Klarm Machining Blog

Question by MSI: CNC machining centre, setting up…?
How are these machines used to set up the component datum (X0, Y0 and Z0 axis)??

Thanks for your help !

Best answer:

Answer by Hexapod Robo
How to Set Up a CNC Lathe Machine
http://www.ehow.com/how_5447873_set-up-cnc-lathe-machine.html

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Step 1

djust chuck jaws to accommodate raw material. The jaws of the chuck, which hold the material, are usually adjustable with two screws on each jaw. Loosen each screw with the appropriate allen wrench and move each jaw to the required spot to allow the clamping force to hold the material without crushing it.
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Step 2

Insert tooling required for the job. This may include boring bars, drills and insert holders for turning the outside diameters of the raw material. The holders vary in size and shape and are often held in place by screws in the tool turret.
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Step 3

Teach each tool with the teaching arm. Slowly move the tip of each tool toward the teaching eye. When it touches that eye, you will usually hear a beep that signifies that the machine control knows where the tip of the tool is located for precision cutting.
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Step 4

Set your zero, zero point. This is the starting dimension that will be used for the program to cut the raw material you are using. Bring a previously taught tool to the edge of the raw material and reset each axis, both X and Z to zero. The machine will use this point to base all of the other cutting dimensions.
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Step 5

Program the lathe or call up an existing program that is in the machine. Most machine accept G code, which is the most common way of machining any parts in a CNC machine, including lathes. Many machinists use proprietary languages as they are sometimes easier to program on a lathe.

definition of machine zero:

* The position located at the farthest possible distance in a positive direction along the machine axes. This position is permanently set for each particular CNC machine.
* Learn more about machine zero in the class “GE Fanuc Mill: Locating Program Zero 270” below.
http://www.toolingu.com/definition-320270-20676-machine-zero.html