ACU-RITE MILLPWR 3 Axes - Manual (Page 38)

PROGRAMMING
MILLPWR ®
Tool Offset
With MILLPWR , you never have to calcu-
late the actual tool path. By using left
and right offsets, you can program the
dimensions of the part as identified on
your print.
When you program a line, arc, frame,
etc., use the “Tool Offset” field to tell
MILLPWR which side of the line you want
the tool to be on.
To determine which offset to use, picture yourself following the tool as it is moving. If the
tool needs to be on the left side of the line, use a "left" offset. If the tool needs to be on the
right side of the line, use a "right" offset.
If you use a "center" offset, the programmed dimensions are for the center of the tool.
For some milling functions, like frame and arc, "inside" and "outside" offsets are available
to make it easier for you to define your tool offset.
Datum Selection
Datum is where workpiece (absolute) zero is located. If
datum isn't defined on your print, then determine datum
based upon where most of your dimensions originate. You
should pick a point which will let you enter most of the
dimensions directly, with few (if any) calculations (refer to
Establishing Datum located in Section 2).
As you establish datum, you’ll be prompted to provide a
Z-retract position (the position the quill returns to between program steps). By setting a
retract position, you can ensure that the tool you are using does not make contact with your
workpiece when the quill moves from one position to the next. It’s a good idea to establish
a retract position for the Z-axis each time you power up your system; otherwise,
MILLPWR
will use the quill’s upper travel limit as its default retract position (refer to Conventions
located in Section 1).
Operation Manual 3-2