Plane offset problem

[So not a Guru]

We have a Mazak VCU 5 axis machine that is giving us fits. It cuts all geometry fine when it's at B0° & C at any angle. But with B at 90° & C at any angle, all geometry is offset 0.0125" from where we program it in MC. We haven't run any multiaxis paths yet, so we don't fully know how far off we are.

As a work around to get parts out the door, we are having to copy the front, back, left & right planes, put a +0.0025" shift in X & a -0.021" shift in Y. We have to do this for every part!

Has anyone else run across this type of problem? If so, can you offer any ideas up?

 

Zeke

[betts]

It would seem you have a setup problem on the machine.  I don't know what you would use on this particular machine to check your homes to be sure the offsets are correct, but that is where I would start.  If the centers of your rotations are not dialed in you will struggle forever.

[Colin Gilchrist]

You have the ability inside the 5X posts from CNC Software to enter a "shift" amount to account for your rotary axes not being in alignment. There is a pretty simple procedure for measuring this shift with dial test indicator.

 

If you don't already have a copy, you should get the book "Secrets of 5X Machining" by Karlo Apro. This book does a fantastic job of explaining how to setup your machine, tools, fixtures, and program toolpaths for 4X and 5X machines. The information on how to setup the machine and how to take the proper measurements is worth the cost of the book by itself, and you get a whole lot more beyond that.

 

Once you've figured out the exact numbers on the machine, you can enter these values inside the Post Processor, and it will compensate the output properly.

[So not a Guru]

It would seem you have a setup problem on the machine.  I don't know what you would use on this particular machine to check your homes to be sure the offsets are correct, but that is where I would start.  If the centers of your rotations are not dialed in you will struggle forever.

We just had the Mazak tech out here & he spent a day & a half completely re-installing the machine to ensure everything is as it's supposed to be on the machine.

[So not a Guru]

You have the ability inside the 5X posts from CNC Software to enter a "shift" amount to account for your rotary axes not being in alignment. There is a pretty simple procedure for measuring this shift with dial test indicator.

 

Ok, I bought the book, but it won't be here till Tuesday. Is the procedure to measure the required shift availible anywhere else?

 

Oh, thanks for the info too

 

Zeke

[CJep]

Basicly you need to find is the difference between the center of rotation of the rotary and the trunnion. You need to position the trunnion at 90deg find the center of the rotary then rotate the trunnion 180deg find the center of the rotary again the difference in Z is the offset.

[JMahon]

I believe parameters s5 and s12. Add your shift to your g54, s5 and s12 parameters

[JMahon]

Also clear out L133 and L135.

I'm my experience, mazak only gets it about that close. Then I run a "test part" to get it nailed dead nuts

[So not a Guru]

I know what the S5 & S12 parameters are, but what do the L133 & L135 parameters control?

 

We're pushing Mazak to solve this for us. It's a brand new machine & not being able to get a good part to come off of it is unacceptable.

 

Zeke

[JMahon]

L133 and 135 control x and z at b90. Mazak has a spreadsheet that "calculates" these numbers. It's usually not right. I clear those numbers out, run a test part. Then put an offset there after I get s5 and s12 as close as possible

[JMahon]

If you want I'll send u a file of the test part that I use

[So not a Guru]

If you want I'll send u a file of the test part that I use

I'd love a copy of that file. I can use it for our run tomorrow

[JMahon]

Heres one i use on our plastics machine.

 

Mill the small cube by face milling front, back, left and right.

 

Mill the big cube by contouring at top view.

TEST PART.MCX-7

[crazy^millman]

Here is a test file I use for 5 Axis machines.

 

HTH(Hope that Helps)

 

 

File removed Email me and I will be glad to email you the 5 Axis Post Test.MCX-7 file

Edited August 19, 2015 by 5th Axis Consulting

[JMahon]

Here is a test file I use for 5 Axis machines.

 

HTH(Hope that Helps)

What are the drills at the edges for?

[Nils N]

I got that book sometime ago. Lots of good info in there.Only problem I have is the CD that came with it was warped and won't read, so i haven't seen whats on it.    

[So not a Guru]

I got that book sometime ago. Lots of good info in there.Only problem I have is the CD that came with it was warped and won't read, so i haven't seen whats on it.    

I have the same problem with the CD I got too.

[So not a Guru]

Here is a test file I use for 5 Axis machines.

 

HTH(Hope that Helps)

I can't change the machine files. I'm getting a "Your SIM is not enabled for the necessary product" message. We have multi-axis router, I would have thought it would be enough.

That's a shame, because this looks like a great checking program.

 

Zeke