CNC Controls: Mazak

Mazak Mill: Locating Program Zero 270

This class discusses the various coordinates systems involving machine components and the considerations for selecting workpiece zero.

  • Difficulty Intermediate

  • Format Online

  • Number of Lessons 14

  • Language English

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Course Outline
  • Objectives
  • What Is a Coordinates System?
  • The Machine Coordinates System
  • Homing: Finding the Machine Zero Point
  • The Workpiece Coordinates System
  • Selecting Workpiece Zero
  • Viewing Workpiece Coordinates
  • Setting Workpiece Zero and Workpiece Coordinates (WPC)
  • Setting the WPC Automatically: Teach
  • Setting the WPC Automatically: Probe
  • Offset Unit: Auxiliary Coordinates
  • Tool Reference
  • Referencing for Tool Length and Diameter
  • Summary
Objectives
  • Describe a coordinates system.
  • Describe the machine coordinates system.
  • Describe the steps for homing the axes.
  • Define the workpiece coordinates system.
  • Describe selecting workpiece zero.
  • List the steps for viewing the WPC.
  • Describe setting the WPC during programming.
  • List the steps for setting the WPC automatically with the teach function.
  • List the steps for setting the WPC automatically with a probe.
  • Define auxiliary coordinates.
  • Describe tool reference.
  • Describe how to reference for tool geometry.
Glossary
Vocabulary Term
Definition

[OFFSET]

A menu key that allows you to see the auxiliary coordinates system data setting.

[PROGRAM]

A menu key that allows you to access program information.

[TEACH]

A menu key that automatically registers measured values into an appropriate field.

[WPC MSR]

The workpiece coordinates measure key. A menu key that allows you to automatically measure the workpiece coordinates and thus set workpiece zero.

[WPC SEARCH]

A menu key that selects the WPC unit where the measured basic coordinates are recorded.

[WPC]

A menu key that allows you to access the basic coordinates system data setting, also known as workpiece coordinates (WPC).

1-2-3 block

A precise metal block with dimensions measuring one, two, and three inches respectively. An operator can use a 1-2-3 block to touch off tools during setup.

ADD. WPC

A field in the basic coordinates system unit that allows you to set additional data, such as additional coordinates (A to J) and work offset data (G54 to G59).

all home return

A button found on the machine controls section of some Matrix panels that will automatically send all axes to machine zero once the machine has been manually stopped.

auxiliary coordinates

A temporary coordinates system that can briefly offset program zero to another point in order to simplify programming.

background edit mode

A mode of the control that allows an operator to edit a program in memory while another program is being run.

basic coordinates system unit

The second of four Mazatrol programming units. The basic coordinates unit defines workpiece or program zero.

centerline

An imaginary line that runs through the center of a cylindrical cutting tool on a machining center.

common unit

In Mazatrol programming, a unit of information that must be entered first, such as the workpiece material, the number of parts, etc.

coordinates measurement

A feature available on some controls that allows you to measure coordinates automatically. Coordinates are measured automatically with an edge-finder, a tool like an end mill, or a probe.

coordinates system

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

cutter compensation

An offset used on the mill that accounts for variations in tool diameter. Cutter compensation is necessary only for tools that travel in the X- or Y-axis.

display select key

Key on the lower left of the Matrix display that can be used to return to the main menu. Also may be called chapter left.

edge finder

A device used on a mill to locate the exact position of a part edge along the X-axis or Y-axis.

