Haas NGC: Entering Mill Offsets 201

.0001/.1

A key that sets the handle jog increment to .0001 inches or .001 mm for each click of the jog handle. The .0001/.1 key selects the slowest jog increment.

.1/100.

A key that sets the handle jog increment to .1 inches or 100 millimeters for each click of the jog handle. The .1/100. key selects the fastest jog increment.

3D sensor

A type of indicator with a pressure-sensitive tip that can detect and measure components both vertically and horizontally. A 3D sensor is often used in CNC milling to establish the location of part zero.

accidental collisions

An inadvertent collision between the tool and the workpiece or the tool and a machine component. Accidental collisions can occur due to inaccurate offsets or machinist errors.

centerline

An imaginary line that defines the center of a symmetrical part or tool. The centerline is used to program the toolpath on the mill.

Clear Cell

An offset popup menu option that deletes the offset value in an individual selected cell. Clear Cell appears in a popup menu when an operator presses the ORIGIN key while in the tool or work offsets menus.

Clear Column

An offset popup menu option that deletes the offset values in a selected column. Clear Column appears in a popup menu when an operator presses the ORIGIN key while in the tool or work offsets menus.

Clear Row

An offset popup menu option that deletes the offset values in a selected row. Clear Row appears in a popup menu when an operator presses the ORIGIN key while in the tool or work offsets menus.

Clear Tool Offsets

An offset popup menu option that deletes all offset values in the tool offsets menu. Clear Tool Offsets appears in a popup menu when an operator presses the ORIGIN key while in the tool offsets menu.

Clear Work Offsets

An offset popup menu option that deletes all offset values in the work offsets menu. Clear Work Offsets appears in a popup menu when an operator presses the ORIGIN key while in the work offsets menu.

computer numerical control

CNC. A combination of software and hardware that directs the operation of a machine. Computer numerical control uses mathematical data to direct machine movements.

control panel

The device on a CNC machine that runs, stores, and edits the commands of a part program and other coordinate information. Control panels, or controls, typically have a keypad and display screen.

COOLANT

A mode key that turns the coolant on. Pressing COOLANT again turns the coolant off.

coolant position column

A column on the far right of the tool offsets menu used to adjust the position of the programmable coolant nozzle. The coolant position column on the Haas NGC accepts numeric values 1 through 34.

coolant position offsets

A value entered in the tool offsets menu to adjust the position of the programmable coolant nozzle. Coolant position offsets help machinists adjust coolant flow based on where the cutting tool contacts the workpiece.

cursor arrow keys

The area of the control keypad that allows an operator to move through various screens and fields in the control. Cursor arrow keys are located in the center of the control keypad.

cutter compensation offsets

An offset used on a CNC mill that accounts for variations in tool diameter. Cutter compensation offsets are necessary only for tools that travel in the X or Y axes.

cutting edge

The edge of a cutting tool that engages the workpiece material and removes material in the form of chips. A tool may have a single cutting edge or multiple cutting edges.

cutting tool

A device with one or more edges that is designed to cut metal. Cutting tools are often designed to be used on a metal-cutting machine, such as a CNC mill or lathe.

D code command

A command in a G code program used by CNC machines. D code commands are used in a part program when activating cutter compensation offsets.

deflection

The unintended movement or repositioning of a component due to a mechanical force. Deflection of a cutting tool can cause poor surface finish and inaccurate dimensions of finished parts.

diameter geometry offsets

An offset used on a CNC mill that accounts for variations in tool diameter. Diameter geometry offsets are necessary only for tools that travel in the X or Y axes.

diameter wear

Tool wear that occurs along the periphery of a cutting tool. Diameter wear values adjust tools slightly in the X and Y axes.

drills

A tool used to penetrate the surface of a workpiece and make a round hole. A drill is a multi-point cutting tool.

edge finder

A device used on a mill to locate the exact position of a part edge along the X axis or Y axis. Edge finders are commonly used in milling to locate part zero.

END

A cursor arrow key that places the cursor at the bottom of most displays. The END key moves the cursor to the last item of a table or the end of a scrollable page.

ENTER

A key on the control panel below the numeric keys that has different functions based on which menu is selected. The ENTER key adds a manually typed numeric value to the selected offset value in the tool or work offsets menu.

external cut

Cutting that takes place on the exterior surface of a part feature, such as an edge. External cuts that create oversized parts indicate a cutter that has removed an insufficient amount of material.

F1

A function key on the control panel that has different purposes based on which menu is selected. The F1 key overwrites a selected offset value with a manually typed numeric value in the tool or work offsets menu.

