ACU-RITE MILLPWR 2 Axes User Manual

MILLPWR Setup Access Code

An access code must be entered before the installation setup parameters can be accessed or changed.

Refer to Section 7, Setup.

The access code is 8891.

Supervisors may wish to remove this page from the MILLPWR

Operation Manual after initially setting up the installation setup

parameters. Keep it in a safe place for future use.

IMPORTANT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MILLPWR

Operation Manual

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1

System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1

Operator Console Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2

Keypad Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3

Screen Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4

Table Stop Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5

Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5

Axis Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5

Count Direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5

Cartesian Coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6

Polar Coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6

Absolute and Incremental Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-7

Saving, Backing Up, and Creating Directories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-8

DRO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1

Start Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1

Power Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1

Screen Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1

Finding Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2

DRO Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

Move Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

Teach Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4

Using an Electronic Edge Finder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5

Skewing a Part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6

Establishing Datum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8

Hard Key Milling Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11

Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1

Programming Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1

"From" and "To" Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1

Depth of Cut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1

Tool Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1

Datum Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2

Absolute and Incremental Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2

Continuous Milling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3

Creating a Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4

The View Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6

Follow Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6

Show Tool Path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6

Zoom In, Zoom Out and Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MILLPWR

Running a Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7

Skewing a Part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7

Establishing Datum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9

Testing Your Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12

Single Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12

Dry Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12

Graphics Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12

Manual Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13

Disable Look Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13

Pressing the GO Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-14

Feed + and Feed - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-15

Machining to Zero . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-16

Program Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-17

Accessing the Load, Save, Delete, Merge Backup and

Directory Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-17

Directories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-18

Creating a Subdirectory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-19

Selecting a Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-21

Deleting a Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-23

Saving a Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-24

Naming a Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-25

Loading a

MILLPWR (MPT) Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-26

From

MILLPWR's internal memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-26

From a 3

/2" floppy disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-27

From your PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-28

Translating a DXF file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-28

Loading a G-code file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-29

Running a G-code Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-31

MILLPWR G-code Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-33

Merging Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-37

Backing Up a Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-38

Deleting a Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-39

Demonstration Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1

Selecting Datum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1

Beginning the Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2

Selecting a Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2

Programming the Contour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4

Programming the Bolthole Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-12

Programming the Rectangular Pocket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-15

Saving Your Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-17

Testing Your Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-18

Operation Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MILLPWR

Operation Manual

Running the Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-19

Tool Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-20

Clearing the Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-20

Program Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1

Simple Milling and Drilling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1

Set Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1

Programming a Tool Step w/Repeatable Tool Length Offsets . . . . . . . . . .5-2

Entering the First Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2

Changing to a Tool of Unknown Length in the DRO . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4

Changing to a Tool Of Unknown Length in PGM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4

Position/Drill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6

Center Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6

Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7

Arc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-8

Blend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10

Rectangular Milling Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-12

Pocket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-12

Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-15

Face . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17

Slot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-19

Circular Milling Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-21

Pocket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-21

Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-23

Ring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-25

Hole Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-27

Row of Holes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-27

Hole Frame and Hole Array . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-29

Bolthole Circle Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-31

Additional Milling Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-33

Custom Pocket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-33

Repeat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-35

Rotate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-36

Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-37

Contour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-38

Engrave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-40

Engrave Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-40

Engrave Arc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-43

Ellipse Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-45

Chamfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-47

Reference Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-49

iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MILLPWR

Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-50

Spiral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-52

Comment Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-54

Auxiliary Function (AMI Option) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-55

Step Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-57

Explode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-57

Reverse Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-59

Reverse Path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-59

Change Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-60

Delete Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-61

Copy/Move Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-62

Calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-1

Math Functions (+, -, x, ÷) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-2

Trig Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-2

Geometry Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4

Working with the Geometry Calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4

Calculator Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7

Saving Results Calculated in GeoCalc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7

Loading GeoCalc Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-8

Loading Programs into GeoCalc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-9

Clearing GeoCalc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-9

Example Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-10

Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-10

Starting the Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-11

Entering the Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-11

Finding the Arc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-14

Finding the Points of Tangency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-15

Returning Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-16

RPM Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-18

Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-1

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-1

Job Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-2

Tool Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-2

Using the Tool Library with Repeatable Tool Length Offsets . . . . . . . . . .7-4

