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1. Current Filename Default mtf In the Tooling Library window click and hold down the left mouse button on the title of the Tooling Library Slot Mill tool profile you want to add to the Machine Tooling window Whilst continuing to hold down the left mouse button drag the tool out from the Tooling Library window and into the Machine Tooling window Position the cursor over the required tool number and release the left mouse button The selected tool will then be assigned with the specified tool number 50 Configuring the Tooling Section 6 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 6 Machine Tooling with the sample CNC files If you are following our tutorials using the sample CNC files listed on pages 14 to 21 this page describes how the Machine Tooling window should be set Configuring the Machine Tooling for use with the sample Metric CNC file The Metric version of the sample CNC file uses two tool profiles e 2mm slot cutter Used to cut the 2mm deep perimeter of the design This tool profile should be assigned tool number 2 e 4mm slot cutter Used to etch the 1mm depth square design in the centre of the billet This tool profile should be assigned tool number 1 Configuring the Machine Tooling for use with the sample Inch CNC file The Inch version of the sample CNC file uses two tool profiles 1 8 0 125 slot cutter Used to cut the 1 8 0 125 de
2. The fixed machine datum defines the zero point for the three dimensional co ordinate grid system used by the machine 74 Configuring Offsets Section 9 What are offsets Offsets are a collection of numerical values used to describe the ocation of the workpiece datum Two types of offset file are used in combination to describe this location i The workpiece offset file This file allows global offset values to be set for the X Y and Z axes In other words every tool profile will use the workpiece offset values ii The tool length offset files Every tool has its own individual tool length offset file containing a single Z offset value They are used to compensate for the differences in length between tools How is an offset calculated The X position of the workpiece datum is defined by the value entered into the X dialogue box of the workpiece offset file The Y position of the workpiece datum is defined by the value entered into the Y dialogue box of the workpiece offset file The Z position of the workpiece datum is defined by the combination of the value entered into the Z dialogue box of the workpiece offset file and the value entered into the dialogue box of the tool length offset file that belongs to the tool profile currently in use How is the workpiece datum used The machine controlling software uses the workpiece datum as the starting point zero reference for any co ordinate movements it r
3. 76 Configuring Offsets Section 9 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 9 Creating a new Workpiece Offset file Creating a new Workpiece Machine Offset file A Add a New Machine Offset to the list ork Piece Offsets Highlight the current machine offset then click the right mouse button on its title Highlight and click the Add Offset option from the pop up menu that is displayed as shown above B Set the New Machine Offset as the current Offset File ork Piece Offsets Machine Offsets x Default Machine Offset oc a sel Simulatior Delete Offset Z mooo l H The new offset is always added to the bottom of the machine offsets list with all co ordinate values set to zero Highlight the New Offset then click the right mouse button on its title Highlight and click the Make Current option from the pop up menu thatis displayed as shown above This configures the New Offset as the currently active machine offset ie the machine offset file used by the CNC machine E Machine Offsets x mo l ale Offset Y ooo ET z m The currently active machine offset is indicated using a red tick mark as shown above VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 9 Configuring Offsets 77 9 Configuring the X Offset Value The tool must be moved to align with the position of your workpiece datum before attempting to enter any X co ordinate values See section 10 Usi
4. The Y workpiece datum position need only be set once since workpiece offset values are global They will be used with any tool profile irrespective of tool length VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Set Offset ae A 7 of Use Cutter Radius 2S x Other Value 0 Click the OK button to confirm the settings For example if the centre of the tool is aligned over the workpiece datum select the graphic with crosshairs over the centre of the tool and check the Use Cutter Radius option C Check the Y Co ordinate Value has registered correctly Machine Mode Home Jog Auto F 3000 S 250 pE work Piece Co ordinates E Machine Offsets x Fe21 60 The Y co Default Machine Offset Y ordinate value is New transferred into El Simulation Offsets Z mooo the offset file The original Y co ordinate value from the Machine Mode window is transferred into the Y offset value display box The Y co ordinate value changes to zero The Y co ordinate value in the Machine Mode window shown in the above screenshot will read zero indicating that the Y component of the workpiece datum has now been set Section 9 Configuring Offsets 81 9 Configuring the Tool Length Offset Value If you are following our tutorials using the sample CNC files listed on pages 14 to 21 the following 5 pages describe how to transfer the Z co ord
5. The position of the workpiece datum is shown by the yellow crosshairs For the tutorials included in this manual the workpiece datum would need to be set at the top left front corner of the billet To close the 3D Simulation window click the 3D Simulation button shown above from the Outputs toolbar VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 7 Running Simulations 63 7 Moving the Workpiece Datum Point in 3D The position of the 3D simulation workpiece datum is set using the 2D Simulation window 2D Simulation Zoom In Zoom Wut Shovel Object Weta Setup Graphics Save As Bitmap Save Bitmap As To display and move the datum symbol right click in the 2D Simulation window then highlight and left click the Show Datum option from the pop up menu as shown above The workpiece datum symbol looks like this 2D Simulation To move the datum left click the mouse button on the datum symbol to lift it from the plan view Move the datum to the new position then left click the mouse button to fix the datum in its new position as shown above The datum crosshairs in the 3D Simulation window will be updated to this new position 64 Running Simulations Section 7 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 7 Running a 3D Simulation using X Y Offsets Before running the 3D simulation e Check that the units of measurement set for the VR CNC Milling software matches the units used in
6. Add Offset Delete Offset Make Current Right click the Simulation Offsets title then highlight and left click the Make Current option from the pop up menu as shown above Work Piece Offsets Machine Offsets l x Default Machine Offset Y Simulation Offsets Default Simulation Offset 2 0 0000 A red tick mark is placed next to the title of the currently active simulation offset as shown above Notice that there is a separate machine offset also highlighted with a red tick mark This machine offset is used to configure the workpiece datum position on the Virtual Reality and any real CNC machines attached to the computer VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 7 Running Simulations 59 7 Displaying a 2D Simulation using X Y Offsets Check that the required Simulation Offset is highlighted and configured in the Work Piece Offsets window as described on pages 58 59 To display the 2D Simulation window click the ND D 2D Simulation button shown left from the Dean Outputs toolbar Click the Use X Y Offsets option on the 2D Simulation menu so a tick mark is shown next to the title as shown below 2D Simulation Setup Graphics v Auto Save Bitmap Save as Bitmap 5 This will display the 2D simulation using the Simulation Offset highlighted in the Work Piece Offsets window Gave Bittiap as v Use XY Offsets The 2D Simulation window will
7. reference pointon a VR CNC machine for the sample CNC files used in our tutorials Surface of lt Temporary MDF Bed aa Surface of Temporary MDF Bed The position of the tool length offset reference point is anywhere on the upper surface of the temporary MDF machine bed This position reveals the Z value required for the tool length offset file but only for the tool being held in the machine head A global Z offset value must also be added into the workpiece offset file to account for the billet thickness Move the CNC machine head down towards the temporary MDF machine bed using the Page Down or Page Up keys Use J og Continuous Mode by clicking the J og button so the button displays a straight arrow graphic When the tip of the tool is close to the surface of the temporary MDF machine bed switch to J og Step Mode by clicking the J og button so the button displays a stepped arrow graphic This will allow the tool to be controlled with greater accuracy In og Step Mode the selected machine axis will move one indicated increment each time the selected axis movement key is pressed The slider bar can be moved to set jog increments of 0 01 0 1 0 5 1 5 and 10 units When the Units of Measurement are set to Inch the rate of movement is measured using inches per minute When the Units of Measurement are set to Metric the rate of movement is measured using millimetres per minute Move t
8. 119 workpiece datum on a real cnc machine 103 workpiece datum on a vr cnc machine 94 P Program line numbering ssess 33 Program line Spacing wesc 35 R Running a cnc file auto mode seess 108 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual S Saving CHC file sanean anaa 36 Screen layout 23 Security dongle connection 10 Spindle speed override w 109 Starting a real CNC machine uo eee 66 100 Starting a vr CNC Machine ssie 66 89 Starting the software System requirements T Technical support sssri 12 Tool data window displayi gurari minnena a 40 OPUN S aeara 41 Tool length offsets software procedure ssssssccccceresirsii 82 MON anirai at a a 122 Tool library Creating a new profile eects 42 default profiles w39 displaying the window RRR editing profiles aa 40 general layout A399 tool data window aa 40 viewing profiles sessies 40 TOOID ANS sisaria iian Tools changing Tutorials overview U Units of measurement cscs 28 Updates to Manual occ 4 V Virtual reality window general layout ssssssssssesisisisisisisisrrirrrrrrrrrrrrrsrs 90 moving in the virtual world a 91 predefined viewpoints a 92 Starting a vr CNC MACHING nsss 89 wW Working envelope theory oes 113 Workpiece co ordinates display mode theory 115 Workpiece co ordinates display system 68 Workpiece offset window Creating a new offset file ce
9. Flute Count Tool Diameter Flute Length Tool Length VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 6 Configuring the Tooling 41 6 Creating a New Tool Profile Check that the units of measurement set for the VR CNC Milling software matches the units used by any tooling profiles you intend to create The units of measurement setting for the VR CNC Milling software is configured using the Units button on the Options toolbar Tooling Library 00 O Library a TOOLS 1 8 0 125 Slot Drill 3 16 0 1875 Slot Drill ao D ae J ool Set Tool Colour Set Tool Type Clear Tool in Use Flag Slot Mill Click the right mouse button on a highlighted tool title to display the Tooling Library window pop up menu Move the cursor down the list highlight and click on the Add Tool option as shown above Tooling Library 00 O Library a TOOLS 1 8 0 125 Slot Drill 3 16 0 1875 Slot Drill H 2mm Slot Drill Slot Mill A new tool will be created at the bottom of the current list of tools as shown above Type a name for the new tool and press the Enter key Tooling Library 000 O Library H 2mm Slot Drill E Dianala S000 length 50 000 Tool Lenath offset 0 000 Flute length 25 000 Flute Count 2 F Maximum tool Life 50 Current tool Life 0 Slot Mill To display the data allocated to the new tool click the sq
10. G28X0Y0Z0 moves the cutter to the machine datum via the intermediate point indicated N 061 M6 T1 M6 instructs the machine to perform a tool change if required Change to tool number 1 N 071 G43 H1 G43 instructs the machine to use tool length compensation for tool number 1 N 081 M3 1500 M3 instructs the machine to switch the spindle on clockwise with a speed of 1500 rpm N 091 G90 GO X0 75 Y1 75 G90 instructs the machine to follow absolute movements until told otherwise absolute means all movements are described relative to the work datum point GO instructs the machine to fast traverse to position X0 75 1 75 N 101 Z0 08 instructs the machine to move the cutter until itis 0 08 above the surface of the billet The last G code given was GO on the previous line so the machine will fast traverse to this position N 111 G1 Z 0 0625 F3 9 G1 instructs the machine to cut a straight line from point to point Z 0 06 instructs the machine to cut 0 06 into the material since Z0 is the surface of the material F3 9 instructs the machine to use a feedrate of 3 9 per minute N 121 Y0 75 F5 9 the last G code issued wasG1 on line N111 The cutter will move to position Y 0 75 cutting a slot with a feedrate of 5 9 per minute N 131 X1 75 the last G code issued wasG1 on line N111 The cutter will move to position X1 75 cutting a slot continuing with a feedrate of 5 9 per minute N 141 Y1 75 the last G code issued
11. The spindle speed is measured using revolutions per minute VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 12 Part Manufacture 109 13 Homing the Machine Immediately after being switched on all three axes of the CNC machine must be homed When you home the CNC machine all three axes will move to the furthest positions available on their slides as shown in the diagram below Homing the CNC machine defines The co ordinate based system used for plotting any programmed movements this gives us a working envelope for the cnc machine The machine datum the zero reference point for the CNC machine In addition to homing the CNC machine after it has been switched on itis also recommended that the CNC machine is homed after loading or configuring offsets The Z axis moves to the furthest position available on its slide wT 7 Machine Head The X axis moves to the furthest position available on its slide The Y axis moves to the furthest position available on its slide 110 CNC Theory Section 13 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 13 The Co ordinate based Grid System Precise points are plotted on the CNC machine using the positions of the X Y and Z axes These X Y and Z values relate to a three dimensional grid as shown in the example below The zero point of this grid is called the datum The graduated gridlines represent the directions of the three CNC machine axes All three axes a
12. movements until told otherwise incremental means all movements are described relative to the co ordinate position achieved in the last program line G28X0Y0Z0 moves the cutter to the machine datum via the intermediate point indicated a a 16 Using the Tutorials Section 3 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 3 Sample CNC File Metric N 191 M6 T2 M6 instructs the machine to perform a tool change Change to tool number 2 N 201 G43 H2 G43 instructs the machine to use tool length compensation for tool number 2 N 211 M3 1500 M3 instructs the machine to switch the spindle on clockwise with a speed of 1500 rpm N 221 G90 GO X5 Y55 G90 instructs the machine to follow absolute movements until told otherwise absolute means all movements are described relative to the work datum point GO instructs the machine to fast traverse to position X5 Y55 N 231 Z2 instructs the machine to move the cutter until it is 2mm above the surface of the billet The last G code given was GO on the previous line so the machine will fast traverse to this position N 241 G1 Z 2 F100 G1 instructs the machine to cut a straight line from point to point Z 2 instructs the machine to cut 2mm into the material cutting completely through the billet since Z0 is the surface of the material F100 instructs the machine to use a feedrate of 100mm per minute N 251 X40 F150 t
13. of software elements l s 7 Introd UchON si aen aides 6 J J 0G CONTINUOUS MOdE uses 70 Jog mode J og step mode L Layout of software SCreen usses 23 Loading a CNC filesini 37 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 15 Index M M codes selection esssessesesesssesseeesnessetesees 71 Machine co ordinates display mode theory 114 Machine co ordinates display system s 68 Machine datum theory s es 112 Machine tooling displaying WINGOW eeseecseecseeeeseesseesseeeteeees 47 generallayo ut iss ccrsissscscssapsecsasavieccnasiceents 48 transferring tools ssiri 49 Measurement units setting sesen 28 MONUD aIStricrcassscaritiatecoreasetecnethtatcautttedccii ieee 26 N New cnc file create 29 0 Offset simulation creating an offset eeeseeseeseessesstesseesseesees open tool offsets window workpiece offsets WINdOW ossis Offsets configure tool length offset value sss 82 configure x value configure y value configure z value for material thickness 87 global z for material thickness theory 124 WMTOCUCHON ivecstsscssecssivicersssicetconsadins 14 new machine offset file theory of offsets Tool length offset on a real cnc machine 107 tool length offset on a vr cnc machine 98 tool length offsets theory ceeeeeeeeseeees 122 types Of offset theory escent 118 using only one tool theory 126 using two or more tools theory
14. Carousal Click the M Codes button to display the list of M codes shown above Move the cursor down the list to highlight the options Click the highlighted option to select it For detailed information regarding M code Programming click Help CNC Programming to display the Denford CNC Programming for Milling Machines helpfile If the M code you require is not displayed in the dropdown list enter the M code ina blank Editor window Run the single command line by Clicking the Auto tab on the Machine Mode window followed by the P lay button on the File Control toolbar VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 8 CNC Machine Control 71 8 Changing Tools Manually The Machine Tooling window is used to change tools in the VR CNC Milling software oN To display the Machine Tooling window click the eee Tooling button shown left from the Options toolbar Tooling Machine Tooling Edit Tool Data Change Tool Type gt Change To This Tool Remove Tool Move Tool To gt Swap Tool with gt Insert Tool Current Filename Default mtf Click the right mouse button when the cursor is positioned over the number of the tool you want to place into the machine head Highlight and click the Change To This Tool option from the pop up menu that is displayed as shown above Information x Gi Change the tool in the machine to Tool Number 1 E Cance
15. Click File Open would mean open the File menu then click on the Open option Bold Text is used to show any characters or text that must be entered e g type file1 would mean type the word file into the appropriate text entry box Square brackets are used to show any on screen software button selections e g Click the OK button would mean click the left button of the mouse once when the cursor is directly pointing over the button labelled OK Bold square brackets containing text show individual keys to press on your qwerty keyboard e g press Enter would mean press the Enter key Ifa number of keys must be pressed in sequence they are shown with plus signs outside any square brackets e g press Alt Enter would mean press the Alt key first followed by the Enter key second If a number of keys must be pressed simultaneously they are shown with plus signs inside any square brackets e g press Alt Enter would mean press both the Alt key and Enter key together at the same time VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Contents 5 1 Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of Denford Virtual Reality CNC Milling for Windows software VR CNC Milling is a Windows based software package allowing full editing and control of CNC files either offline away from the CNC machine or online controlling the operation of a CNC machine Information is accessed and displayed using an interface similar to other popular Win
16. If the tool length offset reference point is selected as the top surface of the temporary machine sub table then workpiece datum position Z workpiece offset value this will be the thickness of the billet a positive value tool length offset value for tool 2 this will be a negative value Notice that the numerical value of the tool length offset for tool profile 2 will be larger than the numerical value of the tool length offset for tool profile 1 This compensates for the fact that tool profile 1 is longer than tool profile 2 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 13 CNC Theory 121 13 Configuring Tool Length Offsets Configuring Tool Length Offsets When a tool is called into use on a CNC machine the Z component of the workpiece datum is a numerical combination of the tool length offset value for tool profile being used and the value entered into the Z component of the workpiece offsets file The tool length offset facility is used to compensate for the differences in length between all the tools used with the CNC program How are Tool Length Offsets used This sequence briefly explains the theory behind configuring the tool length offsets The Z position of the workpiece datum is defined by the Z value in the workpiece offsets file and the appropriate tool length offset values relating to each of the tools you want to use In this example tool profile 1 has a greater length compared with tool profile 2 Machine
17. The workpiece datum is the position where any machining co ordinates are read from Set the X and Y components of the workpiece datum against the top lefthand corner of the temporary machine sub table The X and Y offset values are entered in the workpiece offset file You only need to do this using one tool profile Remember values in a workpiece offset file are global they will be used by all other tool profiles Now set all your individual tool length offsets against a common reference point This will be the top surface of the temporary machine sub table You have now set the workpiece datum in the top lefthand corner of the temporary machine sub table for all your tool profiles We call this position the workpiece datum including no global Z offset in our example Remember that the part datum defined in your CNC files is always positioned in the top lefthand corner of the proposed billet So when we place the real billet on the temporary machine sub table you must shift the workpiece datum further up the Z axis so it aligns with the top lefthand corner of the real billet You do this by manually entering a value equal to the thickness of the billet into the Z dialogue box of the workpiece offsets file Note that this value will be sign sensitive a positive value will move the workpiece datum up whilst a negative value will move the workpiece datum down We call this value the global Z offset since it will be used by all to
