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
- Setting up the workpiece with graphic support (option 159)
Dynamic Collision Monitoring (DCM, option 40)
Fixture monitoring (option 40)
Setting up the workpiece with graphical support (option 159)
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 direction, the control changes the status of that axis from red to green.
The error estimate diagram shows the estimated distance of the 3D model from the real fixture for each probing point.
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.
In this case, you can adjust the position of the 3D model in the simulation, if applicable.
Probing in the direction of the arrow is not possible.
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 under certain conditions. Probing is done in a deselected direction or might cause collisions.
Probing in the direction of the arrow is possible.
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 corresponding axis directions. In the XY Clamping plane, for example, the control displays the axes X, Y, Z and C. |
![]() | Name of fixture file The control automatically saves the fixture file in the initial folder. The fixture file name can be edited before saving. |
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 | |
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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 direction is deselected for this set-up process and will not be taken into account. No probing points have been determined yet. The control cannot determine the fixture position in this axis direction. The position of the fixture in this axis direction already contains information. The information is not meaningful yet. The control can determine the fixture position in this axis direction. |
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 next to the button. |
When using a datum clamping system and for this reason you do not want to consider one axis direction (such as Z) when setting up the fixture, the axis in question can be deselected by a toggle switch. The control will not take deselected axis directions into account in the set-up process and positions the fixture by considering the remaining axis directions only.
Error estimate diagram
Every probing point further restricts the possible positioning of the fixture and puts the 3D model closer to the actual position in the machine.
The error estimate diagram shows the estimated distance of the 3D model from the real fixture. The control not only considers the probing points, but also the entire fixture.
As soon as the error estimate diagram shows green circles and the desired accuracy, the set-up process is completed.
- 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 error estimate diagram of the Set up fixtures function displays the following information:
- Mean deviation (RMS)
- Error estimate [mm]
- 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 individual probing points. Red circles are shown until the values for all axis directions are determined. From then on, the control displays green circles.
This axis shows the numbers of the individual probing points.
Example of sequence of fixture probing points
Below are some of the probing points that can 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, for example, 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)