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 machine envelope. 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 Touch Probe Functions software option (#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 Touch Probe Functions software option (#17 / #1-05-1) is automatically enabled.
- Collision Monitoring v2 (#140 / #5-03-2) software option
- 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 Adv. Function Set 1 (#8 / #1-01-1) and Adv. Function Set 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 Adv. Function Set 1 (#8 / #1-01-1) is 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.
- The Set up fixtures function with the Simulation workspace open
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 |
---|---|
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, 0.3937 inch, or 10° in the negative axis direction Tip Fixtures are shifted by mm or inch units in a linear axis and by degrees in a rotary axis. | |
Shifts the position of the virtual fixture by 1 mm, 0.0394 inch, or 1° in the negative axis direction | |
| |
Shifts the position of the virtual fixture by 1 mm, 0.0394 inch, or 1° in the positive axis direction | |
Shifts the position of the virtual fixture by 10 mm, 0.3937 inch, or 10° in the positive axis direction | |
Status of the axis: | |
| |
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 for each probing point.
- Error estimate diagram of the Set up fixtures function with transparent columns
The error estimate diagram of the Set up fixtures function displays the following information:
- Error estimate [mm]
This value indicates the greatest estimated distance between the 3D model and the fixture after each probing point.
- Mean deviation (RMS)
This value indicates the average of all measured distances between the 3D model and the fixture.
- Deviation [mm]
On this axis, you can see how great the estimated distance between the 3D model and the probing point at the fixture is.
- No. of probe point
This axis shows the number of probing points.
- Columns
If the status is not yet green for all axes, the control will display transparent columns.
After each probing point, the control will adjust the 3D model accordingly. This means that the previous values will change, too.
Once the columns in the error estimate diagram are no longer transparent and the Error estimate [mm] value displays the required precision, 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)
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 |
---|---|
| The following probing points can be set when measuring a vise:
|
| The following probing points can be set when measuring a three-point chuck:
|
Measuring the fixed-jaw vise
To measure a vise using the Set up fixtures function:
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
|
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 vise. The rotation is determined from one single jaw.
- Use the +, -, *, /, (, and ) keys for calculations in the numerical input fields.
- 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.