ACU-RITE MILLPWR 3 Axes - Manual (Page 190)

SETUP
MILLPWR ®
For this example, two identical parts are being machined. The first part is in place and datum has
been set using tool 1 from the library as the current tool. The top of the workpiece is Z-zero. When
the
GO button is pressed, MILLPWR will see that step one is asking for the same tool as the current
tool and will proceed to the next step (Step 2) and drill the holes. When the next tool step (Step 3)
is executed, you will be prompted to change tools to the drill. Simply change the tool and press
GO
to continue. The programmed tool offset will compensate for the difference in tool length as it
drills the holes (Step 4). The next tool (Step 5) is of unknown length. When this step is executed,
and you are prompted to change tools. With this tool change:
• Press the DATUM softkey. The DRO screen will appear with the set datum window.
• Place the tool (counter bore) in the spindle and touch the cutting edge to Z-axis Datum
Zero (the top of the workpiece in this example).
• Press the Z=0 softkey and then USE . The tip of the tool is now set at datum zero.
• Press GO to continue with the program.
Now that the Z-axis datum was set using a tool of unknown length, tools one and two will not
repeat. The Z-axis datum must be reset once again using a tool from the library. This can be done
when step 1 is run on the second part. After the part has been changed:
• Press GO. You will be prompted to change tools to the center drill (Step 1).
• Press the DATUM softkey. The DRO screen will appear with the set datum window.
• Place the center drill in the spindle and touch the tip to Z-axis Datum Zero (the top of
the workpiece in this example).
• Press the Z=0 softkey and then USE . The tip of the tool is now set at datum zero.
• Press GO to continue with the program.
Datum has now been reset with a repeatable tool with a programmed length offset as the current
tool, all of the tools with programmed length offsets again relate to datum. The program can con-
tinue as usual.
Note: The only information that is mandatory when entering a tool into the tool library, is the
diameter. All other information is optional. It is possible to establish a tool library
without tool lengths. Z-axis datum will need to be set during each tool step execution of the
program.
Operation Manual 7-10