The controller you need depends on your current needs and/or future needs regarding number of axes, number of IO, and max step-frequency. In general, there are a number of important things that decide the choice of controller. With this overview, we hope to help you understand a little better the different options we offer.
Interface, USB or Ethernet?
The interface to the controller is of course essential. As this determines how
USB
Pros:
- Easy to connect
- Can also supply power to the board
Cons:
- Limited length between PC and Controller
- USB interface of PCs are often more susceptible to external interference causing disconnects (buffer underruns)
- Wiring the enclosures with the controller incorrectly can cause ground loops or other EMC/EMI related issue,so make sure you take basis precaution like seperating low-power wires from the high-power cables etc.
Proposed controllers:
- CNC310
- CPU5A3
- CPU5A4
- CPU5B
Ethernet
Pros:
Cons:
Proposed controllers:
- CNC310 (+Ethernet license)
- CPU5A4E
- CPU5B (with ethernet upgrade)
- CNC720
- CNC760
- iCNC600
How many axis do you need?
How many axis do you need ? Well most basic machines would need at least 3 axis, X,Y and Z. But wait, sometimes you want to have 2 motors on the X or Y axis (master-slave configuration)...so that means you will at least need 4 axis X, Y, Z and A. If you want in future also add something like a tangential knife you will need another extra axis.
We offer 3, 4 or 6 axis controllers
Proposed controllers:
3 axis:
- CNC310
- CPU5A3
4 axis:
- CPU5A4
- CPU5A4E
- CNC720
6 axis:
- CPU5B
- CNC760
- iCNC600
What step frequency do you need?
125kHz or 400kHz
How many I/Os do you need?
When we talk about I/Os we don't mean out standard outputs like 'flood' or 'mist'. But auxiliary inputs or outputs.