Presets on the tool

The control distinguishes the following presets on the tool for different calculations or applications.

Tool carrier reference point

Milling cutter

Turning tool

Grinding tool

The tool carrier reference point is a fixed point defined by the machine manufacturer. The tool carrier reference point is usually located on the spindle nose.

Starting from the tool carrier reference point, define the tool dimensions in the tool management (e.g., length L and radius R).

Tool management

Measuring the tool by scratching

Tool tip TIP 

Milling tools

Lathe tools

Grinding tools

Tool coordinate system T-CS

You define the position of the tool tip with the basic and delta values of the tool relative to the tool-carrier reference point.

Tool parameters

In case of milling cutters, the tool tip is at the center of the tool diameter and at the longest point of the tool on the tool axis.

For turning tools (#50 / #4-03-1), the control uses the theoretical tool tip, i.e. the longest measured values for ZL, XL, and YL.

In case of grinding tools (#156 / #4-04-1), the tool tip is at the center of the tool diameter and at the longest point of the tool on the tool axis.

For the following grinding tools, the control calculates the longest point of the tool from several parameters:

  • Angular wheel
  • L-OVR, ALPHA and B

  • Straight wheel and Facing wheel
  • L-OVR and B

The tool tip is an auxiliary point for illustration purposes. The coordinates in the NC program reference the tool location point.

Tool location point (TLP, tool location point)

Tool center point (TCP, tool center point)

Milling tools

Lathe tools

Grinding tools

The tool center point TCP is the center of the tool diameter. If a tool radius 2 R2 is defined, the tool center point is offset from the tool tip by this value.

For turning tools (#50 / #4-03-1), the tool center point lies at the center of the tool-tip radius RS.

If the radius of a grinding tool (#156 / #4-04-1) is defined at the lower tool edge RV1, the tool center point is offset from the tool tip by this value.

Making entries in the tool management relative to the tool carrier reference point defines the tool center point.

Tool management

The tool center point is an auxiliary point for illustration purposes. The coordinates in the NC program reference the tool location point.

Tool location point (TLP, tool location point)

Tool location point (TLP, tool location point)

The control positions the tool on the tool location point TLP. By default, the tool location point is at the tool tip.

In the function FUNCTION TCPM (#9 / #4-01-1), you can also choose the tool location point to be at the tool center point.

Compensating the tool angle of inclination with FUNCTION TCPM (#9 / #4-01-1)

For cylindrical grinding (#156 / #4-04-1) you select a grinding wheel edge. The control sets the tool location point on the selected grinding wheel edge.

Grinding wheel edges and teeth of grinding tools

Tool rotation point (TRP, tool rotation point)

When applying the tilting function with MOVE (#8 / #1-01-1), the control tilts around the tool rotation point TRP. By default, the tool center of rotation is at the tool tip.

When selecting MOVE in PLANE functions, the syntax element DIST is used to define the relative position between the workpiece and the tool. The control shifts the tool rotation point from the tool tip by this value. When DIST is not defined, the control keeps the tool tip constant.

Rotary axis positioning

In the function FUNCTION TCPM (#9 / #4-01-1), you can also choose the tool center of rotation to be at the tool center point.

For cylindrical grinding (#156 / #4-04-1) you select a grinding wheel edge. The control sets the tool rotation point on the selected grinding wheel edge.

Grinding wheel edges and teeth of grinding tools

Tool radius 2 center (CR2, center R2)

The control uses the tool radius 2 center in conjunction with 3D tool compensation (#9 / #4-01-1). In the case of straight lines LN, the surface-normal vector points to that point and defines the direction of the 3D tool compensation.

3D tool compensation (#9 / #4-01-1)

The tool radius 2 center is offset from the tool tip and the cutting edge by the R2 value.

The tool radius 2 center is an auxiliary point for illustration purposes. The coordinates in the NC program reference the tool location point.

Tool location point (TLP, tool location point)