18. VR CNC Milling software helpfile The manual applies to the following VR CNC Milling software users Offline Offline meaning no physical Denford CNC machine is attached to your computer CNC machine operations must be carried out using the 3D CNC machine models available in the Denford Virtual Reality window Online Online meaning a physical Denford CNC machine is attached to your computer CNC machine operations can be carried out offline using the 3D CNC machine models available in the Denford Virtual Reality window CNC machine operations can be carried out online using the attached physical Denford CNC machine When the VR CNC Milling software is being used online this manual should be used in conjunction with your separate Denford CNC Machine Manual More Detailed Information Detailed information about specific software features not covered in this manual is available in the VR CNC Milling software helpfile We take great pride in the accuracy of information given in this manual but due to nature of software developments be aware that software specifications and features of this product can change without notice No liability can be accepted by Denford Limited for loss damage or injury caused by any errors in or omissions from the information supplied in this manual Please note that any screenshots are used for explanation purposes only Any numbers wording window or button positions may be different for the config
19. Y datum edge of the temporary MDF machine bed using the Cursor Right or Cursor Left keys Try to position the tip of the tool as near as possible over the Y datum edge of the temporary MDF machine bed D Move to the approximate position of the X datum edge Move the tip of the tool towards the X datum edge of the temporary MDF machine bed using the Cursor Up or Cursor Down keys Try to position the tip of the tool as near as possible over the X datum edge of the temporary MDF machine bed VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 11 Using a real CNC Machine 105 11 X and Y Workpiece Datum Alignment E Move to the exact intersection of the X and Y workpiece datum edges Check the machine axes are set in J og Step Mode by clicking the J og button so the button displays a stepped aod arrow graphic as shown left In J og Step Mode the selected machine axis will move Jog CA one indicated increment each time the selected axis movement key is pressed The slider bar can be moved to set jog increments of 0 01 0 1 0 5 1 5 and 10 units set as 0 5 units in the example left When the Units of Measurement are set to Inch the rate of movement is bs measured using inches per minute When the Units of Measurement are set to Metric the rate of movement is measured using millimetres per minute Move the tip of the tool so the centre of the cutter is positioned exactly over the intersecti
20. Z Axis ONLY F 150 S 250 T2 Machine Co ordinates VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 11 Using a real CNC Machine 103 11 X and Y Workpiece Datum Alignment B Move to the approximate workpiece datum position in the Z axis Click the og tab of the Machine Mode window Check the machine axes are setin og Continuous Mode by clicking the J og button so the button displays a straight arrow graphic as shown below Jog gt A P too In og Continuous Mode the selected machine axis will move at the indicated speed when one of the machine axis movement keys are pressed and held down The selected machine axis will continue to move until the key is released The slider bar can be moved to set jog speeds between 0 and 1000 units When the Units of Measurement are set to Inch the rate of movement is measured using inches per minute When the Units of Measurement are set to Metric the rate of movement is measured using millimetres per minute Move the CNC machine head down towards the temporary MDF machine bed using the Page Down or Page Up keys Try to position the tip of the tool about 10mm 1 2 above the Surface the temporary MDF machine bed 104 Using a real CNC Machine Section 11 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 11 X and Y Workpiece Datum Alignment C Move to the approximate position of the Y datum edge Move the tip of the tool towards the
21. aBa Be Ee Eo Eo Eo 46 Configuring the Tooling Section 6 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 6 Using the Machine Tooling window Displaying the Machine Tooling window Individual tool profiles from the Tooling Library window are added to the Machine Tooling window where they become ready for use with any CNC files This procedure programs the VR CNC Milling software so it knows what type of tool profile is associated with each tool number The information is also used when generating any 2D 3D graphical simulations and saving Tool Length Offset files ISS Tooling To display the Machine Tooling window click the Tooling button shown above from the Options toolbar VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 6 Configuring the Tooling 47 6 Using the Machine Tooling window General Layout Machine Tooling T 2 Details Y 2mm Slot Drill Tool Type Slot Mill Tool Diameter 2 000 Tool Length 50 000 Tool Flute Length 25 000 Tool Flute Count 2 Maximum Tool Life 50 Current Tool Life 0 Tool Length Offset 0 000 Maximum information tool data panel 2mm Slot Drill 2 000mm Dia Slot Mill Tool Length Offset 0 000 Minimum information tool data panel 48 Configuring the Tooling Section 6 Window Titlebar Triangular Red Marker currently held tool Tool Data Panel Marker Tool Data Panel 2mm Slot Drill Tool Type Slot Mill Tool Diamete
22. as shown above Work Piece Offsets Machine Offsets J Use Machine Default Machine Offset Offset fos thn SENS Sise Simulations E Simulation Offsets Default Simulation Offset Click the Use Machine Offset for Simulations checkbox so that a tick mark is not displayed as shown above This allows simulated offset values to be configured and used Work Piece Offsets Machine Offsets aces Wf Default Machine Offset Simdlakons Right click the Simulation Offsets title then left click the Add Offset option from the pop up menu as shown above Machine Offsets x 0 0000 l Wf Default Machine Offset v E Simulation Offsets Default Simulation Offset Z 00007 l A New Offset is added to the list of Simulation Offsets as shown above 58 Running Simulations Section 7 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 7 Creating a Simulated Offset If some or all of the simulation offset values are already known enter their values into the X Y and Z co ordinate dialogue boxes Otherwise click the cursor inside the X Y and Z co ordinate dialogue boxes entering values of zero in each as shown below To rename this simulation with a title of your choice click the cursor at the end of the New Offset title delete the text then enter a new title and press the Enter Return key Machine Offsets x 0 0000 l x Default Machine Offset v Simulation Offsets Default Simulation Offset Z 0 0000
23. both the CNC file and any tooling profiles The units of measurement setting for the VR CNC Milling software is configured using the Units button on the Options toolbar e Check that the tool numbers and tool profiles used in the Machine Tooling window match those used by your CNC file To run the CNC file ensure the Editor window cursor is positioned at the start of the first line of the CNC file File Control gt TLIO Click the triangular P lay button from the File Control toolbar shown above 3D Simulation x 5 000 Y 55 000 2 2 000 Tool 2 The 3D Simulation window will show the billet being cut using the configured simulation tool offset as shown above VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 7 Running Simulations 65 8 Starting a CNC Machine Although the procedure for entering offset data for both real and VR CNC machines is always the same the actual offset positions used can differ between real and VR CNC machines even when using the same CNC file When using a real CNC machine and a CNC file hat includes sections hat will be completely cutaway like the samples used in these utorials a sub table must always be fitted This prevents the machine table from being damaged when he tool machines completely through the hickness of the billet Any offset positions are configured with this sub able in position Sub tables are not used ona VR CNC machine since
24. for this button When the Units of Measurement are set to Inch the co ordinates are displayed using inches When the Units of Measurement are set to Metric the co ordinates are displayed using millimetres Work Piece Co ordinates Display System The Work Piece Co ordinates system displays the co ordinate position values relative to the moveable workpiece datum Home Jog Auto x 381 650 Co ordinates X Axis ONLY display panel Y Axis ONLY Z Axis ONLY Co ordinates button set to Workpiece co ordinates All Axes F30 Statusbar S 250 T2 Work Piece Co ordinates O Machine Co ordinates Display System The Machine Co ordinates system displays the co ordinate position values relative to the fixed machine datum Machine Mode Home Jog Auto Co ordinates X Axis ONLY display panel Co ordinates button set to Machine co ordinates Y Axis ONLY Z Axis ONLY All Axes T Machine Co ordinates Statusbar 68 CNC Machine Control Section 8 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 8 Moving the Axes J og Mode In order to move any of the machine axes the Jog panel of the Machine Mode window must be active ie the titlebar is highlighted and the words og are highlighted in green Machine Mode Home Jog Auto J og panel J og button J og slider bar J og control va
25. no damage can occur to the hardware 66 CNC Machine Control Section 8 Before starting any CNC Machine Check that the units of measurement set for the VR CNC Milling software matches the units used in both the CNC file and any tooling profiles The units of measurement setting for the VR CNC Milling software is configured using the Units button on the Options toolbar Check that the tool numbers and tool profiles used in the Machine Tooling window match those used by your CNC file Starting a VR CNC Machine 1 To start the Virtual Reality CNC Machine click the VR Machine button shown below from the Machine Control toolbar 2 The Denford Virtual Reality window will open This window is used for viewing the 3D model of the VR CNC machine Any tools present in the Machine Tooling window the Automatic Tool Changer will also be loaded when applicable The Machine Mode window will also open This window is used for controlling the movements of the VR CNC machine YR Machine Starting a real CNC Machine 1 Ensure the RS232 lead is fitted securely between the computer and the CNC machine 2 Switch on the CNC machine 3 Power up the computer and start the VR CNC Milling software 4 Establish communications to the real CNC Machine by clicking the Machine button shown below from the Machine Control toolbar The Machine Mode window will open This window is used for controlling the m
26. sample CNC files listed on pages 14 to 21 the following 2 pages describe how to transfer The tool must b d l to anaia tie postion the Y co ordinate value of the Y datum edge into the new offset file of your workpiece datum before attempting l l to enter any Y co A Transfer the Y Co ordinate Value into the Offset file ordinate values See section 10 Using a Virtual Reality CNC Machine and section 11 Using a real CNC Machine for further information Machine Mode Home Jog Auto 69 900 This is the Y co 111 300 ordinate value that will be transferred into the offset file F300 s250 T1 IWork Piece Co ordinates The Y co ordinate value that will be transferred into the offset file is shown under the X co ordinate value Work Piece Offsets Machine Offsets s Betas Machin Offset y ii Y co ordinate Simulation Offsets z iio l R datum Using the Work Piece Offsets window click the datum button to the right of the Y offset value display box as shown in the above screenshot B Specify the Cutter Orientation Before transferring the Y co ordinate value the Set Offset window is displayed The settings are used to account for the cutter orientation method used Click the green tickmarks or red crosses to change the options 80 Configuring Offsets Section 9 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 9 Configuring the Y Offset Value
27. that are active in the software When the software is first started the following menus are available File Editor Edit Search Modify Preferences Setup Windows Tools Help Additional Menus become available on selection of various software options Machine Tooling on selection of the Tooling button Tooling Library on selection of the Tool Library button 2D Simulation on selection of the 2D Simulation button 3D Viewer on selection of the 3D Simulation button 26 Starting and Configuring the S oftware Section 4 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 4 Using the Helpfiles What is Context Sensitive Help At the press of a key context sensitive help automatically guides you to the appropriate sections of helpfiles whenever you need help with various parts of the software Context sensitive help is available for the following items e Menu To obtain context sensitive help on a software menu click the menu title to display its dropdown list of options then press the F1 key Window To obtain context sensitive help on a software window press the F1 key when the required window is active ie the required window titlebar is highlighted Gand M codes To obtain context sensitive help on an individual G or M code position the Editor window cursor in the middle of the text for the code required then press the Ctrl F1 keys Available Helpfiles The VR CNC Milling software contain
28. the Machine Mode window Check the machine axes are setin og Continuous Mode by clicking the J og button so the button displays a straight arrow graphic as shown below In og Continuous Mode the selected machine axis will J he move at the indicated speed when one of the machine 2 axis movement keys are pressed and held down The selected machine axis will continue to move until the key is released The slider bar can be moved to set jog speeds between 0 and 1000 units When the Units of Measurement are set to Inch the rate of movement is i measured using inches per minute When the Units of Measurement are set to Metric the rate of movement is ioo measured using millimetres per minute Move the VR CNC machine head down towards the red billet using the Page Down or Page Up keys Try to position the tip of the tool about 10mm 1 2 above the surface of the billet as shown in the screenshot above VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 10 Using a Virtual Reality CNC Machine 95 10 X and Y Workpiece Datum Alignment C Move to the approximate workpiece datum position in the X axis Move the tip of the tool towards the edge of the billet using the Cursor Right or Cursor Left keys Try to position the tip of the tool over the X datum edge of the billet as shown in the screenshot above D Move to the approximate workpiece datum position in the Y axis Move
29. the tip of the tool towards the corner of the billet using the Cursor Up or Cursor Down keys Try to position the tip of the tool over the Y datum edge of the billet as shown in the screenshot above 96 Using a Virtual Reality CNC Machine Section 10 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 10 X and Y Workpiece Datum Alignment E Move to the exact intersection of the X and Y workpiece datum edges Check the machine axes are set in og Step Mode by clicking the J og button so the button displays a stepped my arrow graphic as shown left In og Step Mode the selected machine axis will move Jog one indicated increment each time the selected axis movement key is pressed The slider bar can be moved to set jog increments of 0 01 0 1 0 5 1 5 and 10 units set as 0 5 units in the example left When the Units of Measurement are set to Inch the rate of movement is measured using inches per minute When the Units of bs Measurement are set to Metric the rate of movement is measured using millimetres per minute Move the tip of the tool so the centre of the cutter is positioned exactly over the intersection of the X and Y workpiece datum edges using all six axis movement keys X Axis Cursor Right or Cursor Left Y Axis Cursor Up or Cursor Down Z Axis Page Up or Page Down Use viewpoint 6 the front view of the billet and viewpoint 7 the side view of the billet to help align
30. through the billet Naturally if we attempted to use the sample CNC file without this hardware we would cause considerable damage to the actual machine table We recommend that you use MDF medium density fibreboard or a similar smooth flat material for the temporary machine sub table The plastic billet should be held in position using double sided tape as shown on page 101 102 Using a real CNC Machine Section 11 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 11 X and Y Workpiece Datum Alignment The example diagrams show the process of aligning the tool with the workpiece datum position on a real CNC machine for the sample CNC files used in our tutorials At this stage only the temporary MDF machine bed needs to be Although the positions fitted to the CNC machine table not the plastic billet of workpiece datums Try to use smallest cutting tool for configuring the offsets You will can vary the principles ys shown here apply to all find it much easier to align the centre of the smallest tool with the Cases workpiece datum edges If you are using our sample CNC files this will be tool number 2 A Home the CNC Machine if required Home Jog Auto Click the Home tab of the Machine Mode window Home the CNC machine axes by clicking the All Axes button The CNC machine head will move to its machine datum position as shown below x Axis ONLY Y Axis ONLY
31. tool is at the home position the Y offset position is defined as the d between the centre of the tool and the workpiece datum parallel to the Y axis is the value entered into the Y component of the workpiece offsets file this wi negative value 3 Defining the Z position of the workpiece datum When the tool is at the home position the Z offset position is defined as the d between the centre of the tool and the workpiece datum parallel to the Z axis is the value entered into the Z component of the workpiece offsets file this wi value Z Offset Value Workpiece Offsets File Workpiece Dati aum Billet Temporary Machine Sub table istance The X offset lbe a istance The Y offset lbe a istance The Z offset be a negative Note that the Z position of the workpiece datum is defined by the Z value in the workpiece offsets file only Since workpiece offset file values are global no other tool profile can be used because the Z offset would always be set for the length of the original tool 126 CNC Theory Section 13 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 14 Glossary ABSOLUTE sscccnsticcccresvsetee In absolute programming zero is the point from which all other dimensions are described ARC Bussitecnsasccantaiinerensieeen A portion of a circle ATC aeti Automatic Tool Changer AUTOMATIC CYCLE A mode of control operation that continuously runs a cycle or stored program until a progr
32. value that is only applied when that particular tool is used on the CNC machine When tool length offsets are used their values are combined with any Z value saved in the loaded workpiece offsets file to calculate the Z co ordinate describing the location of the workpiece datum 118 CNC Theory Section 13 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 13 Configuring Offsets for more than One Tool Configuring Offsets when using two or more Tools This sequence briefly explains the theory behind configuring the offsets when using two or more tools with a CNC program The position of the workpiece datum is defined by the values in the workpiece offsets file and the appropriate tool length offset values relating to each of the tools you want to use In this example tool profile 1 has a greater length compared with tool profile 2 Configuring the position of the workpiece datum for tool 1 Location of the Workpiece Datum When the appropriate machine and tool Machine Head offsets are loaded Y Offset Value Cutting Tool Workpiece Offsets Fil N Workpiece Offsets File Position Z Offset Value X Offset Value Workpiece Offsets Workpiece Offsets File Datum Temporary Machine Sub table 1 Defining the X position of the workpiece datum for tool 1 When the tool 1 is atthe home position the X offset position is defined as the distance between the centre of the tool and the workpiece datum parallel to the
33. CNC Milling Software User s Manual 9 Configuring the X Offset Value Set Offset 66 kg so amp amp d UsecuterRadus Motervae Fo Cancel Click the OK button to confirm the settings For example if the centre of the tool is aligned over the workpiece datum select the graphic with crosshairs over the centre of the tool and check the Use Cutter Radius option C Check the X Co ordinate Value has registered correctly Work Piece Offsets Machine Offsets x The X co Default Machine Offset ordinate value is mo Y v AEAEE pooo Ea transferred into Simulation Offsets ZOO the offset file The original X co ordinate value from the Machine Mode window is transferred into the X offset value display box Machine Mode The X workpiece datum Home Jog Auto position need only be setonce since The X co ordinate value changes to zero workpiece offset values are global They will be used with any tool profile irrespective of tool length F300 s250 T1 Work Piece Co ordinates The X co ordinate value in the Machine Mode window shown in the above screenshot will read zero indicating that the X component of the workpiece datum has now been set VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 9 Configuring Offsets 79 9 Configuring the Y Offset Value If you are following our tutorials using the
