Acu-Rite 3500i User Manual

User’s Manual Conversational and g-code

CNC 3500i

Controls of the 3500i

Keys on visual display unit Power control keys

Key Function

Data Entry keys

Key Function

Plus - Minus toggle key

Controls of the 3500i

Numerical keys

Key Function

NC Start key (i.e. run a program)

Stop key (i.e. stop a program)

Servo Reset activates servo motors

Zero key

One key

Two key

Three key

Four key

Five key

CLEAR key clears selections, i.e. values,

ENTER key activates selections, and

entries

Axis Keys

Key Function

X Axis

Y Axis

Z Axis

U Axis

Touch QWERTY keyboard

Key Board

Six key

Seven key

Eight key

Nine key

Decimal key

Numeric Touch Pad(s)

Numeric Pad Calculator Pad

Axis Jog keys Navigation keys

Key Function

JOG Cycles the CNC through manual movement modes: RAPID JOG, JOG FEED, JOG @ 100, JOG @ 10, JOG @ 1

Manually moves X+ axis in positive direction

Manually moves X- axis in negative direction

Manually moves Y+ axis in positive direction

Manually moves Y- axis in negative direction

Manually moves Z+ axis in positive direction

Manually moves Z- axis in negative direction

Manually moves U+ axis in positive direction

Manually moves U- axis in negative direction

Key Function

ARROW over, up, down to move highlight

Potentiometer for feed rate and spindle speed override

Feed rate Spindle speed

Controls of the 3500i

ACU-RITE 3500i v

Keyboard Installation

The machine builder determines whether the system supports a keyboard option. If this option is supported, plug a USB keyboard into the 3500i.

There is no keyboard equivalent for the E-STOP, so emergency shutdowns cannot be performed through the keyboard.

Peripherals Supported:

 USB memory devices; e.g. a memory stick.  USB pointing devices; e.g. a mouse.  USB Keyboards.

Controls of the 3500i

Keyboard Equivalent Key Strokes

Key Function

CLEAR Alt + c

ARROWS Arrows

ENTER Enter

X X

Y Y

Z Z

U U

START Alt + s

HOLD Alt + h

Manual Information

Message symbols

This symbol indicates that there is one or more of the following risks when using the described function

 Danger to work piece  Danger to fixtures  Danger to tool  Danger to machine  Danger to operators

Damage!

This symbol indicates that there is risk of damage, or electrical shock if instructions are not adhered to.

Different from machine to machine!

This symbol indicates that instructions may apply differently from one type of machine to another type of machine.

Manual Information

Refer to another Manual!

This symbol indicates that information required is located elsewhere (i.e. Machines Owner Manual).

Advice!

This symbol indicates that an Advice tip is being provided. Important, and/or additional information about the function described.

Fonts Used in this manual

3500i reference to the console KEYS 3500i reference to the touch screen Buttons

Changes (errors)

HEIDENHAIN Corporation is continuously striving to improve. Please help HEIDENHAIN Corporation by sending your request to the following e-mail address: sales@heidenhain.com

Visit www.acu-rite.com for latest version of this manual.

ACU-RITE 3500i vii

Model, Software and Features

This manual describes functions and features provided by 3500i as of the following NC software numbers.

CNC model NC software number

ACU-RITE 3500i CNC Software 689 871-01

ACU-RITE 3500i Offline Programming Software

The machine tool builder adapts the usable features of the CNC to his machine by setting machine parameters. Some of the functions described in this manual may therefore not be among the features

Manual Information

provided by the CNC on your machine tool. CNC functions that may not be available on your machine include:

 Tool measurement with touch probes

The machine tool builder representative can assist with becoming familiar with the features of the machine.

Many machine manufacturers, as well as HEIDENHAIN Corp., offer programming courses for the CNC. We recommend these courses as an effective way of improving your programming skill and sharing information and ideas with other CNC users.

Intended place of operation

The CNC is intended for use primarily in industrially-zoned areas. Refer to the respective installation manual for additional information.

896 068-xx

viii

New Functions of Software

689 871-01-02

 CAM now includes a Save button to allow quickly saving progress.

Ctrl-S can now be used as well.

 CAM geometry creation dialogs now support copying and pasting

between dialogs.

 ARC Help Forms now support all planes. As such, X, Y, and Z

parameters are all available and indicated as optional. User needs to decide which of these are actually required for the particular instance.

 The Edit Preview Features menu now includes a button to access

the Simulation Tool Table.

