CNC Controls: Haas

Haas NGC: Entering Lathe Offsets 202

Haas NGC: Entering Lathe Offsets 202 addresses concepts and processes for entering offsets on the Haas Next Generation Control (NGC) lathe. Offsets on the NGC lathe include work offsets and a range of tool geometry offsets. Tool geometry offsets for the Haas NGC lathe include tool length, radius, tip direction, and wear offsets. This course describes each individual offset and explains how to navigate the offsets menu and enter offset values into the NGC panel.

Performing turning operations on the NGC lathe requires a conceptual understanding of lathe offsets and the ability to enter tool and work offsets using the appropriate steps. Correctly determining and entering tool and work offsets allows operators to improve efficiency by producing more parts within tolerance, minimizing machining errors, and reducing loss due to scrapped or reworked parts.

  • Difficulty Intermediate

  • Format Online

  • Number of Lessons 22

  • Language English

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Course Outline
  • Introduction to Offsets on the Haas NGC Lathe
  • Lathe Cutting Tools
  • Types of Offsets on the Haas NGC Lathe
  • Accessing Tool and Work Offsets
  • Navigating Tool and Work Offsets
  • Clearing Offsets
  • Review: Lathe Offsets Basics
  • Tool Length Offsets
  • Methods for Calculating Tool Length Offsets
  • Preparing a Touch-Off Surface on the Part Face
  • Touching Off Z Axis Tool Length Offsets
  • Preparing a Touch-Off Surface on the OD
  • Touching Off X Axis Tool Length Offsets
  • Entering Tool Length Offsets with the Automatic Tool Presetter
  • Review: Tool Length Offsets
  • Radius and Tip Offsets
  • Entering Radius and Tip Offsets
  • Tool Wear Offsets
  • Entering Tool Wear Offsets
  • Work Offsets
  • Entering Work Offsets
  • Review: Work and Additional Tool Offsets
Objectives
  • Describe offsets on the Haas NGC lathe.
  • Distinguish between the orientations and movements of various lathe tools.
  • Distinguish between types of offsets on the Haas NGC lathe.
  • Explain how to access the tool and work offset menus on the Haas NGC lathe.
  • Explain how to navigate the tool and work offset menus on the Haas NGC lathe.
  • Explain how to clear offsets on the Haas NGC Lathe.
  • Describe tool length offsets.
  • Describe ways to calculate tool length offsets on the Haas NGC lathe.
  • Explain how to prepare a part face surface to touch off tools in the Z axis.
  • Explain how to enter a Z axis tool length offset by touching off a tool.
  • Explain how to prepare an OD surface to touch off tools in the X axis.
  • Explain how to enter an X axis tool length offset by touching off a tool.
  • Explain how to record tool length offsets using the Haas NGC's automatic tool presetter.
  • Describe tool nose radius and tool tip position offsets.
  • Explain how to enter radius and tip offsets on the Haas NGC lathe.
  • Describe tool wear offsets.
  • Explain how to enter tool wear offsets on the Haas NGC lathe.
  • Describe work offsets.
  • Explain how to enter work offsets on the Haas NGC lathe.
Glossary
Vocabulary Term
Definition

.0001/.1

A key that sets the handle jog increment to .0001 inches or .001 mm for each click of the jog handle. The .0001/.1 key selects the slowest jog increment.

.1/100.

A key that sets the handle jog increment to .1 inches or 100 millimeters for each click of the jog handle. The .1/100. key selects the fastest jog increment.

accidental collisions

Inadvertent contact between the tool and the workpiece or the tool and a machine component. Accidental collisions can occur due to inaccurate offsets or machinist errors.

automatic tool presetter

A device on the Haas NGC lathe used to quickly determine tool length offsets in the X and Z axes. The automatic tool presetter stylus instantly records the turret position when a tool tip contacts one of its sensors.

axial

A direction that runs parallel to the main spindle centerline on a CNC lathe. Axial tool movements occur in the Z axis.

centerline

An imaginary line that divides a shape into two equal halves or that runs through the center of a cylindrical object. The centerline is also the center point of a rotational axis.

chuck

A device that holds a workpiece in place as it rotates on a CNC lathe. A chuck commonly has three or four jaws that can be adjusted to fit variously sized parts.

Clear Cell

An offset popup menu option that deletes the offset value in an individual selected cell. Clear Cell appears in a popup menu when an operator presses the ORIGIN key while in the tool or work offsets menus.