Entering the First Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-5

Using the Tool Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-7

Scale Factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-11

Display Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-12

Operation Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MILLPWR

Operation Manual

Angles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-12

INCR Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-12

Display Resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-12

Point Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-12

From Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-13

Stepover Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-13

Electronic Edge Finder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-14

Job Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-14

Feed Rate Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-16

Step Override % . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-16

Max % . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-16

Min % . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-16

Dry Run Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-16

Default Feed Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-16

Unit/(Min) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-16

Full Cut Feed Rate % . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-16

Installation Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-17

Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-17

Error Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-18

Encoder Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-19

Travel Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-20

Error Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-21

Serial Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-22

Spindle Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-23

Error Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-23

Servo Tuning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-24

Automatically Tuning the Servo in Console Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-25

AMI Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-27

Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-28

Motor Assembly Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-29

Signal Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-30

Table Stop Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-31

Circle Interpolation Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-32

Examples of Test Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-33

Keypad Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-34

Display Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-35

Disk Utilization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-36

Set Time and Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-37

System Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-37

Max Servo Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-38

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MILLPWR

Remote Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-1

Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-1

Choosing a Serial Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-1

Connecting

MILLPWR to Your PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-2

Installing the Remote Storage Program onto a PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-3

For Windows®95/98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-3

For MS DOS

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-3

Setting Up a COM Port and BAUD Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-4

Activating the Remote Storage Feature in

MILLPWR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-5

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-5

Troubleshooting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-1

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-1

Using the Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-1

Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-2

Operation Manual

2013-176 Ed. A

This symbol alerts you to important information

concerning the operation of your

MILLPWR system.

Characteristic Specification

Operating conditions 0° to 40° C (32° to 104° F)

25% to 85% relative humidity (non-condensing)

Storage conditions

-20° to 60° C (-4° to 140° F)

25% to 95% relative humidity (non-condensing)

115V~ (±20%), single phase

47 - 63 Hz

8.5A rms nom., 18A rms peak—inrush

Input requirements:

Voltage

Frequency

Current

Fuse

15A/250V resettable circuit breaker

Position signals, channels A& B

TTL square wave signal in quadrature (90° nominal phase relationship) Maximum input rate: 50 kHz

Reference signal: TTL square wave

Encoder input

Edge finder input

Compatible with ACU-RITE®Electronic Edge Finder

Class A

FCC compliance

MILLPWR System Specifications

INTRODUCTION

MILLPWR

Operation Manual

INTRODUCTION

System Overview

1-1

INTRODUCTION

MILLPWR

Operation Manual

1-2

Front View of Operator Console

Rear View of Operator Console

INTRODUCTION

MILLPWR

Operation Manual

1-3

Main Function Keys

Switch from absolute to incremental (or vice versa) in the DRO display and milling function numeric fields.

Manipulate a part graphic.

Display the digital readout.

Exit from a milling function.

Add a step to the program once you have completed an entry form.

Display the program screen.

Keypad Layout

Milling Functions

Use these keys to create a program. All but

BLEND may also be used as one-time milling

functions from the DRO display.

Special Function Keys

INFO

SETUP

CALC

Access information about any

MILLPWR function.

Switch from inches to millimeters or vice versa.

Add to the tool library, set feed rates, change display options and define other system parameters.

Perform standard (+, -, x, ÷), trigonometry, geometry and RPM calculations.

Cursor and Motion Control

STOP

FEED+ FEED-

ARROWS

Start a program.

Press this key once to pause the program, twice to exit.

Increase or decrease the feed rate.

These keys enable you to position the table or move the cursor.

Numeric Keypad and Calculator

Enter program data and perform math calculations. Press the

CLEAR

key to delete information from a data field. Press the

ENTER key

to accept the information you have entered.

INTRODUCTION

MILLPWR

Screen Layout

The MILLPWR display screen is divided into four sections.

Status bar - displays the servo motor status (ON/OFF), feed rate, current tool, scale,

job clock, and the current display setting (inches or millimeters).

Information area - displays information about the job being performed.

• Readout (DRO) - used as a digital readout, the display will show the current

position for each axis.

• Program (PGM) - when programming, a list of program steps (milling functions)

and part-view graphics will be displayed.

• Calculator (CALC) - a TRIG, R.P.M., and geometry calculator are available to

assist with calculating missing information. They can be used as stand-alone calculators or, while programming, the calculations can easily be returned to the program.