34. CNC file To reposition the cursor in the Editor window Position the mouse positioning cursor in the required area then click the left mouse button to move Use the four computer Cursor arrow keys to move the Editor window cursor to the required position Use the Page Up key to move to the top of the CNC file Use the Page Down key to move to the bottom of the CNC file e Use the Home Key to move to the beginning of the current CNC file line Use the End key to move to the end of the current CNC file line VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 5 Working with CNC Files 31 5 Selecting and editing areas of text G691G28xX0Y020 MBT 1 G43H1 M3S1500 GIDGOX20Y40 2 612 1F 100 Line 9 Column 1 To select areas of text in the Editor window position the Editor window cursor the vertical black line at the start or end of the text required then click and hold down the left mouse button Drag over the required characters to highlight them as shown above To select all the text in the Editor window click Edit Select AIl The highlighted characters can be edited using the following commands Select the Cut option from the Edit menu to cut any highlighted text from the Editor window to the Windows clipboard Computer keyboard shortcut CTRL X Select the Copy option from the Edit menu to copy any highlighted text from the Editor window to the Windows
35. DEN FORD Total Commitment to Education and Training WorldWide Virtual Reality CNC Milling for Windows User s Manual Denford Limited reserves the right to alter any specifications and documentation without prior notice No part of this manual or its accompanying documents may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical for any purpose without the express written permission of Denford Limited All brands and products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies Copyright Denford Limited Version 1 1 2000 All rights reserved Contents 2 Contents Preface About this Manual saranno a A aati 4 Conventions used in this Manual c cssscessessesessessesssssnsseessessessssssssssssssnssesssssens 5 Section 1 Introduction ITO MUCHO eii aiita a aata VR CNC Milling Software in Use Section 2 Software Installation Minimum System Requirements escccsecsecseseesseesseessceseeseeseeseeneeneeneeneesnaes 8 Hardware Connections 0 9 Fitting the Security Dongle Installation Procedure Technical Support Section 3 Using the Tutorials Using the Tutorials Overview seesseeesecseseeseesseessesseesseesseesecessessesseesseenneenneenees 13 Sample CNC File Metric i Sample CNC File Inch Section 4 Starting and Configuring the Software Starting the VR CNC Milling Software sessen 22 General Layout of the Software i U
36. Double Sided Tape Temporary MDF Machine Bed Running the CNC file Inch fnc Tooling required 1 8 0 125 slot cutter set as tool number 2 3 16 0 1875 slot cutter set as tool number 1 Billet Material High Density Polystyrene Billet Dimensions X length 2 5 Y width 2 5 Z height 1 8 0 125 Temporary machine sub table MDF medium Density Fibreboard or similar Approx 3 5 x 3 5 x 0 5 The 1 8 0 125 slot cutter will cut completely through the billet so the billet must be mounted on a temporary machine sub table using double sided tape as shown in the diagram above VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 11 Using a real CNC Machine 101 11 Using Offsets with the sample CNC Files If you are following our tutorials using the sample CNC files listed on pages 14 to 21 the following 6 pages describe how to locate the position of the workpiece datum and tool length offset reference point so co ordinate vales can be entered into the VR Milling software Note In the diagram below all axes have been homed Tool 1 ae Machine Head Tool 2 Location of Workpiece Polystyrene Location Datum Billet of Machine Il Datum EN Temporary MDF Machine Important Ensure that a temporary machine sub table is used when running the sample CNC files with a real CNC machine You must use a temporary machine sub table because the sample CNC files include sections where the tool cuts completely
37. Head Home Position Reference Difference in length between tools 1 and 2 Length Length Offset Value Offset Value Tool Offset Billet Billet Reference e 4 EEE Point Temporary Sub table Temporary Sub table Machine Bed Machine Bed Define a Tool Offset Reference Point All tool length offsets are configured against a common reference point When values are entered into each individual tool length offset file each tool will use this reference point as their zero co ordinate along the Z axis Choose a tool offset reference point that s easy to reach with all the tool profiles you intend to use The tool offset reference point could be the top surface of the billet or the top surface of a temporary machine sub table In the above example we have chosen the top surface of the temporary machine sub table as the tool offset reference point 122 CNC Theory Section 13 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 13 Configuring Tool Length Offsets Define the tool length offset value for tool profile 1 When the tool 1 is at the home position the tool length offset value will be the distance between the tip of tool 1 and the chosen tool offset reference point In our example we have chosen the upper surface of the temporary machine sub table as the tool offset reference point Define the tool length offset value for tool profile 2 When the tool 2 is at the home position the tool length offset
38. Milling Software User s Manual Section 3 Using the Tutorials 15 3 Sample CNC File Metric Explanation of metric millimetres sample CNC file N 001 G21 G20 defines the units of measurement being used as metric millimetres N 011 BILLET X60 Y60 Z2 BILLET defines the size of the material being machined called the billet with X length 60mm Y width 60mm Z height 2mm N 021 EDGEMOVE X0 Y0 EDGEMOVE defines work datum shift for the program X0 YO means no shift is applied N 031 TOOLDEF T1 D4 TOOLDEF defines tool number 1 with a cutting diameter of 4mm N 041 TOOLDEF T2 D2 TOOLDEF defines tool number 2 with a cutting diameter of 2mm N 051 G91 G28 X0 Y0 Z0 G91 instructs the machine to follow incremental movements until told otherwise incremental means all movements are described relative to the co ordinate position achieved in the last program line G28X0Y0Z0 moves the cutter to the machine datum via the intermediate point indicated N 061 M6 T1 M6 instructs the machine to perform a tool change if required Change to tool number 1 N 071 G43 H1 G43 instructs the machine to use tool length compensation for tool number 1 N 081 M3 1500 M3 instructs the machine to switch the spindle on clockwise with a speed of 1500 rpm N 091 G90 GO X20 Y 40 G90 instructs the machine to follow absolute movements until told otherwise absolute means all movements are described relative to the work datum point GO instructs th
39. Profiles for the sample Inch CNC file Note This page explains how to configure the Tool Profiles for use with the When using a real ATC sample Inch ONENE listed on pages 18 to 21 ensure that tools are Check that the units of measurement are setto Inch The units of added to the numbered measurement setting for the VR CNC Milling software is configured using the Units button on the Options toolbar carousel pockets matching their tool number definitions The Inch version of the sample CNC file uses two tool profiles 1 8 0 125 slot cutter Used to cut the 1 8 0 125 deep perimeter of the design This profile should be assigned tool number 2 Default data for this tool profile is shown below Tooling Library B 4mm Slot Drill EEE Eee Diameter 0 1250 length 2 0000 Tool Length offset 0 0000 Flute length 1 0000 F Flute Count 2 Maximum tool Life 50 Current tool Life 0 Slot Mill i 3 16 0 1875 Slot Drill 3 16 0 1875 slot cutter Used to etch the 1 16 0 0625 depth square design in the centre of the billet This profile should be assigned tool number 1 Default data for this tool profile is shown below Tooling Library 1 8 0 125 Slot Drill SEE 2 16 0 1875 Slot Drill Diameter 0 1875 length 2 0000 Tool Length offset 0 0000 Flute length 1 0000 Flute Count 2 Maximum tool Life 50 Current tool Life 0 Slot Mill
40. When you fit the plastic billet to the temporary MDF machine bed prior to machining the front bottom lefthand corner of the plastic billet must be exactly aligned with the front upper lefthand corner of the temporary MDF machine bed This is because the front and lefthand edges of the temporary MDF machine bed are used as global X and Y datum edges ii 88 Configuring Offsets Section 9 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 10 Starting a VR CNC Machine Before starting a Virtual Reality CNC Machine Check that the units of measurement set for the VR CNC Milling software matches the units used in both the CNC file and any tooling profiles The units of measurement setting for the VR CNC Milling software is configured using the Units button on the Options toolbar Check that the tool numbers and tool profiles used in the Machine Tooling window match those used by your CNC file Nya PRA YRA Machine To start the Virtual Reality CNC Machine click the VR Machine button shown above from the Machine Control toolbar The Denford Virtual Reality window will open This window is used for viewing the 3D model of the VR CNC machine Any tools present in the Machine Tooling window the Automatic Tool Changer will also be loaded when applicable The Machine Mode window will also open This window is used for controlling the movements of the VR CNC machine VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 10 Using a V
41. X axis The X offset is the value entered into the X component of the workpiece offsets file this will be a negative value Since workpiece offsets are global this value is applied to every tool profile 2 Defining the Y position of the workpiece datum for tool 1 When the tool 1 is atthe home position the Y offset position is defined as the distance between the centre of the tool and the workpiece datum parallel to the Y axis The Y offset is the value entered into the Y component of the workpiece offsets file this will be a negative value Since workpiece offsets are global this value is applied to every tool profile VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 13 CNC Theory 119 13 Configuring Offsets for more than One Tool 3 Defining the Z position of the workpiece datum for tool 1 When the tool 1 is at the home position the Z offset position is defined as the distance between the tip of the tool and the workpiece datum parallel to the Z axis The Z offsetis a combination of the tool length offset value for tool profile 1 and the value entered into the Z component of the workpiece offsets file If the tool length offset reference point is selected as the surface of the billet then workpiece datum position Z workpiece offset value this will be zero tool length offset value for tool 1 this will be a negative value Notice that in the above equation the Z workpiece offset value will be zero because the tool
42. a long thin 25 pin male connector plug Note that your parallel port may be The security dongle abelled as the printer port has a pass through feature allowing data to be sent to other external devices such as printers scanners or zip drives This feature s only operational when the VR CNC Milling software is not being used Simply plug the new parallel port cable Supplied with your additional external device directly into the male plug at the back of the security dongle which remains attached to your computer 10 Software Installation Section 2 p oTa ae a Attach the Security Dongle to your parallel printer port VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 2 Installation Procedure Follow these instructions to install the VR CNC Milling software onto your computer 1 Switch on your computer and start Windows 95 98 if required 2 Insert the VR CNC Milling CD ROM into your CD ROM drive If your CD ROM is set to autorun the install program will start move to section 5 If the install program does not automatically start continue to section 3 Double click the left mouse button on the My Computer icon In the My Computer window find your CD ROM drive icon usually labelled D or E and double click the left mouse button on this icon The contents of the CD ROM will be displayed in a new window Double click the left mouse button on the file named Setup exe to start the
43. ach time the selected axis movement key is pressed The slider bar can be moved to set jog increments of 0 01 0 1 0 5 1 5 and 10 units When the Units of Measurement are set to Inch the rate of movement is measured using inches per minute T When the Units of Measurement are set to Metric the os rate of movement is measured using millimetres per minute Use the Page Up or Page Down keys to position the cutter so that the tip of the tool is just touching the chosen tool length offset reference point 84 Configuring Offsets Section 9 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 9 Configuring the Tool Length Offset Value B Transfer the Z Co ordinate Value into the Z Tool Length Offset File The tool length offset value you must enter will not be the same as This is the Z co the value depicted in f ordinate value that our example LA m will be transferred screenshot Remember i into the tool length that all tool length offset offset file values will be different EN ne T since tools differ in length Click the Z Offset button to display the Set Offset window O Z Offset F3000 S250 The Z co ordinate value that will be transferred into the tool length offset file is shown in the above screenshot Note that this value will only apply only to the tool currently held in the machine head This value will be different when you configure the Z tool len
44. ad Level 2 Defaults to format the toolbars with small picture buttons graphics only as shown right Default 3 Click Setup Toolbars Load Level 3 Defaults to format the toolbars with large text buttons text titles only as shown right The File Control Toolbar is always displayed using large graphics with no text aw ay an e2 aw Gn inch Cordesman Node omvete Dela VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 4 Starting and Configuring the Software 25 4 Using the Menubars CNC Milling for Windows Triac i ditor Edit Search Modify Preferences Setup Windows The VR CNC Milling software menubar highlighted by the grey ellipse in the screenshot above is located under the main software title It contains text captions identifying each individual menu CNC Milling for Windows Triac iof x File Editor Edit Search Modify Preferences Setup Windows Tools Help New Open 1 C Denford Data castor fne q Save 2 C Denford Data Milll fne Save As Save Project Source gt Exit To display the options available in each menu click the menu text title to display its dropdown list as shown above then move the mouse cursor down the list to highlight the options Click the highlighted option to select it or display its sub menu when available Context Sensitive Menus The menus available will change according to the windows
45. am stop or end of program word is read by the controller AUXILIARY FUNCTION The function of the CNC machine ie F S T M codes etc other than co ordinate based commands AXIS AXES Sirris The planes of movement for the cutting tool usually referred to as X horizontal left and right parallel to the front edge of the table Y horizontal forward and backwards parallel to the side edge of the table and Z directly vertical Combinations of all 3 allow precise co ordinates to be described BILLET Aninu The actual material being machined sometimes referred to as the workpiece or stock BLOCK ataitoa A collection of program words that collectively describe a machining operation A single program line in the CNC file CHARACTER seeeseeseeseeee A number letter or symbol as entered into a CNC program CIRCULAR INTERPOLATION G code term for a programmed arc movement COMMAND wien A signal or group of signals instructing one step operation to be carried out CONTEXT SENSITIVE When the type of input signal of an event automatically changes the output signal CO ORDINATES oes Positions or relationships of points or planes Co ordinates are usually described using three numbers referring to the X Y Z axes e g the co ordinate 23 35 45 means X axis 23 units Y axis 35 units and Z axis 45 units CNG tictesitananansnins Computer Numerical Control ONG PLE onina The sequence of commands describing the manufac
46. an find the position of the machine datum by switching the co ordinate display in the Machine Mode window to read Machine Co ordinates The position of the machine datum is achieved when the X Y and Z panels of the co Paden display all read zero this assumes that no offsets are oaded Homing the CNC Machine Axes To home the machine X axis only click the X Axis ONLY button The X machine slide will move until it has found its limits of co ordinate movement To home the machine Y axis only click the Y Axis ONLY button The Y machine slide will move until it has found its limits of co ordinate movement To home the machine Z axis only click the Z Axis ONLY button c The Z machine slide will move until it has found its limits of co ordinate movement To home all three axes sequentially click the All Axes button All machine slides will move until their limits of co ordinate movement have been found Section 8 CNC Machine Control 67 8 Co ordinate System Display Modes The numerical figures depicted on any screenshots will differ according to the CNC machine type the units of measurement setting for the VR CNC Milling software and any offsets being used on your computer system The Co ordinates button is used to switch between the two systems for displaying the co ordinates positions The far right panel on the statusbar displays the current setting
47. aracter An example of a modified CNC file is shown below Editor New File Editor New File N001G21 N011 BILLET X60 Y60 210 NO21 EDGEMOVE XO YO NO31 TOOLDEF T1 D4 NO41 TOOLDEF T2 D2 NO51G691G28xX0Y0Z0 NO61MB8T1 N04 1 TOOLDEF T2 D2 NO51G91G28xX0Y0Z0 NO61MBT1 NO71G43H1 NO81M3S1500 NO91G90GO0X20Y40 N10122 Line 1 Column 1 Before modifications Line 35 Column 10 After modifications add symbol 34 Working with CNC Files Section 5 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 5 Adding Program Line S pacing To add padding spaces between program words in your finished CNC file click Modify Add Padding Token to display the Request window Enter Padding Token s below i Cancel If you want to add padding spaces to only part of the CNC file drag across the required program lines to highlight them If no program lines are highlighted padding spaces will be applied to the whole of the CNC file In the Request window dialogue box enter the number of spaces required between each program word then click the OK button In the example above 2 spaces have been specified An example of a modified CNC file is shown below N04 1 TOOLDEF T2 D2 TOOLDEF T2 D2 N051691G28X0Y0Z0 G91 G28 X0 YO Z0 NO61ME6T1 671 NO 71G43H1 NO81M3S1500 NO91G90G0X20Y40 G90 GO X20 Y40 N10122 Z2 Line 35 Column 10 Line 35 Column 10 Befor
48. are is configured using the Units button on the Options toolbar e Check that the tool numbers and tool profiles used in the Machine Tooling window match those used by your CNC file e Check that the position of any tools present in a real Automatic Tool Changer when fitted match the exact pocket numbers of the tools configured in the MachineTooling window 5 To start the real CNC Machine click the Machine button shown below from the Machine Control toolbar N gt Machine The Machine Mode window will open This window is used for controlling the movements of the real CNC machine 100 Using a real CNC Machine Section 11 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 11 Using the sample CNC files If you are running through the tutorials using the sample CNC files this page describes what equipment will be required in order to manufacture the sample designs Running the CNC file Metric fnc Tooling required 2mm slot cutter set as tool number 2 4mm slot cutter set as tool number 1 Billet Material High Density Polystyrene Billet Dimensions X length 60mm Y width 60mm Z height 2mm Temporary machine sub table MDF medium Density Fibreboard or similar Approx 80mm x 80mm x 10mm The 2mm slot cutter will cut completely through the billet so the billet must be mounted on a temporary machine sub table using double sided tape as shown in the diagram below High Density Polystyrene Billet
49. ast traverse to position Z2 moving the cutter 2mm above the surface of the billet N 321 M5 M5 instructs the machine to switch off the spindle N 331 G91 G28 X0 Y0 Z0 G91 instructs the machine to follow incrementa movements until told otherwise incremental means all movements are described relative to the co ordinate position achieved in the last program line G28X0Y0Z0 moves the cutter to the machine datum via the intermediate point indicated N 341 M30 M30 defines the end of the program and rewinds back to the start of the CNC file VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 3 Using the Tutorials 17 3 Sample CNC File Inch The CNC file shown on pages 22 to 25 can be used throughout this series of tutorials Below 3D simulation of the imperial inch sample CNC file Part Datum Position marked by crosshairs O Billet High Density Polystyrene Part Datum Position Top lefthand front corner of proposed billet Dimensions X length 2 5 Y width 2 5 Z height 1 8 0 125 Tools required e 1 8 0 125 slot cutter cutting 1 8 0 125 deep e 3 16 0 1875 slot cutter cutting 1 16 0 0625 deep 18 Using the Tutorials Section 3 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 3 Sample CNC File Inch Imperial inches sample CNC file with no formatting Check that the units of measurement are set to Inch The units of measurement are configured using the Units button
50. ate of 5 9 per minute N 291 G3 X0 25 0 75 I 0 5 G3 instructs the machine to cut an anti clockwise arc The arc is cut from the position reached in the previous program line to the position X0 25 Y0 75 The centre point of the arc is defined by I 0 5 where indicates the Y axis The centre point is 0 5 along the Y axis from the start position of the arc The arc is cut with a feedrate of 5 9 per minute N 301 G1 2 25 G1 instructs the machine to cut a straight line from point to point The cutter will move to position 2 25 cutting a slot continuing with a feedrate of 5 9 per minute N 311 GO Z0 08 GO instructs the machine to fast traverse to position Z0 08 moving the cutter 0 08 above the surface of the billet N 321 M5 M5 instructs the machine to switch off the spindle N 331 G91 G28 X0 Y0 Z0 G91 instructs the machine to follow incremental movements until told otherwise incremental means all movements are described relative to the co ordinate position achieved in the last program line G28X0Y0Z0 moves the cutter to the machine datum via the intermediate point indicated N 341 M30 M30 defines the end of the program and rewinds back to the start of the CNC file VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 3 Using the Tutorials 21 4 Starting the VR CNC Milling Software Follow these instructions to start the VR CNC Milling software 1 Power up the PC 2 Start the VR CNC Milling software see not