F4

A function key on the Haas Next Generation Control. Pressing F4 while in the offsets menus switches between the work and tool offset tabs.

face mills

A flat milling cutter with multiple cutting teeth on its periphery. Face mills rapidly remove metal from the top surface of a workpiece.

flutes

A groove on the periphery of a cutter that provides room for chips to flow away from the cut. Flutes are present on cutting tools such as mills and drills.

G code commands

A code in a CNC part program that determines the type of operation performed on the machine. G code commands for work offsets on the mill are listed in the work offsets menu.

G code programming

An alphanumeric coding language that tells a CNC machine what tool to use, the path it takes, how quickly it moves, and other variables. G code programming includes commands that begin with the letter G as well as other letter codes.

G41

A G code command that activates diameter geometry offsets. G41 moves the tool to the left perpendicular to the cutting direction during cutter compensation.

G42

A G code command that activates diameter geometry offsets. G42 moves the tool to the right perpendicular to the cutting direction during cutter compensation.

gage line

An imaginary line marking the toolholder along the bottom edge of the machine spindle. The gage line on the toolholder taper matches up with the machine tool spindle when fitted together.

H code command

A code in a milling part program used to indicate the matching tool length offset for a particular cutting tool. H code numbers must match the correct tool number.

HANDLE JOG

A mode key that initiates jog mode. Pressing HANDLE JOG allows operators to jog using the jog handle or jog keys and displays various axis positions at the bottom of the control screen.

height gage

A measuring device with a column mounted on a base, such as a granite surface plate, with a unit that slides up and down, an indicator, and an arm that extends out. Height gages are used to measure vertical and other distances.

HOME

A cursor arrow key that places the cursor at the top of most displays. The HOME key moves the cursor to the first item of a table or the beginning of a scrollable page.

home

To send the mill spindle to its machine zero position. Machinists must home the machine in before entering offsets.

indicator

A measuring instrument with a pressure-sensitive tip and a readout that displays a measurement. Indicators used to set milling offsets may use a needle with a dial display or a digital readout.

internal cut

Cutting that takes place on the interior surface of a part feature, such as a hole or a slot. Internal cuts that create undersized holes indicate a cutter that has removed an insufficient amount of material.

jog handle

A dial that is turned by hand in order to manually control CNC machine motions. The jog handle on a Next Generation Control is located to the left of the keypad.

jog key

The area of the control keypad that allows an operator to move the tool along a selected axis. Jog keys are located to the left of center on the keypad.

jog mode

The operational mode that allows for manual control of steady axis movement. Jog mode can be operated using the jog keys and jog handle.

laser measuring system

A set of equipment that uses laser technology to conduct precise measurements of tools used on computer numerical control (CNC) machines. Laser measuring systems can measure and track tool dimensions while the tool is on the machine.

length geometry column

A column in the tool offsets menu used to account for tool length variation. Values entered in the length geometry column adjust the position of the tool in the Z axis.

length wear

Tool wear that occurs along the tip of a cutting tool. Length wear values adjust tools slightly in the Z axis.

locate

To establish a designated location on a part. Machinists must locate part zero on a workpiece in order to establish the starting point for a machining operation.

machine zero

A position that is permanently set by the manufacturer of each particular CNC machine. Machine zero acts as the home position for a given machine.

Next Generation Control

NGC. The latest Haas Automation®, Inc. CNC control. The Next Generation Control was released in 2016.

NEXT TOOL

A function key used when setting tool offsets on a CNC mill or lathe. Pressing NEXT TOOL selects the next sequential tool from the automatic tool changer.

NGC

Next Generation Control. The latest Haas Automation®, Inc. CNC control. The NGC was released in 2016.

nonproductive time

Any period in a manufacturing operation during which a part is not actively being created. Nonproductive time includes setup, pauses during manufacturing, and finishing steps and should be reduced where possible.

numeric keys

The area of the control keypad that allows an operator to enter numbers and special characters into the control. Numeric keys are used to manually type values into the offsets columns.

OFFSET

A display key that shows tabbed menus for tool and work offset tables. The OFFSET key allows operators to view and edit information about current tools and work offset coordinates.

offsets

A measurement recorded by the CNC control that re-positions machine components for different tools and parts. Offsets are used to adjust for differences in tool geometry, part size, tool wear, and any other changing variables that may affect the manufacture of the part.

ORIGIN

A mode key that resets or clears a selected value. Pressing ORIGIN resets highlighted values, such as an axis location, to zero.

PAGE DOWN

A cursor arrow key that places the cursor one page down in most displays. The PAGE DOWN key moves the cursor to the bottommost item of the items currently displayed, and pressing the key again moves the cursor to the bottommost item on the next set of items below the current set.