Message line - operator prompts and messages will appear here.

Softkeys - variable milling functions appear here; functions are selected by pressing the

softkey directly below each category. When a key appears pressed, it is selected. When it appears “raised” it is not selected.

Operation Manual

1-4

INTRODUCTION

MILLPWR

Operation Manual

Table Stop Button

The large red button located in the lower left corner on the front of the

MILLPWR operator

console is the

TABLE STOP. In the event of a malfunction or programming error,

press the

TABLE STOP button to turn off the servo motors. Turning off

the servo motors will immediately stop all table movement.

Conventions

Axis Conventions

Count Direction

When programming a part using

MILLPWR, table movement and tool movement are

determined by the use of positive or negative numbers. MILLPWR has been factory set with the following positive and negative count directions for the X, Y and Z-axes:

X-axis: The table will move to the left and

the tool will move to the right for a positive count direction.

Y-axis: The table will move toward you

while the tool moves away from you for a positive count direction.

Z-axis: The quill will move up (away from

the table surface) for a positive count direction.

1-5

Pressing the TABLE STOP button will NOT stop the rotation of the cut-

ting tool unless the machine has been configured to do so. In the event

of an emergency, if the machine has not been wired to stop the rotation

of the cutting tool, be prepared to raise the tool in addition to pressing

the

TABLE STOP button.

WARNING

INTRODUCTION

MILLPWR

Cartesian Coordinates

A cartesian coordinate is a position that can be measured from the X- and Y-axes.

Polar Coordinates

A polar coordinate is a position that is defined by an angle and a radius.

Operation Manual

1-6

INTRODUCTION

MILLPWR

Operation Manual

Absolute and Incremental Dimensions

Dimensions that you enter from a print are either absolute or incremental.

Absolute dimensions are measured from datum (also known as workpiece zero). Incremental dimensions are measured from one point to another.

Holes A and B are dimensioned using absolute values. Hole C is dimensioned incrementally from Hole A.

When entering these dimensions, we would say:

Hole A: Position/Drill 002

X 2.0000 ABS Y 1.5000 ABS

Hole B: Position/Drill 003

X 4.0000 ABS Y 1.5000 ABS

Hole C: Position/Drill 004

X 3.6250 INC 002 Y 1.5000 ABS

1-7

This indicates that the X position will increment from the X value in Step 2 (Hole A) above.

Note: Both absolute and incremental dimensions may be used to define a position,

as shown with Hole C.

It’s often easier to describe a location in terms of incremental dimensions rather than calculate its absolute coordinates.

INTRODUCTION

MILLPWR

Saving, Backing Up, and Creating Directories for Programs

When you create programs with

MILLPWR, you can save them in any of three

places—within MILLPWR's internal memory, on a 3

/2" floppy disk, or on

your PC. Saving your work means it will not be lost if

MILLPWR is powered

down or if there is a power interruption. As you save and back up your pro grams, you can neatly organize them in any of the following three main directories ("MILLPWR," "A:" and "

REMTSTOR") or in personalized subdirec-

tories that you can create.

MILLPWR is also equipped with a backup feature that enables you to make

duplicate copies of your saved programs. We recommend that you back up your programs regularly to avoid accidental loss or other problems that may prevent you from recovering your original programs. Backing up programs takes only a few moments—and will save you valuable time if a problem does occur.

Note:

Before you save or back up programs onto your PC, refer to Remote Storage and Setup for instructions.

For more details about how to save programs, back up files and create directories, refer to Programming.

Operation Manual

1-8

If you are creating a long program, don’t wait until the end to save your work.

Frequent saving reduces the risk of losing your work due to a power interruption.

DRO

MILLPWR

Operation Manual

2-1

DRO

Start Up

Power Up

Turn the power switch (located on the rear of the operator console) to “I.” The Power Indicator (located in the upper left corner of the operator console) will light up.

Anytime the system is inactive for approximately 20 minutes, the LCD display will shut off, and a blank screen will appear. This screen saver function is designed to prolong the life of the operator console display. If the screen is blank, check that the Power Indicator light is illuminated. Press any key on the operator console or move the table and the display will reappear. If the Power Indicator light is not illuminated, then power to the

MILLPWR system has been interrupted.