 Tool and Offset Tables now support copying in both directions; from

Simulation to NC, and from NC to Simulation.

 The use of the Sim Tool and Sim Offset tables are now configurable

See "Simulation Tool and Offset Tables" on page 71.

Manual Information

ACU-RITE 3500i ix

Changed Functions of Software

689 871-01-01

 Feed & Speed Calculator in MDI was changed; see page 55.  Feeds & Speeds Table functionality and description was expanded;

see page 68.

 Additional information for the Repeat blocks feature is being

provided; see page 145.

689 871-01-02

 Linear and Arc Engraving cycles now apply active program rotation.

Mirroring and scaling are still cancelled at the start of the cycle. No

Manual Information

rotation, mirroring, or scaling is active after these cycles have run, and would need to be reprogrammed if desired; see page 108.

 Tool Table Teach and Teach Program buttons are now configurable

as to their positions on the menu; see page 66.

 The setting to hide or show the on-screen keyboard is now

persistent across machine power cycles; see page 13.

689 871-01-03

 Rotation cycles (G68 and RMS) now allow user to specify if the

rotation center is a pivot point for the rotation or not; see page 237.

 A circle of the format XYR with start=end now generates an error

because it cannot be properly calculated; see page 132.

 The M98 Help Form now includes the previously missing Loop

parameter; see page 236.

689 871-01-04

 The Conversational Editor now always ensures that a blank line

exists at the end of programs, in order to make it easy to insert new blocks at the end of the program; see page 110.

 When turning OFF Edit Preview, the active program preview run is

now cancelled. Also, the Preview Features menu is now available while the program preview is running; see page 114.

689 871-01-05

 Added description of estimated machining time in preview image;

see page 93.

 Outdated estimated machining times are now displayed on the

preview image in RED colored text; see page 93.

689 871-01-08

 Corrected total number of available tools (100); see page 60.  Additional information has been added for islands; see page 190.  Added examples of pockets with islands; see page 239.

Contents

Introduction

Machining Fundamentals

Manual Data Input

Tool Management

Program Management

Conversational Editing

Programming: Canned Cycles, subprograms

Drawing Programs

Running a Program on the Machine

CAM: Programming

G-code Edit, Help, & Advanced Features

Software Update

ACU-RITE 3500i xi

xii

Table of Contents

Controls of the 3500i

Keys on visual display unit .......................................................................................iv

Numerical keys ........................................................................................................iv

Data Entry keys........................................................................................................iv

Axis Keys .................................................................................................................iv

Touch QWERTY keyboard .......................................................................................iv

Numeric Touch Pad(s)..............................................................................................iv

Axis Jog keys............................................................................................................v

Navigation keys.........................................................................................................v

Potentiometer for feed rate and spindle speed override ..........................................v

Keyboard Installation................................................................................................vi

Keyboard Equivalent Key Strokes ............................................................................vi

Manual Information

Message symbols...................................................................................................vii

Fonts Used in this manual .................................................................................vii

Model, Software and Features .............................................................................. viii

Intended place of operation .............................................................................. viii

New Functions of Software .....................................................................................ix

689 871-01-02.....................................................................................................ix

Changed Functions of Software ...............................................................................x

689 871-01-01......................................................................................................x

689 871-01-02......................................................................................................x

689 871-01-03......................................................................................................x

689 871-01-04......................................................................................................x

689 871-01-05......................................................................................................x

Introduction

1.1 The 3500i

ACU-RITE conversational, and G-code formats ....................................................... 2

Powering Up the CNC Machine............................................................................... 3

E-Stop, Servo Reset, and CNC Shutdown ............................................................... 4

Writing Programs..................................................................................................... 5

1.2 Visual Display Unit

Operating Panel with Touch Screen display ............................................................ 6

Screen Navigation.................................................................................................... 6

Menus, Dialogues, and Forms................................................................................. 7

General Operating Guidelines .................................................................................. 8

3500i xiii

Main Operating Modes....................................................................................... 8

Sub Modes ......................................................................................................... 9

Upper Menu and Status Information Bar.......................................................... 10

Machine function buttons ................................................................................. 11

Keyboard........................................................................................................... 12

Additional Buttons ............................................................................................ 13

Special Characters ............................................................................................ 13

Programming Sliders ........................................................................................ 14

Numeric touch pad ........................................................................................... 15

Calculator .......................................................................................................... 16

Advanced Function buttons .............................................................................. 16

Context Sensitive Help .......................................................................................... 17

Using Context Sensitive Help ........................................................................... 17

