “Reverse Path”. Notice the dots around any shape that can be either inside or outside of the shape. This is very important for fill command.
MaxMotion for Machines This job filled..... But use Reverse Path on the lettering..... gives you this. and get this. In case of text letters like A, B, D, O, P, Q, R, a, b, d, e, g, o, p and q are very good examples for proper fill command to be used. After converting text into path make sure that path directions are proper to fill them properly.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 8-117 Chapter 8: Tools Menu/Tools Palette The Tools Menu simply recreates the Tool Palette. If you prefer, you may select any of the tools for use through the menu selections, or the combination of keys, and remove the tool palette from the screen by selecting the “Tool Palette” choice. This will hide the Tool Palette and uncheck the menu choice. You may bring the Tool Palette back by reselecting the Tool Palette choice in the Tool Menu.
MaxMotion for Machines Tool Palette (Ctrl+Shift+T) Whenever MaxMotion is launched a screen similar to the one above will appear showing the tool palette.. MaxMotion provides you with a Tool Palette for making changes to your drawing. Initially the arrow, which represents the Selector, is the current tool. You may change the tool at any time by clicking in the area which holds the tool icon. The tools are described below.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 8-119 ■ Holding down the left mouse button while dragging a box encompassing the contours to be selected. You can select a group of objects by first clicking the mouse outside of any of the objects and then holding down the mouse button while dragging the mouse. A gray rectangle will appear showing you the selection area. Any shape, which falls within the rectangle, when the mouse button is released, will be selected.
MaxMotion for Machines convenient way to save jobs and modify them in future with ease. ■ The available space next to the Text Tool in the Tool Palette displays the selected font and its size in inches or millimeters. ■ Please, note the difference in the Select cursor and the Text cursor. The Text Tool is designed to simplify the job creation for engraving, vinyl cutting, and some of the routing application.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 8-121 Dimensions The next three lines of the tool palette provide information about the size and locations of shapes in the drawing. Initially, and any time there are no objects selected in the drawing, the numbers shown represent the overall height and overall width of the entire drawing. The drawing may show up in different magnification ratios, but the dimensions shown always represent the full scale dimensions of the drawing.
MaxMotion for Machines one-half the present size. There is even a faster way to reduce the view. Use the second (right) button of the two button mouse and click to reduce the view. Important Tip: Holding the Control key while enlarging any reduced view will enlarge the screen to a full scale view in one step, even if the screen was showing the drawing at 1/8 x or smaller scale.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 8-123 tion. If you have opened a drawing which has “inside-out” shapes, MaxMotion can also correct them. Simply, select the shape/contour that has wrong direction. (You will see the blue dots when you select a shape. The offset of the shape will take place on the side of the dots.) Now, pull down the Edit menu and select Reverse Path. The path will be corrected and will be indicated by the shifting of the blue dots.
MaxMotion for Machines mines whether a prior offset command was already issued on the selected shapes. If an offset was already present on the shape, MaxMotion will respect the offset value, keep it, and simply will go on to fill the shape with the tool of selection. On the other hand, if MaxMotion determines that no prior offset command was issued on the selected shapes, it will apply an offset on the shape of the same value as fill tool before filling the shape.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 9-125 Chapter 9: Job Design The job design features will allow you to set job alignment, line spacing, text alignment, font selection and size in real dimension (inches or millimeters as opposed to points), usage of standard high quality fonts (TrueType) without any conversions, automatic spacing of the lines for the job, importing or inserting of graphics from popular sources, view paths that the machines may follow, and convert the text to paths to perform tool offsets an
MaxMotion for Machines Additionally, MaxMotion will allow you to import text files created in standard word processors that may either be created by you or your customers. These text files can become the variable text to create all types of production with ease and flexibility. Also, these text files can be imported into a previously created single or a multi-line templates and sent to the machine without retyping the text.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 9-127 list of TrueType and PostScript fonts that are available in the system. MaxMotion is compatible with thousands of desktop publishing fonts available on the market easily and inexpensively. MaxMotion will use these fonts in its original design form without any conversion at all. When you select any of the font from the list and if MaxMotion was unable to find proper font information, it will warn you to select another font.
MaxMotion for Machines The default is Similar Lines. Similar lines are the ones having the same font, the same font-style, and the same height. You can also set the width percent (default 100%) of the characters, which the line will follow, except for the fit justified line. Due to auto condensing or any other reason if the actual condensation is different from this set width percent, this condense percent is also displayed next to the width percent.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 9-129 lines or (b) The width factors of the lines are set from the line the MaxMotion finds first (usually the first line) in case no line is selected. All the lines in case of All Lines selection or similar lines in case of Similar Lines selection will have the same percent condense or expansion percent. If one line condenses or expands due to addition or deletion of a character or due to a change in the width factor, appropriate lines will change similarly.
MaxMotion for Machines EXTRA_CHAR_SPACE in section ‘Global Values’) and a new layout starts with this settings. “Revert to Default’ reads from .INI and writes in the box. Edit Layout Dialog also enables to set ‘Extra Space’ of a line. If entire line is highlighted while doing Ctrl + up (or down) arrow, the extra space of the line is automatically updated accordingly and is reflected in dialog boxes. Subsequent characters appended to this line will respect this setting.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 9-131 The feature to create an arc works in the following manner: Click and select a text line. Now if you take the cursor near any edge of the blue selection box, it turns into sizing cursor having doublearrow pointing in opposite directions. Press the left mouse button and drag the top edge up or the bottom edge down and release the mouse button to turn the line into an arc. Dragging left or right edge further modifies the arc.