Screen Saver

DRO

MILLPWR

Operation Manual

2-2

You must find home before you run a program. To find home immediately after startup, press the FIND HOME softkey. Otherwise, press the DATUM softkey, then the FIND HOME softkey. The table will automatically move a few inches along the X- and Y-axes to find home.

If you don't find home before moving the table, you will risk exceeding the table's travel limits and damaging the milling machine,

MILLPWR or both.

Datum is a term used to describe "workpiece zero" or "absolute zero."

After you power up and find home, you can quickly move to datum by pressing the POS key, followed by the GO key.

With Position-Trac, there is no need to leave the system powered up when it is not being used. You will be able to easily, quickly and accurately reestablish workpiece zero immediately after you restart

MILLPWR.

After home has been found, the tool’s position (relative to your most recent datum) will be displayed.

When finding home, MILLPWR will use ACU-RITE’s advanced Position-Trac™technology. Position-Trac works by using a very precise distance-encrypted reference mark line pattern that's been placed onto each ACU-RITE precision glass scale included with the

MILLPWR

system. Proprietary software decodes the line pattern which then allows you to accurately find home and reestablish workpiece zero from any position.

Finding Home

DRO

MILLPWR

Operation Manual

2-3

DRO Functions

The digital readout (DRO) display shows you the current tool position. While operating in the DRO mode, you can use several functions, such as skew and datum, to set up a job. You can also use this as a normal DRO when you use your machine manually.

Move Table

The move table feature lets you move the table rapidly (or at an established feed rate) using the arrow keys.

• Press the

MOVE TABLE softkey to turn the servo motors on. Press

it again to turn them off.

• Enter the desired feed rate or skip this step to move at a rapid feed rate. Press the

CLEAR key to enter a new feed rate.

• If you want the arrow keys to move the table in increments, press the

0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 softkey. (A different set of softkeys will appear if you are mea-

suring in millimeters.)

• Move the table. You can move the X- and Y-axes simultaneously by pressing two arrow keys at the same time.

• Press the

FEED+ and FEED- keys to adjust your feed rate.

It’s a good idea to fold in the handles before moving the table.

DRO

MILLPWR

Operation Manual

2-4

Teach Position

Whenever an X, Y or Z coordinate is being entered the

TEACH POSITION softkey will be

available. Pressing this key will place the current absolute position in the coordinate entry field.

To “teach” MILLPWR a coordinate (while programming a milling function,

such as a line):

• Using the arrow keys, highlight the X-, Y- or Z-axis field.

• Move the tool, indicator, or electronic edge finder to the position you

want to teach.

• Press the

TEACH POSITION softkey to enter that location and press

ENTER. (With an electronic edge finder, the points will automati-

cally be entered on contact—even if you over-travel.) See Using An Electronic Edge Finder.

· Repeat the steps above for each axis and each location you want to

teach.

· Press USE to accept the information or press CANCEL to return to the

previous screen without saving the information.

As you are programming or using a milling function, you can switch between the DRO and PGM screens without losing the program.

DRO

MILLPWR

Operation Manual

2-5

Using an Electronic Edge Finder

An ACU-RITE

Electronic Edge Finder can “teach” positions, find the center point of a circle, skew a part or locate datum (also known as workpiece zero) by simply “touching off” on the part. The greatest advantage of an electronic edge finder is that it instantly senses when contact is made allowing for over-travel.

MILLPWR SETUP PARAMETERS define the “Diameter” and “Unit” of measure (either inches or

millimeters) for an electronic edge finder. Once this information has been entered, MILLPWR will automatically compensate for the radius of the tip of the electronic edge finder when performing any of the operations mentioned above.

o define the diameter and unit of measure:

• Press the SETUP key and highlight “Electronic Edge Finder.”

• Press the

ENTER key.

• Enter a value for the edge finder’s diameter and unit of measure (inches or mil-

limeters), then press the

USE key.

• Press the

USE NEW SETTINGS softkey.

To teach

MILLPWR a coordinate, highlight the appropriate field then slowly move the table until

the electronic edge finder touches the workpiece. When the electronic edge finder touches the part’s surface, the coordinate will appear in the data field. The electronic edge finder is active whenever an entry field is highlighted.

