Setting Z Height at tool change

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MarkRH
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Setting Z Height at tool change

Post by MarkRH »

Hi all
I am new to cnc12, running some programs and reading thru some of the posts it looks like the only way to set Z height at a tool change is have fixed holders in library? , using a macro or the ultimate app? (will install later)

I am looking to get thru a couple of small jobs before opening up other cans of worms, is there anyway to set Z at a tool change for now?

Thanks
cnckeith
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Re: Setting Z Height at tool change

Post by cnckeith »

Need support? READ THIS POST first. http://centroidcncforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=1043
All Acorn Documentation is located here: viewtopic.php?f=60&t=3397
Answers to common questions: viewforum.php?f=63
and here viewforum.php?f=61
Gear we use but don't sell. https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_di ... _gear.html
Nigelo
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Re: Setting Z Height at tool change

Post by Nigelo »

Like many others on this forum, I use swissi's ProbeApp on my router exactly for this purpose as per Keith's 2nd link above. Also use it on my Mill (with fixed tool holders) for different reasons

Remember that the ProbeApp integrates and compliments Centroid's excellent software and above all, swissi has very generously made it donate-ware so you pay what it is worth to you. You really can't get fairer than that
"You can lead a horse to water but you cannot force it to drink"
Hope this helps
Nigel
MarkRH
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Re: Setting Z Height at tool change

Post by MarkRH »

Great, Thanks Keith!

Will do Nigelo, thanks
MarkRH
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Re: Setting Z Height at tool change

Post by MarkRH »

The part I dont understand is, at a tool change cnc12 as it is standard does not ask you to reset Z zero? The macro adds this portion?
Trying to get a few things out the door and making a separate file for every tool until I have time to go over this.
Thanks
Nigelo
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Re: Setting Z Height at tool change

Post by Nigelo »

MarkRH wrote: Tue Feb 09, 2021 5:25 pm The part I dont understand is, at a tool change cnc12 as it is standard does not ask you to reset Z zero? The macro adds this portion?
As "standard" Centroid uses a built in M6 macro at every tool change. If you have fixed tool holders, the tool database library should have your required tools with height offsets already defined and applies these as each tool is used in your program.

If you do not have fixed tool holders, clearly you cannot store multiple tool offsets and therefore need to measure each tool immediately before it's used after mounting in the machine. Tool description / diameter should still be entered in the database before starting the job, of course. Swissi's ProbeApp, which includes a modified M6 (mfunc6) macro, does the job for you by overriding Centroid's built in M6 macro and provides a tool height measuring routine at each tool change.

For further info, do read the link Keith posted in its entirety particularly the link it contains to swissi's ProbeApp User manual https://swissi2000.github.io/Centroid-ProbeApp/

hope this helps
"You can lead a horse to water but you cannot force it to drink"
Hope this helps
Nigel
MarkRH
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Re: Setting Z Height at tool change

Post by MarkRH »

Nigelo,
So the built in macro calls on the tool library, now I am beginning to understand it.
I'm on a router.
I do not have fixed tool holders and I'm unable to measure a tool Z height when one file has more than one tool.
A stupid question. How do I measure a tool immediately when the M6 command brings the spindle back for a tool change, I change the tool, how do I reset Z?
Nigelo
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E415F6F70BC3-0318203049
98F07B91FC6B-0123236802
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Location: UK

Re: Setting Z Height at tool change

Post by Nigelo »

Mark

The answer to your question depends entirely on what devices you have for measuring WCS Part Z0 / tool height i.e. Probe / Tool Touch off / Both / None. Swissi's ProbeApp has routines for each which is why I provided a link to his Operating manual for you to study.

To restate my earlier comment, you need to review both of Keith's links AND the ProbeApp User Manual which for easy reference are as follows:

viewtopic.php?f=61&t=1960

viewtopic.php?f=60&t=4973

https://swissi2000.github.io/Centroid-ProbeApp/

Sorry but I can't put it any clearer than that

hope this helps

Nigel
"You can lead a horse to water but you cannot force it to drink"
Hope this helps
Nigel
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