MaxMotion for Machines edge of left aligned arc and right edge or right aligned arc cannot be dragged. When an arc is flattened, its width may change to accommodate normal width or condense percent of flat line. To help visualizing the arc while dragging, we show constantly changing red outline of arc within the blue box, until you release the mouse button, when we replace it with the text.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 9-133 angled line copied to it. After editing click OK or just press Enter to copy it back to the arc or angled line. Such text can also be edited in edit layout dialog, which is identical for arc but with a difference for angled text. When an angled text is edited from edit text dialog, the text is rewritten with respect to its reference point, thus its side margin as well as base line may change.
MaxMotion for Machines like it. Pull down the Job Design menu and click select Auto Layout. Select the following: 1. Select the plate size by selecting the height and width of the plate. This can be changed at any time during the process of job design. 2. The user may have an idea of approximate or exact number of lines that they need to compose the job. Enter the number in the number of lines box. This number can be changed at any time during the process of the job design. 3.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 9-135 The alternate selection is in percentages. You can apply relative percentages for each of the lines and the Autolayout will figure out the heights of the lines after the user enters all the rest of the information in the Auto layout box. 4. Select the line alignment. The choices are Left or Center alignment. These are self explanatory. The Fit is the full left and right justified lines. The characters will be stretched to fill the line.
MaxMotion for Machines calculate the actual line heights. However, this value is a grayed out when actual values in inches or millimeters are used to define the line heights. Note that even if the engravable area value cannot be changed by the operator in this case, it changes constantly as the job design decisions are taking place. It will give a continuous feed back regarding the usage of the engravable area.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 9-137 2. Move line positions at will and create a new order. Open the Auto Layout dialog box and click CREATE again to relayout the job. Everything will be recalculated. 3. Drag any part of the job anywhere on the plate for a free form design, if wanted. 4. Convert to paths, offset, and fill any logo, graphic, or TrueType fonts. 5. Use Edit Layout to relayout the job line by line. 6. There is one clever design for the single line, small jobs.
MaxMotion for Machines Edit Layout (F4) Edit Layout is one place where you can design your job without pulling down different commands and menus. Many users are perfectly comfortable with the traditional engraving software that has been dominant and mostly available under Microsoft DOS operating system. We are providing you a capability to be able to work in the similar fashion here under Edit Layout and edit the job created by either Auto Layout or free form..
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 9-139 The initial attempt to design the job in Auto Layout is on the screen. Now, select Edit Layout and a dialog box will pop up on the screen. Click on the FIRST and the first line will show up in the line box “Line 1”. At this point, you can do the following operations, A. B. C. D. E.
MaxMotion for Machines of the lines on the screen and if there is any text in that line, it will show up in the text box of the Edit Lines... dialog box. Close will close the dialog box. Any line converted to paths or any line containing graphics will be blank in the Edit menu.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 9-141 other operations. Consult the Appendix D in the manual as well as online HELP available with the editor NoteTabPro. Consult the Microsoft documents for functional description of the NotePad provided with the Microsoft Windows operating system. The possibilities of taking advantage of the linking of the standard editor along with the MaxMotion application are only limited by the imagination of the user.
MaxMotion for Machines Convert To Braille (Ctrl+B) Braille alphabet was designed for the blind people to be able to read with their fingers. The original specification was created with a combination of dots for each of the characters in the English alphabet and the numbers. This was called Grade I Braille. Subsequently, the specification was revised and is called Grade II Braille. One way to think of the newer specification is like a short hand version of the original specification.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 9-143 There are three ways to bring the graphics, logos, and clip arts into MaxMotion for engraving. (1) One is to go into File menu and select Open. If a file is saved previously in the MaxMotion native format and if it includes graphics, the action brings in graphics as graphics.
MaxMotion for Machines In order to view paths, pull down the Job Design menu and select View Paths. All the text will be unfilled and outlines will be shown. If ‘View Paths’ is on, the new blank lines created by auto layout are not visible, since the empty line box is not visible in this mode. However, if auto layout creates new lines, it is ensured that the empty line boxes are visible, by switching ‘View Paths’ off.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 9-145 Import List (F10) This is an important part of the job design. It can be used in the following different ways, (1) Your customer submits a list in the form of a word processing file and asks you to engrave them to create name tags. (2) Each of the name tags has a few same lines such as name of the company, company logo and a few lines that change from tag to tag such as name, title, etc.
MaxMotion for Machines lines 2 and 4 are fixed. The screen looks as follows: Prepare the job just the way you want it with proper font, size, and placing on the plate. Now, shift select lines one and three. MaxMotion knows that the selected lines are the variable text. Select Import List... from Job Design menu. List management dialog box will pop up on the screen. Notice that you can move the box around so that it does not obstruct your view of the job.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 9-147 click Open button at this point, MaxMotion will launch standard Windows accessory called Note Pad or the editor NoteTabPro and will show the selected text file. You can make changes and corrections at this point, if desired. Once you are satisfied that is the file you are interested in, pull down the File menu and Exit the editor in use. If you click the New button, MaxMotion will open the same Note Pad accessory or the editor NoteTabPro with a blank page.
MaxMotion for Machines The Next button will replace the current Line One and Line Three with the next two lines on the list. The Previous button will bring in the previous two lines. The variable text lines can be one or many in a job and it depends upon the selection of lines as well as the sequence in which you select the lines. The Close button will close the Import List dialog box.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 9-149 key on the keyboard. The operator will replace the engraved stock with the fresh plate in the same place on the table and will proceed to the next batch job simply by clicking the SEND key or by depressing the RETURN key. In the Matrix mode, the material size declared to MaxMotion will be larger than the plate size. MaxMotion will calculate the most efficient way to get maximum yield from the material size.
MaxMotion for Machines ■ Material size will be same as plate size for batch output. ■ Material size will be larger than plate size for matrix output. ■ Decide whether you want to engrave in the column or row format. ■ MaxMotion will automatically condense the line that exceeds the available width. The operator selects whether the characters are condensed proportionally (heights and width both) or are condensed along the width while keeping the same height.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 9-151 ■ Save the Matrix Preference Settings. Batch/Matrix Output (F12) 8. Go to the JOB DESIGN pull down menu and select Batch/Matrix Output. Batch/Matrix Output dialog box will show up. 9. All the previously selected parameters show up. If it is a Batch operation, click select the box material size same as the Plate and you are ready to set one plate job at a time. The only other choice need to be made is the starting point of the job. 10.
