Determination of tool position point in CNC machining and discussion of tool setting methods

In CNC machining, the determination of the tool position point and tool setting is an extremely important step. It directly determines the dimensional accuracy and surface quality of the workpiece.

In CNC programming, the tool moves from a set origin to a specific position on the workpiece, and this specific position is the tool position point. For different tools, the tool position point is set differently. Generally speaking, for plane milling, the tool position is usually set at the centre of the surface to be machined; for contour milling or cavity milling, the tool position should be set at the beginning or end of the contour to be machined.

After determining the tool position point, the next step is the process of tool setting. The purpose of tool setting is to make the tip of the tool move accurately to the tool position point, so as to achieve accurate cutting. The following are several common methods of tool setting:

1. Test-cutting method of tool setting: this is the simplest method of tool setting, but also the most commonly used. First move the tool near the edge of the workpiece, and then manually adjust the height of the tool until the tool touches the workpiece. At this point, the position of the tool is the tool position point. This method is simple and easy to use, but the accuracy is low, only for occasions where the accuracy requirements are not high.

2. Mechanical tool setting instrument tool setting: this is a more accurate method of tool setting. Through the tool setting instrument to measure the distance between the tool and the workpiece, and then move the tool to a predetermined position. This method is highly accurate, but the price of equipment is higher. 3.

3. Electronic tool setting device tool setting: this is a new type of tool setting method, the use of electronic tool setting device can quickly and accurately measure the distance between the tool and the workpiece. This method is not only high precision, and easy to use, but need to be equipped with a special electronic tool setting.

4. Optical tool setting instrument tool: this tool setting method is the use of optical principles, by measuring the distance between the tool and the workpiece light reflection to determine the position of the tool. This method is highly accurate and easy to use, but the equipment is more expensive.