51. ates the Window Highlighted Workpiece Workpiece Offset File Titlebar Simulation Offset File currently in use X Y and Z Values Machine Offsets x Default Machine Offset v Simulation Offsets Default Simulation Offset Z 0 0000 S New Offset Machine Offset Default Machine Offset Simulation Offset Highlighted List of available Workpiece Workpiece Workpiece Simulation Simulation Simulation Offset File Offset File Offset Files currently in use Click on the squares to expand the Simulation Offsets list or the squares to collapse an open list To highlight a simulation offset click on its title Highlighted simulation offsets are shown using white title text on a blue background The co ordinate display panel to the right of the Simulation Offsets list shows the X Y and Z co ordinates assigned to the highlighted simulation offset A red tick mark is used to indicate the active currently used simulation offset also shown in the statusbar positioned at the bottom of the Work Piece Offsets window To close the Work Piece Offsets window click the Offsets button from the Options toolbar VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 7 Running Simulations 57 7 Creating a Simulated Offset Work Piece Offsets Machine Offsets M rakie x Default Machine Offset pg Simulation Offsets Default Simulation Offset Highlight Simulation Offsets by clicking its title
52. ating a Simulated Offset sss 58 Displaying a 2D Simulation using X Y Offsets 60 Running a 2D Simulation using X Y Offsets 62 Displaying a 3D Simulation using X Y Offsets 63 Running a 3D Simulation using X Y Offsets ceessesseeseseeseesseeseseessecssecseeetaes 65 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Contents VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 8 CNC Machine Control Starting a CNC Machines iirinn aot aie 66 Homing a CNC Machine Home Mode Co ordinate System Display Modes 68 Moving the Axes J og Mode 69 Selecting M Codes uu a11 Changing Tools Man ally raisning 72 Section 9 Configuring Offsets What are Offset inoun namenu nina a NAR 74 Creating a new Workpiece Offset file 16 Configuring the X Offset Value 718 Configuring the Y Offset Value oo eee eesseesseesstesseessessseesseessetseneseeeseetsetses 80 Configuring the Tool Length Offset Value sssssseessseesseesssneessesssnesseersnsesretess Configuring a global Z Offset Value Section 10 Using a Virtual Reality CNC Machine Staring aVR CNE Machinen sscisss asasaissavsssissnssraassnrraan sannastisanaanstiuainnnuetionsss 89 Virtual Reality Window General Layout 90 Moving around the Virtual Reality World 91 Using the Predefined Viewpoints 92 Using Offsets with the sample CNC Files 93 X and Y Workpiece Datum Alignment 94 Tool Length Offset Referen
53. ce Point Alignment cise 98 Section 11 Using a real CNC Machine Connecting to a real CNC Machine 99 Starting a real CNC Machine 100 Using the sample CNC files 101 X and Y Workpiece Datum Alignment 103 Tool Length Offset Reference Point Alignment cscs 107 Section 12 Part Manufacture Running a CNC file on a CNC Machine vnc ceeeecseeseseeseeseeseesseessecsseessersesaes 108 Feedrate amp Spindle Speed Overrides oc eeesceseceseeseeseesneseessessiseesesteesecsies 109 Section 13 CNC Theory Homing the Machine aisinament a 110 The Co ordinate based Grid System 111 The Machine Datum serris 1 The CNC Machine Working Envelope Machine Co ordinates Display Mode Workpiece Co ordinates Display Mode What are Offsets sss Types Of Offsets Configuring Offsets for more than One Tool Configuring Tool Length Offsets cesses Configuring a Z Offset for Material Thickness i Configuring Offsets for a Single TOO sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssnsnsnsnsnsnsnsnsnsnsnnnsnsnnnsnnns 126 Section 14 Glossary GOSSAIY eric casvsss cotta anet eiae ei taat 127 Section 15 Index Index Contents 3 About this Manual Using this manual Disclaimer Screenshots Language Contact Updates 4 Contents This manual provides a basic introduction to the features available in the VR CNC Milling software using a tutorial based format The same tutorials are also included in the
54. ch Tooling Slot Drills 1 16 0 0625 1 8 0 1 3 16 0 1875 1 0 25 5 16 0 31 End Mills 1 16 0 0625 1 8 0 125 3 16 0 1875 1 4 0 25 5 16 0 3125 Ball Noses 1 16 0 0625 1 8 0 1 3 16 0 1875 1 0 25 5 16 0 3125 3 8 0 375 1 2 0 5 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 3 8 0 375 1 2 0 5 3 8 0 375 1 2 0 5 Displaying the Tooling Library window The Tooling Library contains the list of tool profiles that care available for use with a CNC machine Tools from this list can be added to the Machine Tooling window where they are assigned a tool number ready for use with any CNC files A selection of the most common tool profiles are automatically created upon initial installation of the VR CNC Milling software a Tool Library To display the Tooling Library window click the Tool Library button shown above from the Options toolbar Highlighted Tool Window Titlebar Tooling Library 4 2mm Slot Drill 3 4mm Slot Drill m 1 8 0 125 Slot Drill 3 3 16 0 1875 Slot Drill Slot Mill Tool Profile List of available Colour Marker Tool Profiles General Layout Click on the squares to expand the list of available tool profiles or the squares to collapse an open list To highlight a tool profile click on its title A graphic will be displayed in the right panel relating to the type of tool
55. character to start of each program line number The standard numbering token used is N In the example above the program line numbers will follow the sequence N 001 N 011 N 021 N 041 N 051 etc Click the OK button to apply program line numbering settings to the CNC file An example of a modified CNC file is shown below Minimum number length eg 3 001 4 T Numbering Token TOOLDEF T2 D2 G691G28x0Y0Z0 M6T1 G43H1 M3S1500 G90G0X20 40 Z2 N001G21 NO11 BILLET X60 Y60 210 NO21 EDGEMOVE X0 YO NO31 TOOLDEF T1 D4 NO41 TOOLDEF T2 D2 NO51G691G28xX0Y0Z0 NO61MBT 1 Line 35 Column 4 Line 1 Column 1 Before modifications After modifications add program line numbering VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 5 Working with CNC Files 33 5 Adding E nd of Block symbols To add end of block symbols to your finished CNC file click Modify Append Line End Token to display the R equest window Enter Padding Token s below m Cancel If you want to add end of block symbols to only part of the CNC file drag across the required program lines to highlight them If no program lines are highlighted end of block symbols will be applied to the whole of the CNC file In the Request window dialogue box enter the character s to be used for denoting the end of program lines then click the OK button The standard symbol used when CNC programming is the semicolon ch
56. clipboard Computer keyboard shortcut CTRL C Select the Paste option from the Edit menu to place any text held in the Windows clipboard to the current Editor window cursor position Computer keyboard shortcut CTRL P Select the Undo option from the Edit menu to undo the last command performed in the Editor window Select the Redo option from the Edit menu to repeat the last command performed in the Editor window 32 Working with CNC Files Section 5 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 5 Adding Program Line Numbering To add program line numbers to your finished CNC file click Modify Line Numbering to display the Line Numbering window Enter the number you want to use as first line of the program fi Start Number in the Start Number dialogue box In the example left 1 has ho a been specified xI Increment The Numbering Increment dialogue box is used to set the numerical gap between each program line number In the example left 10 has been specified so the program line numbers will follow the M Remove Numbering sequence 1 11 21 31 41 51 etc Cone The Minimum number length dialogue box is used to set the amount of characters used to display each program line number In the example above 3 has been specified so the program line numbers will follow the sequence 001 011 021 041 051 etc The Numbering Token dialogue box is used to add an address
57. d etc Modal codes entered into the controller by a CNC program are retained until changed by a code from the same modal group or cancelled Numerical control VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 14 Glossary OFFSET daii oaa Combination of two types of file the workpiece offset and the tool offset Used to describe the workpiece datum a zero reference used on the CNC machine to ensure machining occurs in the correct place on the billet Offsets shift the entire co ordinate based grid system of the CNC machine PART DATUM Used as a zero reference point in a CNC file All machining co ordinates originate from this point PC fate EEE Personal computer Denford CNC Project file extension prj Project files contain global information about user defined settings in the VR CNC Milling software such as toolpost set up tooling library offsets toolbar and window positions etc PROGRAM sssssssnsnsss A systematic arrangements of instructions or information to suit a piece of equipment SPINDLE SPEED The rate of rotation velocity of the machine head cutting tool measured in RPM SOFTWARE Programs tool lists sequence of instructions etc TOOL OFFSET oreivis When machining allowances must be made for the size of tools being used since they all differ in length The tool offset is the amount the Z value must be moved or offset so that all the different cutting tool tips used line up with each other so t
58. dinate of the part datum is set on the upper surface of the billet you intend to use In doing so any negative Z values programmed will indicate that the tool is cutting into the billet any positive Z values programmed will indicate that the tool is clear from the billet ie Imaginary Billet However the part datum can be positioned anywhere It could be positioned in one of the corners of a part design drawing Ona largely circular design it could be positioned in the centre of one of its circles In most CAD CAM software packages it may be set automatically when the CNC program is generated For example Denford MillC AM Designer positions the part datum in the front upper lefthand corner of the billet The CNC machine also has a zero reference called the machine datum If no offsets are loaded our CNC program will use this position as the start location from which all machining co ordinates are taken Offsets are used to establish the location of the workpiece datum on the real billet The workpiece datum is the position where we want any physical machining co ordinates to be taken from Using the Offsets facility we can temporarily shift the entire co ordinate based grid system of the CNC machine We must move the three dimensional grid so the position of the workpiece datum registers as zero rather than the position of the machine datum Itis important to note that the physical position of the machine datum does not move since itis pe
59. displayed as shown below Jog Step In jog step mode the selected machine axis will move one increment displayed in the jog control value window each time the selected axis movement key is pressed The slider bar can be moved to set jog increments of 0 01 0 1 0 5 1 5 and 10 units When J og Step is active the J og button graphic will be displayed as shown below Movement J og Keys There are six J og Control movement keys To move the X machine axis use the Left Cursor and Right Cursor arrow keys with the Machine Mode window active To move the Y machine axis use the Up Cursor and Down Cursor arrow keys with the Machine Mode window active To move the Z machine axis use the Page Up and Page Down keys with the Machine Mode window active In order to move any of the machine axes the Jog panel of the Machine Mode window must be active ie the titlebar is highlighted and the words Jog are highlighted in green 70 CNC Machine Control Section 8 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 8 Selecting M Codes Selecting M Codes M codes are used for miscellaneous functions such as switching the Spindle on off and opening closing the CNC machine guard SALA M Codes M 3 Spindle Forward M 5 Spindle Stop M 20 ATC Armin M 21 ATC Arm Out M 22 ATC Arm Down M 23 ATC Arm Up M 24 Release Draw Bar M 25 Clamp Draw Bar M 38 Guard open M 39 Guard Close M 69 Turn off
60. dows based software applications The familiar dropdown menus toolbars and software display windows can be configured to suit the level and requirements of each user Since the software supports full offline facilities it allows many training tasks such as setting tool offsets to be carried out away from the CNC machine itself Options such as these allow groups of students to work simultaneously whilst helping to free valuable CNC machine resources The same interface is used online allowing students to produce their designs without having to learn any new CNC machine control software Features available in the VR CNC Milling software package include e Full MDI CNC file editing e 2 Dimensional graphical simulation of CNC files 3 Dimensional graphical simulation of CNC files Comprehensive Tooling features e Full offline control of a CNC machine using Virtual R eality e Full online control of a CNC machine e Context sensitive online help including help with G and M code Programming and CNC file structure J argon Buster Context Sensitive is when the type of input signal of an event automatically changes the output signal CNC refers to Computer Numerical Control the automatic system used to control a machine tool A G and M code is a series of letters and numbers that make up the language used by CNC machinery MDI refers to Manual Data Input the entering of data by manual means rather than transferral by CD ROM or fl
61. e User s Manual 13 Workpiece Co ordinates Display Mode Co ordinate System Display Modes 2 Workpiece Co ordinates Any co ordinate values shown relate to the programmed workpiece datum described through use of the offset facility The workpiece datum is set by the operator as the location from which all machining co ordinates will be taken Offsets temporarily shift the entire co ordinate based grid system of the machine as shown below When running in Workpiece Co ordinates Mode the Workpiece Datum is defined with the position X 0 Y 0 Z 0 Location of the Workpiece Datum When the appropriate machine and tool offsets are loaded and the workpiece co ordinate system is used Positive Z ww co ordinates Cutting Tool at home position Workpiece Positive Y Datum co ordinates Negative X i co ordinates Positive X D co ordinates P Negative Y co ordinates N Temporary Machine 7 Sub table Negative Z y co ordinates Billet VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 13 CNC Theory 115 13 What are Offsets When we write a CNC program all co ordinates used for describing the shape of the part are stated relative to a zero reference called the part datum The part datum should be positioned in a convenient location with respect to the actual size of the billet you intend to use as shown below This position will need to be identified later on the real billet We recommend that the Z co or
62. e around the Virtual Reality World You can change the position of your viewpoint using the icons in the Movebar a Moves the viewpoint in the vertical plane Moves the viewpoint in the horizontal plane forwards backwards and turning e Tilts the viewpoint up and down Click and hold the left mouse button on one of the three movement icons then drag the mouse in the required direction As you drag the mouse the icon indicates the direction you are moving and the viewpoint moves in the corresponding direction The further you move the cursor from the icon the faster you will move Release the mouse button to stop the movement Interactive Objects Some objects on the VR CNC machines are interactive Right click on the guard frame to open the machine guard Left click on the guard frame to close the machine guard Right click on the red and yellow power switch positioned on the electrical control cabinet to turn the CNC machine on and off VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 10 Using a Virtual Reality CNC Machine 91 10 Using the P redefi Many of the assigned position when lost viewpoints are designed the number button ned Viewpoints Denford Virtual Reality Seup 1 2 3 415 6 7 8 9 z Left View of Cutter Jax Viewpoints are particularly useful for navigating quickly or regaining in the virtual world To select a viewpoint click on of the viewpoint required Hovering the mou
63. e below You start and exit the VR CNC Milling software as you would any standard Windows application 3 If VR CNC Milling has been installed using the recommended program groups the software can be started from the Windows startbar menu in the following order click Start Programs Denford VR Milling see icon shown on left 4 Alternatively if you have setup a desktop shortcut to the VR CNC oo Milling software double click this icon to start the software see a hown on left VR Miling eae om Deeks Icdn 5 Due to the amount of information that can be shown by the Per software we recommend a screen Setting of at least 1024 x 768 in 16 bit High Colour 6 To exit the VR CNC Milling software click File Exit Important Never exit the VR CNC Milling software when your Novamill is machining or processing any operational instructions VR Milling Startbar Icon When using the VR CNC Milling software to drive a real CNC machine attached to your computer The real CNC machine MUST be switched on BEFORE you start the VR CNC Milling software 22 Starting and Configuring the S oftware Section 4 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 4 General Layout of the Software The example screenshot below shows the general layout of the different elements in the VR CNC Milling software Editor 2D Simulation Machine Mode Docked Titlebar Menubar Window Window Window Toolbars Virtu PAeality CNC Millin
64. e machine to fast traverse to position X20 Y 40 N 101 Z2 instructs the machine to move the cutter until itis 2mm above the surface of the billet The lastG code given was GO on the previous line so the machine will fast traverse to this position N 111 G1 Z 1 F100 G1 instructs the machine to cut a straight line from point to point Z 1 instructs the machine to cut 1mm into the material since Z0 is the surface of the material F100 instructs the machine to use a feedrate of 100mm per minute N 121 Y 20 F150 the last G code issued was G1 on line N111 The cutter will move to position Y 20 cutting a slot with a feedrate of 150mm per minute N 131 X40 the last G code issued was G1 on line N111 The cutter will move to position X40 cutting a slot continuing with a feedrate of 150mm per minute N 141 Y40 the last G code issued was G1 on line N111 The cutter will move to position Y 40 cutting a slot continuing with a feedrate of 150mm per minute N 151 X20 the last G code issued was G1 on line N111 The cutter will move to position X20 cutting a slot continuing with a feedrate of 150mm per minute This finishes the square shape etched into the centre of the billet N 161 GO Z2 GO instructs the machine to fast traverse to position Z2 moving the cutter 2mm above the surface of the billet N 171 M5 M5 instructs the machine to switch off the spindle N 181 G91 G28 X0 Y0 Z0 G91 instructs the machine to follow incremental
65. e modifications After modifications add 2 padding spaces VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 5 Working with CNC Files 35 5 Saving a CNC File Fie New Open ReOpen gt 5a Si Save Project Source gt Exit To save your CNC file click File Save As Save in SI Data al c a Bike fne a Inch fne a Testt fne castor fne a Metric fne Chair fne MilT fne Cog fne Sam fne EGG CUP FNC Table fne E Frog fne sa test fne File name Jexample tnc Save as type Fanuc CNC File FNC x Cancel Select the directory used for storing your CNC files using the Save in panel Enter the filename in the File name dialogue box using the file extension fnc as shown above then click the Save button J argon Buster An fnc file is a FANUC milling file containing G and M codes that describe the machining operations necessary for manufacture of the part 36 Working with CNC Files Section 5 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 5 Loading a CNC File File New ReOpen gt Save Save As Save Project Source Exit To load a previously saved CNC file click File Open Open Look in adae i tt C s sSYS jo c a Bike fnc a Inch fne a Testt fne a castor fne a Metric fne a Chair fne fa Mill fe a Cog fne Sam fne EGG CUP FNC e Table
66. e parallel port Recommended Specification IBM PC or 100 compatible computers Pentium 166MHz MMX processor 32MbRAM Windows 98 Operating System Double speed CD ROM drive Microsoft 100 compatible mouse 10Mb Free hard disk space e Colour Monitor running at 1024 x 768 resolution with 16bit High Colour graphics 3D accelerator card with 4MB VRAM e Windows compatible soundcard 2 free serial ports e 1 free parallel port 8 Software Installation Section 2 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 2 Hardware Connections Ancillary Equipment such as this printer connects to the Parallel porton the PC Personal Computer PC 9 to 25 pin adapters may be required to make the connectors fit the sockets on the PC To the CNC machine or external device Hardware connections are shown for offline use of the VR CNC Milling software Users wishing to connect a physical Denford CNC machine to their computers should refer to their separate Denford CNC Machine Manual VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 2 Software Installation 9 2 Fitting the Security The VR CNC Milling Security Dongle Dongle software will not run without the Denford Fit the security dongle onto the parallel port of your computer The parallel port is usually positioned on the back panel of your computer