MaxMotion for Machines Serialization Setup Serialization function is very useful and very flexible. Please, read this detailed description carefully, along with running this feature in the application, the two combined should answers most of the questions. This is how serialization is organized: You can have multiple lines of serialization. Each line can have multiple fields. Each of these fields can be of different type, from amongst: Constant, Numeric, Letters, Alphanumeric, Date, Time and Shift.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 9-153 CONSTANT field: The text defined here remains unchanged throughout serialization. NUMERIC field: Contains integer value. The left of the number can be padded with LETTERS field: Made up of letters, either capital A through Z or lower case a through z and back to A or a. ALPHANUMERIC field: Made up of numbers and letters, zero through 9, continues with A through Z, and then back to zero.
MaxMotion for Machines Date Separator can be chosen from amongst Slash, Dash, Space, or Period. One of the following Month Formats can be selected: Digits: Two digit month, e.g. 01 Short Spelling: First three letters of month, e.g. JAN Long Spelling: Complete spelling of month, e.g. JANUARY TIME Field: Reads time from system clock at the output time and places it in specified format. Time Format can be either HH:MM or HH:MM:SS. You can also specify either 24 hours or 12 hours Time Cycle.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 9-155 sending automated output. The password ensures that the operator does not manipulate Serialization Setup to output unauthorized marking inbetween. If he has a genuine problem like one frame not output properly and wanting to repeat the same frame, he will have to call the supervisor to set things right from Serialization Setup. The log file mentioned above will be witness to this repeat output and can be verified with the supervisor later.
MaxMotion for Machines to start with a new Initial value midway, you must 'Reset' that field first and then define it again. During serialized output, each serial line is constructed by placing values of its fields side by side. Each of these serial lines overwrite layout lines, in the order top to bottom. These layout lines receiving serial values can be straight line, inclined line or arc. If there are more serial lines than layout lines, the extra serial lines are ignored.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 9-157 ever, these things happen only rarely and continuous updating of the screen is very disconcerting to the eyes. This is why we provide a Refresh Screen command under the Job Design pull down menu. Either you can click on this command with the help of your mouse or you can use your keyboard command to update the screen. It is equally simple to use the keyboard. Hold down the Ctrl key while depressing “e” key and the screen will be refreshed.
MaxMotion for Machines GENERAL RULES OF TEXT ENTRY: The text entry features are designed to be as close to a general purpose word processor and also as close to Microsoft Windows generally accepted norms. If you are familiar with Windows operations, you will spend little time becoming familiar with MaxMotion’s text entry features. What is so special is that we have blended the easy to use features of Windows and the most desirable functions that an engraver is looking for.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 9-159 points and picas that they use in publishing and printing business. MaxMotion provides you specialty engraving fonts such that it makes no difference to you whether you are using one of the single line engraving fonts or a TruType font that you acquired from a reputable font foundry. You do not load the fonts separately for MaxMotion.
MaxMotion for Machines If you prefer to create a free form design, you have total freedom to move any object anywhere on the plate you desire until your creative talent is satisfied. KERNING: MaxMotion offers wonderful kerning capability. We like to call it kerning pairs and continuous kerning. If the available fonts (TrueType and PostScript) are built with kerning pairs and most high quality fonts are, we will automatically use the pairs to improve the looks and position of the text.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 9-161 (1) You have a word MaxMotion on the screen and you want to increase or decrease the space between the two characters x and M. Simply place the text cursor between the two intended characters. Now, hold down the CTRL key while using the up arrow or the down arrow keys. The up arrow key will increase the spacing and the down arrow key will reduce the spacing.
MaxMotion for Machines a normal shape. If you have some shapes and some templates selected while invoking this command, view-only status of each will reverse simultaneously. A simple use of this feature is to create a number of templates with desirable borders. These borders will not bother the user while laying out a plate design. It will be stationery and will not move. The border can be turned into active part of a job just before sending the job for engraving.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 9-163 made in a CAD program. The MaxMotion’s DXF filter is upgraded to ensure that POINT entity and zero length LINE from AutoCAD is read as Dots in MaxMotion. Similarly zero length line from Corel Draw is imported through .AI, as a Dot too. (6) Now you can use an external text editor, NoteTabPro to edit (and do other fancy things) the layout. The name and path of this editor can be specified in item ‘TextEditorPath’ in section ‘GlobalValues’ of .INI file.
MaxMotion for Machines external editor that above ‘Text Editor’ feature uses. You write comments and save it (within the editor), next time when you click ‘Write Comments’ while in the same layout, the same comments will appear. This is how it works. You have a template comment file Comment.TXT in program directory, which is a normal text file and the user can customize it for his own needs. You should have entry ‘BlankCommentFile=Comment.TXT’ in ‘GlobalValues’ section of .
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 9-165 the software. (Remove the software dongle from your system and launch the MaxMotion software. You will find that the software is in the demo mode and will allow the user to explore all the options. Some features are included with the basic price of the system. Others are required to be purchased. Please, contact Solustan for further clarification. (9) While in Edit mode, up and down arrow can take you to previous or next line.
MaxMotion for Machines
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 10-167 Chapter 10: Materials Menu The Material Menu contains different type of materials, each set up with its own default values for your routing file. These values can be changed and customized to meet different requirements. To access this menu, click on “Material” or use ALT + M key combination and then click on the appropriate selection.
