The datum of the drawing in the CAD file is not always located in a manner that lets you use it as a workpiece preset. Therefore, the control provides a function with which you can shift the workpiece preset to a suitable location by clicking an element. You can also define the orientation of the coordinate system.
Description of function
- When you select the Preset icon, the control displays the following information in the list view window:
- Distance between the defined preset and the drawing datum
- Orientation of the coordinate system with respect to the drawing
The control displays values not equal to 0 in orange.

- You can position the preset at the following locations:
- By direct input of numerical values into the List View window
- For straight lines:
- Starting point
- Midpoint
- End point
- For circular arcs:
- Starting point
- Center point
- End point
- For full circles:
- At the quadrant transitions
- At the center
- At the intersection between:
- Two straight lines, even if the point of intersection is actually on the extension of one of the lines
- Straight line and circular arc
- Straight line and full circle
- Two circles (regardless of whether a circular arc or a full circle)
If you have set a workpiece preset, the control displays the Preset icon in the menu bar with a yellow quadrant.
The preset and optional orientation are inserted in the NC program as a comment starting with origin.
4 ;orgin = X... Y... Z... |
5 ;orgin_plane_spatial = SPA... SPB... SPC... |
You can save the information on the workpiece preset and workpiece datum to a file or to the clipboard without having to resort to CAD Import (software option 42).
The control maintains the contents of the clipboard only as long as CAD-Viewer is open.
You can change the preset even after you have selected the contour. The control does not calculate the actual contour data until you save the selected contour in a contour program.
Setting the workpiece preset or workpiece datum and aligning the coordinate system
- The following instructions apply to the use of a mouse. You can also perform these steps with touch gestures.
- The following contents also apply to the workpiece datum. In this case, start by selecting the Datum icon.
Common gestures for the touchscreen
Setting the workpiece preset or workpiece datum on an individual element
| ||
![]() |
| |
| ||
| ||
|
Setting the workpiece preset or workpiece datum at the intersection of two elements
You can set the workpiece preset at intersection points of straight lines, full circles and arcs.
| ||
![]() |
| |
| ||
|
- If there are several possible intersections, the control selects the intersection nearest the mouse-click on the second element.
- If two elements do not intersect directly, the control automatically calculates the intersection of their extensions.
- If the control cannot calculate an intersection, it deselects the previously selected element.
Aligning the coordinate system
- The following conditions must be met in order to orient the coordinate system:
- Preset has been defined
- There are elements next to the preset that can be used for the desired orientation
|