Haas NGC: Locating Program Zero on the Mill 211

.0001/.1

A key that sets the jog increment to .0001 inches, or .001 millimeters. The .0001/.1 key moves the tool slowly along the selected axis.

.1/100

A key that sets the jog increment to .1 inches, or 100 millimeters. The .1/100 key moves the tool quickly along the selected axis.

1-2-3 block

A precise metal block with dimensions measuring 1 in. (25.4 mm), 2 in. (50.8 mm), and 3 in. (76.2 mm), respectively. A 1-2-3 block can be used to touch off a tool during calculations of tool length offset.

3D

Three-dimensional. Having a length, depth, and width. 3D movements on the Haas NGC mill are described as X, Y, and Z axis movements.

3D sensor

A device with a pressure-sensitive stem and indicator tip that can measure variations in the dimensions of a component from any angle. 3D sensors are more efficient and versatile than basic edge finders or dial indicators but are more expensive.

alphanumeric

Consisting of or using both letters and numbers. Alphanumeric commands, which make up G code programming, instruct CNC machine operation.

axes

An imaginary straight line that is used to describe the location or movement of an object in three-dimensional space. Axes in the Cartesian coordinate system include the X, Y, and Z axes.

Cartesian coordinate system

A positioning system that uses three perpendicular linear axes to locate positions in three-dimensional space. The Cartesian coordinate system's axes are the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis.

CNC

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

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.

cursor arrow keys

A button on the NGC keypad that allows a machinist to move through various screens and fields in the machine control. The cursor arrow keys include arrows for navigating in the left, right, up, and down directions.

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.

datum structure

A specified point, line, or plane on a part design that acts as a reference for a part feature. The datum structure is often used to establish the work coordinate system.

eccentric

Off center. The eccentric knob on an edge finder can rotate in line with the edge finder's stem, then shift off center as it detects the edge of a workpiece.

edge finder

A device used on a mill to locate the exact position of a part edge along the X or Y axis. Edge finders are commonly used in milling to locate part zero at an upper edge or corner.

EDIT

An operation mode key that allows manual editing changes in a program or the creation of new program memory. The EDIT mode menu also includes the VPS mode tab.

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.

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 work or tool offsets menu.

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.

fixed jaw

The unmovable component of a vise used to locate parts. Part zero is best positioned against the fixed jaw of a vise when located along an edge or corner of a workpiece.

G code command

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 mill are listed in the work offsets menu.

G54

A G code command that instructs the machine control to adjust tool position according to the work offset values. G54 changes the position of the spindle in the X, Y, and Z axes to move the mill tool from machine zero to part zero.

HANDLE JOG

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

indicator

A device that uses a pressure-sensitive tip and a needle on a dial or a digital display to show measurements. A basic indicator has a plunger tip that moves in a linear direction to detect measurements.

indicator tip

The pressure-sensitive end of a dial indicator. The indicator tip detects variations in part features.

inverse

The exact opposite of a value. An inverse coordinate value is obtained by reversing the positive or negative status of another coordinate value.

jog

To move the mill spindle in the Z axis or the mill worktable in the X or Y axis manually in jog mode. Machinists jog the machine 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 mode

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

machine coordinate position

The current location of the mill spindle in the machine coordinate system at any given time. The machine coordinate position coordinates can be found on the position display panel for the X, Y, and Z axes.

machine coordinate system

A fixed coordinate system with machine zero as its origin. The machine coordinate system encompasses the entire range of movement in the mill's work area and is the point of reference for calculating all part zero locations.

machine coordinates

A Cartesian coordinate position on a CNC machine that references the machine zero location as its origin. Machine coordinates on the Haas NGC mill do not change.

machine origin

A Cartesian coordinate position at the furthest point of positive travel in the X, Y, and Z axes on the Haas NGC mill. The machine origin has a value of zero in all three axes.

machine zero

The default home position on a CNC machine that is permanently set by the manufacturer. Machine zero is the furthest positive position in the X, Y, and Z axes on the CNC machine.

Next Generation Control

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

NEXT TOOL

A function key used when setting tool length offsets on a CNC machine. Pressing NEXT TOOL selects the next sequential tool from the automatic toolchanger.

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.

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 tools and work offset coordinates.

