Procedure for Setting a Tool
Length Offset
A tool length offset is used to
compensate for the difference from the tool tip's
position when the mill is at machine Z zero
(home) to its position when it is at part Z zero,
which is in almost all cases the top surface of
the part. This offset value will determine the
position of the part Z zero. Each tool that is
used in the machining process will have its own
tool length offset. This allows the tips of
different lengths of tools to move to the same
plane when commanded to Z zero.
To set a tool length offset:
Perform a tool change through MDI to
get the desired tool placed into the
spindle
Enter the hand wheel mode [F3] and
move the tool down until it touches the
surface of the part at the desired Z plane.
Press the "Ztool" button. Tool at Z Home
Position
The control will prompt the user to enter
the Z position. Press enter if the tool tip
position is zero. Tool Length
The control will then prompt the user to Offset
enter the tool diameter. Press enter to
accept the current diameter or type in a
new diameter and press enter.
The tool offsets will always be written to Part Z Zero
the active tools register. Perform a tool change Part
prior to setting the next tool
Table
If a non-zero Z position is desired, enter
the desired position for the tool tip and press the
enter key when the Z position is asked for. The
value entered as the Z position must be used
for all following tools touched at this position,
or tools will not relate properly to each other.
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