DRO

MILLPWR

Operation Manual

2-6

Skewing a Part

Save time setting up a job by skewing the part. The skew function automatically compensates for the angle offset of thepart. If a part is not perfectly parallel with either the X- or Yaxis, indicating it in is not necessary.

To skew a part, simply “touch off” on two or more points along one axis (either X or Y). Use an electronic edge finder to skew a part, or use a mechanical indicator and teach position—either way, it’s fast and easy.

Note: Choose a line to make parallel with the table’s X- or Y-axis—do not enter coordinates along a curve, along two different lines, or along a line that’s positioned at a true 45 degree angle. MILLPWR will calculate the skew angle based upon a straight line between the points entered.

If you are working with a part that has a rough edge, it’s best to enter multiple points along the straightest edge so that

MILLPWR can more accurately compensate for the skew angle.

Note:

When two or more points are entered in the skew calculator MILLPWR will calculate the angle and adjust the X and Y plane. Angles that are less than 45° are adjusted

down to the X-axis, and angles greater than 45° adjust up to the Y-axis.

Note:

The skew feature does not not work with G-code programs. Remove any skew

angle prior to running a G-code program.

DRO

MILLPWR

Operation Manual

2-7

To skew a part or vise:

Using an electronic edge finder

• Press the

SKEW softkey.

• Touch off on two or more points along any single straight edge of the part. Notice the “Points” and “Angle” change as points are entered.

• Press the

USE key to accept all of the points and return to the

DRO screen. Press the CANCEL key to return to the DRO screen without accepting any points or affecting the previous skew angle.

The

CLEAR ANGLE softkey will reset the number of points and

the skew angle to zero.

Using teach position:

• Press the

SKEW softkey.

• Move the table so that a mechanical indicator rests against any straight edge on the part. Press the TEACH POSITION softkey to enter the coordinate. Notice that the “Points” change.

• Now move the table so that the mechanical indicator touches another point on the same straight edge. Press the

TEACH POSITION softkey. Notice that

the “Points” and “Angle” change.

Repeat this process for any additional points.

• Press the

USE key to accept all of the points and return to the DRO screen.

Press the

CANCEL key to return to the previous screen without affecting the

previous skew angle.

The

CLEAR ANGLE softkey will reset the number of points and the angle to zero.

Here a workpiece was used as an example. You can also “touch off” on a vise or fixture.

DRO

MILLPWR

Operation Manual

2-8

Establishing Datum

Datum, also known as workpiece zero or absolute zero, is the point of reference that

MILLPWR bases all of the part's coordinates from.

It is necessary to establish datum for every job. Datum's location may be indicated on a print; if it's not, establish a datum that enables most of the part's dimensions to be entered directly, with the least amount of calculations.

When establishing datum, you may find it easiest to locate a known point on each axis, such as the edge of the part or a location on the vise or fixture.

Refer to the procedure below as a basic guide for establishing datum. Decide to "touch off" using an electronic edge finder, a mechanical edge finder or a tool. Datum may be set at a point on the top surface or a position above or beneath the surface. X and Y datum may be set on an edge, or offset into or off of an edge, or where there's no material present (such as in the center of a circular part). There are many possibilities-- do what’s easiest for a particular job.

MILLPWR will retain datum even after the system has been powered down.

(See Finding Home).

Define datum one axis at a time. Begin here with the X-axis:

• From the DRO screen, press the

DATUM softkey.

• Insert the proper tool into the spindle.

o establish datum:

Where and how datum is establish will vary from job to job. One of the most common methods of establishing datum is described below. Apply the same principles when setting datum for future jobs, making adjustments to the procedure as needed.

The following example will establish datum at the corner where the left, front and top surfaces of the part intersect. This is accomplished by "touching" each face with the tool used to cut the part.

DRO

MILLPWR

Operation Manual

2-9

• Position the tool so that it is near, but not touching, the left side of the part.

• Lower the tip of the tool so that it falls below the top surface of the part.

• Move the table along the X-axis slowly, while spinning the tool by hand. Pay close attention as the tool approaches the part— a subtle bump will be felt when they come into contact.

Stop the table at the moment the tool touches the part.

• Using the keypad, enter the radius of the tool (the distance from the center of the tool to the edge of the part). Be sure to specify if it’s a negative value.

