Next Wave Automation CNC PIRANHA XL Owner's Manual

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Summary of Contents for Next Wave Automation CNC PIRANHA XL

Page 2 FOR THE MOST RECENT MANUALS, DRIVERS, AND OTHER SOFTWARE, PLEASE VISIT THE DOWNLOAD PAGE LOCATED ON OUR WEBSITE AT http://nextwaveautomation.com CNC Piranha FX/XL is a registered trademark of Next Wave Automation. Software copyright by Next Wave Automation. All rights reserved.
Page 3: To Our Customers
If you ever have any questions or comments, feel free to contact us at the address below. Next Wave Automation, LLC 600 w Boundary St. Perrysburg, Ohio 43551 USA www.NextWaveAutomation.com...
Page 4: Serial Number And Software License Information
Serial Number and Software License Information Record your CNC Piranha FX/XL Controller Interface and Vectric software user name and license codes here for safe keeping. Your software may vary depending on the CNC Piranha FX/XL model purchased. Controller Serial Number: ____________________________________________ LCD Pendant Serial Number: ____________________________________________ VCarve User Name: ________________________________________________ VCarve License Code: ______________________________________________...
Page 5: Table Of Contents
Installing the CNC Piranha FX/XL Post Processors in Vectric Products ......... 22 Warranty Next Wave Automation warrants to the original retail purchaser of a CNC Piranha FX/XL machine and purchased from an authorized CNC Piranha FX/XL machine distributor that the...
Page 6: Safety
Next Wave Automation disclaims any and all other express or implied warranties, including fitness for a particular purpose. Next Wave Automation shall not be liable for death, injuries to persons or property, or incidental, consequential, contingent or special damages arising from the use of the CNC Piranha FX/XL machine.
Page 7: Cnc Piranha Fx/Xl Operations Safety Instructions
Pause or Stop on the Piranha FX/XL The second is either the on/off switch on the CNC Piranha FX/XL Power Button on Controller Interface Hitting either will immediately stop the CNC Piranha FX/XL movement. This will also stop the router if it is plugged into the Controller Interface. (only available on XL models) Third is turning off the power strip;...
Page 8: Cnc Piranha Fx/Xl Hardware And Project Safety Instructions
2. Take small steps early in use – this will enable you to use the Piranha FX/XL safely and effectively. Practice each step a few times early on without running the router for example. Again, this orientation process will help you to use the Piranha FX/XL safely and effectively. 3.
Page 9 The Piranha FX/XL has 3 stepper motors, a Controller Interface, a LCD Pendant and/or an optional computer connected to it. These are all precision electronic devices and are susceptible to damage from power surges, static discharges, inappropriate power supply, and other unexpected electrical events.
Page 10: Overview
Overview General – The CNC Piranha FX/XL Bringing the speed and precision of computer-numerically-controlled machinery to your shop, the CNC Piranha FX/XL is designed for routing all types of wood, routing or engraving plastics, etching metal, and even etching or cutting tile. The CNC Piranha FX/XL has impressive power, speed, accuracy and ease of use.
Page 11: Cnc Piranha Fx/Xl Lcd Pendant
12" x 18" Aluminum 100 ipm X:12” X:19.5” Y: 30.5” Y:24” CNC Piranha XL Z: 24” 12” x 30” Z: 4” CNC Piranha FX/XL Specifications CNC Piranha FX/XL LCD Pendant The CNC Piranha FX/XL LCD Pendant stores the project’s tap file (instructions) on a flash drive and controls the movement of the X, Y, and Z axis.
Page 12 • CNC Controller • 15 pin LCD Pendant Cable • Touch Screen Pendant • Power Supply • Power Cord • 2 Hold Down Clamps • Router ON/OFF Controller (Available Piranha XL Only) Make sure when removing the CNC Piranha FX/XL from its box that you lift it from the base, lifting it by the gantry or table can cause misalignment.
Page 13 Place the Controller Interface in a comfortable easy to access location and connect it to the CNC Piranha FX/XL using the serial cable provided. The LCD Pendant gets its power from the Controller Interface so no other power cords are needed. See image below. CNC Piranha FX/XL Cable Connections Applying power to the Controller Interface.
