The Simulation function determines the position of a 3D model in the Set up fixtures workspace, matching the real fixture in the machine envelope. Once the fixture has been set-up, the control considers it in Dynamic Collision Monitoring (DCM).
Application
Related topics
- Simulation workspace
- Dynamic Collision Monitoring (DCM)
- Fixture monitoring
Dynamic Collision Monitoring (DCM, option 40)
Requirements
- Dynamic Collision Monitoring (DCM version 2, software option 140)
- Workpiece touch probe
- Permitted fixture file matching the real fixture
Description of function
The Set up fixtures function is available as a touch probe function in the Setup application of the Manual operating mode.
The Set up fixtures function determines the fixture position, using various probing processes. First one point on the fixture is probed in every linear axis. The position of the fixture is defined in this way. After probing one point in all linear axes, further points can be integrated in order to improve positioning accuracy. After defining the position in one axis, the control changes the status of that axis from red to green.
The revision diagram shows by which value the 3D model is shifted on the real fixture resulting from the individual probing processes.
Extensions of the Simulation workspace
In addition to the Probing function workspace, the Simulation workspace offers graphic support for setting up the fixture.

- When the Set up fixtures function is active, the Simulation workspace shows the content below:
- Current position of fixture as viewed by the control
- Probed points on the fixture
- Possible direction of probing by means of an arrow:
- No arrow
- Red arrow
- Yellow arrow
- Green arrow
Probing is not possible. The workpiece touch probe is too distant from the fixture or the workpiece touch probe is positioned within the fixture, as seen by the control.
Probing in the direction of the arrow is not possible. The angle between the workpiece touch probe and the fixture is not correct.
Probing on edges, corners or heavily curved fixture areas fails to deliver precise measuring results. This is why the control blocks probing in these areas.
Probing in the direction of the arrow is possible. Probing will presumably not improve the set-up process, e. g. the probing point in the displayed axis direction is too close to an already probed point.
Probing in the direction of the arrow is possible. The angle between the workpiece touch probe and the fixture is correct and the distance is right.
Icons and buttons
The Set up fixtures function contains the following icons and buttons:
Icon or button | Function |
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XY Clamping plane | This selection menu defines the plane in which the fixture is in contact with the machine.
Tip Depending on the selected clamping plane, the control displays the axes in question. In the XY Clamping plane, the control displays e. g. the axes X, Y, Z and C. |
![]() | Name of fixture file |
Shifts the position of the virtual fixture by 10 mm or 10° in the negative axis direction Tip Shifts the fixture in mm in a linear axis and in degrees in a rotary axis. | |
Shifts the position of the virtual fixture by 1 mm or 1° in the negative axis direction | |
Enter the position of the virtual fixture directly | |
Shifts the position of the virtual fixture by 1 mm or 1° in the positive axis direction | |
Shifts the position of the virtual fixture by 10 mm or 10° in the positive axis direction | |
![]() | Status of axis
The axis is hidden in this set-up process and is not considered. At the beginning of the set-up process, i. e. before probing points are calculated, the control displays the status of all axes in white. The position of the fixture in this axis is not unambiguously defined. The position of the fixture in this axis already contains information. The information is not meaningful yet. The position of the fixture in this axis is unambiguously defined. |
![]() | Path of fixture file The control automatically saves the fixture file in the initial folder. The fixture file name can be edited. |
Save and activate | This function saves all obtained data in a CFG file and activates the measured fixture in Dynamic Collision Monitoring (DCM). Tip When using a CFG file as the data source for the measuring process, the existing CFG file can be overwritten by Save and activate at the end of the measuring process. When creating a new CFG file, enter a different file name in the path. |
When using a datum clamping system and for this reason, one axis (such as Z) is not to be considered when setting up the fixture, the axis in question can be deselected by a switch. The control will not take deselected axes into account in the set-up process and positions the fixture by considering the remaining axes only.
Revision diagram
Every performed probing restricts the possible positioning of the fixture more and more and puts the 3D model closer to the actual position in the machine.
The revision diagram shows the curve of revisions performed during the setting-up process. The set-up process is successfully completed when only revisions in the accuracy range of e. g. 0.05 mm appear.
- The factors below influence the accuracy that can be achieved when measuring fixtures:
- Accuracy of workpiece touch probe
- Repeatability of workpiece touch probe
- Accuracy of 3D model
- Condition of the actual fixture, e. g. existing wear or score marks

- The revision diagram of the Set up fixtures function shows the following information:
- Mean deviation (QMW)
- Shift
- No. of probe point
This area shows the average distance of the measured probing points from the 3D model in mm.
This axis shows the course of the revised model position by means of the added probing points. The individual values show by which value the 3D model was shifted by the respective probing process.
This axis shows the numbers of the individual probing points.
Example of sequence of fixture probing points
The following probing points can e. g. be set for different fixtures:
Chucking equipment/fixtures | Possible sequence |
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Measuring the fixed-jaw vice
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Tip This step makes the subsequent steps easier. | ||
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Tip For pre-positioning the vice, use the workpiece touch probe as a point of reference. At this point in time, the control does not know the precise position of the fixture, but of the workpiece touch probe. Pre-positioning the 3D model in accordance with the position of the workpiece touch probe and by using e. g. the table's T-slots produces values close to the position of the real vice. Even after recording the first measuring points, the shifting functions are still available for correcting the fixture position manually. | ||
Tip As the 3D model is only pre-positioned at this point in time, the green arrow cannot provide any reliable information about whether the desired surface of the fixture will actually be touched. Check if the fixture position in the simulation and in the machine match and if touching in the direction of the arrow is possible on the machine. Do not touch directly near edges, chamfers and roundings. | ||
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Tip To achieve maximum accuracy when touching the basic rotation, the probing points should be as far apart from one another as possible. | ||
Tip Additional check points at the end of the measuring process improve the matching accuracy and minimize the faults between the 3D model and the real fixture. | ||
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Notes
- Calibrate the workpiece touch probe at regular intervals
- Enter parameter R2 in the tool management
- The control cannot identify modeling differences between the 3D model and the real fixture.
- At the time of set-up, Dynamic Collision Monitoring (DCM) does not know the exact position of the fixture. In this condition, collisions with the fixture, the tool or other non-machine components such as fixing clamps in the work envelope may occur. The non-machine components can be modeled on the control using a CFG file.
- If you cancel the Set up fixtures function, DCM will not monitor the fixture. In this case, any fixtures previously set up are also removed from the scope of monitoring. The control displays a warning.
- Only one fixture can be measured at a time. To monitor several fixtures simultaneously by DCM, the fixtures must be integrated into a CFG file.
- When measuring a jaw chuck, the coordinates of the axes Z, X and Y are determined just as when measuring a vice. The rotation is determined from one single jaw.
- The saved fixture file can be integrated into the NC program with the FIXTURE SELECT function. This can be used for simulating and executing the NC program, considering the real setup situation.
Editing CFG files with KinematicsDesign
Editing CFG files with KinematicsDesign
Loading and removing fixtures using the FIXTURE function (option 40)