EIA-ISO

Electronics Industry Association-International Organization for Standardization. Two separate organizations that recommend standards for the transmission of data between devices.

end mill

A milling cutter that performs a mix of peripheral and face milling. End milling engages the bottom and edges of the milling cutter.

fixed jaw

The component of a vise used to locate parts that does not move. Program zero is ideally located against the fixed jaw of a vise.

gage line

The imaginary line marking the portion of the toolholder that matches the bottom edge of the machine spindle. The distance from the tip of the tool to the gage line determines a tool's tool length offset.

geometry

The measurement and properties of the lines and points of an object that make up its shape.

geometry offset

An offset used on a mill to account for the physical shape of a specific tool. Each tool requires its own geometry offset, which accounts for length and diameter.

home mode

A mode of the Mazak control that allows the operator to manually return the axes to the machine home position.

home mode key

A function key used to return the spindle to machine zero.

home position

The origin of the machine coordinates system located above the far upper righthand corner of the mill table. The unchangeable home position is also known as the machine zero point.

homing

Sending the mill's spindle to its home or machine zero position.

input key

A key located near the numeric keypad that allows you to enter data.

job sheet

A document that includes all manufacturing specifications for a lot, or batch, of parts.

machine coordinates system

A fixed coordinates system with the machine zero point as its origin. The machine coordinates system covers the entire range of movement in the machine's work area and is the basis for the other coordinates systems.

machine zero point

The origin of the machine coordinates system located above the far upper righthand corner of the mill table. The unchangeable machine zero point is also known as the home position.

MDI mode

A mode of the Mazak control that allows the operator to manually enter and execute program data without storing the data on the control.

MDI run key

A key on the control navigation section that lets an operator manually enter and execute program data without needing to store the data on the control.

menu select key

Key on the lower right of the Matrix display that can be used to cycle through menu options. Also may be called chapter right.

moveable jaw

The component of a vise that is adjustable to fit workpieces of varying sizes. Program zero should never be located against the moveable jaw of a vise.

offset unit

The first of four additional and optional units used to create a Mazatrol program. The offset unit allows you to set auxiliary coordinates.

overtravel

A situation in which the spindle has moved beyond its set boundaries.

part program

A series of instructions used by a CNC machine to perform the necessary sequence of operations to machine a specific workpiece. The Mazak Matrix control is capable of executing both traditional EIA G-code programming and Mazatrol conversational programming.

perpendicular

Positioned at right angles, or 90°, to each other. A vertical line is perpendicular to a horizontal line.

program edit menu key

A menu key that allows you to edit program information.

program menu key

A menu key that allows you to access program information.

program zero

The origin of both the workpiece coordinates system and the part program for a particular workpiece. Program zero, commonly called workpiece zero, is unique to each workpiece design and is selected by a part programmer.

programming unit

A series of programming steps used to create a Mazatrol program. The four main units are the common unit, the basic coordinates system unit, the machining unit, and the end unit.

rapid

To move at the machine's maximum rate of travel.

reference zero point

The point at which the three axes of a coordinates system meet. The reference zero point is also called the origin and is located at X=0, Y=0, Z=0.

start button

A green button on the control that is used to execute programs.

teach

To automatically enter measured values into a particular register.

teach menu key

A menu key that allows you to automatically input measured values into the WPC register.

tool length offset

An offset used on a machining center that accounts for variations in tool length along the Z-axis. Each tool requires its own tool length offset, which is measured from the tip of the tool to the gage line.

work area

The interior space within a machining center in which all machining is performed.

work offset

An offset used to adjust the location of every tool loaded in the machine. On the mill, the work offset changes the position of the spindle in both the X- and Y-axes, and often the Z-axis as well.

work offset menu key

A menu key that allows access to workpiece coordinates in the EIA-ISO format.

workpiece coordinates

WPC. A set of values used to define workpiece zero. These basic coordinates are specified after the common unit in Mazatrol programming.

workpiece coordinates measure key

[WPC MSR]. A menu key that allows you to automatically measure the workpiece coordinates and thus set workpiece zero.

workpiece coordinates system

A temporary coordinates system with the workpiece zero point as its origin. The workpiece coordinates system simplifies programming and is defined by a part programmer.

workpiece zero point

The origin of both the workpiece coordinates system and the part program for a particular workpiece. Workpiece zero, commonly called program zero, is unique to each workpiece design and is selected by a part programmer.

WPC

Workpiece coordinates. A set of values used to define workpiece zero. These basic coordinates are specified after the common unit in Mazatrol programming.