How to setup 5 axis machine

[holyjewsus]

We are currently trying to start cutting on our 5 axis machine with madam, we have a head/head configuration. We're using mach 3, but our cuts seem inside out, the length of the spindle is not compensated when it turns sideways.


How can we setup the machine with madam to reference the offsets in the head/head?

We're using a doughty drive for reference.

[JOM]

Hello,

madCAM is able to calculate the X,Y and Z difference when rotating the 4th and 5th-axis, but you have to set this in the post processor.
Below is a picture of the tool length (L) and the Axis Offset that has to be set in the post processor file.



You can open the post processor and edit the axis offset. (See below for an example of how to change in the post processor)
:
:
*AXIS_1_CHAR*
X
*AXIS_2_CHAR*
Y
*AXIS_3_CHAR*
Z
*AXIS_4_CHAR*
A
*AXIS_5_CHAR*
B
*CUTTER_REFERENCE*
TIP
*TOOLPATH_OUTPUT*
TRANSFORM <== This tells madCAM to transform the coordinates calculated from the axis offset and rotation angles.
*AXIS_OFFSET*
0 <== Here you can set the distance from the rotation center to the bottom of your chuck or toolholder. (It's also important that the tool length is set with the saved cutter)
*RAPID*
G00"x""y""z""a""b"
*END_SECTION*
*RAPID_APPROACH*
"x""y""z""a""b"
*END_SECTION*
:
:
:

Joakim

[williamsmotower]

Any tips on how to measure that axis offset accurately?

[Dan B]

I don't do it myself, but I believe we find that value easily by zeroing an indicator at X0, rotating the head 90 degrees, then jogging the x until we read zero on the indicator off the spindle face. The offset value will be displayed on the controller as the X value. Of course, this would work in the Y too. I'll double check with our CNC manager on Monday and see if I have that right.