CNC Mode, need 12(16) Axes. How to ?

JuJuDelta

Hi,

I wish to drive 12 (16) steppers as individual axes using Duet 3 products: 6HC & 2(4) off 3HC. Also support for 12(16) endstops.
CNC mode configuration.
I understand that at present the current stable firmare can drive 10 axes: XYZ UVW ABCD

I have read in other threads that it is possible to rebuild the firmware from the GitHub repository, assuming the correct Eclipse IDE, environment and C compilers are installed.

My question is how difficult would it to add the additional axes. I do not need to use any "industry standard" G-Code naming convention for the axes.

The G-Code i need to execute moves 3 parallel rails, and there are 3 movable pods on each rail. Hence 12 total steppers/axes that ideally are independently controlled.
Sample G-Code snippet:

;move 4 rails labelled RA, RB RC & RD to coords. Rail feed rate RF, Pod feed rate PF
G06 RA 0 RB 150 RC 600 RD 1150 RF 1300 PF 300

; move the 4 pods on each rail: Rail A: A1, A2, A3, A4
; move the 4 pods on each rail: Rail B: B1, B2, B3, B4
; move the 4 pods on each rail: Rail C1, C2, C3, C4
; move the 4 pods on each rail: Rail D1, D2, D3, D4

I would prefer independent control of each pod, even if they end up at same linear co-ordinate i.e not map multiple steppers to one axis (virtual paralleling)

G06 A1 0 A2 500 A3 1000 A4 2880
G06 B1 0 B2 500 B3 1000 B4 1500
G06 C1 0 C2 500 C3 1000 C4 2880
G06 D1 0 D2 500 D3 1000 D4 1500

Relatively Easy
Involved
Very complex
Impossible, forget it.

I expect some work would be needed on the DWC web visualisation also.

I do have experience in embedded code development, C, Eclipse IDE etc.
But would this be beyond the ability of say a 2nd year Undergraduate Intern 3 month project ?

Can someone please point me to the source code module filenames that are involved with maximum number of axes.

I have looked in these threads so far:
https://forum.duet3d.com/topic/16023/maximum-number-of-axis?=1606474527043
https://forum.duet3d.com/topic/19800/improving-build-instructions/9
https://forum.duet3d.com/topic/19980/little-help-to-build-rrf3?=1606474527054

I'd appreciate your comments, especially if it's impossible.

Thanks.

dc42

Extension to >10 axes is planned for firmware 3.3, possibly it may make it into 3.2. I haven't finalised what the extra axes will be called in GCode, but it may be 'A, 'B and so on (which RRF will convert to a, b, c...).

JuJuDelta

Many thanks for your reply David !

I will inform my customer he will have to wait for the update, but it's coming.
I will assist him with firmware upgrade and implementation.

(And now for the inevitable question all software developers hate....)
Do you have estimated timescale for release of 3.2 & 3.3 ?

dc42

We are aiming to release 3.2 stable in January, in time for the first production run on the Duet 3 Mini.

JuJuDelta

Excellent news David !

Many thanks.

derekbrown

@dc42 Hi David

Are you the designer of the software for controlling any given number of axis. I have an urgent need for at least 12 axis. Is this something that my company can develop or do we just have to wait?