Tool Alignment Method For Gantry Machining Center

Before machining the process, the machining center needs to select different parameters of cutting tools according to the process requirements. During the machining process, the cutting tools need to be replaced as needed. Due to the different diameter and length of the cutting tools in the machining center, a unique point (coordinate origin x0y0z0) must be used as a reference point for tool alignment to generate tool compensation. The machining origin can be multiple, but they are all relative to the machine's origin.

The tool alignment of machining centers can be divided into two methods: direct tool alignment and tool alignment using tool alignment tools:

1. Direct tool contact method: that is, directly control the tool to make direct contact with the workpiece through the handwheel. Of course, when the workpiece is in quick contact, the feed rate should be reduced, and wire level feed should be used. The contact position between the tool and the workpiece should be confirmed through visual inspection or paper or plug gauges, and the contact position should be recorded to achieve tool alignment.

(1) First, focus on the X-direction

Use a tool to lightly touch the right side of the material, lift the tool along the Z direction, reset the relative coordinates of the machine tool, lift the tool to the left side of the material, lightly touch the tool with the material, and lift the tool. This is to record the X value of the relative coordinates of the machine tool, move the tool to half of the corresponding coordinate X, and record the X value of the absolute coordinates of the machine tool Press and hold the input coordinate system (some systems can also use measurement), and the system can also use "measurement"

(2) To Y direction

Use a tool to touch the front edge of the material, lightly contact the tool with the material, lift the tool along the Z direction, reset the relative coordinates of the machine tool, lift the tool to the back edge of the material, lightly contact the tool with the material, lift the tool. This is to record the Y value of the relative coordinates of the machine tool, move the tool to half of the Y value of the relative coordinates, and record the Y value of the absolute coordinates of the machine tool You can also press "Measure" in the coordinate system input by pressing "Input"

(3) Method of Z-axis knife alignment

Z tool alignment for CNC milling machines: Move the tool onto the surface of the workpiece that needs to be aligned with the zero point in the Z direction. The tool lightly contacts the surface and records the Z value in the coordinate system of the machine tool. Input it into the corresponding coordinate system (such as G54). 2. Use tool alignment tools. Tool alignment methods: Nowadays, there are many tool alignment tools, and automatic tool alignment instruments or manual tool alignment products can be used. Regardless of which one is due to the fixed height of the tool aligner, the tool aligner can move downwards on its own, Related to direct tool alignment, it is not a direct collision, that is, when the tool presses the tool aligner to a fixed position, the height of the tool aligner is fixed, thereby confirming the length or diameter of the tool. Compared to the primitive manual knife alignment method, it is also more convenient and accurate.

2. Using tool alignment method: Nowadays, there are many tool alignment tools available, including automatic tool alignment devices or manual tool alignment products. Regardless of which one is due to the fixed height of the tool alignment device, the tool alignment device can move downwards on its own, which is related to the direct tool alignment method. It is not a direct hard collision, that is, when the tool presses the tool alignment device to a fixed position, the height of the tool alignment device is fixed, thereby confirming the length or diameter of the tool. Compared to the primitive manual knife alignment method, it is also more convenient and accurate.