MaxMotion for Machines Every time a job is brought to the Machine or Plot screen, the values set in the materials menu for the selected material will show up in the final Machine/Plot screen. These defaults can also be changed in the final screen. However, the changes in the final screen will be temporary and will be applicable only for that job. Changes applied in the material menu and saved will be permanent. Material Name Shows currently selected material name.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 10-169 Move speed is also set here. Move speed is the speed at which the tool is traversing up in the air (not in the material) to get to the next destination. Z Feed Up is the speed at which Z axis (the cutter tool) goes back up. The jog speed is the speed at which the machine will jog when you move it from control pad. The in/min.
MaxMotion for Machines reaches the maximum depth called out in the depth box. The last pass may have a depth value less than the maximum depth per pass. If, for example, the total depth required is 0.013 and if the depth per pass is declared to be 0.005, the software will execute three passes (multiple passes) of depths 0.005, 0.005, and 0.003 to get to the desired depth. These values can be declared separately for each of the materials.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 11-171 Chapter 11: Settings Menu The Settings Menu contains the commands for creating offsets and fills for your routing files. To access these commands and more, click on “Settings” or use ALT + S key combination and then click on the appropriate command.
MaxMotion for Machines Offset The Offset command is used to compensate for the cutter diameter. By offsetting your contours you will maintain their exact size after it is cut. To use the tool, first select the contours you wish to offset, then under the settings menu select offset. Choose the cutter diameter. As you click on the value of the tool diameter, watch the arrow tool change to a saw tool. MaxMotion anticipates your next move and changes the tool to be ready to offset.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 11-173 Fill or Pocketing The fill command is used to create the route paths for your cutter tool. It is primarily used for engraving. To use the tool, first select the contours you wish to fill, then under the settings menu select fill. Choose the cutter diameter. As you click on the value of the tool diameter, watch the arrow tool change to a paint brush tool. MaxMotion anticipates your next move and changes the tool to be ready to fill.
MaxMotion for Machines Default Settings Default settings allow you to set up many of the settings that you may need to set up only once and may not need to change too often. You can set up the unit of dimensions as inches, centimeters, or millimeters. You can set up the unit of time as seconds or minutes. You can set up the unit of tool size as inches, or millimeters. You can set up the default tool size for offset, fill (or pocketing), and for the “other” tool size.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 11-175 machine. Even if only a part of a shape is outside the plate, the whole shape will not be processed when the job is sent to the machine.) It was always possible in MaxMotion to select a line of text or shift + select a bunch of lines and drag them with the pointer tool to anywhere you want on the plate or outside the plate with the help of the pointer tool.
MaxMotion for Machines chrome during the output. The depth of bitmap can also be changed from ‘Change Depth’ dialog under Graphics Menu. ‘3D Output of Bitmap’ is not to be confused with ‘3D Output’ on the final machine screen as well as Batch/Matrix dialog. 2D output with 2D bitmap will flatten everything including the bitmap at the general depth set in the material dialog. While 3D output with 2D bitmap means, in otherwise 3D output, the bitmap is engraved flat, but having its own maximum depth.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 11-177 a cyan colored filled rectangle will be drawn in its position, for a quick redraw. Settings for ‘Output scanline density: Here you can either specify lines/inch or choose ‘Same as bitmap’ resolution or decide to use fill tool. Using fill tool means the distance between consecutive scanlines will be the same as default fill tool size, at the time of output.
MaxMotion for Machines
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 12-179 Chapter 12: Graphics Menu To access these commands and more, click on “Graphics” or use ALT + G key combination and then click on the appropriate command. GRAPHICS MENU (Alt+G) Rulers and Grids Normally, MaxMotion is shipped with both grids and rulers turned on. You can turn off rulers and grids to the screen by clicking on these selections and removing the check marks next to the grid and rulers in the Graphics menu.
MaxMotion for Machines The choices under the Graphics Menu allow you to change the arrangement of the shapes in the plot file. Flip and Rotate Selecting either “Flip” or “Rotate” reveals a sub-menu or a fly out menu from which you make your flipping or rotating choice. Flip and Rotate works on individual selections as well as on the drawing as a whole. When there is no active selection on the screen, the Flip and Rotate commands will work as if the entire drawing is selected.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 12-181 Change Depth A limited editing capability is provided. Select any shape and select ‘Change Depth’ in the graphics pull down menu. You are presented with two choices, ‘Set Depth’ and ‘Move Deeper’. You will see the same depth value that is selected in the depth value of the selected material in the Materials menu. If the shape has points at different depths or more than one shapes are selected, the depth value of the first point of the first shape is shown.
MaxMotion for Machines Scale Shapes (Ctrl+L) The scale dialog box allows many options for resizing the files. If you know that the job must be a certain width, type the dimensions into the width dimensions box, and the height will be automatically adjusted to preserve the original proportions of the job.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 12-183 If it is necessary to adjust both the width and the height of the job, you may adjust them independently by unchecking the Proportional check box. You can then enter the dimensions you desire into each box without affecting the other. You may also scale the entire job by a fixed percent value. If you want the change in size to be relative to the current overall dimensions of the job you should enter the new percentage into the box labeled “of current.
MaxMotion for Machines Join Shapes (Ctrl+J) This command can be used to connect lines that are close but not connected typically in the DXF files. Usually, EPS files have complete shapes. However, it is not always so in the case of DXF files. Such open shapes are likely to cause the following problems: (1) There will be unnecessary tool lifts during the engraving process. (2) The tool offset and the fill command will not be able to be applied properly.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 12-185 plate size for the job. This plate size is for reference only within the context of the MaxMotion software. It is for visual feed back. Normally, the engraver is only interested in sending the job to the machine where a plate with a proper size is already set on the table. The plate size boundary on the computer screen is shown with a gray shadow. However, sometimes there is a need for the user to cut out the size of the plate from a larger size material.
