Coordinates, Axes, and Motion

Well first learn about axis systems.

Then well investigate how the machines understand where to move, and the kinds of moves they can make getting there.

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Unless its a multiplexed machine with several There are 14 standard axes defined by the auxiliary rotary and linear axes, these nine are adequate Industries Association (EIA) Electronicsto define most of the equipment in used industry today.

for motion and position. However, for well study 9 of them. In this course tomorrows manufacturing world, thats another question? Machines continue to 3 Primary Linear processors are able to handle evolve as central Axes X, Y and Z more and more calculations per nanosecond, thus 3 Primary Rotary Axes A, B and C more functions simultaneously. 3 Secondary Linear Axes U,V and W

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Whenever you are assigned to a new CNC machine, the axis set must be identified as the first order of business. Here are the sets for three common machines.

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Its easy to identify the spindle, which is the Z axis or it faces Z. Then apply the Right Hand Rule by pointing your right middle finger in the positive Z direction. Your fingers and thumb then form the orthogonal axis frame (mutually at 90)

Machining and CNC Technology by McGraw-Hill Higher Education

First identify the Z axis. Its parallel to the spindle axis, and brings the work toward and away from the spindle. Pointing your middle finger in the positive Z direction, your index finger and thumb form the other positive axes.

Machining and CNC Technology by McGraw-Hill Higher Education

The set (my fingers) remain inmachines use the X-Z or X-Y-Z frame, All CNC the same each axis perpendicular to the others. with orientation to each That relationship stays the same no matter how other no matter their the axis set is rotated to suit the machine. world orientation

Toward stronger or more efficient machines manufacturers arrange the set any way convenient, but not the inter-relationship between axes.

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The X axis on many turning centers, is not X Slanted parallel to the floor, it slants forward. That provides easy access to the turret for setup work, Z since the machine isnt as wide as level X axis machines. 90 Plus chips and coolants slide right off to the This lathes world axis orientation is not level but its still an catch basin below. orthogonal set.

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Whenever a machine features a rotary axis, we identify it this way: If it rotates around a line parallel to X its an A axis Y its B Z its C

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Rotary axes can move a cutter head in an arc Or they can move the workpiece in an arc. In this film we see A and B auxiliary axes moving simultaneously with X, Y and Z, to cut this complex turbine blade.

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X+ Z+ To determine the direction of rotary motion, Y+ Point the thumb of either plus oryour minus A,B or C, we use the Rule right hand in the direction of the rotary axis of Thumb. Zline of rotation, X, Y or positive direction. Its based on the line about which the rotary axis pivots, X, Y or Z
Positive C Bdirection Positive Adirection Positive What motion?

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In The tip ofwork,isthe origin, X0, Y0, Z0, is known CNC the drill at asX2.500,Program Reference Zero (PRZ) the Y1.00, Z-1.00 Relative to the PRZ which is Its the starting point for coordinates the lower left corner on this part Most coordinates in the program refer their distance from the PRZ. For example.

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Occasionally we encounter the need for a different kind of coordinate. They do not refer to the PRZ but rather, to their last position. Incremental coordinates are jumps from where you are to where you wish to go next.

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CNC machines move their axes in five ways: Rapid Travel Linear single or multi axis straight line motion Circular motion within a single plane. Circular/Linear, also called 2 dim. motion. Two axes move in an arc while the third moves in a straight line. 3-D motion few controls have the ability to move in an arc

using 3 axes simultaneously. Most approximate these arcs through the power of the cam software.

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Trade Tip Caution! Depending on the Rapid as fast as power of the CPU, your the will rapid in one of machine machine can two ways. Older controllers move but with take an unexpected nonlinear the ability to path! Newer controllers with 16-bit or higher reduce speed microprocessors follow the through operator true linear motion.

over-ride control.

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The next four motions all move one or more axes at the rate specified in the program. The differences lies in how many axes are involved, in a straight line, or arc. As motions become more complex, the CPU must handle far more calculations per second by interpolating each axes drive commands.

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To move axes simultaneously, to produce a constant velocity along the line A-B, say at 400 inches per minute. neither the X or Y axis will be moving at 400 IPM. They will run at lower speeds that combine to create the tool motion of 400 IPM.

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B Programmed Rate 400 Inches Per Minute 137.81 IPM Y Axis

A 375.87 IPM, X Axis Motion

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The linear interpolation required the control to set each axis moving at constant values but different rates. The operator can over-ride the resultant tool motion from 0% (no movement) up to 100% or 150% on some machines.

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For arc motion at feed rate, the controller is also interpolating as with linear. The difference is it is constantly changing the ratio between the axes involved, as the curvature changes slants.

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Trade Tip Sometimes engineering information comes not in the formUsing polar coordinates, often saves a but rather as of rectangular dimensions, trigonometry step during drawing or hand the radius and angle from a starting point. program writing! Those pointsneeded significant point defined using polar If the are more easily is defined in radiusangle, than an coordinates ratherDefineX-Y, why doR-A unnecessary a bolt circle for example. on calculation? it with an coordinate your geometry drawing. Polar Coordinates arent used inside CAM generated programs, but they are very useful for drawing the part geometry or when doing hand program writing of polar entities.

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Mastercam X2 Beginner Training Tutorials

Review Exercise 1, in Tutorial 2 Review Exercise 2, in Tutorial 3

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