Console Key Pad.................................................................................................... 19

1.3 Main Operating Mode Screens

Display navigation .................................................................................................. 20

Manual Data Input ................................................................................................. 20

Program Management Screen............................................................................... 21

Program Run.......................................................................................................... 22

1.4 Accessories:

Touch probes ......................................................................................................... 23

HR electronic hand wheels.................................................................................... 24

Electronic Edge Finder........................................................................................... 24

Machining Fundamentals

2.1 Fundamentals of Positioning

Position encoders and reference marks ................................................................ 26

Reference system ................................................................................................. 27

Reference system on milling machines................................................................. 27

Designation of the axes on milling machines ........................................................ 28

Polar coordinates ................................................................................................... 28

Setting the pole and the angle reference axis .................................................. 29

Absolute and incremental polar coordinates..................................................... 29

Angle Measurements ....................................................................................... 30

Absolute and incremental work piece positions .................................................... 31

Absolute work piece positions.......................................................................... 31

Incremental work piece positions..................................................................... 31

Setting the datum .................................................................................................. 32

Fixture Offsets.................................................................................................. 32

xiv

2.2 Manual Machine Positioning

Jog Mode Moves................................................................................................... 34

Changing the Jog Mode.................................................................................... 34

Incremental Moves ........................................................................................... 34

Continuous Moves............................................................................................ 34

Adjusting the Feedrate...................................................................................... 35

Overriding the Spindle RPM .................................................................................. 35

Manual Data Input

3.1 Manual Data Input (MDI)

Overview ............................................................................................................... 38

Manual Data Input Screen ..................................................................................... 38

Manual Data Input Mode Settings......................................................................... 39

Manual Data Input Menu Bar................................................................................. 40

MDI Menu Page two ........................................................................................ 41

Manual Data Input Operations ............................................................................... 42

Manual Data Input Cycles ...................................................................................... 44

Pocket Cycle Example ...................................................................................... 45

Block History.......................................................................................................... 47

G-code MDI .......................................................................................................... 48

MDI Touch Screen Feature Dialogues .................................................................. 49

Zero Axes.......................................................................................................... 49

Program Preset................................................................................................. 50

Move to Target Location................................................................................... 51

Tool ................................................................................................................... 52

Offset................................................................................................................ 53

Basic Modals..................................................................................................... 54

Feed and Speed................................................................................................ 55

MDI Teach ............................................................................................................. 57

Tool Management

4.1 Tool Table

Tool Table / Tool Management .............................................................................. 60

Tool Compensation Required Data ........................................................................ 60

Tool numbers / Tool names ................................................................................... 61

Locating the Tool Table.......................................................................................... 61

Editing the tool table.............................................................................................. 62

Tool Table Menu Bar......................................................................................... 62

Second Menu Bar ............................................................................................. 63

Clearing an entire line of tool data .................................................................... 64

Clearing the current tool table........................................................................... 64

3500i xv

Find ................................................................................................................... 65

Finding a tool using text.................................................................................... 65

Clear Feature .................................................................................................... 66

Teach, and Teach Program ............................................................................... 66

Tool Table Structure .............................................................................................. 67

Tool table: Standard tool data ........................................................................... 67

Feeds & Speeds Table........................................................................................... 68

Feeds & Speeds Overview ............................................................................... 68

Feeds & Speeds Table Structure ...................................................................... 68

Using the Feeds & Speeds Table ..................................................................... 70

Simulation Tool and Offset Tables......................................................................... 71

4.2 Tool Data

T-Codes, and Tool Activation ................................................................................. 72

Activating Offsets via the Program ........................................................................ 72

Tool-Length Offsets............................................................................................... 73

Entering Tool Length Offsets in the Tool Table ................................................ 73

Diameter Offset in Tool Table................................................................................ 74

Tool Radius Compensation .................................................................................... 75

Contouring without radius compensation......................................................... 75

Contouring with radius compensation .............................................................. 76

Radius compensation: Machining corners........................................................ 77

Ramping into a Compensation Move ............................................................... 78

Line Tangent Entry Move ................................................................................. 78

Line Perpendicular Entry Move......................................................................... 78

Arc Tangent Entry Move................................................................................... 79

Line Arc Tangent Entry Move ........................................................................... 79

Special Code: Temporary Change of Tool Diameter......................................... 80

Tool Compensation Path........................................................................................ 81

Path of Tool During Tool Compensation ........................................................... 81

Intersecting Points............................................................................................ 82