67. e work datum point GO instructs the machine to fast traverse to position X0 25 Y 2 25 N 231 Z0 08 instructs the machine to move the cutter until it is 0 08 above the surface of the billet The last G code given was GO on the previous line so the machine will fast traverse to this position N 241 G1 Z 0 125 F3 9 G1 instructs the machine to cuta straight line from point to point Z 0 125 instructs the machine to cut 0 125 into the material cutting completely through the billet since Z0 is the surface of the material F3 9 instructs the machine to use a feedrate of 3 9 per minute N 251 X1 75 F5 9 the last G code issued was G1 on line N241 The cutter will move to position X1 75 cutting a slot with a feedrate of 5 9 per minute N 261 G2 X2 25 Y1 75 J 0 5 G2 instructs the machine to cut a clockwise arc The arc is cut from the position reached in the previous program line to the position X2 25 Y1 75 The centre point of the arc is defined by J 0 5 where J indicates the X axis The centre point is 0 5 along the X axis from the start position of the arc The arc is cut with a feedrate of 5 9 per minute N 271 G1 Y0 25 G1 instructs the machine to cut a straight line from point to point The cutter will move to position Y0 25 cutting a slot continuing with a feedrate of 5 9 per minute N 281 X0 75 the last G code issued was G1 on line N271 The cutter will move to position X0 75 cutting a slot continuing with a feedr
68. eceives These co ordinate movements are read from our loaded CNC file In other words the position of the workpiece datum will determine the place on the CNC machine where our part is manufactured What actually happens when program my workpiece datum position Configuring the workpiece datum position shifts or offsets the entire three dimensional co ordinate grid system used by the CNC machine The workpiece datum will now be read by the CNC machine as its zero position rather than the machine datum VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 9 What are Offsets EE Where should position the workpiece datum on The part datum defines the zero point in our CNC program the starting position from which all co ordinates that describe the shape of our design are plotted For further information about Offsets and CNC terminology please see section 13 CNC Theory my billet This depends on the position of the part datum set in your CNC program The part datum is the zero reference or starting point used when plotting all the co ordinates that describe the shape of your design The part datum could have been set by the programmer when manually writing the CNC program from a traditional engineering drawing or automatically set by a CAD CAM software package For example if you used the CAD CAM software package Denford MillCAM Designer your design would have been drawn within a fixed area representing
69. ep perimeter of the design This tool profile should be assigned tool number 2 e 3 16 0 1875 slot cutter Used to etch the 1 16 0 0625 depth Square design in the centre of the billet This tool profile should be assigned tool number 1 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 6 Configuring the Tooling 51 7 Displaying the 2D Simulation window m The 2D Simulation window provides a plan view of F20 the billet together with any machined parts when 2D Simulati the CNC file is executed To display the 2D Simulation window click the 2D Simulation button shown above from the Outputs toolbar 2D Simulation Setup Graphics v Auto Save Bitmap Saye as Bitmap Save Bitmap Use XY Offsets Click the Use X Y Offsets option on the 2D Simulation menu so a tick mark is not shown next to the title as shown above This will display the 2D simulation without using any simulated offsets The 2D Simulation window will show a fullsize view of the billet as shown below The narrow righthand column shows a side view of the billet used for indicating tool cutting depths 2D Simulation To close the 2D Simulation window click the 2D Simulation button shown above from the Outputs toolbar 52 Running Simulations Section 7 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 7 Running a 2D Simulation of a CNC file Before running the 2D simulation e Check that the units of measurement set for the VR CNC Mi
70. f the workpiece datum has been set but only for the particular tool profile you are using E Repeat the Configure Z Tool Length Offsets process for all remaining Tool Profiles The Z Tool Length Offsets process must be repeated for all the other tool profiles that will be used with the CNC File If you are following our tutorials the X and Y offsets do not require configuring again since the X and Y values are common to both tools used Only the Z value needs to be configured since both tools differ in length Tutorial VR CNC Machine Users Note that a value of zero is left in the Z dialogue box of the workpiece offset file This is because the workpiece datum and tool length offset reference points lie along the same position in the Z axis the tool length offset reference point was the surface of the billet Tutorial Real CNC Machine Users Note that a global Z offset value must be entered into the Work Piece Offsets window to account for billet thickness the tool length offset reference point was the surface of the sub table rather than the surface of the billet See the next two pages for further details 86 Configuring Offsets Section 9 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 9 Configuring a global Z Offset Value If you are following our tutorials on a real CNC machine using the sample CNC files listed on pages 14 to 21 the following 2 pages describe how to enter a global Z value into the offset file to account fo
71. fnc a Frog fne fa test fnc File name Metic fnc Files of type Fanuc Miller File fnc Cancel Select the directory used for storing the CNC file using the Look in panel Click on the name of the file required its name will appear in the File name dialogue box Graphic bitmaps of the CNC file are also displayed in the righthand panel when previously saved as shown above Click the Open button to load the CNC file into the Editor window VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 5 Working with CNC Files 37 5 Fast Loading of a known CNC file File New Open ReOpen 1 C Denford D ata T est fne Save 2 C Denford Data T utorial fne Save As 3 C Denford Data Inch fne Save Project 4C Denford Data castor fne 5C Denford Data test fne Source Exit The ReOpen option can be used to gain fast access to CNC files that have been loaded in previous sessions Click File ReOpen choiceof filename to reopen the required CNC file as shown above 38 Working with CNC Files Section 5 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 6 Using the Tool Library Upon initial installation the default Tooling Library profiles available are as follows Metric Tooling Slot Drills 1mm 2mm 3mm 4mm 6mm 8mm 10mm 12mm End Mills 1mm 2mm 3mm 4mm 6mm 8mm 10mm 12mm Ball Noses 1mm 2mm 3mm 4mm 6mm 8mm 10mm 12mm In
72. g Trizc S ES Fie Control Setup Windows Utiitids Editor C Denford Data Metric fnc N001 G21 N 011 BILLET X60 Y60 Z2 20 Simulation N 021 EDGEMOVE X0 YO ema N 031 TOOLDEF T1 D4 N 041 TOOLDEF T2 D2 N 051 G91 G28 X0 YO Z0 S N061 M671 Eeee N 071 643 H1 i WA Machine b Machine Mode Machine Home Jog Auto _ Options ai File Control Toolbar eee ee tes Ll Toolbar Sees ela a uenee Metric za TE Skip Block OFF Offsets Pefault Machine Offset File C lfenford Data Mettic ine Main Program Denford Virtual 3D Simulation Docked Statusbar Reality Window Window Toolbars Not all the VR CNC Milling software option windows are shown in the example screenshot VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 4 Starting and Configuring the Software 23 4 Using the Toolbars The various toolbars in the software can be repositioned to form different screen layouts as required Note Only toolbars can be docked and undocked Any windows appearing through use of the toolbar buttons can only be displayed in the main software window If you are unsure about the function of any toolbar button hover your mouse cursor over the button to display a pop up hint caption Docked Toolbar Example Z CNC Milling for Windows Triac File Editor Edit Search Modify Preferences gt DULA A docked toolbar can be po
73. gth offset using another tool Remember Z tool length offset files are individual to each tool profile unlike workpiece offset files which are global ick the Z Offset button Set Offset The Z Tool Length Y 1 111 300 O Offset value is saved to the tool profile itself viewed in the Machine z GT om Tooling window not the f i offsets file viewed in the NR i Work Piece Offsets oe Cancel window mi work Piece Co ordinates a Enter the tool length offset value here Set Z offset for tool 1 4mm Slot Drill C Specify the Tool Length Value The Set Offset window for Z tool length offset values is displayed Enter the Z tool length offset value into the dialogue box if required In the tutorial example the Z co ordinate value from the Machine Mode window will automatically be entered into the dialogue box Click the OK button to confirm the value VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 9 Configuring Offsets 85 9 Configuring the Tool Length Offset Value D Check the Z Co ordinate Value has registered correctly for the tool currently held in the machine head Machine Mode Home Jog Auto The Z co ordinate value changes to zero F300 s2350 T1 work Piece Co ordinates The Z co ordinate value in the Machine Mode window shown in the above screenshot will read zero indicating that the Z component o
74. he last G code issued was G1 on line N241 The cutter will move to position X40 cutting a slot with a feedrate of 150mm per minute N 261 G2 X55 Y40 J 15 G2 instructs the machine to cut a clockwise arc The arc is cut from the position reached in the previous program line to the position X55 Y 40 The centre point of the arc is defined by J 15 where J indicates the X axis The centre point is 15mm along the X axis from the start position of the arc The arc is cut with a feedrate of 150mm per minute N 271 G1 Y5 G1 instructs the machine to cut a straight line from point to point The cutter will move to position Y5 cutting a slot continuing with a feedrate of 150mm per minute N 281 X20 the last G code issued was G1 on line N271 The cutter will move to position X20 cutting a slot continuing with a feedrate of 150mm per minute N 291 G3 X5 Y20 I 15 G3 instructs the machine to cut an anti clockwise arc The arc is cut from the position reached in the previous program line to the position X5 Y20 The centre point of the arc is defined by I 15 where indicates the Y axis The centre point is 15mm along the Y axis from the start position of the arc The arc is cut with a feedrate of 150mm per minute N 301 G1 Y55 G1 instructs the machine to cut a straight line from point to point The cutter will move to position Y55 cutting a slot continuing with a feedrate of 150mm per minute N 311 GO Z2 GO instructs the machine to f
75. he tool so the cutting tip is just making contact with the Surface of the temporary MDF bed Now enter the value into the Z tool length offset file then repeat the process for all remaining tools to be used with the CNC file Section 11 Using a real CNC Machine 107 12 Running a CNC file on a CNC Machine Auto Mode Home Jog Auto Spindle F 30 s20 fT Machine Co ordinates The Auto tab is used for controlling the CNC machine when running a CNC file When potentiometer controls are fitted to the CNC machine allowing direct manual override of both the feedrate and spindle speed both the software Feed and Spindle control panels will be disabled as shown above File Control gt DLI To start the CNC file ensure the Editor window cursor is The numerical figures Positioned at the start of the first line of the CNC file Click the depicted on any triangular Play button from the File Control toolbar shown screenshots will differ above according to the CNC machine type the units of measurement setting for the CNC Milling software and any offsets being used on your computer system 108 Part Manufacture Section 12 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 12 Feedrate amp Spindle Speed Overrides On CNC machines not fitted with potentiometer controls both the feedrate and spindle speed can be changed using the VR CNC Milling software slider bars s
76. he units of measurement currently in use The units of measurement can also be configured using the Setup Units menu option 28 Starting and Configuring the S oftware Section 4 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 5 Creating a New CNC File File Open ReOpen Save Save As Save Project Source Exit Click File New to create a new CNC file as shown above Editor New File Line 1 Column 1 The blank Editor window will be displayed as shown above The Editor window behaves in a similar way to a simple word processor such as Windows Notepad VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 5 Working with CNC Files 29 5 Entering Data into the Editor window Click the mouse cursor inside the Editor window then begin typing in the text from your CNC file Your CNC file describes the program of commands and movements used to manufacture the part hence CNC files are often referred to as Part Programs If you are following our tutorials use the sample CNC files listed on pages 14 to 21 G21 BILLET X60 Y60 Z2 EDGEMOVE X0 YO TOOLDEF T1 D4 TOOLDEF T2 D2 G91 G28 X0 YO ZO Line 6 Column 17 As text characters are typed they will appear on the appropriate line of the Editor window as shown above When each line of text is completed press the Enter Return key to create a new program line CNC Programming Basics CNC files are construc
77. he work piece offset file are global They will be used with any tool profile irrespective of tool length B Enter the new Z Offset Value Fork Piece Offsets E Machine Offsets x F221 60 Default Machine Offset wv New Offset v fea iS Simulation Offsets 2 Zoo l Default Simulation Offset Enter the new Z offset value The Z offset value entered should be the thickness of the billet If you are using the CNC sample files this value will be either 2mm shown highlighted by the white square in the above screenshot or 1 8 0 125 Deselect the Machine Mode window so that it no longer active by clicking on any other open VR CNC Milling window for example the Editor window C Check the global Z Co ordinate Value has registered correctly Machine Mode Home Jog Auto The Z co ordinate value changes to indicate the workpiece datum has shifted M Codes Sek OF Z Offset work Piece Co ordinates F3000 S250 The Z co ordinate value in the Machine Mode window shown in the above screenshot will read the same value as the billet thickness but with a negative sign indicating that the cutter is now below the workpiece datum point ie it would be cutting completely through the billet material Finally home the CNC machine by clicking the Home tab in the Machine Mode window then clicking the ll Axes button Important
78. hey can all be used by one CNC file TOOLPOS Tinitira The holder for the various cutting tools TRAVERSE viisssississccraresoviss Movement of the cutting tool through the 3 machine axes between cutting settings TXT a aek Standard Windows text only file extension txt WORK WORKPIECE The actual material being milled Quite often this work is also secured onto a sub table The work is sometimes referred to as the a billet or stock WORKPIECE DATUM Used as a zero reference point on the real billet All machining co ordinates originate from this point when offset files are used WORD aeiiaaie A combination of a letter address and digits used in a CNC program ie G42 M04 etc VIRTUAL REALITY ooo A fully interactive three dimensional computer based simulation of a real world object or event KING aasta ieit gn Denford Compiled CNC file extension xnc A compiled file is a FANUC Miller file that is formatted to allow 3D elements such as the 3D Viewer to run as quickly as possible XNC files can also be used to drive an attached CNC machine when run through the VR CNC Milling software Z TOOL OFFSET sss See Tool Offset VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 14 Glossary 129 15 Index Symbols 2D simulation Configuring with offsets oo 60 displaying window iud running simulation D3 running With offsets sssscccssnnnierren 62 3D simulation configuring with offsets eee 63 disp
79. hown below In Auto Mode feedrate changes will only be registered when an actual feedrate is being applied by the controller In Auto Mode spindle speed changes will only be registered when an actual spindle speed is being applied by the controller Software Feedrate Override when available Feed The Feed panel displays a vertical slider bar and the current feedrate override displayed as a percentage Override values between 1 100 are set in the lower grey portion of the slider bar Override values between 100 150 are set in the upper red portion of the slider bar To change the feedrate value click and hold down the left mouse button on the slider bar then drag the slider bar up or down to the new position When the Units of Measurement are set to Inch the feedrate is measured using inches per minute When the Units of Measurement are set to Metric the feedrate is measured using millimetres per minute Software Spindle Speed Override when available Spindle The Spindle panel displays a vertical slider bar and the current spindle speed override displayed as a percentage Override values between 1 100 are setin the lower grey portion of the slider bar Override values between 100 150 are set in the upper red portion of the Slider bar To change the spindle speed value click and hold down the left mouse button on the slider bar then drag the Slider bar up or down to the new position
80. inate value into the tool length offset file The tool length offset facility is used to compensate for the differences in length between all the tools used with the CNC file Note that the procedure must be repeated for all tools you intend to use A Move the tool so the cutting tip just touches the chosen tool length offset reference point see the diagrams on the opposite page All tool length offsets are configured against a common tool length offset reference point When values are entered into each individual tool length offset file each tool will use this reference point as their zero co ordinate along the Z axis Itis this figure that compensates for the differences in length when various tools are used together on the same job Check the machine axes are set in og Continuous Mode by clicking the J og button in the Machine Mode window so the button displays a straight arrow graphic Jog IN J og Continuous Mode the selected machine axis will move at the indicated speed when one of the machine S axis movement keys are pressed and held down The lt l selected machine axis will continue to move until the key is released The slider bar can be moved to set jog speeds between 0 and 1000 units When the Units of Measurement are set to Inch the rate of movement is measured using inches per minute When the Units of O Measurement are set to Metric the rate of movement is measured using millimetres per minu
81. installation program Click the square button next to the Install VR CNC Milling title and follow the on screen instructions Select the title of the CNC machine used for default configuration by the VR CNC Milling software by clicking in one of the checkboxes The selected CNC machine is shown using a tick mark Select the area of your hard disk where the VR CNC Milling software can be installed together with any program group names We strongly recommend that you allow the Denford installer to create its own directory if you have not used any Denford software previously Restart your computer before trying to run the VR CNC Milling software for the first time Ensure that the security dongle is fitted to the parallel port of your computer See previous page 3 4 5 6 7 8 It is recommended that Important you allow the Denford Once the software has installation program to been installed we create its own recommend you place directories and set up its any software master default values If you copies in a safe dry find these inconvenient location then feel free to alter them VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 2 Software Installation 11 2 Technical Support Denford Limited provides unlimited Technical Support on this software Technical Support is only available to registered users If your software was not registered with Denford Limited at the point of sale e mail or fax your regi
82. irtual Reality CNC Machine 89 10 Virtual Reality Window General Layout The Denford Virtual Reality window is used to display a three dimensional representation of the CNC machine This VR CNC machine is driven and responds in exactly the same way as its real life counterpart making the VR Machine Mode ideal for offline CNC training In the example below a Denford Triac VMC CNC Milling Machine is being controlled through virtual reality Denford Virtual Realit l Seu 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 The Denford Virtual Reality window shown above is split into three basic areas The Viewbar top circled is the area of the window where preset viewpoints can be applied and the virtual reality world configured The Main Viewing Area the largest area of the window is where the Objects and devices in the virtual worlds can be seen The Movebar bottom circled is the area of the window containing the controls for moving around the virtual world 90 Using a Virtual Reality CNC Machine Section 10 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 10 Moving around the Virtual Reality World de The movebar tools allow you to freely fly around the virtual world using your mouse Try to think of the display in the Main Viewing Area as being the view from a floating camera head which you can control using the three movement icons Each icon is used to control a different type of movement in the virtual world Using the Movebar to mov
83. l For detailed information regarding operation of the tool change system hardware fitted to your CNC machine please refer to your separate CNC Machine Users On CNC machines fitted with manual tool change systems an Manual Information window is displayed as shown above If you are using a real CNC machine wait for the spindle and axes to stop moving then open the safety guard door Manually replace the tool holder with the tool number indicated in the Information window then close the safety guard door Confirm that the tool change operation has been completed by clicking the OK button 72 CNC Machine Control Section 8 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 8 Changing Tools Manually Automatic Tool Changer On CNC machines fitted with an Automatic Tool Changer system the tool change operation will be performed automatically Machine Tooling Current Filename Default mtf Following completion of the tool change operation the new tool profile number held in the machine head is shown by the triangular red arrow at the top of the Machine Tooling window as shown above VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 8 CNC Machine Control 73 9 What are Offsets Jargon Buster T X The moveable workpiece datum defines the zero point on our workpiece the material we want to machine the starting point for any cutting co ordinates supplied by the machine controller