MaxMotion for Machines will change to green lines and will become stationery. Here is how a stationery line or shape can be converted to active black lines in order for them to be moved, scaled, deleted, or sent to a machine: Hold down the Control key while selecting the green stationery lines or shapes. The blue dots will signify selection of lines or shapes. Go to the ‘Graphics’ pull down menu and click select ‘Change View Only’.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 13-187 Chapter 13: Software Compatibility Software Compatibility with Maxmotion The power of MaxMotion comes from the fact that it works with many of the popular applications already on the market. It is assumed that the user has the knowledge of the applications. Either he already possesses or he plans to acquire them to design layouts for his engraving/routing jobs.
MaxMotion for Machines ■ Finally, export the file as Adobe Illustrator *.AI or *.EPS format. This file is now ready to be interpreted by MaxMotion. Just before exporting the file, Corel shows a dialog box for selection. Select Illustrator 1.1 format and curves as choices. Adobe Illustrator Compose the job with graphics and text set up with fonts, if required. Select the text part of the job, pull down the TYPE menu and create Outlines (last command in the TYPE menu).
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 13-189 to create the job. Micrografx Designer Works pretty much the same way as Corel Draw! AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT MaxMotion software excepts files exported by AutoCAD programs in the DXF format just the way it excepts PostScript files. Arts & Letters Works pretty much the same way as Corel Draw! Macintosh files The Macintosh operating system 7.0 and higher allow creation of high density PC floppy formats. The Macintosh computer can also read PC formatted floppies.
MaxMotion for Machines
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 14-191 Chapter 14: Braille Font Solustan provides two different fonts for the Braille requirements. Once you have created Grade II Braille copy, bring it into MaxMotion. You have a choice to apply one of the two Braille fonts ABRAILLE and BBRAILLE fonts. (1) ABRAILLE fonts These fonts have a properly defined box and the Braille dots. Select the font and select the size to be 0.430 inches.
MaxMotion for Machines Convert To Braille Braille alphabet was designed for the blind people to be able to read with their fingers. The original specification was created with a combination of dots for each of the characters in the English alphabet and the numbers. This was called Grade I Braille. Subsequently, the specification was revised and is called Grade II Braille. One way to think of the newer specification is like a short hand version of the original specification.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 15-193 Chapter 15: Max Fonts FONTS Although, any TrueType font can be engraved under the MaxMotion application, Solustan provides traditional engraving fonts. All the engraving fonts are not only designed as TrueType fonts but they are also designed such that engraving bit does not lift up to finish any alphabet character once it starts. We call them Non Lift Fonts. It will engrave faster and smoother. Multi Line fonts are designed and Optimized to work with 0.
MaxMotion for Machines (6) Now double click on the MaxFonts.EXE or FontPak.EXE. You will see a box With PKSFK on the left top corner. Double click on the Extract button which is at the bottom left. This will automatically install fonts in the windows fonts folder. Then go to the start button and select control panel. Open the fonts folder from the control panel. Now you should be able to see all your fonts installed here.
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 15-195 ACentury ABahaus AVictori AFuture AEras ABlockEuro A3Roman ABlock A3RomanCap AContempo A2Roman AKaufman ASwiss AEnglish ASkribe ASymbol A2Skribe AFifth Ave AScript AGothic A2Script AGothCon Solustan, Inc. 165 Chestnut St., Suite 200 Needham, MA 02492 Tel. 781-449-7666 Fax 800-666-8789/781-449-7759 www.solustan.
MaxMotion for Machines Optional FontPak A4Swiss (4 Line Swiss) A6Swiss (6 Line Swiss) A6Optem (6 Line Optem) A10Optem (10 Line Optem) A4Roman (4 Line Roman) A10Roman (10 Line Roman) A6Gould (6 Line Gould) AMicro ATBlock ATScript ASlant ACircle AOrnamet (20) FontPak with all 16 fonts is available for $495.00 Individual fonts are available for $96.
2 W S X 1 Q A Z V F R 4 B G T 5 N H Y 6 M J U 7 K I 8 L O 9 Symbol Keyboard Layout C D E 3 P 0 MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 15-197
2 W S X 1 Q A Z V F R 4 B G T 5 N H Y 6 M J U 7 K I 8 L O 9 A2Symbol Keyboard Layout C D E 3 P 0 198 MaxMotion for Machines
1 Q A Z 2 W S X 3 E D C 5 T G B 6 Y H N 7 8 9 0 U I O P J K L M Regular Shift Two Level Keys ACircle Keyboard Layout 4 R F V MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 15-199
MaxMotion for Machines AInterlock
(f) (e) (d) (m) (l) (k) (j) (i) (t) (s) (r) (q) (p) (o) (h) (b) (c) (n) (g) (a) Ornamental Font (AOrnamet) Keyboard Layout MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 15-201
(I) (8) (0) (e) (p) (d) (o) (Q) (R) (H) (7) ($) AOcasion (q) (f) (S) (2) (r) (T) (9) (J) (1) (B) (L) (C) (D) (4) (s) (g) (t) (u) (h) (v) (i) (j) (U) (V) (W) (X) (Y) (K) (A) (3) (w) (k) (Z) (M) (E) (F) (G) (6) (x) (l) (a) (c) (y) (z) (m) (n) (b) (N) (O) (P) (5) 202 MaxMotion for Machines
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 15-203 MaxArt: MaxMotion allows you to create ‘Stationery Files’. These files are saved in the form of ‘TEMPLATES or *.tpl files. When you open one of these files, you will see a design on the screen that is stationery. These designs will not move on the screen while you design the rest of the job. These designs will show up distinctly in Green color. These designs will not be sent to the engraving table along with the rest of the job. It is more of a reference for the user.
