Re: axis starting point

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "got_milk_eh
<got_milk_eh@y...>" <got_milk_eh@y...> wrote:

> Hi, I was wondering what list members use to setup the axis
> starting points for their parts. To date I've been using an edge
> finder to located the edges of the x and y and then just touching
> the surface for the z. Is there a more efficient way of doing

this?

> How about equipment? I use a base plate jig for pretty much all

of

> my work, is there something I could incorporate into this to help
> with easier alignment? Thanks,

For a quick and simple setup your methode is just fine.
Most controller software offers a variety of additional
offsets to use the methode and availability depend on your
software.
In a more sophisticated offset scheme one first has to establish
the Machine Home Position, this is the coordinate system all
other offsets are based on.
Setting Home means to tell the controller where the Home 0,0,0
Position is located physicly at the machine, it dose not matter
where 0,0,0 is as long as it is a position that can be established
repeatedly by either manualy dialing in a pin or by means of some
sort of sensor switch.
It is helpful when using sensors to automate this task that the
switch is located close to the Limit of travel on ether side.
This is because when the controller is started it would not know
in which direction Home is and this way it can allways be send
in the + or - direction by a distance matching the travel to ensure
it will get there.
Once this is established you can setup your first offset, for example
dial in a pin on a fixture mounted anywhere on the table now
lock at the machine Position and enter the values for x,y,z into
the registers for this offset.
The next step is to activate this offset in program or MDI, once
executed the Position will then read 0,0,0 at this point.
Of course you can offset any other values as well by adding and
subtracting the position you desire.
This can then be repeated with the other Offsets your controller
offers to establish several preset positions for different setups
or other purposes.
The benefits to this methode is that you can switch between different
fixtures on your table without having to redial them in again.
Even if the machine is shut down or position is lost all you have
to do is reestablish Home Position and this will validate all other
offsets that where previously defined, pretty slick really.
It is best to practice this a bit before applying it on a real part
the concept can be a little confusing at first, most people that
understand and mastered this will use this methode, you never know
when you may need to set up a quick job next to the one your working
on.
Good Luck