Compensation Around Acute Angles................................................................ 82

General Precautions............................................................................................... 83

Fixture Offsets - Tool menu ................................................................................... 84

Tool Life Management........................................................................................... 84

Activate Tool Life Management........................................................................ 84

Lock, or Unlock a Tool ...................................................................................... 85

Replacement Tool (RT) ..................................................................................... 85

xvi

Program Management

5.1 Program Management Introduction

Accessing Program Management ......................................................................... 88

Program Screen Description .................................................................................. 88

Program Manager Menu Bar ................................................................................. 89

Utility Function Buttons ......................................................................................... 90

Display window arrangement ................................................................................ 91

5.2 Program Manager Functions

Folder Filter............................................................................................................ 92

Advanced Folder Filter ........................................................................................... 92

Utility Button Functions ......................................................................................... 93

Sorting Folder Contents......................................................................................... 95

Program Properties................................................................................................ 95

Recycle Bin ............................................................................................................ 96

USB Access ........................................................................................................... 96

5.3 Creating, Editing, & Selecting to Run

Creating a New Part Program ................................................................................ 97

Editing an Existing Part Program ........................................................................... 97

Selecting a Program To Run .................................................................................. 98

Program selection:............................................................................................ 98

Conversational Editing

6.1 Conversational Programming

Getting Started .................................................................................................... 100

Program Edit Screen............................................................................................ 101

Program Edit buttons ...................................................................................... 102

Conversational Data Input Cycles........................................................................ 103

Milling Button.................................................................................................. 103

Milling Feature Buttons................................................................................... 104

More Milling Button........................................................................................ 105

Drill Features Button....................................................................................... 106

Pocket Cycles Button...................................................................................... 107

Other Cycles Button ....................................................................................... 108

Program Editing ................................................................................................... 109

Mark a program block: .................................................................................... 109

Unmark a block, or blocks:.............................................................................. 109

Deleting a program block: ............................................................................... 110

Inserting a program block: .............................................................................. 110

Copy/Paste Blocks in a program ..................................................................... 111

3500i xvii

Moving Blocks in a program ........................................................................... 111

Canceling edits to a program block:................................................................ 111

Restore edits to a program block:................................................................... 112

Editing an existing block: ................................................................................ 112

Program Text Editing ........................................................................................... 113

Find: Specific Text or Code in a program........................................................ 113

Program Edit Preview .......................................................................................... 114

Preview Side Bar Menu .................................................................................. 114

Preview Features Menu ................................................................................. 115

Program / Display Relation................................................................................... 116

Programming: Canned Cycles, sub-programs

7.1 Explaining Basic Cycles

Round/Chamfer.................................................................................................... 118

Rapid.................................................................................................................... 120

Line...................................................................................................................... 123

Arc ....................................................................................................................... 128

Dwell:................................................................................................................... 133

Plane Selection .................................................................................................... 134

Reference Point Return: ...................................................................................... 135

Fixture Offset (Work Coordinate System Select): ............................................... 136

Unit (Inch/MM)..................................................................................................... 137

Dimension (Abs/Inc)............................................................................................. 137

Absolute Zero Set ................................................................................................ 138

Block Form........................................................................................................... 139

Temporary Path Tolerance................................................................................... 140

System Data ........................................................................................................ 141

FeedRate ............................................................................................................. 142

FeedRate (4th-Axis) ............................................................................................. 142

Spindle RPM ........................................................................................................ 143

M - Functions....................................................................................................... 143

Tool Definition and Activation .............................................................................. 144

Repeat Blocks...................................................................................................... 145

7.2 Canned Cycles

Canned Cycles ..................................................................................................... 147

Drilling Cycles ...................................................................................................... 148

Drilling, Tapping, and Boring ........................................................................... 148

Basic Drill Cycle .............................................................................................. 148

Counterbore Drill Cycle................................................................................... 149

Peck Drill Cycle ............................................................................................... 149

Tapping Cycle ................................................................................................. 150

xviii

Boring Bidirectional Cycle ............................................................................... 151

Boring Unidirectional Cycle ............................................................................. 151

Chip Break Cycle............................................................................................. 152

Flat Bottom Boring Cycle ................................................................................ 153

Drill Bolt Hole Cycle ........................................................................................ 154

Drill Pattern Cycle ........................................................................................... 155

Milling Cycles....................................................................................................... 156

Mill Cycle ....................................................................................................... 156

EndMill Cycle .................................................................................................. 158

Face Mill Cycle................................................................................................ 159