MaxMotion for Machines Line1 Line2 W rith USFlag Circle Badge1 Badge2 Emblem1 Banner1 Banner2 Banner5 Banner6 Corner1 Border1 Border7 Corner2 Ornamet2 Banner3 Crown1 Corner3 Border2 Border8 Ornamet1 Emblem2 Line3 Oval Corner4 Border3 Border9 Border4 Border10 Ornamet3 Banner4 Crown2 Corner5 Border5 Border1 1 Ring Corner6 Border6 Border12
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 15-205
MaxMotion for Machines
MaxMotion for Machines Chapter 16-207 Chapter 16: SmartPlate™ SmartPlate™ function SmartPlate is available as an option to the MaxMotion software. SmartPlate function is an example of a clear advantage of the concept of Virtual Controller. Nobody in the motion control business offers SmartPlate type feature with the proprietary controllers that are offered. The controller functions are built into the MaxMotion software.
MaxMotion for Machines You can imagine many such scenario. Now, let us see how simple it is to use the feature. Position the material wherever you want on the machine. Define a rectangular area within which you want the engraving to be done regardless of the shape of the material. Next, pull up the Control Pad and lock the mouse by clicking on it a few times. Move the machine to one of the corners of the rectangle within which you want the engraving to be done.
MaxMotion for Machines Appendix A-209 Appendix A Using Scanned Images An important and a profitable part of a engraving/routing business is to scan logos and other artwork for the customers, scale the artwork and ultimately create high quality work with engraving/routing. MaxMotion can certainly help you achieve the above goal with the greatest of ease. Actually, the whole process is very simple and proven. The availability of scanners and related software is mind boggling.
MaxMotion for Machines These are the individual dots on the screen of the computer that are either on or off. These dots help create an approximation of the original image. The scanner will create a high resolution image at either 300 or 600 dots per inch for storage while there will be a separate lower resolution image for the computer screen. Typically, the computer screen is 72 to 96 dots per inch.
MaxMotion for Machines ■ Read the software manual, it is excellent.
MaxMotion for Machines
MaxMotion for Machines Appendix B-213 Appendix B Common Questions This appendix provides answers to questions which many new users ask about Solustan’s MaxMotion software. (1) Do I need to buy special fonts to work with MaxMotion? No. MaxMotion works with standard PostScript Type 1 and TrueType fonts. MaxMotion converts these fonts into vectors (arcs and lines) and are sent to the plotter. Also, MaxMotion scales this information to any size without losing the smoothness of the curves.
MaxMotion for Machines ■ Proper selection of the machine in MaxMotion. ■ Set up of communication parameters including handshaking arrangements. ■ Check again the elaborate setup for steps & directions commands. (4) Which PC models MaxMotion work with? Any PC type computer that can handle Windows 3.X, 95, or 98 environment. A PC with Intel Pentium 133 MHz type processor or faster is desirable as well as 16 MB RAM memory is very useful.
MaxMotion for Machines Appendix B-215 controller. You will not be able to use PC for other things while it is processing a job. (8) What if I want to stop a job in the middle of the engraving/ routing machine processing the job? It depends upon a particular engraving/routing machine. Different manufacturers suggest different actions. Please refer to the owner’s manual for the engraving/routing machine. Use Pause command in case of MaxMotion Virtual Controller software.
MaxMotion for Machines Our “Scale by example” will meet your needs. Also, the scale on the tool palette can help you determine the exact dimension of your object. (12) Many of my customers keep coming back for more of the same designs that I did some time ago. How can I save the files of my final design in order to be able to reproduce the exact copy? Just select “Save as” from the File menu, and the machine/plot file will be saved for future use. You will be asked to name the file.
MaxMotion for Machines Appendix B-217 (15) My customer is working with a Macintosh computer. Can I accept jobs created on a Mac and engrave/rout on my PC with MaxMotion? Absolutely, yes. Ask your customer to design the job in Adobe Illustrator or Aldus Freehand or Deneba Canvas or Broderbund TypeStyler or Claris Draw. Ask the customer to convert the job to Bezier curves or outlines. Next, the customer should transfer the file to a PC formatted floppy disk with the help of standard Mac/PC exchange utility.
MaxMotion for Machines (17) My machine is moving in wrong direction when I use Control Pad to move the table around. How do I correct it? First of all, turn off the power to the MaxAmp module. Move all the axis away from the limit switches, if the machine has the limit switches. Turn the power back on to the MaxAmp module. Use the control Pad to move the individual axis and make a note if any one or more of the axis are moving in the wrong direction. Go to File pull down menu and select Machine Setup.
MaxMotion for Machines Appendix B-219 just like the file below. ■ Note a semi-colon in front of the line TextEditorPath=C:\Windows\Notepad.EXE ■ Note that there is no semi-colon in front of the line TextEditorPath=C:\progra~1\NoteTa~1\NotePro.EXE The line with no semi-colon in front is the default editor. ■ Remove the semi-colon in front of the line with NotePad as the text editor. ■ Add the semi-colon in front of the line with NotePro as the text editor. ■ Save the file.
MaxMotion for Machines (20) How can I change the resolution of PostScript files and TrueType fonts? The settings are available in the file called MaxMotion.ini and is positioned in the same folder where the main application program MaxMotion.exe resides. Use any editor like WordPad to open the file MaxMotion.ini.
MaxMotion for Machines Appendix B-221 It depends upon the kind of machine you have. 1. If you have a machine with limit switches and it tends to take you to top left at the beginning and the end of a job, you want to use Top Left as your starting position. A good example is most of the Meistergram machines. 2.
MaxMotion for Machines the top center on the X axis and 0.5 inches away from the working area on the Y axis. When you start a new job with a new plate size and proper positioning of the plate, the software will add the offset values to create a reference value of top center and will engrave the job on the plate. At the end of the job, it will not go to Top Center but it will directly retire to the parking position and will get out of your way.
MaxMotion for Machines Appendix C-223 Appendix C Configuration of Parallel Port Standard configuration of Parallel Port of PC for MaxMotion Multi-Axis Indexer Parallel port on the back of a PC has a 25 pin female connector. Most computers may have only one parallel port. However, a PC can be configured with as many as 3 parallel ports. You can use any one of them to connect to the XYZ table.