PAGE UP

A cursor arrow key that places the cursor one page up in most displays. The PAGE UP key moves the cursor to the topmost item of the items currently displayed, and pressing the key again moves the cursor to the topmost item on the next set of items above the current set.

part program

A series of alphanumerical instructions that guides the movements of a CNC machine. A part program begins at the part zero location.

part zero

The starting point of X, Y, and Z coordinates for a part program. Part zero, or program zero, acts as a reference point for all part dimensions.

PART ZERO SET

A function key used to set work offsets during setup on a CNC mill. Pressing PART ZERO SET establishes part zero by recording a Z axis location for part height and an X and Y axis location on the part edge.

P-cool nozzle

Programmable coolant nozzle. A nozzle equipped on the Haas NGC mill that dispenses cutting fluid. The P-cool nozzle on the Haas NGC can adjust to 1 of 34 angular positions.

POWER UP

A function key that initializes the machine control. Pressing POWER UP zero returns all axes or prompts operators to set the axis zero return order.

probing system

Equipment installed on a CNC machine that can be calibrated to determine and enter offset values automatically. A probing system for the Haas NGC includes a wireless sensor that communicates with the system's spindle probe and a tool probe.

program zero

The starting point of X, Y, and Z coordinates for a part program. Program zero, or part zero, acts as a reference point for all part dimensions.

programmable coolant nozzle

A nozzle equipped on the Haas NGC mill that dispenses cutting fluid. The programmable coolant nozzle, or P-cool nozzle, on the Haas NGC can adjust to 1 of 34 angular positions.

radius

The distance from the center to the edge of a circular cutting tool. The radius of a cutting tool is half of its diameter.

rotary motion axes

A set of optional axes that allows machining action in rotational directions. Rotary motion axes equipped on some Haas NGC mills include the A, B, and C axes.

SETTING

A display key that allows operators to adjust user settings on the Haas NGC. The SETTING key brings up a tabbed menu that also includes Network, Rotary, and User Position settings.

Setting 40, Tool Offset Measure

A setting that selects how the tool size in the tool geometry and wear offset columns is recognized for cutter compensation. Setting 40, Tool Offset Measure can be set to either radius or diameter.

shim

A thin or tapered material used to support a workpiece. Shims may also be used to prevent damage to a workpiece surface when touching off with the cutting tool.

T code commands

A code in a part program used to indicate the specific cutting tool for a tool change. T code commands indicate the position in the toolchanger or turret where the specified cutting tool is located.

tolerances

An unwanted but acceptable deviation from the desired dimension. Tolerances indicate the allowable difference between a physical part and its intended design.

tool diameters

The distance measured across the face of a circular tool from one side to the other. Tool diameter affects toolpaths on the mill in the X and Y axes.

tool geometry offsets

An offset used on a CNC mill that accounts for cutting tool variations along the X, Y, and Z axes. Tool geometry offsets include tool length, tool diameter, and tool wear offsets.

tool inserts

A geometric piece of cutting tool material that does the actual cutting and is mechanically held in a toolholder. Inserts can be indexed to present a new cutting edge.

tool length offsets

An offset used on a CNC mill to account for variations in tool length along the Z axis. Tool length offsets are required for each cutting tool.

tool lengths

The distance measured from a cutting tool's tip to the bottom of the spindle. Tool length variations can affect the tool's position in reference to part zero.

TOOL OFFSET MEASURE

A function key used to set tool length offsets during setup on a CNC mill. Pressing TOOL OFFSET MEASURE establishes tool length by recording a Z axis location for a tool.

tool wear

The gradual removal of material from the surface of a cutting tool due to contact and friction. Tool wear of milling tools can affect part dimensions and part tolerance.

tool wear offsets

An offset used on the CNC mill that accounts for gradual tool wear and other conditions. Tool wear offsets make slight adjustments to the tool's position in the X, Y, and Z axes.

toolholder

A device used to rigidly hold a cutting tool in place during machining. Toolholders are classified so that they can be paired with the correct style of insert.

work offsets

An automatic adjustment of machine components that moves the machine spindle to the part zero location. Work offsets change the position of the mill spindle to adjust the location of every tool when in use.

X axis

An imaginary straight line in the Cartesian coordinate system that represents positions along a line parallel to the longest edge of the worktable. The X axis on a CNC mill usually indicates left and right movements.

Y axis

An imaginary straight line in the Cartesian coordinate system that represents positions along the shortest distance parallel to the worktable. The Y axis on a CNC mill usually indicates forward and backward movements.

Z axis

An imaginary straight line in the Cartesian coordinate system that represents positions along a line parallel to the tool spindle and perpendicular to the worktable. The Z axis on a CNC mill usually indicates upward and downward movements.