Clear Column

An offset popup menu option that deletes the offset values in a selected column. Clear Column appears in a popup menu when an operator presses the ORIGIN key while in the tool or work offsets menus.

Clear Row

An offset popup menu option that deletes the offset values in a selected row. Clear Row appears in a popup menu when an operator presses the ORIGIN key while in the tool or work offsets menus.

Clear Tool Offsets

An offset popup menu option that deletes all offset values in the tool offsets menu. Clear Tool Offsets appears in a popup menu when an operator presses the ORIGIN key while in the tool offsets menu.

Clear Work Offsets

An offset popup menu option that deletes all offset values in the work offsets menu. Clear Work Offsets appears in a popup menu when an operator presses the ORIGIN key while in the work offsets menu.

computer numerical control

CNC. A combination of software and hardware that directs the operation of a machine. Computer numerical control uses mathematical data to direct machine movements.

contact sensors

A digital receptor positioned on one of the four sides of a tool presetter stylus. Contact sensors record tool length offsets based on the machine's position and the appropriate axis when the tool tip makes contact.

contours

A curved surface or dimension that is cut into a workpiece. Contours are often created with facing tools on a lathe.

control panel

The device on a CNC machine that runs, stores, and edits the commands of a part program and other coordinate information. Control panels, or controls, typically have a keypad and display screen.

coordinate system

A numerical system used to describe the location of an object in three-dimensional space. A coordinate system expresses the distance from any point to the fixed intersection of three linear axes: X, Y, and Z.

CURRENT COMMANDS

define

cursor arrow keys

The area of the control keypad that allows an operator to move through various screens and fields in the control. Cursor arrow keys are located in the center of the control keypad.

cutting tool

A device with one or more edges that is designed to cut metal. Cutting tools are often designed for use on a metal-cutting machine, such as a CNC lathe or mill.

CYCLE START

The control button used to begin a program or continue a program that has been previously stopped. The CYCLE START button must be pressed after each block of a program when it is run in single block mode.

deflection

The unintended movement or repositioning of a component due to a mechanical force. Deflection of a cutting tool can cause poor surface finish and inaccurate dimensions of finished parts.

diameter

The distance from one edge of a circle to the opposite edge measured across the center. The diameter value of the workpiece, measured on the finished OD surface, is required when entering X geometry offsets.

drills

A metal cutting tool used to penetrate the surface of a workpiece and make a round hole equal to the drill diameter. Drills can be mounted on a lathe either axially or radially.

END

A cursor arrow key that places the cursor at the bottom of most displays. The END key moves the cursor to the last item of a table or the end of a scrollable page.

end mills

A milling cutter that cuts with its bottom and side edges. End mills on a lathe can machine slots, pockets, and other features into a workpiece.

ENTER

A key on the control panel below the numeric keys that has different functions based on which menu is selected. The ENTER key adds a manually typed numeric value to the selected offset value in the tool or work offsets menu.

ERASE PROGRAM

A mode key that deletes a part program. Pressing ERASE PROGRAM also removes commands from the MDI mode screen.

F1

A function key on the control panel that has different purposes based on which menu is selected. The F1 key overwrites a selected offset value with a manually typed numeric value in the offsets menus.

F2

define

F4

A function key on the Haas Next Generation Control. Pressing F4 while in the offsets menus switches between the work and tool offset tabs.

face mills

A milling cutter that cuts metal with its face, or bottom, edge. Face mills on a lathe rapidly remove material from the surface of a workpiece.

finished

Machined to the appropriate degree of surface smoothness. Finished surfaces on a workpiece are often used to touch off tools on a CNC lathe.

G code commands

A code in a CNC part program that determines the type of operation performed on the machine. G code commands for work offsets on the lathe are listed in the work offsets menu.

G code programming

An alphanumeric coding language that tells a CNC machine what tool to use, the path it takes, how quickly it moves, and other variables. G code programming includes commands that begin with the letter G as well as other letter codes.

G41

A G code command that activates tool nose radius compensation offsets on the lathe. G41 moves the tool to the left of the programmed toolpath.

G42

A G code command that activates tool nose radius compensation offsets on the lathe. G42 moves the tool to the right of the programmed toolpath.

G97

A code in G code programming that sets the speed to direct spindle speed mode. G97 indicates that speed should be measured in revolutions per minute (rpm).

HANDLE JOG

A mode key that initiates jog mode. Pressing HANDLE JOG allows operators to move the turret using the jog handle or jog keys and displays various axis positions at the bottom of the control screen.