MaxMotion for Machines available. It is important to note that the limit switch feed back shall be TTL levels only. This means that the high output level shall not exceed 5 V. DC or it may damage your parallel port card.
MaxMotion for Machines Appendix D-225 Appendix D NoteTab Pro Simple guidelines to install the NoteTab Pro editor, the American English dictionary, the necessary changes both in the editor as well as the appropriate MaxMotion application initialization files (Maxeng.ini, MaxHPGL.ini, or MaxCAM.ini). Warning 1: NoteTab Pro editor works only in Windows 95 and 98. It does not work with any of the Windows 3.X versions. Warning 2: You should have the MaxMotion version 4.
MaxMotion for Machines on the NTP452.exe file to start the automatic installation process. If it is not necessary, do not change the name of the folder, where it is saved, and the name of the application. Once the installation process is complete and as you click the Finish button, the editor will be launched. The editor will ask - Associate text files and NoteTab specific documents to NoteTab Pro? Click the “YES” button.
MaxMotion for Machines Appendix D-227 call out two different editors - NotePad and NotePro. The command with the semicolon in the front becomes just a comment and not a command. The example below is the setting for the NoteTab Pro editor. Edit the file for proper setting. Make sure and save the *.ini file. (You can copy and paste any part of the file from here to the ini file.
MaxMotion for Machines It will now be easier to perform these functions simply by clicking on the icons in the tool bar while the text is on the screen. You should learn to take advantage of the above few things right away in the new editor. The basic procedure will be as follows: ACTION NUMBER FIVE: Launch MaxMotion. Click with the text tool inside the plate. Enter a word “ENGRAVE”. Click the function key F5 or select Text Editor in Job Design.
MaxMotion for Machines Appendix E-229 Appendix E Hardware Installations HARDWARE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS E1. Installation instructions for MaxAmp Driver box We thank you for purchasing our revolutionary no controller solution that is gaining popularity throughout the marketplace. You are going to enjoy the following advantages: (1) Completely open architecture where you depend upon nobody to maintain your machine.
B. MaxMotion for Machines Your PC shall be equipped with at least two parallel (printer) ports. The software ID key provided with the kit will be connected to one of the parallel ports. If a printer is desired as part of the system, the ID key shall be connected between the printer port and the printer. The machine shall be connected to the second parallel (printer) port. C. Place the MaxAmp unit near the engraving table. D. Make sure that the surface is flat on which the MaxAmp unit is sitting.
MaxMotion for Machines F. G. H. J. K. L. M. Appendix E-231 spindle motor. Please, contact us if your machine has a DC spindle motor. Remember to invoke the MaxMotion application before turning on the MaxAmp unit. It is possible that the spindle motor may turn on when you turn on the power to the MaxAmp unit and if the MaxMotion software is not on. This sudden turning on of the spindle motor may startle you. Make sure and do not block the area around the MaxAmp module.
P. Q. MaxMotion for Machines H-Square 1912 table - 3 proper amplifiers and one relay for spindle motor for original motors Meistergram 912, 1912 - 3 proper amplifiers and one relay for spindle motor for original motors Meistergram 1518, 2618 - 3 proper amplifiers and one relay for spindle motor for original motors Dahlgren System One - 2 proper amplifiers and one relay are provided. Dahlgren System Two - 2 proper amplifiers and one relay are provided.
OFF ON POWER-IN KEYBD. CYLIND. FLAT Power cable 13 1 CONTROLLED 110/220 VAC OUTLET 25 14 COMPUTER PS-2 to AT Keyboard Adaptor This will be needed only if you have PS-2 type of connector with your computer keyboard cable. Install this between your computer keyboard cable and then to Universal keyboard adaptor. 1 19 37 Amp No.
MaxMotion for Machines E2. Installation instructions for MaxMotion to Dahlgren System One using A/B switch unit concept. STEP ONE A. Make sure you have at least two printer ports in your Windows computer. B. Make sure that your PC meets the minimum requirements defined in the System Requirements chapter. C. Connect the MaxMotion ID key to your existing parallel port in your computer.
MaxMotion for Machines K. L. M. Appendix E-235 position. At this point, you should be able to operate the System One in the same way you have always been with Super Pro software. Switch the A/B box to B or MaxMotion position and you will be able to drive the Dahlgren table from MaxMotion in Windows with all of its features. MaxMotion bypasses all of the intelligence of the controller and goes directly to the driver board of the controller.
E. F. MaxMotion for Machines The unique interface cable from the MaxAmp unit to the System II table will have a 25 pin connector at the end of the cable. This will connect directly to the matching interface connector in the back of the engraving machine. You do not need to attach any spindle motor cable to the spindle motor outlet provided on the MaxAmp(tm) amplifier box. The spindle motor will be controlled to turn on and off automatically with the job.
MaxMotion for Machines D. E. F. G. H. Appendix E-237 in your computer. If you have a printer connected to the parallel port, disconnect the printer cable, connect the ID key, tighten the screws, and reconnect the printer cable to the other side of the ID key. Make sure and connect the MaxAmp unit per installation instructions in procedure E1. The unique interface cable from the MaxAmp unit to the Newing Hall table will have a 25 pin connector at the end of the cable.
C. D. MaxMotion for Machines defined in the System Requirements chapter. Connect the MaxMotion ID key to your existing parallel port in your computer. If you have a printer connected to the parallel port, disconnect the printer cable, connect the ID key, tighten the screws, and reconnect the printer cable to the other side of the ID key. Make sure and connect the MaxAmp unit per installation instructions in procedure E1. STEP TWO A.