OMP

Optical machine probe. The component in the Wireless Intuitive Probing System that is mounted in the mill spindle and sets work offsets. The OMP is also called the spindle probe.

optical machine interface

OMI. The component in the Wireless Intuitive Probing System mounted on the wall. The optical machine interface communicates wirelessly with the optical machine probe and the optical tool sensor.

optical machine probe

OMP. The component in the Wireless Intuitive Probing System that is mounted in the mill spindle and sets work offsets. The optical machine probe is also called the spindle probe.

optical tool sensor

OTS. The component in the Wireless Intuitive Probing System that is mounted on the mill's worktable. The optical tool sensor measures tool length offsets.

origin

A fixed, central point in the Cartesian coordinate system where the three X, Y, and Z axes intersect. The origin has a numerical value of zero.

part program

A series of alphanumerical instructions that guides the movements of a CNC machine. A part program directs a CNC machine to perform the necessary sequence of operations to machine a specific workpiece.

part programmer

The person responsible for the creation of a part program. Part programmers translate a workpiece design into alphanumerical commands executed by the Haas Next Generation Control mill.

part zero

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

PART ZERO SET

A function key that is used to automatically enter work offset values during part setup. The PART ZERO SET key inputs the current spindle position into the X, Y, or Z axis column highlighted in the Work Offsets menu.

pockets

An interior recess that is cut into the surface of a part. Pockets can be circular, rectangular, or irregular.

position display

A section on the Haas NGC panel that displays the spindle current machine coordinates, its location in relation to work offsets, and other variables. The position display is shown beneath the work offsets menu when a machinist presses the OFFSET key.

POWER UP

A function key that initializes the machine control. Pressing POWER UP zero returns all axes or prompts operators to set the axis zero return order.

probing system

Equipment installed on a CNC machine that can be calibrated to determine and enter offset values automatically. Probing systems may use wireless or laser technology to detect the position of CNC tools and other components.

program zero

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

radius

The distance from the center to the edge of a circle. The radius of a circle is half of its diameter.

rectangular pockets

An interior recess shaped like a rectangle that is cut into the surface of a workpiece. Rectangular pockets generally are created using an end mill.

reference plane

A surface chosen for touching off all tools on a mill. A reference plane can be defined relative to a vise, fixture, or object like a 1-2-3 block.

shim

A thin or tapered material used to support a workpiece. A shim may be used to prevent damage to a tool or workpiece surface when touching off the tool.

spherical

Shaped with a symmetrical domed surface. Spherical workpieces typically require a dial test indicator or 3D sensor to locate part zero.

spindle probe

The component in the Wireless Intuitive Probing System that is mounted in the mill spindle and sets work offsets. The spindle probe is also called the optical machine probe.

test indicator

A device that uses a pressure-sensitive tip to detect variation in the dimensions of components. A test indicator has an angled lever tip that is useful for finding the center of round parts or features.

three-dimensional

3D. Having a length, depth, and width. Three-dimensional movements on the Haas NGC mill are described as X, Y, and Z axis movements.

tool length offsets

An offset used on a CNC mill to account for variations in tool length along the Z axis. Tool length offsets are required for each cutting tool.

TOOL OFFSET MEASURE

A function key used to enter tool positions in the tool offsets menu. Pressing TOOL OFFSET MEASURE establishes tool length by recording the Z axis location of a tool.

toolchanger

A device on a CNC machine that automatically switches between preloaded tools when activated by a part program. Toolchangers allow many cutting tools to be used in a single operation.

touch off

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

vise

A workholding device with one fixed jaw and one movable jaw. Vises are often used to hold simple rectangular or cubic workpieces on a mill or machining center.

Visual Programming System

VPS. A menu on the Haas NGC control panel screen where part program templates are stored. The Visual Programming System menu can be accessed by pressing the EDIT key.

WIPS

Wireless Intuitive Probing System. A probing system that uses an optical machine interface, an optical machine probe, and an optical tool sensor to set tool and work offsets automatically. The WIPS is the latest probing system for the Haas NGC mill.

Wireless Intuitive Probing System

WIPS. A probing system that uses an optical machine interface, an optical machine probe, and an optical tool sensor to set tool and work offsets automatically. The Wireless Intuitive Probing System is the latest probing system for the Haas NGC mill.

work coordinate system

A variable coordinate system that has part zero as its origin. The work coordinate system contains all cutting commands on the mill.

work offsets

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

work offsets menu

A digital table in the Haas Next Generation Control that displays programmable work offsets. The work offsets menu for the mill includes X axis, Y axis, and Z axis values.

work origin

A Cartesian coordinate position in a work coordinate system on the Haas NGC mill where the X, Y, and Z axes intersect. The work origin has a value of zero in all three axes.

X axis

An imaginary straight line in the Cartesian coordinate system that represents positions along a line parallel to the longest edge of the worktable. The X axis on a CNC mill usually indicates left and right movements.

Y axis

An imaginary straight line in the Cartesian coordinate system that represents positions along the shortest distance parallel to the worktable. The Y axis on a CNC mill usually indicates forward and backward movements.

Z axis

An imaginary straight line in the Cartesian coordinate system that represents positions along a line parallel to the tool spindle and perpendicular to the worktable. The Z axis on a CNC mill usually indicates upward and downward movements.