Integrating fixtures into collision monitoring (#140 / #5-03-2)
Application
The Set up fixtures function determines the position of a 3D model in the Simulation workspace, matching the real fixture in the workspace. Once the fixture has been set-up, the control considers it in Dynamic Collision Monitoring (DCM).
Related topics
- The Simulation workspace
- Dynamic Collision Monitoring (DCM)
- Fixture monitoring
- Setting up a workpiece with graphical support (#159 / #1-07-1)
Setting up the workpiece with graphical support (#159 / #1-07-1)
Requirements
- If you are using a HEIDENHAIN touch probe with EnDat interface, then the software option Touch Probe Functions (#17 / #1-05-1) is automatically enabled. Calibrating the workpiece touch probe
If you are using a HEIDENHAIN touch probe with EnDat interface, then the software option Touch Probe Functions (#17 / #1-05-1) is automatically enabled.
- Software option Dynamic Collision Monitoring (DCM) version 2 (#140 / #5-03-2)
- 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.
The scope of the Set up fixtures function depends on the Extended Functions Group 1 (#8 / #1-01-1) and Extended Functions Group 2 (#9 / #4-01-1) software options as follows:
- Both software options enabled:
You can tilt before probing, and incline the tool while probing, in order to probe even complex fixtures.
- Only Extended Functions Group 1 (#8 / #1-01-1) enabled:
You can tilt before probing. The working plane must be consistent. If you move the rotary axes between the touch points, the control will display an error message.
- Tip
If the current coordinates of the rotary axes and the defined tilt angles (3D ROT window) match, the working plane is consistent.
- None of the two software options is enabled:
You cannot tilt before probing. If you move the rotary axes between the touch points, the control will display an error message.
Tilting the working plane (#8 / #1-01-1)
Compensating the tool angle of inclination with FUNCTION TCPM (#9 / #4-01-1)
Extension 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
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.
- Red arrow
Probing in the direction of the arrow is not possible.
- Tip
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.
- Yellow arrow
Probing in the direction of the arrow is possible under certain conditions. Probing is done in a deselected direction or might cause collisions.
- Green arrow
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 | Meaning |
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XY Clamping plane | This selection menu defines the plane in which the fixture is in contact with the machine. The control offers the following planes:
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 control displays the following colors:
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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)
This area shows the average distance of the measured probing points from the 3D model in mm.
- Error estimate [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.
- No. of probe point
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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The following probing points can be set when measuring a vice:
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The following probing points can be set when measuring a three-point chuck:
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Measuring the fixed-jaw vice
To measure a vise using the Set up fixtures function:
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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.