Spindle from another comp on 1F machine?

[Aiph5u (Aiph5u (not affiliated with Onefinity))]

Hey Jussi,

@Jussi

So assuming the VFD and spindle is wired to work with one another do I just need to configure the controller to communicate with the VFD? No other hardware needed?

the communication between VFD and CNC Controller is done this way. This means that when your g-code program contains a “start spindle” and a “set speed to x” command, the VFD will execute it.

@Aiph5u

The Onefinity Controller supports ModBus communication with VFDs via a serial connection. For this you have to select the appropriate VFD in the TOOLS page of the Onefinity Controller. You can also run a model that is not supported, by using a custom configuration.

The exact data for the configuration of the VFD and for the connection differ between VFD brands and models, you have to consult the manual of the VFD.

To connect the VFD to the Onefinity Controller you have to connect a shielded, twisted pair cable from pins 13 and 14 of the 25-pin I/O port of the Onefinity Controller to the RS485+ and RS485- pins of the VFD, and the shield to ground. See the instructions in your VFD manual.

Of course you can do a lot of additional wiring as is common in entire CNC machine setups. One thing that the VFD usually takes care to switch on and off is of course the spindle water coolant (and to continue to let it run for a while after the spindle was stopped), and to turn on and off the dust collection.

Also usually on a CNC machine setup, you have an emergency wiring. This takes care that a problem on one component signals this to the other components which can then take measures.

A VFD is a device intended to be installed in an electrical cabinet, that can also take all other accessories like relays etc. See here and here for more information.