Hole Mill Cycle................................................................................................ 161

Thread Mill Cycle ............................................................................................ 162

Circular Profile Cycle ....................................................................................... 165

Rectangular Profile Cycle ................................................................................ 167

Pocket Cycles ...................................................................................................... 169

Pocket Cycle Overview: ................................................................................. 169

Draft Angle Pocket Cycle ................................................................................ 170

Rectangular Pocket Cycle ............................................................................... 172

Circular Pocket Cycle ...................................................................................... 174

Plunge Rectangular Pocket Cycle ................................................................... 176

Plunge Circular Pocket Cycle .......................................................................... 178

Frame Pocket Cycle ........................................................................................ 180

Ring Pocket Cycle ........................................................................................... 182

Slot Cycle........................................................................................................ 184

Circular Slot Cycle ........................................................................................... 186

Irregular Pocket Cycle .................................................................................... 188

Islands............................................................................................................. 190

Bottom Finish.................................................................................................. 191

Side Finish ...................................................................................................... 192

Engraving Cycles ................................................................................................. 193

Programming the Engrave Cycle .................................................................... 193

Programming the Arc Engrave Cycle .............................................................. 195

7.3 Probing Cycles

Tool, and Spindle Probe cycles............................................................................ 197

Tool Probe Cycles ................................................................................................ 198

Tool Probe Calibration Cycle ........................................................................... 199

Tool Length and Diameter Offset Preset........................................................ 201

Manual Tool-Length Offset Preset.................................................................. 208

Manual Tool Diameter Measure for Special Tools.......................................... 211

Tool Breakage, Length and Diameter Wear Detection .................................. 214

Spindle Probe....................................................................................................... 217

Spindle Probe Cycles ...................................................................................... 217

Spindle Probe Settings.................................................................................... 217

Spindle Probe Calibration Cycle ...................................................................... 218

Edge Finding ................................................................................................... 220

Outside Corner Finding .................................................................................. 221

3500i xix

Inside Corner Finding ..................................................................................... 223

Inside/Outside Boss/Hole Finding .................................................................. 225

Inside/Outside Web Finding .......................................................................... 227

Protected Probe Positioning .......................................................................... 229

Skew Compensation ...................................................................................... 230

Using the Z Work Offset Update Feature....................................................... 233

7.4 Sub-programs

Sub-program information: .................................................................................... 234

Overview ........................................................................................................ 234

Ending the Main Program ............................................................................... 234

Defining a sub-program ....................................................................................... 235

Ending a sub-program.......................................................................................... 235

Calling a sub-program .......................................................................................... 235

Looping a sub-program ........................................................................................ 236

Rotate, Mirror, and/or Scale a sub-program......................................................... 237

Pocket and Islands example ................................................................................ 239

Pocket/Island example 1................................................................................. 239

Pocket/Island example 2................................................................................. 241

Pocket/Island example 3................................................................................. 243

Pocket/Island example 4................................................................................. 245

Pocket/Island example 5................................................................................. 247

Pocket/Island example 6................................................................................. 249

Drawing Programs

8.1 Draw

Viewing Programs ............................................................................................... 254

Starting Draw....................................................................................................... 255

View Options Menu............................................................................................. 256

Adjust View Menu ............................................................................................... 257

Adjust Block Form ............................................................................................... 258

Zoom.................................................................................................................... 258

Rotate Drawing View........................................................................................... 259

Pan Drawing View ............................................................................................... 259

Line View Adjustments........................................................................................ 260

Draw Options....................................................................................................... 261

Sim Tools ............................................................................................................. 262

Running a Program on the Machine

9.1 Running a program

Modes of Programmed Operation ....................................................................... 264

Auto mode ........................................................................................................... 264

Starting a program .......................................................................................... 265

Pause, or Stop a running program .................................................................. 265

Clearing a Messages ........................................................................................... 265

Single Step........................................................................................................... 266

Block Search ........................................................................................................ 267

Select a Starting Block .................................................................................... 267

Using Draw with running programs..................................................................... 268

Program Status Area............................................................................................ 269

Parts Counter....................................................................................................... 270

Program Run Timers............................................................................................ 271

Accessing the Tool Table..................................................................................... 271

Axis Jog keys....................................................................................................... 272

In-Program Axis Jogging...................................................................................... 273

CAM: Programming

10.1 CAM Programming

CAM Mode .......................................................................................................... 276

Recommended CAM Programming Sequence ................................................... 277

CAM Setup ..................................................................................................... 277