Note:

For this example, specify a negative value, because the tool's center is on the negative side of datum (refer to Axis Conventions).

• Press the

ENTER key.

Now set datum for the Y-axis using the same procedure:

• Position the tool so that it is near, but not touching, the front face of the part. The tip of the tool should fall below the top surface of the part.

• Move the table along the Y-axis, slowly spinning the tool by hand. Pay close attention as the tool approaches the part— A subtle bump will be felt when they make contact with each other. Stop the table at the moment the tool touches the part.

• Using the keypad, enter the radius of the tool into the"Y" field (be sure to specify if it is a negative value).

• Press the

ENTER key.

Use the MOVE TABLE softkey to help with long table moves.

DRO

MILLPWR

Operation Manual

2-10

Set datum for the Z-axis:

• Position the tool so that its tip touches the top surface of the part.

• Using the keypad, enter "0" into the "Z" field (or press the Z = 0 softkey).

• Press the

ENTER key.

• Press the

USE key.

Datum has now been established for X, Y, and Z

It's a good idea to test the datum setting before programming. To confirm that the new datum is correct:

• Raise the tool and move the table until both the X- and Y-axes displays read "0.0000."

• Lower the tool until it touches the part.

• Check the tool's position—the lower left corner of the part should be directly beneath the center point of your tool.

• Now check the readout. If the Z-axis display says "0.0000," then the datum is accurate. If a value other than 0.0000 appears in the Z-axis display, repeat the procedure for establishing datum.

You can quickly move to Datum for X and Y by pressing the POS key. Check that your position is

0.0000 ABS for both X and Y, then press the GO key.

DRO

MILLPWR

Operation Manual

2-11

Hard Key Milling Functions

Most of the hard key milling functions can be used individually as one time milling routines without creating a program.

The one hard key milling function not used as a one-time milling function is BLEND. The blend function inserts a connecting radius between two features (steps) in a program.

Hard key milling functions are ideal for jobs that only require one operation. Provide the required information once, and MILLPWR will “remember” it for each piece machined.

Example:

To drill the same bolthole pattern on several identical parts. Instead of creating a one-step program, save time by using the

HOLES hard key milling function from the DRO screen.

• First, set up a tool and workpiece.

• From the DRO display, press the

HOLES key, and select which hole pattern you

want to drill from the available softkeys—ROW, FRAME, ARRAY, or BOLT CIRCLE.

• Enter the required information and press the

GO key to machine the first part.

• Change the part. Press the

HOLES key, then the pattern.

MILLPWR will automatically refer to the prior data entered for each part thereafter.

DRO

MILLPWR

Operation Manual

2-12

To change the hole pattern size, location or number of holes, press the HOLES key again. Now press the appropriate softkey, enter the new information and then press the

GO key.

This may also be applied to rectangles, circles, lines and arcs. The rectangle and circle milling functions require you to establish a tool offset. Lines and arcs only require a tool offset if the tool follows a left or right offset. It’s a good idea to set up a tool before using either of these function keys. Refer to Program Steps for a complete description of each function.

Note:

The “Tool” setting on MILLPWR’s status bar (located at the top of the display) will indicate which tool has been selected. If the “Tool” status bar is blank, no tool has been selected.

PROGRAMMING

MILLPWR

Operation Manual

PROGRAMMING

Programming Considerations

"From" and "To" Points

Lines and arcs are defined by their “From” point (the point where they begin) and “To” point (the point where they end).

Depth of Cut

Since the Z-axis is not controlled by a servo motor, make changes to the depth of cut manually.

If the Z-axis depth is programmed,

MILLPWR will preset the programmed value into the

DRO. When it's time,

MILLPWR will display the DRO screen and ask you to position the

depth.

If you are not programming a depth, leave it set to 0.

Tool Offset

By using left and right offsets, dimensions can be programmed as identified on the print.

When a line, arc, frame, etc., is programmed, use the “Tool Offset” field to tell

MILLPWR

which side of the part the tool should be cutting on.

To determine which offset to use, picture yourself standing behind the tool as it is moving. If the tool is on the left side of the workpiece, use a "left" offset. If the tool is on the right side of the workpiece, use a "right" offset.

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