Difficulty
Easy
Steps
4
Time Required
00:03:00
In Progress
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User-Contributed Guide
This guide is not managed by the site's staff.
Introduction
The process to set the Z origin manually with a sheet of paper is described in the guide 03 - Set The User Origin. This guide describes how to use the tool sensor to automatically probe and set the Z origin using a custom macro program.
The paper method may actually be more precise in setting the origin, but this method is more convenient.
This program will only update the Z origin for (UAO, 1) which is the default origin used by VCarve. If you wish to use a different origin, you could copy this value to that origin.
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Where you place the sensor depends on how your CAM program is set up. Ususally this will be the machine spoilboard surface or the top surface of your material.
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Find a clear flat spot to place the sensor.
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Try to avoid areas that have been machined or damaged.
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If using "machine bed," find a place close to your stock material, as the height will vary somewhat across its area
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Place the sensor flat on the surface. Make sure it sits level and does not rock back and forth.
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Use the steel plate to hold it in place so it does not shift during probing.
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Use the manual controls on the "Axes + Spindle" screen to move the tool close to the sensor.
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Activate the handwheel jog mode.
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Use the handwheel to position the tool over the center of the tool sensor, and within 1in of the top surface.
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In the toolbar, click "Part Program."
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Click "Activate Part Program"
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In the window, browse to the "Macros" directory.
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Select the "Z Origin Probe" program.
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Click "OK" to activate the program.
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Verify that the program is loaded.
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Press "Cycle Start" to execute the probing sequence.
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The Z axis will begin lowering toward the sensor, be prepared to stop the machine if something does not work correctly.
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The program will trigger the sensor 3 times, with the second two being slower, then update the Z value for (UAO, 1) with the sensor height subtracted from the measured position.
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To see the updated value, you will have to use the MDI mode to enter (UAO,1) and activate the origin.
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