Geometry Data ............................................................................................... 277

Job Setup........................................................................................................ 277

CNC Program.................................................................................................. 277

CAM Mode Mouse Operations ........................................................................... 278

CAM Mode Screen .............................................................................................. 279

Activating CAM Mode ......................................................................................... 279

Creating a New Program ..................................................................................... 280

CAM Mode buttons ........................................................................................ 280

Geometry Toolbar buttons: ............................................................................. 280

Point Tool buttons........................................................................................... 281

Point Editing.................................................................................................... 281

Line Tool buttons ............................................................................................ 282

Editing a Line .................................................................................................. 283

Circle Tool buttons .......................................................................................... 284

Circle Editing................................................................................................... 284

Shape Tool buttons......................................................................................... 285

Tool Path Buttons ........................................................................................... 286

Tool Path Data Input ............................................................................................ 287

3500i xxi

Quick Coordinate Entry........................................................................................ 288

Job Setup: Basic tab ............................................................................................ 289

Basic tab Data Entries .................................................................................... 289

Job Setup: Advanced tab.................................................................................... 291

Advanced tab Data Entries ............................................................................. 291

Comment Tab ...................................................................................................... 292

Block Form: Basic tab .......................................................................................... 293

Basic tab Data Entries..................................................................................... 293

Comment Tab ...................................................................................................... 293

Drilling Cycle:....................................................................................................... 294

Drill Cycle: Basic ............................................................................................ 294

Drill Cycle: Counterbore ................................................................................. 294

Drill Cycle: Peck .............................................................................................. 294

Drill Cycle: Tapping ......................................................................................... 294

Drill Cycle: Boring Bidirectional....................................................................... 294

Drill Cycle: Boring Unidirectional..................................................................... 295

Drill Cycle: Chip Break .................................................................................... 295

Drill Cycle: Flat Bottom Boring........................................................................ 295

Drilling dialogue: .................................................................................................. 296

Basic tab ......................................................................................................... 296

Setup tab: ....................................................................................................... 297

Bolt Hole tab: .................................................................................................. 297

Pattern tab: ..................................................................................................... 298

Comment tab:................................................................................................. 298

Mill Cycle ............................................................................................................. 299

Basic tab: ........................................................................................................ 299

Setup tab: ....................................................................................................... 300

Pocket Cycle ........................................................................................................ 301

Basic tab: ........................................................................................................ 301

Setup tab: ....................................................................................................... 301

Pocket Finish Cycles............................................................................................ 303

Bottom tab:..................................................................................................... 303

Side tab:.......................................................................................................... 303

Adding a Machining Side: ............................................................................... 304

Engraving Cycle ................................................................................................... 305

Basic tab: ........................................................................................................ 305

Setup tab: ....................................................................................................... 306

Comment tab:................................................................................................. 306

Program Directive ................................................................................................ 306

Adding a Program Directive ............................................................................ 306

Modifying Toolbar ................................................................................................ 307

Modifying Tools Buttons:................................................................................ 307

Viewing Tools ...................................................................................................... 308

Viewing Tool Buttons:..................................................................................... 308

CAM Mode buttons ............................................................................................. 309

CAM Tool Buttons: ......................................................................................... 309

xxii

CAM Setup .......................................................................................................... 311

Selection tab: .................................................................................................. 311

Output tab:...................................................................................................... 311

Display tab: ..................................................................................................... 312

Tool Table tab:................................................................................................. 312

View Buttons: ................................................................................................. 313

Geometry............................................................................................................. 314

Defining Geometry:......................................................................................... 314

Completing the Geometry: ............................................................................. 315

Finalizing the geometry................................................................................... 317

Creating the shape.......................................................................................... 318

DXF Import Feature ............................................................................................. 319

DXF Entities Supported................................................................................... 319

DXF Entities Not Supported............................................................................ 319

Importing a DXF File ....................................................................................... 319

Modifying Tools ................................................................................................... 320

Corner Radius (inserting)................................................................................. 320

Chamfer (inserting) ......................................................................................... 320

Trimming Geometry........................................................................................ 321

Delete button.................................................................................................. 321

Properties button ............................................................................................ 321

Shapes ................................................................................................................. 322

Copying a Shape ............................................................................................. 322

Moving a Shape .............................................................................................. 322

Tool Table ............................................................................................................ 323

Setting up the Tool Table ................................................................................ 325

Importing a Tool Table .................................................................................... 325

Exporting a Tool Table..................................................................................... 325