84. laying window running simulation running with offsets A Ruto Mode arah aiaiai 108 C CHANGING tools eee ceseesstessteseesesseeseseesneesnees 72 ONG a a a a dian 7 CNC file fast loading iaria 38 loading NEW a anaa SAWING anairt CNC machine datuming home mode seeen 67 feedrate override 109 file control sss 108 movement jog mode 69 running a cnc file auto mode s s 108 spindle speed override oo eset 109 CNC machine real hardware Connections srir 99 Staring iaaea 100 Co ordinate based grid theory 111 Co ordinate system display modes 68 Connecting hardware ceceesceseesseesesesesesees 9 Contact detailseid 12 Conventions iM Manual sssrin 5 D Dongle connection sessies 10 130 Index Section 15 E Editor window cursor positioning 31 editing text 32 end of block symbols 34 nterdata cist kereye t 30 program line numbering seiere 33 program line spacing 35 selecting text 32 End of block symbols 34 Entering g code data wees 30 Example cnc file E E E E EA 18 MEIC naia 14 F Fast loading a cnc file eee 38 Feedrate override sseessseesssssssstecsseessssesssnesnees 109 G General layout of software eseeeeereeees 23 Glos SaNi neiaa n a a ia 127 H Help technical support uo cesses 12 Helpfiles ariii ii Home mode HOMING Heory asirieni 110 l instalation aa 11 Interaction
85. length offset reference point and the workpiece datum point share the same Z axis co ordinate position If the tool length offset reference point is selected as the top surface of the temporary machine sub table then workpiece datum position Z workpiece offset value this will be the thickness of the billet a positive value tool length offset value for tool 1 this will be a negative value Configuring the position of the workpiece datum for tool 2 Location of the Workpiece Datum When the appropriate machine and tool offsets are loaded Y Offset Value 20 if Cutting Tool Shik ye ee J Workpiece Offset i e 7 gt atHome X Offset Vale gt gt Position AOE Ala Workpiece Offsets File Workpiece Offsets A A i f 1 l l 1 1 l t sy ete Se LZ eS Machine Table A e r Workpiece 7 A g aum Snt E Temporary Machine Sub table 120 CNC Theory Section 13 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 13 Configuring Offsets for more than One Tool Remember in this example tool profile 1 has a greater length compared with tool profile 2 1 Defining the X position of the workpiece datum for tool 2 When the tool 2 is at the home position the X offset position is defined as the distance between the centre of the tool and the workpiece datum parallel to the X axis We do not need to set any X offset value for tool 2 since this distance is exactly the same as the X offset fo
86. length offsets see section 9 pages 76 to 88 Manufacture the part see section 12 pages 108 to 109 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 3 Using the Tutorials 13 3 Sample CNC File Metric The CNC file shown on pages 15 to 17 can be used throughout the series of tutorials Below 3D simulation of the metric millimetres sample CNC file Part Datum Position marked by crosshairs Billet High Density Polystyrene Part Datum Position Top lefthand front corner of proposed billet Dimensions X length 60mm Y width 60mm Z height 2mm Tools required 2mm slot cutter cutting 2mm deep 4mm slot cutter cutting 1mm deep 14 Using the Tutorials Section 3 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 3 Sample CNC File Metric Metric millimetres sample CNC file with no formatting Check that the units of measurement are set to Metric The units of measurement are configured using the Units button on the Options toolbar Copy and paste the CNC file listed below into a new blank Editor window Save the CNC file as Metric fnc G21 BILLET X60 Y 60 Z10 EDGEMOVE X0 Y0 TOOLDEF T1 D4 TOOLDEF T2 D2 G91G28X0Y0Z0 M6T1 G43H1 M3S1500 G90G0X20Y 40 Z2 G1Z 1F100 Y20F150 X40 Y40 X20 G0Z2 M5 G91G28X0Y0Z0 M6T2 G43H2 M3S 1500 G90GOX5Y55 Z2 G1Z 2F100 X40F150 G2X55Y 40 15 G1Y5 X20 G3X5Y 201 15 G1Y55 G0Z2 M5 G91G28X0Y0Z0 M30 VR CNC
87. les for use with the When using a real ATC sample Metric oe file listed on pages 14 to 17 ensure that tools are Check that the units of measurement are set to Metric The units added to the numbered of measurement setting for the VR CNC Milling software is configured using the Units button on the Options toolbar carousel pockets matching their tool number definitions The Metric version of the sample CNC file uses two tool profiles 2mm slot cutter Used to cut the 2mm deep perimeter of the design This profile should be assigned tool number 2 Default data for this tool profile is shown below Tooling Library e TOOLS ae 2mm Slot Drill Diameter 2 000 length 50 000 Tool Length offset 0 000 Flute length 25 000 Flute Count 2 Maximum tool Life 50 Current tool Life 0 Slot Mill gl 4mm Slot Drill 8 8 8 8 0 4mm slot cutter Used to etch the 1mm depth square design in the centre of the billet This profile should be assigned tool number 1 Default data for this tool profile is shown below Tooling Library B 2mm Slot Drill SEE 4mm Slot Drill Diameter 4 000 length 50 000 Tool Length offset 0 000 Flute length 25 000 Flute Count 2 Maximum tool Life 50 Current tool Life 0 Slot Mill a 1 8 0 125 Slot Drill gt mBo Ee Eo Ee Ee E VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 6 Configuring the Tooling 45 6 Tool
88. lling software matches the units used in both the CNC file and any tooling profiles The units of measurement setting for the VR CNC Milling software is configured using the Units button on the Options toolbar e Check that the tool numbers and tool profiles used in the Machine Tooling window match those used by your CNC file To run the CNC file ensure the Editor window cursor is positioned at the start of the first line of the CNC file File Control gt DOLIN Click the triangular P lay button from the File Control toolbar shown above The 2D Simulation window will update according to the line being executed in the CNC file until the end of the CNC file is reached 2D Simulation 5 000 v 55 000 Z 2000 Toolk2 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 7 Running Simulations 53 7 Displaying the 3D Simulation window Nee The 3D Simulation window provides a three L SO dimensional view of the billet together with any 3p posi machined parts when the CNC file is executed To display the 3D Simulation window click the 3D Simulation button shown above from the Outputs toolbar 3D Viewer Draw Mode gt Setup gt Auto Save Bitmap Save as Bitmap gt Save Bitmap s Use XY Offsets Click the Use X Y Offsets option on the 3D Viewer menu so a tick mark is not shown next to the title as shown above This will display the 3D simulation without using an
89. lowed chronologically as outlined in the flowchart If you are new to using the VR CNC Milling software we recommend that you follow the entire course from start to finish The full course should take around 1 hour to complete Steps F and G are not required when working with a Virtual Reality CNC machine Billet data is taken from Denford directives written in the CNC program step B Tooling data is taken from the configuration of the software tooling step C PTX Several steps must be completed before the final manufacture of a part The flowchart below lists the general steps that should be followed for CNC file creation simulation and final part manufacture in the recommended order However miscellaneous factors may warrant the user to complete the steps in a different order to that shown A Startthe VR CNC Milling software see section 4 pages 22 to 23 B Load or create the CNC program see section 5 pages 29 to 38 C Configure the tooling in the VR CNC Milling software see section 6 pages 39 to 44 and 47 to 50 D Simulate the CNC program in 2D or 3D see section 7 pages 52 to 55 E Startand home the CNC machine see section 8 pages 66 to 67 F Prepare any tooling hardware for the CNC machine see your separate CNC machine manual G Load the billet onto the machine table see your separate CNC machine manual H Configure the workpiece offset file and tool
90. lue window F 30 s20 fT Machine Co ordinates The J og tab is used for manually moving the CNC machine axes within their co ordinate working envelope J og Control Modes The J og panel displays the J og button a vertical slider bar and the jog control value window The machine table and head can be jogged or moved using two different methods outlined on the next page To change between these two methods click the J og button To change the jog control value click and hold down the left mouse button on the slider bar then drag the slider bar up or down to the new position When the Units of Measurement are set to Inch the rate of movement displayed in the jog control value window is measured using inches per minute When the Units of Measurement are set to Metric the rate of movement displayed in the jog control value window is measured using millimetres per minute VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 8 CNC Machine Control 69 8 Moving the Axes J og Mode J og Control Modes Jog Continuous In jog continuous mode the selected machine axis will move at the speed displayed in the jog control value window when one of the machine axis movement keys are pressed and held down The selected machine axis will continue to move until the key is released The slider bar can be moved to set jog speeds between 0 and 1000 units When J og Continuous is active the J og button graphic will be
91. ng a Virtual Reality CNC Machine and section 11 Using a real CNC Machine for further information If you are following our tutorials using the sample CNC files listed on pages 14 to 21 the following 2 pages describe how to transfer the X co ordinate value of the X datum edge into the new offset file A Transfer the X Co ordinate Value into the Offset file Machine Mode Home Jog Auto This is the X co ordinate value that will be transferred into the offset file 221 600 69 900 111 300 F3000 S250 Check the Machine Mode window is configured to display workpiece co ordinates by clicking the Co ordinates button so that Work Piece Co ordinates is displayed in the statusbar Check that the required machine offset file is highlighted in the Work Piece Offsets window and its X Y and Z values are set to zero as shown below x GG 65 x co ordinate transfer datum Y 0000 button z A Using the Work Piece Offsets window click the datum button to the right of the X offset value display box as shown in the above screenshot B Specify the Cutter Orientation Before transferring the X co ordinate value the Set Offset window is displayed The settings are used to account for the cutter orientation method used Click the green tickmarks or red crosses to change the options 78 Configuring Offsets Section 9 VR
92. numerical combination of the tool length offset value for tool profile being used and the value entered into the Z component of the workpiece offsets file If the Z value in the workpiece offset file was left as zero the Z component of the workpiece datum would be in the same position as the tool offset reference point In our example if the Z component of the workpiece datum needed to be the upper surface of the billet a value equal to the thickness of the billet would be manually entered into the Z dialogue box of the workpiece offset file This would shift the workpiece datum up to the correct position Note that the value manually entered into the Z dialogue box of the workpiece offset file will be sign sensitive A positive value will move the workpiece datum up the Z axis whilst a negative value will move the workpiece datum down VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 13 CNC Theory 123 13 Configuring a Z Offset for Material Thickness Using Workpiece Offset Z Values as Material Thicknesses If you find that you always seem to place the real billet and its temporary machine sub table in exactly the same position on the machine table then this sequence can be used so offsets need only be configured once so long as the following holds true The position of your temporary machine sub table on the machine table never changes The X and Y workpiece datum position never changes ie the X and Y edges of the real billet al
93. ocations of the billet machine datum and programmed workpiece datum points on the VR CNC machine The tool length offset point is the upper surface of the billet The billet in the Denford Virtual R eality window is shown in red clamped next to the L shaped yellow datum plate on the machine table All screenshot examples are shown using the Denford Triac VMC CNC Milling Machine as the default VR CNC machine VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 10 Using a Virtual Reality CNC Machine 93 10 X and Y Workpiece Datum Alignment The example screenshots show the process of aligning the tool with the workpiece datum position on a VR CNC machine for the sample CNC files used in our tutorials A Home the VR CNC Machine if required Machine Mode Although the positions Home Jog Auto of workpiece datums x 0 000 ice Y 0 000 can vary the principles Z 0 000 shown here apply to all cases fsz a 3 Co Ordinates F150 s20 T2 Machine Co ordinates Click the Home tab of the Machine Mode window Home the VR CNC machine axes by clicking the All Axes button The VR CNC machine head will move to its machine datum position as shown in the above screenshot 94 Using a Virtual Reality CNC Machine Section 10 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 10 X and Y Workpiece Datum Alignment B Move to the approximate workpiece datum position in the Z axis Click the og tab of
94. ol profiles The workpiece datum is now in the correct position ready for machining to take place We call this position the workpiece datum including global Z offset in our example In the future if you load a CNC file that uses a different thickness of billet all you have to do is change the Z value in the workpiece offsets file This new value should be the thickness of the new billet No other changes are necessary to the workpiece offsets file or tool length offsets VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 13 CNC Theory 125 13 Configuring Offsets for a Single Tool Configuring Offsets when using only one Tool This sequence briefly explains the theory behind configuring the offsets when using only one tool with a CNC program This sequence can save considerable time when configuring the offsets when using only one tool LO 7 Location of the Workpiece Datum Machine Head When the appropriate machine and tool offsets are loaded Y Offset Vi Workpiec alue e Offsets File X Offset Value Position Workpiece Offsets File FF 1 Defining the X position of the workpiece datum When the tool is at the home position the X offset position is defined as the d between the centre of the tool and the workpiece datum parallel to the X axis is the value entered into the X component of the workpiece offsets file this wi negative value 2 Defining the Y position of the workpiece datum When the
95. om the Machine Tooling window Edit Tool Data Change Tool Type gt Changs To ue Tool Move Tool ms Swap Tool with Insert Tool Current Filename Default mtf Click the right mouse button on the number relating to the tool profile you want to remove then highlight and click the Remove Tool option on the pop up menu The tool number will change to a black colour to indicate it is empty Adding Tools into the Machine Tooling window Machine Tooling mE Edit Tool Data Change Tool Type Set Z offset for this Tool Remove Tool Move Tool To Swap Tool with Insert Tool 2mm al Drill 1 8 o E3 Slot Drill 3 16 0 1875 Slot Drill Current Filename Default mtf Click the right mouse button on a tool number in the Machine Tooling window Highlight and click the Insert Tool option on the pop up menu then highlight and click on the title of the tool profile you want to add The selected tool will then be assigned the specified tool number Any new tool profiles added will overwrite any old data assigned to the chosen tool number VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 6 Configuring the Tooling 49 Drag and Dropping Tools into the Machine Tooling window Machine Tooling a TOOLS 1mm Slot Drill Ea 2mm Slot D i gt Smm Slot Drill amp 4mm Slot Drill 6mm Slot Drill 8mm Slot Drill 10mm Slot Drill 12mm Slot Drill H 1mm End Mill
96. on of the X and Y workpiece datum edges using all six axis movement keys X Axis Cursor Right or Cursor Left Y Axis Cursor Up or Cursor Down Z Axis Page Up or Page Down The tool does not need to be positioned so itis touching the billet surface F Now transfer the X and Y values into the Work Piece Offsets file 106 Using a real CNC Machine Section 11 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 11 Tool Length Offset Reference Point Alignment Remember every tool must be manually aligned against the same tool length offset reference point then its individual values transferred to its own tool length offset file If you are running through the tutorials using the sample CNC files on a real CNC machine Pages 78 to 79 show the procedure for entering the single X co ordinate offset value Pages 80 to 81 show the procedure for entering the single Y co ordinate offset value Pages 82 to 86 show the procedure for entering the two different Z co ordinate tool length offset values Pages 87 to 88 shows the procedure for entering the single Z co ordinate value used as a global Z offset to account for billet thickness This is because the surface of the temporary MDF bed was used as the tool length offset reference point rather than the surface of the billet VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual This page shows the process of aligning the tool with the tool length
97. on the Options toolbar Copy and paste the CNC file listed below into a new blank Editor window Save the CNC file as Inch fnc G20 BILLET X2 5 Y2 5 Z0 5 EDGEMOVE x0 Y0 TOOLDEF T1 D0 1875 TOOLDEF T2 D0 125 G91G28X0Y0Z0 M6T1 G43H1 M3S1500 G90G0X0 75Y1 75 Z0 08 G1Z 0 0625F 3 9 Y0 75F5 9 X1 75 Y1 75 X0 75 G0Z0 08 M5 G91G28X0Y0Z0 M6T2 G43H2 M3S1500 G90G0X0 25Y 2 25 Z0 08 G1Z 0 125F 3 9 X1 75F5 9 G2X2 25Y 1 75 0 5 G1Y0 25 X0 75 G3X0 25Y0 751 0 5 G1Y2 25 G0Z0 08 M5 G91G28X0Y0Z0 M30 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 3 Using the Tutorials 19 3 Sample CNC File Inch Explanation of imperial inches sample CNC file N 001 G20 G20 defines the units of measurement being used as imperial inch N 011 BILLET X2 5 Y2 5 20 125 BILLET defines the size of the material being machined called the billet with X length 2 5 Y width 2 5 Z height 0 125 N 021 EDGEMOVE X0 Y0 EDGEMOVE defines work datum shift for the program X0 YO means no shift is applied N 031 TOOLDEF T1 D0 1875 TOOLDEF defines tool number 1 with a cutting diameter of 0 1875 N 041 TOOLDEF T2 D0 125 TOOLDEF defines tool number 2 with a cutting diameter of 0 125 N 051 G91 G28 X0 Y0 Z0 G91 instructs the machine to follow incremental movements until told otherwise incremental means all movements are described relative to the co ordinate position achieved in the last program line
98. oppy disk Virtual Reality is a fully interactive three dimensional computer based simulation of a real world object or event 6 Introduction Section 1 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 1 VR CNC Milling Software in Use The diagram below shows how all the different elements of the VR CNC Milling software work together from CNC file source through to a software or hardware outcome Output 2D Simulation o 3D Simulation Source Action File File Control oe WS New Fil Control Compiled Open ReOpen gt 00 i D r iae e ADA Save s Fost Dutput Save Project File e Mathe Editor _ CNC Compiled oo Off b AE e doa VA Machine p B Machine ri zi curercFienane Teo att Tooling Library Tool Carousel ATC Set Z Tool Offsets Workpiece Offsets VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 1 Introduction 7 2 Minimum System Requirements The following hardware is required to run VR CNC Milling software System Requirements Minimum Specification IBM PC or 100 compatible computers e Pentium 120MHz processor 24Mb RAM Windows 95 Operating System Double speed CD ROM drive Microsoft 100 compatible mouse 10Mb Free hard disk space e Colour Monitor running at 800 x 600 resolution with 16bit High Colour graphics e SVGA graphics card with 512KB VRAM 1free serial port e 1fre
99. ovements of the real CNC machine nN S amp S P ea i Se Machine VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 8 Homing a CNC Machine Home Mode The numerical figures depicted on any screenshots will differ according to the CNC machine type the units of measurement setting for the VR CNC Milling software and any offsets being used on your computer system In addition to homing the CNC machine after ithas first been switched on we also recommend homing the CNC machine after loading or configuring any offsets The J og and Auto tabs will not be displayed until the machine has been configured by homing all three machine axes VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual m X 319 470 Y 239 090 X Axis ONLY Z 22 451 Y Axis ONLY Z Axis ONLY All Axes F30 s20 fT When a CNC machine is first started the Machine Mode window will be displayed with only the Home tab active as shown above The Home tab is used for configuring the CNC machine before it can be fully used This process is commonly referred to as homing the machine or datuming each axis Each of the three machine axes is sent to their fixed zero positions This defines the three dimensional co ordinate grid system used for plotting tool ea positions and the limits of movement used on the CNC machine After homing the machine the zero position of the oe is referred to as the machine datum You c
100. r 2 000 Tool Length 50 000 Tool Flute Length 25 000 Tool Flute Count 2 Maximum Tool Life 50 Current Tool Life 0 Tool Length Offset 0 000 Tool Number Machine Tooling Current Filename Default mtf Filename Each coloured number refers to a tool number defined in your CNC file A black coloured number indicates the absence of any tool profile When a tool is transferred into the Machine Tooling window the colour allocated to that tool in the Tooling Library window is also transferred These colours are applied to the different tool numbers as they become allocated Profiles should be assigned tool numbers according to the number definitions defined in the CNC file being used For example if your CNC file defined T02 as a 2 0mm slot cutter then a 2 0mm slot cutter must be transferred to tool number 2 in the Machine Tooling window The triangular red marker arrow indicates the tool currently held in the machine head In the example above tool number 1 is currently held in the machine head The data panel in the centre of the window relates to the tool number indicated by the grey pointer Click the Details button to change the amount of information displayed see left In the example above the data panel relates to tool number 2 a 2 0mm Slot cutter To close the Machine Tooling window click the Tooling button from the Options toolbar VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Deleting Tools fr