Page 14: Registering Your Piranha Fx/Xl
Registering your Piranha FX/XL Once you power up your CNC Piranha FX/XL, you will see a screen like the image below. Press continue. CNC Piranha FX/XL Welcome Screen Next you will see your CNC Piranha FX/XL’s serial number, and firmware information. Record this serial number into your manual on Page 2 then press OK.
Page 15 Please visit www.NextWaveAutomation.com to register your Piranha FX or XL. Once at the home page, choose “Registration,” listed at the top of the page. Fill in the items that are marked in red and then choose Save at the bottom. This will email an access code to the email address provided in the registration form as well as display on your computer screen.
Page 16: Workflow Overview
Workflow Overview It is important to recognize that unlike other wood working and machining tools, you just don’t walk up to the CNC Piranha FX/XL with your material, hit the power button, and start carving or engraving your project. It is easiest to think of the workflow in two distinct components: 1.
Page 17: Operating Your Cnc Piranha Fx/Xl - Using The Pendant
Operating your CNC Piranha FX/XL - Using the Pendant Machining the Part The material to be machined is placed on the Piranha FX/XL work table and properly secured – typically by using clamps. The proper cutter tool is placed in the router. Using the Piranha FX/XL LCD Pendant Touch Screen, the tool is moved (jogged) to correspond with the starting point of what you have designed, usually a corner or center of the work piece.
Page 18 Next, plug the thumb drive containing the .tap file into the LCD Pendant using the usb port on the right hand side of the Pendant. The USB button will now become accessible, press it now. Next select the appropriate tap file. (Tap files only allow 8 characters so be sure you have unique identifying names ) April 2018 CNC Piranha FX/XL | 16...
Page 19 Next verify you have the correct file you are preparing to run, you can see file name, material size, etc. If everything is correct press Next At this point, all the steps necessary to run the toolpath have been taken. Next select the ‘Start’...
Page 20: Using The Touch Plate Accessory
Using the Touch Plate Accessory The Touch Plate is an optional accessory available through Next Wave Automation or its authorized distributors that can be used to obtain faster, more accurate setting of the z axis zero. Just plug it into the jack on the left side of CNC Piranha FX/XL Pendant.
Page 21 The CNC Piranha FX/XL will establish the zero/home position the instant the bit contacts the touch plate. You can ABORT the process at any time by pressing the Abort Key. Press OK to accept the results, thus giving you the exact height on your z axis. NOTE: When working with the touch plate detection make sure you are placing the magnet in the correct location to get the best reading.
Page 22: Piranha Xl Exclusive Features
Piranha XL Exclusive Features The Router Power Control Unit (RCPU) is one of the two additional plugs that attaches to the back of the Piranha XL controller. The RPCU has a power outlet on it, specifically and only for the router power cable. Do not use any other power cables in this outlet. The other cable connection is for the Homing switches Homing switches...
Page 23: Cnc Piranha Fx/Xl Specifications
CNC Piranha FX/XL Specifications General • Piranha FX Measurements o Overall Machine Dimensions: X: 19.5” Y: 20.5” Z: 18” o Work Table Dimensions: 12” X 18” o Maximum Cutter Travel: X: 12” Y: 13” Z: 3” • Piranha XL Measurements o Overall Machine Dimensions: X: 19.5”...
Page 24: Installing The Cnc Piranha Fx/Xl Post Processors In Vectric Products
Installing the CNC Piranha FX/XL Post Processors in Vectric Products Vectric’s VCarve, Vcarve and Aspire should have the CNC Piranha FX/XL post processors installed. However, Next Wave Automation periodically updates these, and you may want to install the latest CNC Piranha FX/XL post processors. Additionally, older Vectric products may not have the CNC Piranha FX/XL post processors installed so using the CNC Shark one will work as well.

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