ACU-RITE MILLPWRG2 - Manual (Page 66)

48 4 Tool Table
4.2 T
ool D
a
ta
4.2 Tool Data
Tool-Length Offsets
Tool-length offset is the distance from Z0 Machine Home to the tip of
the tool at the part Z0 (the surface of the work).
Tool-length offsets allow each tool used in the part program to be
referenced to the part surface. In an idle state, the MILLPWR
G2
does
not have a tool-length offset active. Therefore, Tool #0 (T0) is active.
When T0 is active, all Z dimensions are in reference to the Z Home
position. When you program T1, all Z dimensions become referenced
to the surface on which the tool-length offset of Tool #1 was activated.
For machines that do not have a Z axis automatic homing feature, you
must set the Z0 position of the Z axis. Usually, it is the fully retracted
(Up) position of the quill or machine head. Tool-Length Offsets are
referenced to this position.
Because tools differ in length, Z0 axis (Part Zero) is not set the same
way as X0 or Y0. The tool-length offset is the distance from the tip of
the tool to the top of the part. Enter a length offset for each tool in the
Tool Table.
With tool-length offsets active, the Z axis position display reads 0.00
when the active tool moves to Part Zero. Tool-length offsets simplify
programming.
Teaching Tool Length Offsets in the Tool Table
The Tool Length Offset data is placed in the “Length” column in the
Tool Table.
 Activate the Tool Table by pressing the SETUP key from
DRO mode.
 Then press the Tool Table soft key.
 Select the tool number that is to be edited.
 Use the arrow keys to highlight the “Length” column field.
 With the tool in the spindle, move the tool down until it touches the
top surface of the work piece. This is referred to as “Part Zero”.
 Press the Teach soft key. The MILLPWR
G2
calculates
the tool length offset for the selected tool putting the
data in the length column.