Process setting

Ensure that first cuts are accurate

The process setting layer of the Pyramid deals with sources of variation such as the location of the part, the size of tools, and offsets on the machine, aligning the machining activities to the actual location of the part.

These are predictive controls applied just before metal cutting starts.

Tool setting establishes

• length from the spindle gauge-line to establish a height offset, and to check that length is within the specified tolerance
• diameter when spinning to establish a tool size offset

Part setting establishes

• component identification to select the correct NC program
• position of a datum feature to establish a work co-ordinate system (WCS)
• billet/component size to determine stock condition and roughing cut sequence
• orientation of a component (relative to machine axes) to establish the co-ordinate rotation

Machine setting establishes

• alignment of a rotary axis, indexer or fixturing elements required to position and hold components
• position of an indexer's centre of rotation and/or reference points on fixture elements

Predictive controls

Automated setting using probing can be up to 10 times quicker than manual methods, freeing up more time for cutting metal.

Probing is also predictable – you'll know how long setting will take and can plan accordingly.

Setting processes that use on-machine probing can be fully program controlled, so that skilled operators are no longer needed to take measurements, make calculations and input offset changes.

Renishaw's workpiece inspection probes, tool setters and Productivity+™ software are essential tools for fast, automatic and repeatable set-up of metal cutting operations.