Tool Paths ............................................................................................................ 326

Creating a Tool Path in CAM Mode ................................................................ 326

Tool Path Verification ...................................................................................... 326

Tool Path Editing............................................................................................. 327

Use Existing Shape......................................................................................... 327

Editing a Tool Path .......................................................................................... 328

Disabling, and Enabling Tool Paths ................................................................. 328

Deleting Tool Paths......................................................................................... 328

Arranging Tool Paths Sequence...................................................................... 328

Smart Programming........................................................................................ 329

Files Created................................................................................................... 329

CAM Example 1................................................................................................... 330

Exercise One:.................................................................................................. 330

Defining Geometry:......................................................................................... 330

Connecting the Geometry:.............................................................................. 332

Finalizing the geometry................................................................................... 333

Creating the shape.......................................................................................... 334

Creating the tool paths:................................................................................... 335

3500i xxiii

CAM Example 2................................................................................................... 339

Example Two: ................................................................................................. 339

Create Circle Geometry: ................................................................................. 339

Create Line Geometry .................................................................................... 341

Finalizing the geometry................................................................................... 342

Creating the shape.......................................................................................... 343

Creating the tool paths: .................................................................................. 344

G-Code Edit, Help, & Advanced Features

11.1 G-Code Program Editing

Activating Edit Mode ........................................................................................... 350

Program Edit Screen............................................................................................ 351

Program Edit buttons...................................................................................... 352

Edit Features menu ........................................................................................ 353

Preview Features menu.................................................................................. 354

Program Editing ................................................................................................... 355

Mark a program block: .................................................................................... 355

Unmark a block, or blocks:.............................................................................. 355

Delete a Character: ......................................................................................... 356

Deleting a program block:............................................................................... 356

Inserting a program block: .............................................................................. 357

Copy/Paste Blocks in a program ..................................................................... 357

Moving Blocks in a program ........................................................................... 358

Canceling edits to a program block:................................................................ 358

Restore edits to a program block:................................................................... 358

Program Text Editing ........................................................................................... 359

Inserting Text:................................................................................................. 359

Overwriting Text: ............................................................................................ 359

Find: Specific Text or Code in a program........................................................ 360

Replace: Specific Text, or Code in a program................................................. 361

Preview Features................................................................................................. 362

Edit Features Menu ........................................................................................ 362

Program / Display Relation................................................................................... 363

Edit Help Preview .......................................................................................... 363

11.2 G-Code and M-Code Definitions

G-Code................................................................................................................. 364

M-Code Definition................................................................................................ 368

Typing in Address Words..................................................................................... 369

Typing in M-Codes............................................................................................... 369

11.3 Edit Help

Activating Edit Help ............................................................................................. 370

Help Graphic Screens .......................................................................................... 371

xxiv

G - Functions........................................................................................................ 372

Basic Modal Functions.................................................................................... 373

Multi -Segment Blocks.................................................................................... 373

Arcs................................................................................................................. 374

Drilling Cycles ................................................................................................. 374

Pocket Cycles ................................................................................................. 375

Milling and Profiles.......................................................................................... 375

Rotation, Scaling, and Mirroring...................................................................... 376

Spindle Probing............................................................................................... 376

Tool Probing.................................................................................................... 377

Tool Radius Compensation ............................................................................. 377

Other G - Functions......................................................................................... 378

M - Functions....................................................................................................... 379

All M - Functions ............................................................................................. 379

Basic M - Functions ........................................................................................ 380

Cooling, Cleaning, and Lubrication.................................................................. 380

Spindle Functions............................................................................................ 381

Tool Change.................................................................................................... 381

11.4 Advanced Programming

SPEED ................................................................................................................. 382

M - Functions....................................................................................................... 382

Miscellaneous (M-Code) ................................................................................. 382

Control M - Codes........................................................................................... 383

Order of Execution............................................................................................... 384

Programming Non-modal Exact Stop: ................................................................. 385

In-Position Mode (Exact Stop Check): ................................................................ 385

Contouring Mode (Cutting Mode) : ..................................................................... 385

Setting Stroke Limit: .......................................................................................... 386

Return from Reference Point: ............................................................................. 386

Move Reference from Machine Datum:.............................................................. 386

Modifiers.............................................................................................................. 387

Block Separators.................................................................................................. 387

Tool Offset Modification ...................................................................................... 388

Expressions and Functions .................................................................................. 391

System Variables ................................................................................................. 395

User Variables...................................................................................................... 396

Variable Programming (Parametric Programming) ............................................... 397