HOME

A cursor arrow key that places the cursor at the top of most displays. The HOME key moves the cursor to the first item of a table or the beginning of a scrollable page.

home

To send the lathe tool turret to its machine zero position. Operators must home the machine before entering offsets.

index

To select a tool in the tool turret and move it to the cutting position. Operators must index the appropriate tool when setting tool offsets.

inner diameter

ID. The interior surface of a hole or cylindrical feature. Inner diameter cutting operations on the lathe include drilling, boring, and tapping.

job sheet

A document that includes all manufacturing specifications for a lot, or batch, of parts. The job sheet also includes dimensions of tools used in the turning operation.

jog

To move the tool turret in the X or Z axis manually in jog mode. Machinists jog the turret by either holding down one of the jog keys or by turning the jog handle after pressing one of the jog keys to select a machine axis.

jog handle

A dial that is turned by hand in order to manually control CNC machine motions. The jog handle on a Next Generation Control is located to the left of the keypad.

jog key

The area of the control keypad that allows an operator to move the tool along a selected axis. Jog keys are located to the left of center on the keypad.

jog mode

The operational mode that allows for manual control of steady axis movement. Jog mode can be operated using the jog keys and jog handle.

live tooling

A feature that equips the lathe turret with power-driven cutting tools such as drills and end mills. These tools can perform cutting operations off-center while the workpiece is held still in the spindle.

M03

A G code command used to activate the spindle. M03 is used in MDI mode to perform cutting commands during part setup.

machine zero

A default location that is permanently set by the manufacturer of each particular CNC machine. Machine zero, or home position, is the furthest positive position in the X, Y, and Z axes on a Haas CNC lathe.

MDI

A mode key that activates MDI mode on the Haas NGC. The MDI key is used to enter and execute commands during part setup.

MDI mode

An operation mode that lets an operator enter and execute program data without disturbing stored data. MDI mode is used to activate the spindle and execute other G code commands.

micrometer

A handheld measuring device used to inspect the dimensions of parts. The typical micrometer is accurate within 0.001 in. (0.02 mm).

Next Generation Control

NGC. The latest Haas Automation®, Inc. CNC control. The Next Generation Control was released in 2016.

NGC

Next Generation Control®. The latest Haas Automation, Inc. CNC control. The NGC was released in 2016.

numeric keys

The area of the control keypad that allows an operator to enter numbers and special characters into the control. Numeric keys are used to manually type values into the offsets columns.

OD

Outer diameter. The exterior surface of a cylindrical workpiece. OD cutting operations on the lathe include turning, facing, and parting off.

OFFSET

A display key that shows tabbed menus for tool and work offset tables. The OFFSET key allows operators to view and edit information about current tool and work offset coordinates.

offsets

A measurement recorded by the CNC control that re-positions machine components for different tools and parts. Offsets are used to adjust for differences in tool geometry, part size, tool wear, and any other changing variables that may affect the manufacture of the part.

ORIGIN

A mode key that resets or clears a selected value. Pressing ORIGIN resets highlighted values, such as an axis location, to zero.

outer diameter

OD. The exterior surface of a cylindrical workpiece. Outer diameter cutting operations on the lathe include turning, facing, and parting off.

PAGE DOWN

A cursor arrow key that places the cursor one page down in most displays. The PAGE DOWN key moves the cursor to the bottommost item of the items currently displayed, and pressing the key again moves the cursor to the bottommost item on the next set of items below the current set.

PAGE UP

A cursor arrow key that places the cursor one page up in most displays. The PAGE UP key moves the cursor to the topmost item of the items currently displayed, and pressing the key again moves the cursor to the topmost item on the next set of items above the current set.

part face

The flat, circular end of a cylindrical part. The part face is used as a reference point to calculate part zero on the lathe.

part program

A series of alphanumerical instructions that guides the movements of a CNC machine. A part program begins at the part zero location.

part run

A series of identically shaped finished products. Part runs require accurate and repeatable setups to ensure consistency.

part zero

The starting point of X and Z coordinates for a lathe part program. Part zero, or program zero, acts as a reference point for all part dimensions.

parting

A cutting operation performed on a lathe that uses a cutting tool to separate a finished part from the rest of the stock. Also known as cutting off, parting is an outer diameter operation.

