ACU-RITE MILLPWR 2 Axes - Manual (Page 38)

PROGRAMMING
MILLPWR ®
Operation Manual 3-9
Establishing Datum
Datum, also known as workpiece zero or absolute zero, is a point of reference that
MILLPWR bases all of the part's coordinates from.
It is necessary to establish datum will need to be establish for every job. Datum's location
may be indicated on a print; if it's not, establish a datum enables most of the part's dimen-
sions to be entered directly, with the least amount of calculations.
When establishing datum, locate a known point on each axis, such as the edge of the part or
a location on a vise or fixture.
Refer to the example below as a basic guide for establishing datum. Decide to
"touch off" using an electronic edge finder, a mechanical edge finder, or a tool. Datum may
be set at a point on the top surface or a position above or beneath the surface. X and Y da-
tum may be set on an edge, or offset into or off of an edge, or where there's no material
present (such as in the center of a circular part). There are many possibilities, do what is
easiest for the particular job.
MILLPWR will retain the datum you've set after your system has been powered down.
(See Finding Home).
To establish datum:
Where and how datum is established will vary from job to job. One of the most common
methods of establishing datum is described below. Apply the same principles when setting
datum for future jobs, making adjustments to the procedure as needed.
The example below will establish datum at the corner where the left, front and top surfaces
of the part intersect. This is accomplished by “touching” each face with the tool used to
cut the part.
Define datum one axis at a time. Begin with the X-axis:
• From the DRO screen, press the DATUM softkey.
• Insert the proper tool into the spindle.