First off the option lists for $4995 not $7000. Here a few reasons why this option is awesome and like a work and tool setter probe no 5th axis and 4th axis machine should be without.
Dynamic Work Offset (DWO) and Tool Center Point Control (TCPC) are software options in the Next Generation Control (NGC) that greatly simplify multi-axis machining using Haas 4- and 5-axis rotary tables. DWO handles all 3+1 or 3+2 motion while TCPC handles all full 4- and 5-axis motion. Both features are included under one option price.
• Part can lie anywhere on the platter
• More forgiving rotary setups
• Easy transitions from one job to the next
• Saves time in the CAM system
• Increases part accuracy
Why DWO / TCPC
The differences between machining with or without DWO/TCPC are subtle, but the effects in terms of a simple setup are dramatic. When machining 4- or 5-axis, the machine rotary zero point or A-axis center of rotation (also known as rotary center-of-rotation), need to be known. The only difference between machining with or without DWO/TCPC is where this information is stored. Without DWO/TCPC, it must be stored within the CAM system; with DWO/TCPC, it is stored within the control.
The Next Generation Control makes it very easy to set up your specific rotary in the control. For DWO/TCPC to work properly, it is very important that the rotary configuration match the true rotary setup. The rotary axes must also agree with the rotary axis convention. For example, a TR160Y with the tilt axis parallel to the X-axis would enable the A and C rotary axes. If the rotary was rotated so the tilt axis was parallel to the Y-axis, then the B and C rotary axes would have to be enabled.
Standard ISO rotary axis convention:
• A-Axis revolves around the X-Axis
• B-Axis revolves around the Y-Axis
• C-Axis revolves around the Z-axis
Active Work Offset
When a job is set up, an Active Work Offset is created. For a program to function properly, all axis movements must be programmed from a stationary point. A typical 3-axis job would place this work offset on the top of the part. The problem with using this location for 4-axis or 5-axis programs is that the active work offset moves when the rotary rotates. The rotary center-of-rotation is the only stationary position in 4- or 5-axis rotary setups.
Rotary Center of Rotation
The rotary center-of-rotation is a position that does not move as one or both rotary axes rotate. Without DWO/TCPC, all programs must be programmed from this location. This solves the issue of a moving active work offset, but creates a new problem; now the distance from the part location to the center-of-rotation becomes very important. If this distance changes, the CAM program must be modified and re-posted to account for the difference.
Machine Rotary Zero Point (MRZP)
With DWO/TCPC, the location of the rotary center-of-rotation is stored within the control, relative to the axis home position. This is defined as the Machine Rotary Zero Point (MRZP) and stored within the settings page. This process is done one time, unless the rotary is moved. Since this information is now stored in the control, we have solved both problems previously mentioned:
• The center-of-rotation is now known
• The location of the work relative to the center-of-rotation is no longer important
How
With DWO/TCPC, the control has all the information that it needs to calculate where the part is in space. This is why the part can be placed anywhere on the rotary table and the same code can be ran. Without DWO/TCPC, the control doesn't have all the information it needs and relies on a proper CAM setup to account for the missing information.
Benefits
DWO/TCPC gives you the freedom and flexibility to machine a multi-axis part. For a job shop making small batches of parts, DWO/TCPC allows for quick transitions from one job to the next. For high production shops the program and the fixture can be made independent of one another. Either way DWO/TCPC save you time and money.
• Increase part accuracy
• Save time in the CAM system
• Save money on fixtures
• Create simple 4- and 5-Axis programs by hand
• Increase number of multi-axis operators
• Increase productivity
• Make money quicker
If you have 4th and or 5th axis work you need this option to compete. On the Next Generation Control (NGC) Haas just came out with you can try it out for 200 hours for free. Not 200 hours from the minute you turn it on but 200 hours you can turn off an on only when you need it.
Hope this helps it's all on the Haas website Haas Automation and check out their DIY site too it's sweet diy.haascnc.com