Block Skip ....................................................................................................... 397

Select Block Skip ............................................................................................ 398

Parameters and Variable Registers ................................................................. 399

Setting and Direct Transfer Variables.............................................................. 400

Indirect Transfer: ............................................................................................ 401

Storing Result of Computation........................................................................ 402

Variable Programming Examples .................................................................... 403

3500i xxv

User Macros (G65, G66, G67) ........................................................................ 407

Macro Body Structure..................................................................................... 408

Setting and Passing Parameters ..................................................................... 409

Probe Move (G31)................................................................................................ 420

Conditional Statements ....................................................................................... 421

Unconditional LOOP Repeat........................................................................... 423

Short Form Addressing........................................................................................ 424

Logical and Comparative Terms .......................................................................... 425

File Inclusion ........................................................................................................ 427

11.5 Four Axis Programming

Axis Type ............................................................................................................. 430

Linear: ............................................................................................................. 430

Rotary: ............................................................................................................ 430

Conversion formula: ....................................................................................... 430

Rotary Axis Programming Conventions .......................................................... 431

Programming Examples.................................................................................. 431

Software Update

12.1 Updating System Software

Software Update.................................................................................................. 436

Procedure for updating the software................................................................... 436

Off-Line Software

13.1 3500i Off-Line Software

Off-Line Simulator................................................................................................ 438

System Requirements ......................................................................................... 438

Installation............................................................................................................ 439

Operation ............................................................................................................. 439

Updating .............................................................................................................. 439

xxvi

Introduction

1.1 The 3500i

The ACU-RITE 3500i control is a touch screen workshop-oriented contouring control that enables you to program conventional machining operations right at the machine in an easy-to-use conversational programming language. The control is also capable of running, and editing g-code (ISO format) programs. It is designed for milling and drilling machine tools, as well as machining centers, with

1.1 The 3500i

up to four axes. You can also change the angular position of the spindle under program control.

The 3500i has many powerful features that will improve your productivity. The touch screen features, and screen layout are clearly arranged in such a way that the functions are easy to access, fast and user friendly.

ACU-RITE conversational, and G-code formats

The ACU-RITE conversational programming format is a method of writing programs; g-code (ISO) programming is also supported. Preview graphics in the editors illustrate the individual machining steps for programming the contour as well as the corresponding tool path generated. If a production drawing is not dimensioned for NC programming, the CAM can be used to graphically generate a complete part program. Work piece machining can be graphically simulated either during or before actual machining.

The conversational and g-code (ISO) formats are the same as that used in previous CNC products (3000M, 5000M, 6000M and 6000i).

2 1 Introduction

Powering Up the CNC Machine

When you power-on the CNC, ensure that the E-STOP switch is in the in position.

Turn on the CNC machine according to the builder's instructions. Turn the power switch on to the 3500i console.

The 3500i completely resets, activating the startup screen.

 With the EMERGENCY STOP button out, reset the

servo drive by pressing the SERVO RESET key.

 Press the Home button.

 Press the Start button. The 3500i default display is

the Manual screen.

1.1 The 3500i

ACU-RITE 3500i 3

E-Stop, Servo Reset, and CNC Shutdown

 Press E-STOP to disengage the servos and then revert to Manual

Data Input Mode.

 Touch Shut Down to display the Shut Down dialogue. Touch Shut Down

to power down the CNC, or touch Cancel to cancel the shut down. The shutdown takes less than a minute. The 3500i will let you know when it is safe to turn power off. Or, you can touch Reboot (or press

1.1 The 3500i

the ENTER key) to re-start the 3500i.

 Follow the builder's instructions for turning off the machine.

Always shutdown the CNC before turning power off to the machine.

Emergency Stop (E-STOP)

 Press E-STOP to take all axes and spindle servos offline. This ends all

machine movement.

 To reset E-STOP, pull out and turn the rotary switch clockwise in the

direction of the arrows. The switch makes a touching sound when it resets.

 Resetting E-STOP does not automatically reactivate the servos.

Activating/Resetting the Servos

For safety reasons, the CNC powers up with the servomotors disengaged. While the servos are off, the CNC cannot move the machine.

Reset the servos as follows:

 If a limit switch disengaged the servos, manually reposition the

machine inside its normal range of travel.

 Press E-STOP to display the message External emergency stop  Rotate the E-STOP switch in the direction of the arrows to reset it.  Press SERVO RESET to reset the servos.

4 1 Introduction

+ 442 hidden pages