TOOL PROGRAMMING ,COORDINATE
SYSTEMS AND POINTS
COORDINATE SYSTEMS AND POINTS
PROGRAMMING ORIGIN OR PROGRAMM REFERENCE ZERO
Obviously it would be difficult to write a CNC program in relation to Machine
Coordinates. The home position is far away from the table, so values in the CNC
program would be large and have no easily recognized relation to the part model.
To make programming and setting up the CNC easier, a programming origin is
established for each CNC program. . The PRZ is the master reference point on which the
program and the setup are based. Selecting the PRZ location relative to the part’s geometric
features is among the first critical decisions for planning.
The WCS is a point selected by the CNC programmer on the part, its
selection requires careful consideration.
The WCS location must be able to be found by mechanical means such as an
edge finder, coaxial indicator
or part probe.
It must be repeatable: parts must be placed in exactly the same position every
time.
It shouldtake into account how the part will be rotated and moved as
different sides of the part are machined.
LOCAL REFERENCE POINTS
When writing a program it’s possible to switch from the PRZ to a temporary local reference
zero (LRZ) point that lies at a known distance from the PRZ. Once the features are machined
that relate to it, the LRZ is canceled to again refer to the PRZ. Local references are used
for a couple reasons.
A feature, or group of features, refers to a reference other than the PRZ (Fig. 17-28). Many
calculations would be required to write absolute value coordinates for each cutout referring
back to the PRZ for each coordinate
The math required to write coordinates for this instrument panel’s features could be
simplified by using a temporary local reference for each cutout pattern.
But setting a local reference point, at the center, then referring to it for that group saves math
and programming time when writing the program without CAM. Using a CAM system, this
step wouldn’t be needed—it can make all the calculations, one of the many advantages to
computer-assisted programming.
An LRZ can also be used to repeat the entire program or a part of a program in another
location within the work envelope. The repeat could be on one part as the instrument cutouts,
or we could be machining two of the same parts in two vises. The second part would use a
local reference, at a given distance from the first
We also use an LRZ on very large parts such as wing spars, for example, where the master
PRZ might be hundreds of feet away. A temporary point can be established that’s far more
convenient for setup work.
GEOMETRY POINTS
Geometry points are those you intend to use for position or motion—a location to be machined.
They are the end of a cut.
Identifying Geometry Points
A geometry point occurs at the junction between any two entities . An entity is a familiar term
for those with CAD training. They are individual straight lines or arcs. Each has a start and end
point
coordinate. Where any two entities join, become tangent, intersect, or cross, there is also a
unique geometry point common to both.
PROGRAMMING SYSTEMS
Two types of programming modes, the incremental system and the absolute system, are used for
CNC. Both systems have applications in CNC programming, and no system is either right or
wrong all the time. Most controls on machine tools today are capable of handling either
incremental or absolute programming.
ABSOLUTE MODE (G90)
It is a modal function initialized at the starting of the program. All the points are always given
from the programming origin OP. that is In absolute dimensioning and programming, each point
or location on the workpiece is given as a certain distance from the zero or reference point.
Program to move the machine to these 4 hole locations when using G90 (Abs.)
X 1.0000 Y 1.0000
X 9.0000 Y 1.0000
X 9.0000 Y 9.0000
X 1.0000 Y 9.0000
INCREMENTAL MODE
(G91)
These refer to a coordinate set
where each entry represents the
identified point’s distance from
the previous point. These points
can be envisioned as jumps from
the present location to the next.
Using incremental values often
saves math and time during setups
and editing of programs.
Program to move the machine to
the same 4 hole locations using
G91 (Incr.)
X 1.0000 Y 1.0000
X 8.0000
Y 8.0000
X -8.0000
EXERCISE
TOOL PROGRAMMING
When programming the tool the following are taken in consideration
Milling Speeds and Feeds
the speed of a milling cutter is measured in terms of the rate at which the outside, or periphery,
of the tool moves in relation to the work being milled.
SPINDEL SPEED (S)
1000 v
S=
πD
Where v=linear velocity in mm/min
D= Diameter of the tool
FEED RATE (F)
Linear trajectory
F=S nt f
s¿spindle speed
nt¿number of tooth
f¿ feed per tooth
convex trajectory
F ( R+ r )
F CV =
R
conCAVE trajectory
F ( R−r )
F CC=
R
WHERE FCV= Convex feed rate
FCc= Concave feed rate
R= Greater radius
r= smaller radius
F= normal feed