POWER UP

A function key that initializes the machine control. Pressing POWER UP returns the turret to the home position in all axes or prompts operators to set the order in which the turret returns to the home position in each axis.

radial

A direction that runs perpendicular to the main spindle centerline on a CNC lathe. Radial tool movements occur in the X axis.

radius

The distance from the center to the edge of a rounded tool tip. The radius of a tool's tip is half of its diameter.

radius offsets

An offset used on a CNC lathe that accounts for cutting tool variations for contouring and tapering tools. Radius offsets are required when using tool nose radius compensation.

reamers

A multi-point cutting tool that smooths or enlarges a previously drilled hole. Reamers have straight cutting edges and can be mounted as live tooling on a lathe.

reference tool

A tool to which all other tools in the turret are compared when setting geometry offsets. The reference tool does not require a tool length offset because its exact location is already stored as the workshift offset.

S1000

A G code command that sets the spindle speed at about 1000 rpm. The S1000 command sets an appropriate speed for facing and turning cuts during part setup.

STOP

An override key on the Haas NGC that discontinues an operation. The STOP key is used to turn off spindle rotation.

stylus

A measuring instrument with a square tip connected to a tool presetter. The stylus uses sensors to record a tool's position when the tool tip makes contact.

T code commands

A code in a CNC part program used that indicates the specific cutting tool for a tool change. T code commands on the lathe select the numbered tool in the turret and activate its tool offset values stored in the tool offsets menu.

tapers

A gradual decrease from a larger diameter to a smaller diameter on a cylindrical part. Tapers are often created with turning tools on a lathe.

tip position offsets

An offset used on a CNC lathe that indicates one of eight possible orientations for a particular tool. Tip position offsets are used in conjunction with radius offsets.

tolerances

An unwanted but acceptable deviation from the desired dimension. Tolerances indicate the allowable difference between a physical part and its intended design.

tool geometry offsets

A group of offsets used on a CNC lathe that accounts for cutting tool variations along the X and Z axes. Tool geometry offsets include tool length, tool radius, and tool wear offsets.

tool length offsets

An offset used on a CNC lathe to account for variations in tool length along the X and Z axes. Tool length offsets are required for each cutting tool.

tool lengths

The distance measured from a cutting tool's tip to end of the turret. Tool length variations can affect the tool's position in reference to part zero.

tool nose radius compensation

An offset function used on a CNC lathe that accounts for the radius and tip position of a tool tip used for contouring and tapering cuts. Tool nose radius compensation is activated using G41 and G42 commands.

tool turret

A lathe component that holds a number of cutting tools. The tool turret rotates to index tools in the cutting position.

tool wear

The gradual removal of material from the surface of a cutting tool due to contact and friction. Wear on tools can affect part dimensions and part tolerance.

tool wear offsets

An offset used on a CNC lathe that accounts for gradual tool wear and other conditions. Tool wear offsets available on the Haas NGC lathe include X geometry wear, Z geometry wear, and radius wear offsets.

touch off

To determine the exact location of a tool tip by touching it against an object with a known measurement. Operators touch off various tools to set tool length and work offsets.

turning

A machining operation in which a workpiece is rotated on a lathe while a single-point tool is guided along the workpiece. Turning is one of the most common machining operations and often uses chucks and collets as workholding.

TURRET FWD

A key on the Haas NGC lathe that rotates the tool turret on a CNC lathe. Pressing TURRET FWD replaces the current tool with the next sequential tool in MDI mode.

TURRET REV

A key on the Haas NGC lathe that rotates the tool turret on a CNC lathe. Pressing TURRET REV replaces the current tool with the previous sequential tool in MDI mode.

work offsets

An automatic adjustment of machine components that moves the tool turret to the part zero location. Work offsets change the position of the lathe tool turret to adjust the location of every tool when in use.

X axis

An imaginary straight line in the Cartesian coordinate system that is perpendicular to the lathe spindle centerline. X axis movements on a CNC lathe are toward or away from the operator.

X DIA MEASURE

A key on the Haas lathe that automatically stores the turret's X axis position and prompts the operator to enter a diameter value. X DIA MEASURE is used to shift the tool to the spindle centerline at the center of the part.

Z axis

An imaginary straight line in the Cartesian coordinate system that is parallel to the lathe spindle centerline. Z axis movements on a CNC lathe are toward or away from the spindle.

Z FACE MEASURE

Z FACE MEASURE | A key on the Haas NGC lathe that automatically stores the Z axis position as a tool length offset for a tool that is properly touched off against the workpiece surface. The Z FACE MEASURE key is also used to set a Z axis work offset.