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Limit switch actions

Discussion in 'CNC Mills/Routers' started by Dale Y, Nov 13, 2016.

  1. Dale Y

    Dale Y New
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    I am looking at building a router machine (first timer) and have some questions. What happens when a machine hits those limit switches? Here are the possibilities I see:

    1) travel stops and machine stuck on that axis until operator fixes problem
    2) travel stops until command given to reverse and loses track of where it is
    3) travel stops on switch, but able to track when it should return not losing its position

    Is there a difference having switches on one end of the travel or the other, or both? From the research I have done, I am thinking option #1 most likely, maybe #2.
     
  2. Giarc

    Giarc OpenBuilds Team
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    The machine should not hit the limit switches if you place your material in the proper location and don't try cutting things larger than your available work area. I have not needed limit switches, but I always zero my material well within the cutting area.
     
  3. Dale Y

    Dale Y New
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    Craig, I understand the rules, and have no plans to push the switches, but I still would like to know what happens "IF" it happens.
     
  4. David the swarfer

    David the swarfer OpenBuilds Team
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    if it happens the controller goes into an ALARM state:
    stops moving
    loses position
    cannot continue until
    a) it is moved off the limit switch
    b) is reset and re-homed

    in other words, hitting a limit switch is a fatal error, like windows 'blue screen of death'
     
    gorrilladiver likes this.
  5. Dale Y

    Dale Y New
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    Thanks David, I figured that would be the answer. I have a few projects already in mind when I finally build my router and wanted to know what would happen if I start designing things to close to my limits
     

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