MaxMotion for Machines Appendix E-239 same plate dimensions and positioning the new plates in the same place, you need not bring the tool back by jogging. The software knows the starting and ending positions and it will automatically come back to starting position upon sending the next job. C. Be sure to read the manual and ask us for our latest information as well as our “How To...” notes to learn the use of MaxMotion quickly and easily. E6.
MaxMotion for Machines home. You can simply utilize the Home key in the control pad and the spindle will move to the Home position. B. You should use our 10 key Controlpad implementation to jog the tool to the starting point of a job. Next, you should use the SURFACE command to set the Z axis. If you are repeating similar jobs with the same plate dimensions and positioning the new plates in the same place, you need not bring the tool back by jogging.
MaxMotion for Machines F. G. H. J. K. Appendix E-241 other on the right side of the back of the machine. The one on the left houses the spindle motor while the one on the right houses the Y axis motor and the motor cable assemblies. Unscrew the four screws of the right plate. Remove the plate. Notice the step motor at the top and the three cable harnesses with white Molex connectors for the three motors. There might be X, Y, and Z written on the Molex connectors for the three stepping motors.
MaxMotion for Machines quickly and easily. E8. Installation instructions for MaxMotion to NewHermes 5000 machine with an A/B switch box STEP ONE A. Install the parallel interface card in the PC/Windows computer. Make sure it is sitting on the connector properly. The interface card is prepared with the address number of 278.
MaxMotion for Machines Appendix E-243 MaxMotion. However, the limit switches for the Z axis are disconnected for the time being. Raise the Z axis to a proper level before homing the table. B. You should use our 10 key Controlpad implementation to jog the tool to the starting point of a job. Next, you should use the SURFACE command to set the Z axis E9. Installation instructions for MaxMotion to Dahlgren Wizzard, Wizzard II, Wizzard III, Wizzard XL machines using MaxAmp drive module STEP ONE A.
C. D. E. F. G. H. J. K. L. M. MaxMotion for Machines Carefully, tilt the table sideways in order to see the underneath of the table. Note the controller electronics with a separate driver card in later models and one single board design in the earlier models. Note that there are four different connectors (so far we have noticed red color small connectors) coming down from underneath the table and connecting on to the driver part of the board.
MaxMotion for Machines N. P. Q. R. Appendix E-245 If you find that the step motors are attached to the table with a rubberized gasket between the table and the step motor to reduce the noise, it is advisable to ground the motors. A green additional ground cable is provided with the kit. Please, loosen one of the four screws on each of the motors as well as the screw holding the ground wire in the back of the table.
MaxMotion for Machines well as our “How To...” notes to learn the use of MaxMotion quickly and easily. E10. Installation instructions for MaxMotion to Dahlgren Wizzard PC machines using A/B Switch box. STEP ONE A. Make sure you have at least one printer ports in your PC/ Windows computer. B. Make sure that your PC meets the minimum requirements defined in the System Requirements chapter. C. Connect the MaxMotion ID key to one of the existing parallel ports in your computer.
MaxMotion for Machines F. G. H. J. K. L. M. N. P. Q. Appendix E-247 four holders and remove them. You will be able to juggle and move the metal plate and the PC board assembly. Lift the assembly slightly toward the side of the little monitor. You will find a metal connector to the side of the PC board with a mating connector attached to it. These are 44 pin connectors, one female and one male. You connected the position B of the A/B switch box back in the Step One procedure.
MaxMotion for Machines CAUTIONS A. The limit switch wiring is connected for X and Y axis and it is to be used for going home. You can simply utilize the Home key in the control pad and the spindle will move to the Home position. B. Be sure to read the manual and ask us for our latest information as well as our “How To...” notes to learn the use of MaxMotion quickly and easily.
MaxMotion for Machines Index Index A Acceleration Setup 22 Adobe Illustrator 188 Adobe Streamline 189 Aldus Freehand 188 Arc 73, 90, 131 Arts & Letters 189 Auto CAD 189 Auto Centering 135 Auto Condense 128 Auto Layout 49, 89, 133 B Backlash 22 Batch/Matrix 57, 90, 151 Bitmap Files 103 Bitmap Settings 175 Braille Font 191 Braille Option 191 C Cad Files 99 Change Alignment 139 Change Depth 92, 181 Change Layout Spacing 161 Change View Only 92, 185 Clear 88, 114 COM 1,2,3 32 Configuration Parallel Port 223
File Save As 87, 98 Fill 91, 173 Fill Tool 123 Flip 92, 180 Font 89, 126, 193 Font KeyBd Layouts 197 Frame 119 Function Keys 137 G G-Code files 99 Generic Text Driver 31, 35 Graphics 91 Graphics Menu 179 Grids 92, 179 Grouping 86 H Hardware Installations 229 How to Create Columns 97 How to Create Dots 162 HPGL Files 101 I I.D.
MaxMotion for Machines MaxArt 203 MaxFonts 195 MaxMotion Basic 83 MaxMotion ID 23, 38 Measure 119 Menu Bar 84 Micrografx Designer 189 Move Speed 169 Multiple Pass 169 N NewHermes EP 38 No Page Break 34, 38 NoteTabPro 225 Nudging 120 O Offset 91, 172 Offset Tool 122 Optional Fonts 196 P Parallel Port Confg.
Software Compatibility 187 Software Requirement 82 Speed 110 Spindle Motor 19 Start From 19 Start Offset 20 Stationery Templates 161, 185, 203 Status Line 85 Streamline Setup 211 System Requirement 81 T Table 111 Table Setup 17 Templates 161, 185, 203 Text Editor 89, 140 Text Entry 157 Text Tool 119 Title Bar 84 Tool Path Rendition 184 Tool Size 171 Tool Speed 168 Tools Menu 84, 117 Tools Palette 118 U Undo 113 Using Mouse 85 V Vectorizing 210 Vertical Fill 123 View Paths 89, 143 W Windows 10 Workin