101. r once you configure and save an offset file the same file may be used over and over again as long as the following holds true The same cutting tools are used The billet size does not change e The fixture that holds the billet does not move position on the machine table Bearing this in mind offset files can be created using titles for specific projects or student groups to save setup time during lectures VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 13 CNC Theory 117 13 Types of Offset Offsets are configured in two distinct stages 1 Workpiece Offsets A workpiece offsets file contains three values relating to any co ordinate shift required along the direction of the X Y and Z axes Without any workpiece offsets file loaded the zero co ordinate of the CNC machine is the location of the machine datum Workpiece offsets are used to temporarily shift the entire co ordinate based grid system of the machine setting a new location for the zero co ordinate of the CNC machine Any values entered into a workpiece offsets file are global ie they are used by all tool profiles irrespective of their different lengths 2 Tool Length Offsets Tool Length Offsets apply along the direction of the Z axis only They allow a variety of tool profiles to be used together on the same CNC program by offsetting their differences in length against a common fixed reference point Each tool has its own individual tool length offset
102. r billet thickness Machine Mode Home Jog Auto Jog Spindle Z S b The zero value is indicated when the tool is touching the surface of the sub table F3000 5250 und work Piece Co ordinates A Z value of zero is indicated when the tool is touching the surface of the sub table In order for the tool to cut at the correct depth this Z value must read zero when the tool is touching the surface of the billet A global Z value is entered to account for the thickness of the billet that will be used A Position the cursor inside the Z Offset Value display box Machine Offsets x F221 60 l Default Machine Offset v New Offset v ao l Simulation Offsets Z 10 000 es Default Simulation Offset Using the Work Piece Offsets window click the cursor inside the Z offset value display box highlighted by the white square in the above screenshot Drag the cursor back over the current offset figures to highlight them shown using white numbers on a blue background VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 9 Configuring Offsets 87 9 Configuring a global Z Offset Value The value entered into the offset file is sign sensitive For our sample CNC files you must enter a positive value in order to shift the workpiece datum up the Z axis The Z value accounting for billet thickness need only be set once since values in t
103. r tool 1 This is why the X offset value for tool 1 was entered into the workpiece offsets file since it is global it will be used by both tools 1 and 2 2 Defining the Y position of the workpiece datum for tool 2 When the tool 1 is at the home position the Y offset position is defined as the distance between the centre of the tool and the workpiece datum parallel to the Y axis We do not need to set any Y offset value for tool 2 since this distance is exactly the same as the Y offset for tool 1 This is why the Y offset value for tool 1 was entered into the workpiece offsets file since it is global it will be used by both tools 1 and 2 3 Defining the Z position of the workpiece datum for tool 2 When the tool 2 is at the home position the Z offset position is defined as the distance between the tip of the tool and the workpiece datum parallel to the Z axis The Z offsetis a combination of the tool length offset value for tool profile 2 and the value entered into the Z component of the workpiece offsets file If the tool length offset reference point is selected as the surface of the billet then workpiece datum position Z workpiece offset value this will be zero tool length offset value for tool 2 this will be a negative value Notice that in the above equation the Z workpiece offset value will be zero because the Z length tool offset reference point and the workpiece datum point share the same Z axis co ordinate position
104. re graduated in single step units Datum X 0 Y 0 Z 0 Co ordinate Example X 7 Y 6 Z 5 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 13 CNC Theory 111 13 The Machine Datum The machine datum or home position is the zero reference point of the CNC machine It s the point from which all co ordinates we load or program are calculated If there are no offsets loaded and we begin to run a CNC program the machine datum is the location from which all machining co ordinates are taken The position of the machine datum is set by your CNC machine manufacturer and can never be moved since it defines the physical movement capability of the machine If we place a tool in the machine head then home all three axes we can describe the machine datum as being the centre of the cutting tool tip The position of the machine datum when using machine co ordinates will be X 0 Y 0 and Z 0 as shown in the diagram below ae Machine Head Cutting Too Machine Datum 112 CNC Theory Section 13 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 13 The CNC Machine Working Envelope The diagram below shows the home position of the CNC machine The block represents the maximum working envelope of the machine effectively the full length of movement in each of the three axes This is the largest possible size of workpiece that the CNC machine could manage to cut with the tool currently held in the machine head However wo
105. reating a new Workpiece Offset file aH Offsets To display the Work Piece Offsets window click the Offsets button shown above from the Options toolbar The Work Piece Offsets window displays the various lists of offsets available The Workpiece Machine Offsets are used to configure the position of the workpiece datum on the Virtual Reality and attached real CNC machines General Layout E Machine Offsets x F Default Machine Offset el Simulation Offsets Default Simulation Offset Window titlebar Highlighted machine offset values Tickmark indicates offset file currently in use Highlighted machine offset file Machine offset file currently in Machine Offset Default Machine Offset use Simulation Offset Default Machine Offset Click on the squares to expand the Machine Offsets list or the Squares to collapse an open list To highlight a machine offset click on its title Highlighted machine offsets are shown using white title text on a blue background The co ordinate display panel to the right of the Machine Offsets list shows the X Y and Z co ordinates assigned to the highlighted machine offset A red tick mark is used to indicate the active currently used machine offset also shown in the statusbar positioned at the bottom of the Work Piece Offsets window To close the Work Piece Offsets window click the Offsets button from the Options toolbar
106. rkpieces larger than this size can be accommodated so long as they don t foul the insides of the machine cabinet when the machine table moves Location of the Machine Datum Co ordinate position X 0 Y 0 Z 0 When the machine has been homed and the machine co ordinate system is used Cutting Tool Max X Movement Max Z Movement VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 13 CNC Theory 113 13 Machine Co ordinates Display Mode Co ordinate System Display Modes The CNC machine display co ordinate movements using two different modes 1 Machine Co ordinates Any co ordinate values shown relate to the fixed machine datum The co ordinate display always shows the true position of the machine The machine datum position is set by your CNC machine manufacturer and can never be moved since it defines the physical movement capability of the machine When running in Machine Co ordinates Mode the Machine Datum is defined with the position X 0 Y 0 Z 0 Location of the Machine Datum Co ordinate position X 0 Y 0 Z 0 When the machine has been homed and the machine co ordinate system is used Negative X co ordinates Negative Y co ordinates Machine Table 114 CNC Theory Section 13 Cutting Tool l position Positive Z co ordinates Positive Y co ordinates lt Machine Positive X Datum co ordinates Negative Z ies co ordinates VR CNC Milling Softwar
107. rmanently fixed Remember it s the co ordinate based grid system of the CNC machine that temporarily moves giving the illusion that the machine datum itself has moved 116 CNC Theory Section 13 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 13 What are Offsets Note that the workpiece datum must be positioned on the real billet in the same place as the part datum was positioned with respect to the imaginary billet Compare the position of the workpiece datum in the diagram below with the position of the part datum in the diagram on page 116 they are identical If these datums were not identical the part would be machined in the wrong place on the real billet Workpiece lt 2 Datum v m Real Billet However that there may be occasions when you want to set the workpiece datum in different positions For example if you have a number of different CNC files that combine to make a part If these CNC files don t use a common part datum between them you would have to set workpiece datums individually so each CNC file machines in the correct area of the real billet Or you might want to machine the same CNC file a number of times on the same billet to produce identical parts Then you would need to set separate workpiece datums for the position of each part Offsets are very important because without them the CNC machine will not know where to begin cutting on the billet Offsets must always be configured before manufacturing our part Howeve
108. s two separate helpfiles both available from the Help menu title VR CNC Milling The VR CNC Milling for Windows software helpfile This helpfile contains VR CNC Milling tutorials detailed information about the various features of the VR CNC Milling software and troubleshooting guides CNC Programming The CNC Milling Programming helpfile This helpfile contains detailed information about individual G and M codes and structure of CNC files VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 4 Starting and Configuring the Software 27 4 Setting the Units of Measurement The units of measurement used by the VR CNC Milling software must be set to match the units of measurement used by your CNC file and any tool profiles used For example if you set the VR CNC Milling software to run in Metric Mode you must use a metric compatible CNC file and metric tooling Units Click the Units button shown above from the Options toolbar to change the units of measurement mode between Metric Mode Metric millimetre units Inch Mode Imperial inch units Metric Continuous Mode Skip Block OFF Offsets Default Machine Offset File C Denford Data Mettic fne The current setting of the option is displayed in the main program status bar positioned in the bottom left corner of the main program window The first information box on the upper line of this status bar highlighted white in the screenshot above indicates t
109. se to help during cursor over a viewpoint number button will display a pop up configuration of offsets description of the assigned view as shown above A number of For example the T viewpoints Button 1 Frontv Button 2 Right v Button 3 Frontv Button 4 Left vie Button 5 Frontv Button 6 Frontv Button 7 Left sid different viewpoints are available for each CNC machine riac CNC milling machine has the following nine iew of the Milling Machine iew of the cutter iew of the cutter w of the cutter iew attached to the cutter iew of the billet e view of the billet Button 8 Plan view of the billet Button 9 View of the Milling Machine power switch 92 Using a Virtual Reality CNC Machine Section 10 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 10 Using Offsets with the sample CNC Files We do not use a temporary machine sub table in Virtual Reality despite the fact the sample CNC file include sections where the tool cuts completely through the billet Naturally if we attempted this on a real CNC machine we would cause considerable damage to the machine table If you are following our tutorials using the sample CNC files listed on pages 14 to 21 the following 6 pages describe how to locate the position of the workpiece datum and tool length offset reference point so co ordinate vales can be entered into the VR Milling software The screenshot above shows the l
110. selected Highlighted tool profiles are shown using white title text on a blue background To close the Tooling Library window click the Tool Library button from the Options toolbar Highlighted Tool Graphic Panel Section 6 Configuring the Tooling 39 6 Viewing and Editing Tool Profile Data Note Ble Any data changes made are applied to identical tool profiles used in the Tooling Library and Machine Tooling windows Tooling Library Diameter 2 000 length 50 000 Tool Length offset 0 000 Flute length 25 000 Flute Count 2 Maximum tool Life 50 Current tool Life 0 Slot Mill H 4mm Slot Drill i T 7 F F 7 7 To display the data allocated to a specific tool click the square next to the text title of the tool required In the example above the red 2mm Slot Drill has been expanded to show its tool data list To edit a value in the tool data list double click the left mouse button on the data title required Before editing any tool profile data e Check that the units of measurement set for the VR CNC Milling software matches the units used by any tooling profiles The units of measurement setting for the VR CNC Milling software is configured using the Units button on the Options toolbar por ane onde editing a metric tool the VR CNC Milling software units of measurement must be set to memc The Tool Data window will be displayed as shown on
111. show a fullsize view of the billet on the machine table as shown below Workpiece Datum Position T 4 wee Toe In the example shown above the workpiece datum is currently positioned in the top righthand corner of the machine table The narrow righthand column shows a side view of the billet used for indicating tool cutting depths To close the 2D Simulation window click the 2D Simulation button shown above from the Outputs toolbar 60 Running Simulations Section 7 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 7 Moving the Workpiece Datum Point in 2D Zoom In Zoom Wut Grow All Object Data Setup Graphics To display and move the datum symbol right click in the 2D Simulation window then highlight and left click the Show Datum option from the pop up menu as shown above The workpiece datum symbol looks like this 2D Simulation To move the datum left click the mouse button on the datum symbol to lift it from the plan view Move the datum to the new position then left click the mouse button to fix the datum in its new position as shown above VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 7 Running Simulations 61 7 Running a 2D Simulation using X Y Offsets Before running the 2D simulation e Check that the units of measurement set for the VR CNC Milling software matches the units used in both the CNC file and any tooling profiles The units of measurement setting for
112. sing the Toolbars Using the Menubars Using the Helpfiles Setting the Units of Measuremen Section 5 Working with CNC Files Creating a New GNG Pilea cont csccertdieiucinsenateaniatiaetiuenuta wna dadtetliaietes 29 Entering Data into the Editor window Positioning the Editor window cursor wl Selecting and editing areas of text 132 Adding Program Line Numbering 133 Adding End of Block symbols 34 Adding Program Line Spacing Saving a CNC File Loading a CNC File Fast Loading of a known Section 6 Configuring the Tooling Using the Tool Library ssciiscsetsssecscozsshacadusstavaeanssgucvavsssass os sshiveseisatienj cnsutend whatsenicaates 39 Viewing and Editing Tool Profile Data Using the Tool Data window Creating a New Tool Profile ee Tool Profiles for the sample Metric CNC file Tool Profiles for the sample Inch CNC file Using the Machine Tooling window Transferring Tools into Machine Tooling Machine Tooling with the sample CNC files ceeesesseeseeseseesseesseeseeeneseensees 51 Section 7 Running Simulations Displaying the 2D Simulation WiNdOW s sssssssssssssstsssrsrsrsrsrstetnretnrnrnrnrnsnnnsnsnsnsnsnnsss 52 Running a 2D Simulation of a CNC file 3 Displaying the 3D Simulation window 54 Running a 3D Simulation of a CNC file DDD Why use Simulated Offsets 0 56 Cre
113. sitioned anywhere on the main software window docking bars Docking bars are provided at the grey border edges of the main software window To move a docked toolbar click and hold your left mouse button on the two grey lines at the end of the toolbar highlighted by the grey ellipse in the screenshot above Drag the toolbar to the new position and release the mouse button To undock a toolbar drag it off the window docking bar into the main software window then release the mouse button Undocked Toolbar Example CNC Milling for Windows Triac File Editor Edit Search Modify Preferences C File Control An undocked toolbar can be positioned anywhere in the main software window To move an undocked toolbar click and hold your left mouse button on the toolbar titlebar highlighted by the grey ellipse in the screenshot above Drag the toolbar to the new position and release the mouse button To dock a toolbar drag and position it over one of the grey border edges of the main software window 24 Starting and Configuring the Software Section 4 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 4 Using the Toolbars Toolbar buttons can be displayed in three different ways according to the settings Specified in the Setup Toolbars menu Default 1 Click Setup Toolbars Load Level 1 Defaults to format the toolbars with large picture buttons graphics and text titles as shown right Default 2 Click Setup Toolbars Lo
114. sses 77 displaying seess general layout Section 15 Index 131 Notes Use this page to make a note of any parts of the software you have changed or configured for example common tooling set ups machine parameters changes to installation paths or passwords etc 132 Index Section 15 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual
115. stration details to Denford Limited or your authorised Denford shipping agent as soon as possible When you request Technical Support please be Ta computer with your computer and software documentation to hand To minimise delay please be prepared to provide the following information Dongle Serial Number Registered user s name company name ae name and version number found in the Help About menu e The wording of any error messages that appear on your computer screen e A list of the steps that were taken to lead up to the problem Contact Details Denford Limited Birds Royd Brighouse West Yorkshire HD6 1NB UK Telephone 01484 712264 Fax 01484 722160 ISDN 01484401157 01484401161 E mail service denford co uk Technical Support Monday to Friday 8 30am 4 30pm GMT For USA please contact Denford Inc 815 West Liberty Street Medina Ohio 44256 USA Telephone 330 7253497 Fax 330 7253297 E mail service denford com Technical Support Monday to Friday 8 30am 4 30pm Eastern Internet http www denford com 12 Software Installation Section 2 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 3 Using the Tutorials Overview The numbered sections in this manual are arranged to forma complete tutorial introducing you to the various features available in the VR CNC Milling software Use the sample CNC files isted on pages 14 to 21 Sections can be studied individually or fol
116. te 82 Configuring Offsets Section 9 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 9 Configuring the Tool Length Offset Value Red Billet If you are using a Virtual Reality CNC machine the position of the tool length offset reference point fro each tool is anywhere on the upper surface of the red billet as shown above The Z value in the workpiece machine offset file value can remain zero Upper surface of sub table Upper surface of sub table If you are using a real CNC machine the position of the tool length offset reference point for each tool is anywhere on the upper surface of the sub table as shown above If your workpiece datum is the top surface of the billet a global Z offset value must also be added into the workpiece machine offset file to account for the billet thickness VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 9 Configuring Offsets 83 9 Configuring the Tool Length Offset Value Move the cutter down towards the tool length offset reference point using the six movement keys X Axis Cursor Right or Cursor Left Y Axis Cursor Up or Cursor Down Z Axis Page Up or Page Down Try to position the tip of the tool about 10mm 1 2 above the chosen tool length offset reference point Switch to og Step Mode by clicking the J og button so the button displays a stepped arrow graphic In J og Step Mode the selected machine axis will move one indicated increment e
117. ted using G and M codes Each line of G and M codes is called a block for example G91 G28 X0 Y0 Z0 from the part program shown above Each block is created from different program words for example G91 is one word from the part program shown above Each program word is constructed from a letter called the address and a number The address letter together with its number describes the type of code used For more information about using G and M codes click Help CNC Programming to display the CNC Programming helpfile containing sections on part program structure and illustrated descriptions explaining the use of each G and M code 30 Working with CNC Files Section 5 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 5 Positioning the Editor window cursor Edtor window 591G28X0Y0Z0 cursor MBTI G43H1 Mouse positioning M3S1500 cursor G90G0X20Y40 Z2 61Z 1F 100 Line B Column 1 The Editor window cursor is a flashing vertical black line highlighted in the above screenshot This cursor shows where characters can currently be inserted removed or highlighted To remove characters directly behind the Editor window cursor press the Delete key To create a new CNC file line press the Enter Return key The mouse positioning cursor is a vertical black line with bars at its top and bottom highlighted in the above screenshot This cursor is used to move the Editor window cursor to new positions in the
