What is a DPRINT command?
At its core, a DPRNT command is a line of code that can be used in a CNC program to export information to an auxiliary piece of equipment via a serial port connection. It traces its roots to old parallel port printers, however it is still useful today for sending information while machining to ancillary equipment such as bar feeders, automatic nozzles, and MQL lubrication systems.
A DPRNT command line inserted in a machine program communicates the message within the DPRNT brackets to the connected device. Unist uses this functionality to send commands to the Quantum™ MQL application system to turn the flow of lubricant on and off, at the specified rates. The commands are a specific “language” developed by Unist for controlling the Quantum™ applicator. Each CNC machine controller will have its own nuances when it comes to formatting the message, timing the delivery of the message, and configuring the serial communication channel, however almost all CNC controllers are capable of this type of communication.
The main serial command via DPRNT for Unist is something like:
DPRNT [SET-FLUID-OUTPUT-STATE 1 15.00 57]
This command turns output 1 on at a rate of 15 drops per minute and an air flow of 57 percent.
To turn the output off, you would use a command like:
DPRINT [SET-FLUID-OUTPUT-STATE 1 0 0]
For more information on integrating an MQL controller with your CNC code, check out our whitepaper and also the related video resources.