Tool offset and setting WCS Z-Height with an ATC

[cbb1962]

Tool offsets and an ATC are new to me, I am trying to wrap my head around it all. Marty suggested that I re-watch this video:


It clarified things a lot. Thanks Marty!

But I still have a couple of questions regarding Tool Offsets and setting WCS Z-Height with an ATC:

• Is there an automated way to set the height offset for each tool using my XHC DT02 Tool Setter or will I have to write a macro? I know that setting up offsets is one-time deal, but I would like to automate it. I believe that the probing license has this built-in, but I have a PRO license.

• Is there a macro or method to automatically set the WCS Z-Height using my tool setter or movable touch plate in conjunction with an ATC? I was able to do this as part of a manual tool change macro, but with an ATC the tool change macro becomes a horse of a different color. In my manual tool change macro, I set Z-Zero in G54 to be top of the spoilboard/bottom of the part. (Which in the Bed Mill example is constant.) And I set Z-Zero in G55 to be the top of the part. I want to figure out how to keep this functionality with the ATC.

[cnckeith]

short answer is yes you can do all that...
if you have Parameter 6 set to 1 that will let cnc12 know that there is an ATC installed.
then in the Tool Offset menu you will see some new buttons show up.
they are covered in the operator manual..start there learn how they work..then you may or may not want to write your own macro to achieve what you are after.

[cbb1962]

Another question: I pressed "AUTO" to set the Z-Axis height. It came down, touched, retracted, then slowly probed to the DT02 and set the height! But, it didn't retract off of the DT02, Is that normal behavior? can it be changed?

yes that is normal.. this gives you the chance to set that WCS for Z to whatever value you want. (you might not always be touching Z0)

if you want different action.. then time to write your own macro!

[cbb1962]

Another question: I pressed "AUTO" to set the Z-Axis height. It came down, touched, retracted, then slowly probed to the DT02 and set the height! But, it didn't retract off of the DT02, Is that normal behavior? can it be changed?

yes that is normal.. this gives you the chance to set that WCS for Z to whatever value you want. (you might not always be touching Z0)

if you want different action.. then time to write your own macro!

This is weird. I asked the question in Italics. But it looks like I answered my own question. I didn't, it must have been an admin...