118. the connectors fit the sockets on the PC More detailed information regarding CNC hardware connections are provided in your separate CNC machine manual RS232 lead Personal Computer PC running VR CNC Milling software To the port labelled RS 232 CNC Machine Electrical Control A CNC Machine On Off Power Switch Data is sent and received between your computer and your CNC machine using an R 232 lead One end of the RS 232 lead fits into the serial COM port of the computer running the VR CNC Milling for Windows software Computer serial ports are the small plugs each containing two rows of 5 and 4 pins usually positioned on the back panel of your computer The opposite end of the RS 232 lead fits into the serial COM port on your CNC machine casing or electrical control box VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 11 Using a real CNC Machine 99 11 Starting a real CNC Machine 1 Ensure the RS232 lead is fitted securely between the computer and the CNC machine 2 Switch on the CNC machine 3 Power up the computer and start the VR CNC Milling software 4 Before connecting to a real CNC Machine e Check that the units of measurement set for the VR CNC Milling software matches the units used in both the CNC file and any tooling profiles The units of measurement setting for the VR CNC Milling softw
119. the VR CNC Milling software is configured using the Units button on the Options toolbar Check that the tool numbers and tool profiles used in the Machine Tooling window match those used by your CNC file To run the CNC file ensure the Editor window cursor is positioned at the start of the first line of the CNC file File Control gt TLIO Click the triangular Play button from the File Control toolbar shown above 2D Simulation X 5 000 Y 55 000 2 2 000 Tool 2 The simulation window will show the billet being cut on the machine table using the configured simulation tool offset as shown above 62 Running Simulations Section 7 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 7 Displaying a 3D Simulation using X Y Offsets Check that the required Simulation Offset is highlighted and configured in the Work Piece Offsets window as described on pages 58 59 To display the 3D Simulation window click the DS 3D Simulation button shown above from the Outputs toolbar 3D Simulation 3D Viewer Click the Use X Y Offsets option on aii the 3D Viewer menu so a tick mark is Draw Mode P shown next to the title as shown left Setup P This will display the 3D simulation using Aika Save Biman the Simulation Offset highlighted in the pee Work Piece Offsets window Saye as Bitmap Save Bitmap as v Use XY Offsets 3D Simulation o Workpiece Datum Position
120. the left Click the cursor in any of the yellow tool data fields delete the old value and enter the new data Click the OK button to close the window and apply any changes made 40 Configuring the Tooling Section 6 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 6 Using the Tool Data window The options available in the Tool Data window are as follows Tool Diameter The diameter of the tool defined in mm or Any data changes made inches see diagram below one Saas Tool Length The length of the tool measured from the end of Tooling Library and the tool collet to the cutting tip of the tool defined in mm or Machine Tooling inches see diagram below windows Tool Length Offset The Z tool length offset value defined in mm or inches The objective of the Z tool length offsets is to allow different tool profiles to cut in the correct place on the billet despite their obvious differences in length Each tool is set against a common zero reference The value indicated defines the position of this zero reference but only applies to the tool profile being viewed Flute Length The length of the flute measured from the beginning of the flute to the cutting tip of the tool defined in mm or inches see diagram below Ae oo The number of flutes on the tool see diagram elow Maximum Tool Life The working life of the tool stated in hours Current Tool Life The current life of the tool stated in hours
121. the right panel of the Tooling Library window VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 6 Configuring the Tooling 43 6 Creating a New Tool Profile Tooling Library a TOOLS 1 8 0 125 Slot Drill 3 16 0 1875 Slot Drill H 2mm Slot Drill H Add Tool Delete Tool Set Tool Colour Set Tool Type Clear Tool in Use Flag To change the colour allocated to the new tool click the right mouse button on the new tool title to display the pop up menu Move the cursor down the list highlighting the Set Tool Colour option as shown above Slot Mill gt Color BEI Basic colors i EE E ie i Imi i re E E E E g BEE ee EE Custom colors The Color window will be BE eee displayed as shown right Click LITTIN one of the coloured squares in the Define Custom Colors gt gt Basic colors area then click the i ka Cancel e TOOLS 1 8 0 125 Slot Drill 3 16 0 1875 Slot Drill 2mm Slot Drill Slot Mill The new tool colour is shown in the oval marker to the left of the new tool title in the Tooling Library window as shown above The same colour is also applied to the tool number when the tool is transferred to the Machine Tooling window 44 Configuring the Tooling Section 6 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 6 Tool Profiles for the sample Metric CNC file Note This page explains how to configure the Tool Profi
122. the size of the billet you intend to use The software would then have generated the CNC program automatically setting the front left upper corner of this imaginary billet as the part datum In this case you would need to position the workpiece datum in the front left upper corner of the real billet on the machine table What happens if don t use any offsets with my CNC file If no offset is programmed the machine controlling software will use the machine datum as the starting point zero reference for any co ordinate movements it receives Since itis unlikely that the position of the machine datum is the place where you want any machining to begin your CNC machine will attempt to manufacture your design in the wrong place in its working area Offsets are very important because without them the CNC machine will not know where to begin cutting on your billet Offsets must always be configured before manufacturing the part Are standard offset files supplied No you must set your own We DO NOT supply any standard offset files with the machine software However once you have configured and saved your offset files the same files may be used over and over again so long as the following holds true The same cutting tools are used The billet size does not change The fixture that holds the billet does not move position on the machine table VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 9 Configuring Offsets 75 9 C
123. the tool The tool does not need to be positioned so it is touching the billet surface ee eo Left Aligning the centre of the mamas tool with the Y workpiece datum edge ie front view of billet shown EEEN ERRI Left Aligning the centre of the Se Ven ie tool with the X workpiece datum edge ie side view of billet shown Now transfer the X and Y values e into the Work Piece Offsets file VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 10 Using a Virtual Reality CNC Machine 97 10 Tool Length Offset Reference P oint Alignment Remember every tool must be manually aligned against the same tool length offset reference point then its individual values transferred to its own tool length offset file If you are running through the tutorials using the sample CNC files on a VR CNC machine Pages 78 to 79 show the procedure for entering the single X co ordinate offset value Pages 80 to 81 show the procedure for entering the single Y co ordinate offset value Pages 82 to 86 show the procedure for entering the two different Z co ordinate tool length offset values 98 Using a Virtual Reality CNC Machine Section 10 This page shows the process of aligning the tool with the tool length reference pointon a VR CNC machine for the sample CNC files used in our tutorials Red Billet The position of the tool length offset reference point is anywhere on the upper s
124. ts are used to describe the position of the workpiece datum This is the place where you want any machining co ordinates to begin The VR CNC Milling software allows a workpiece offset file to be created for the CNC machine or solely for the use of the 2D and 3D simulations e Workpiece Machine Offset Files Workpiece machine offsets are used to configure the position of the workpiece datum on the Virtual Reality and more importantly any real CNC machines Reconfiguring these offsets for viewing the simulation windows could disturb any values previously saved for safe machining operations on the real CNC machine When machining finally takes place an incorrect offset file could cause damage to occur to the CNC hardware Workpiece Simulation Offset Files Workpiece simulation offsets provide a computer generated representation of what will happen when an offset is used but avoids disturbing any values set for use with the VR or real CNC machines Using the Work Piece Offsets Window The Work Piece Offsets window displays the various lists of workpiece offsets available The Simulation Offsets are used to simulate workpiece offsets with the 2D and 3D simulation graphics windows la D2 Offsets To display the Work Piece Offsets window click the Offsets button shown above from the Options toolbar 56 Running Simulations Section 7 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 7 The Work Piece Offsets window Tickmark indic
125. ture of a part on a CNC machine written using G and M codes also called the CNC program CUTTER SPEED sss The velocity of the cutting edge of the tool relative to the workpiece With circular tools the cutting speed is related to the tool when new maximum cutting diameter Usually the effect of feedrate is ignored A sequence of events or commands The point co ordinate from which a series of measurements are taken The input control keypad for the machine Keypad overlays are interchangeable according to the type of controller required An area of a disk containing the names and locations of the files it currently holds A computer information storage device examples C drive is usually the computers hard internal disk and A drive is usually the floppy portable 3 5 diskette disk DRIVE sietinas The controller unit for a disk system VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 14 Glossary 127 14 Glossary DRY RUN uence 128 Glossary Section 14 An operation used to test how a CNC program will function without driving the machine itself A programmed time delay The mode used for altering the content of a CNC program via the Desktop Tutor or qwerty keyboard The symbol or indicator that defines the end of a block of data The equivalent of the pc return key The programming language understood by the machine controller The rate in mm min or in min at which the cutting tool is ad
126. uare next to its text title as shown above The new tool will inherit the data and graphic from the last tool highlighted in the library To edit a value in the tool data list double click the left mouse button on the data title required 42 Configuring the Tooling Section 6 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 6 Creating a New Tool Profile Tool Diameter Tool Length Tool Length Offset Flute Length Flute Count Maximum Tool Life Current Tool Life The Tool Data window will be displayed as shown above Click the cursor in any of the yellow tool data fields delete the old values and enter the new data Click the OK button to close the window and apply any changes made ToolingLibrary Library B P TOOLS 1 8 0 125 Slot Drill 3 16 0 1875 Slot Drill 2mm Slot Drill Rx PT iew T ookin Add Tool Delete Tool Set Tool Colour EF Tool Use Flag ET Mil Ball Nose Slab Mill Drill Centre Drill Tapered cutter Dove tail Cutter T Slot Cutter Engraving Tool UnDefined To change the graphic allocated to the new tool displayed in the right panel of the Tooling Library window click the right mouse button on the new tool title to display the pop up menu Move the cursor down the list highlighting the Set Tool Type option to display a secondary menu of possible graphic choices as shown above Highlight and click on the title of the tool type to set the graphic in
127. uration of the VR CNC Milling software you are using This manual is written using European English Any comments regarding this manual should be referred to the following e mail address customer_services denford co uk Any updates to this manual will be posted in the Downloads section of the Denford website http www denford co uk VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Conventions used in this Manual Mouse Usage Underlined text Quotation Marks Bold Text Square Brackets Bold Square Brackets When asked to left click on a menu tile or object click the LEFT mouse button ONCE When asked to right click on a menu tile or object click the RIGHT mouse button ONCE When asked to double click on an object click the LEFT mouse button TWICE When reference to either a left mouse button or right mouse button click command is omitted always perform one click with the left mouse button This is used to show key words The full definition of any terms are given in the J argon Buster helpboxes Similar helpboxes are also used to display any Important Notes or Tips to help you use the program Quotation marks are used to specify any software menu title and window selections e g click the File menu would mean click the left mouse button once when the cursor is positioned over the File menu label When a sequence of menu commands are requested the menu and option names are separated by a vertical line for example
128. urface of the red billet as shown above This position reveals the Z value required for the tool length offset file but only for the tool being held in the machine head Move the CNC machine head down towards the surface of the billet using the Page Down or Page Up keys Use og Continuous Mode by clicking the J og button so the button displays a straight arrow graphic When the tip of the tool is close to the surface of the billet switch to og Step Mode by clicking the J og button so the button displays a stepped arrow graphic This will allow the tool to be controlled with greater accuracy In J og Step Mode the selected machine axis will move one indicated increment each time the selected axis movement key is pressed The slider bar can be moved to set jog increments of 0 01 0 1 0 5 1 5 and 10 units When the Units of Measurement are set to Inch the rate of movement is measured using inches per minute When the Units of Measurement are set to Metric the rate of movement is measured using millimetres per minute Move the tool so the cutting tip is just making contact with the surface of the billet as shown in the screenshot above Now enter the value into the Z tool length offset file then repeat the process for all remaining tools to be used with the CNC file VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 11 Connecting to a real CNC Machine 9 to 25 pin adapters may be required to make
129. value will be the distance between the tip of tool 2 and the same tool offset reference point used for tool 1 Notice that the numerical value of the tool length offset for tool profile 2 will be larger than the numerical value of the tool length offset for tool profile 1 This compensates for the fact that tool profile 1 is longer than tool profile 2 This compensation allows the machine to cut in the correct place on the billet irrespective of whether it is using tool 1 or 2 To configure the tool length offset for a tool profile 1 Move the cutting tool so its tip is just touching the chosen tool offset reference point 2 Click the Z Offset button in the J og Mode panel of the Machine Mode window to display the Set Offset window 3 Enter the tool length offset value into the Set Offset window dialogue box if required The VR CNC Milling software will automatically suggest a value for the tool currently held in the machine head this suggested value will set the position of the tool tip as the zero reference point 4 Click the OK button to confirm the tool length offset value 5 Repeat steps 1 through 4 for all remaining tools ensuring that the same tool offset reference point is used from step 1 Note that the data in the Set Offset window will only be applicable to the tool profile currently held in the machine head How is the Tool Length Offset value used Remember that the Z position of the workpiece datum is a
130. vanced into the workpiece For milling and drilling the feedrate applies to the reference point on the end of the axis of the tool An arrangement of instructions or information usually referring to work or control settings The pattern or way that data is organised FANUC Miller file extension fnc Contains G and M codes describing the machine and cutting operations A preparatory code function in a CNC program that determines the control mode Equipment such as the machine tool the controller or the computer Operation to send the axes of the CNC machine to their extreme limits of movement Defines the machine datum also called the home position Incremental programming uses co ordinate movements that are related from the previous programmed position Signs are used to indicate the direction of movement The transfer of external information data into a control system The medium through which the control computer directs the machine tool A miscellaneous code function in a CNC program used to indicate an auxiliary function ie coolant on tool change etc The code obeyed by a computer or microprocessor system with no need for further translation A fixed zero reference point used to define the co ordinate based grid system of the CNC machine All machining co ordinates originate from this point Manual Data Input A method used for manually inserting data into the control system ie Desktop Tutor qwerty keyboar
131. wasG1 on line N111 The cutter will move to position Y1 75 cutting a slot continuing with a feedrate of 5 9 per minute N 151 X0 75 the last G code issued wasG1 on line N111 The cutter will move to position X0 75 cutting a slot continuing with a feedrate of 5 9 per minute This finishes the square shape etched into the centre of the billet N 161 GO Z0 08 GO instructs the machine to fast traverse to position Z0 08 moving the cutter 0 08 above the surface of the billet N 171 M5 M5 instructs the machine to switch off the spindle N 181 G91 G28 X0 Y0 Z0 G91 instructs the machine to follow incremental movements until told otherwise incremental means all movements are described relative to the co ordinate position achieved in the last program line G28X0Y0Z0 moves the cutter to the machine datum via the intermediate point indicated t 20 Using the Tutorials Section 3 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 3 Sample CNC File Inch N 191 M6 T2 M6 instructs the machine to perform a tool change Change to tool number 2 N 201 G43 H2 G43 instructs the machine to use tool length compensation for tool number 2 N 211 M3 1500 M3 instructs the machine to switch the spindle on clockwise with a speed of 1500 rpm N 221 G90 GO X0 25 Y2 25 G90 instructs the machine to follow absolute movements until told otherwise absolute means all movements are described relative to th
132. ways align with the X and Y edges of the temporary machine sub table The thickness of the temporary machine sub table never changes The part datum defined in your CNC files is always positioned in the top lefthand corner of the proposed billet note that this position can be automatically chosen as the part datum in CAD CAM software packages such as Denford MillCAM Designer We recommend this position since any negative Z values in the CNC file will show that the tool is cutting into the billet All available tools have their tool length offsets configured against the same tool length offset reference point This sequence effectively sets the workpiece datum at the top lefthand corner of the temporary machine sub table Then by entering the thickness of the billet into the Z component of the workpiece offsets file you can move the workpiece datum to the top lefthand corner of the real billet Workpiece Datum including global Z offset Billet Temporary p Machine we Sub table A a 7 Workpiece Datum including no global Z offset Machine Table 124 CNC Theory Section 13 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 13 Configuring a Z Offset for Material Thickness Remember that when using two or more tool profiles with a CNC file the Z position of the workpiece datum is a numerical combination of the tool length offset value for tool profile being used and the value entered into the Z component of the workpiece offsets file
133. y simulated offsets The 3D Simulation window will show a fullsize view of the billet as shown below 3D Simulation Tool 2 To close the 3D Simulation window click the 3D Simulation button shown above from the Outputs toolbar 54 Running Simulations Section 7 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual 7 Running a 3D Simulation of a CNC file Before running the 3D simulation e Check that the units of measurement set for the VR CNC Milling software matches the units used in both the CNC file and any tooling profiles The units of measurement setting for the VR CNC Milling software is configured using the Units button on the Options toolbar e Check that the tool numbers and tool profiles used in the Machine Tooling window match those used by your CNC file To run the CNC file ensure the Editor window cursor is positioned at the start of the first line of the CNC file File Control gt DDL Click the triangular P lay button from the File Control toolbar shown above 3D Simulation The 3D Simulation window will update according to the line being executed in the CNC file until the end of the CNC file is reached x 5 000 v 55 000 Z 2 000 Tool 2 VR CNC Milling Software User s Manual Section 7 Running Simulations 55 7 Why use Simulated Offsets The theory behind offsets are described in greater detail in section 13 CNC Theory Offse

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