b'If a workholder protrudes above theserves the z positions and docu- While debugging, the operator z zero, it needs to be documentedments any problems with the blockcan check geometry. For example, if for the machine operator. Double- number and the x, y position. the program drills a bunch of holes, check absolute (G90) and incremen- Rapid moves inside a workpieceits easy to see if they are in the right tal (G91) position commands, ascavity require special care. locations.CTEwell as the z positions.A copy of the part print is made that defines the x, y and z zero lo-cations, the block number of rapid moves and the x, y position of the downward rapid z moves. Give this information to the operator.The machine then is set up for the job, and the program is loaded. The tool length offset is set short so the cutting tool will not touch anything. Alternately, a toolholder with no cutting tool can be used. On a machine with an automatic toolchanger, one tool position can contain a toolholder with no cutting tool to be used for debugging.The feed rate is set well below the speed of the rapid moves. This setting makes it obvious to the op- Does your 5-Axis CNC Tool & Cutter Grinder erator whether the machine con- Check The List?trol is in rapid or feed. These are modal commands that stay in effectA small footprint to large grind zone ratiountil superseded. Say the machineFast and thorough service response for years of worry free useis in rapid in block N100 and is sup- Automation solutions that are easy for the user to programposed to go into feed rate in blockNot just another machine, a customer centric solutionN101, but G1 is not programmed in block N101. As a result, the tool willDesigned, manufactured, and serviced in the USArapid into the workpiece. The op-erator needs to catch this.The program is run one block at a time.At rapid moves, the operator ob-about the author Brandt Taylor isRobot gripper: capable of holding tools from 5 toPart flipping capability during tool production to owner of Berlin,32mm in diameter bring solutions for complete toolsMassachusetts- For more information or to request a quote, give Star a call or visit our website:based Taylor Engineering, a machine shop andwww.starcutter.com 248-474-8200manufacturer of lathe chuck jaws. He can be reached at978-838-2979. ctemag.com/cteguide.com17MachininstCorner.indd 17 2/14/20 12:07 PM'