Moving the Machine into the origin position

To create a link between the world coordinates of PowerShape and PowerMill, it is advisable to position the machine so that the World Workplane position is located at the centre of the table of the machine.

The next step is to move the axes of the machine tool into the correct position, if necessary. The machine tool model data may set the Home position of an axis to an inappropriate position. For example, the Z axis may be set to a position either touching or just above the machine table. In this instance, you may want to change the position of the Z axis so that when it is imported into PowerMill, it is clear of the model.

The following graphic shows:

• Centre of table:
  • X=0
  • Y=0
  • Z=0
• Centre of nose spindle:
  • X=0
  • Y=0
  • Z=550

The position of the Z axis component from the World Workplane must be measured and recorded in PowerShape if it is positioned from its zero point, as this is used in the *.mtd file. This is the value of the gauge face and is crucial in attaching the tool to the machine tool. The rotation centre must be measured and recorded for later use.