HEIDENHAIN POSITIP 880 User Manual

User’s Manual

POSITIP 880

English (en)
6/2005

POSITIP 880 Back View

Axis ports

Edge finder

Ground

Power button

Main power input

Keypad and soft keys

4 axis keys to select between X, Y
and Z axes

Parallel port

Auxiliary
Machine
Interface
connector

Serial
port

Remote
console

Clear entry or
error messages

Incremental dimensions

Keys for selecting operating mode
(for detailed description of these key
functions, see Operating Modes in
chapter I-2)

Soft keys - Row of keys under the screen
of the POSITIP whose functions vary
according to associated fields that appear
above them on the screen

Numeric input keys

Change negative/positive
value key

Confirm entry

Select entry fields

General Notes

Software version

The software version of your unit is shown on the initial power up
screen and on the prompt bar after pressing the Help soft key.

This User's Manual covers the functions of the POSITIP
880 for both milling and turning applications. Basic
POSITIP 880 functions are covered in the first 4 chapters
of this manual. The turning section deals only with the
functions specific to turning applications.

About this manual

This manual is divided into two parts:

 Part I: Operating Instructions
 Part II: Technical Information

Operating Instructions

When using the POSITIP 880 in your work, you need only refer to the
Operating Instructions (Part I).

If you're new to POSITIP 880, you can use the operating instructions
as a step-by-step workbook. This part begins with a short introduction
to the basics of coordinate systems and position feedback, and
provides an overview of the available features. Each feature is
explained in detail, using an example which you can immediately try
out on the machine — so you won't get "lost" in the theory. As a
beginner you should work through all the examples presented.

If you're already familiar with POSITIP 880, you can use the
Operating Instructions as a comprehensive review and reference
guide.

General Notes

Technical Information

If you are interfacing the POSITIP 880 to a machine or wish to use the
data interfaces, refer to the technical information in Part II.

Dialog flowcharts

Dialog flowcharts are used for each example in this manual. They are
laid out as follows:

POSITIP 880 3

PROMPT

KEY

This area explains the key function or work step. If
necessary, supplementary information will also be
included.

General Notes

If there is an arrow at the end of the flowchart, this means that it
continues on the next page.

A perforated line indicates an alternative method of carrying out the
given function.

A prompt appears with some actions (not always) in the message bar
on the screen.

Important Notes in this Manual

Special green note boxes contain especially important information.
Please pay special attention to these notes. Neglecting this
information can result in e.g. functions not working in the desired way
or in causing damage to the workpiece or to the tool.

4

Symbols within the notes

Every note is marked with a symbol on the left informing about the
meaning of the note.

General Information

e.g. on the behavior of the POSITIP 880.

Warning – Refer to accompanying documents
e.g. when a special tool is required for a function.

Caution - Risk of electric shock

e.g. when opening a housing.

General Notes

POSITIP 880 5

I Operating Instructions ..... 11

I – 1 Fundamentals of Positioning ..... 12

Coordinate Systems ..... 12

Setting the Datum ..... 13

Nominal Position, Actual Position and Distance-To-Go ..... 14

Absolute Workpiece Positions ..... 15

Incremental Workpiece Positions ..... 15

Position Encoders ..... 17

Reference Marks ..... 17

Angle Reference Axis ..... 18

I – 2 Working with POSITIP 880 – First Steps ..... 19

Power Up ..... 19

Before You Start ..... 19

Operating Modes ..... 21

On-Screen Operating Instructions (HELP Mode) ..... 22

Confirming Your Changes ..... 22

Messages ..... 23

Error messages ..... 23

Selecting the Unit of Measure ..... 24

Selecting the Angle Format ..... 24

Tool Table ..... 24

Calling the Tool Data ..... 25

I – 3 Actual Value ..... 26

Datum Setting: Approaching Positions and Entering Actual Values ..... 26

Probing Functions for Datum Setting ..... 28

Datum Setting with a Tool ..... 34

I – 4 Distance-To-Go ..... 36

Displaying and Moving to Positions ..... 36

I – 5 Milling Patterns ..... 43

Circle Pattern ..... 43

Linear Pattern ..... 46

Milling a Rectangle Pocket ..... 49

POSITIP 880 7

I – 6 Programming POSITIP 880 ..... 53

Program Capabilities ..... 53

Editing and moving through a program ..... 53

Programming Features ..... 54

Tool Call ..... 56

Datum Call ..... 57

Presets ..... 58

Hole Patterns and Rectangle Patterns ..... 59

Subprograms ..... 59

Labels ..... 59

Label Number ..... 60

Label Call ..... 60

Position Drill ..... 62

Milling a Line ..... 63

Milling an Arc ..... 64

Blend ..... 66

Chamfer ..... 68

File Operation Soft Keys ..... 70

Loading, saving, deleting & clearing a program ..... 70

Directories ..... 71

Importing a Program ..... 73

Exporting a Program ..... 74

Block Function Soft Keys ..... 74

I – 7 Executing a Program ..... 78

Program views ..... 80

Contour View ..... 81

I – 8 INFO Screen ..... 83

JOB SETUP Menu ..... 83

Tool Table Usage ..... 85

Installation Menu ..... 92

Calculator ..... 92

Language ..... 95

Inch/MM ..... 95

8

I – 9 POSITIP 880 Turning Functions ..... 96

Power Up ..... 96

Fundamentals of Positioning ..... 97

Job Setup for Turning Applications ..... 98

Tool Table Usage ..... 99

Tool Offsetting ..... 102

NOTE/SET Function ..... 103

Datum Setting ..... 104

Taper Calculator ..... 104

Programming Turning Functions for POSITIP 880 ..... 106

Programming Features Soft Keys ..... 106

Multipass ..... 107

File Operation Soft Keys ..... 108

Block Function Soft Keys ..... 109

POSITIP 880 9

II Technical Information ..... 111

II – 1 Installation and Electrical Connection ..... 112

Items Supplied ..... 112

Mounting Location ..... 112

Installation ..... 112

Connecting the Encoders ..... 114

Connecting an Edge Finder ..... 115

II – 2 Installation Setup ..... 116

Initial switch-on ..... 116

General field/form navigation guide ..... 117

Axes Configuration ..... 117

Encoder Setup ..... 118

Error Compensation ..... 119

Linear Error Compensation ..... 120

Non-Linear Error Compensation ..... 121

Serial Port (X31) ..... 123

Parallel Port (X32) ..... 123

Protection ..... 124

Counter Settings ..... 124

Diagnostics ..... 125

AMI (Auxiliary Machine Interface)(X51) (Optional) ..... 126

Remote Console (X61) (Optional) ..... 127

II – 3 Encoders and Measured Value Display ..... 128

Setting the display step with rotary encoders ..... 129

II – 4 Data Interface ..... 130

II – 5 Measured Value Output ..... 135

Examples of character output at the data interface ..... 135

II – 6 Specifications for Milling ..... 139

II – 7 Specifications for Turning ..... 141

II – 8 Dimensions ..... 143

II – 9 Accessories ..... 144

Accessory ID Numbers ..... 144

POSITIP 880 Mounting Instructions

Universal Mounting Arm

ld. Nr. 382 929-01 ..... 145

POSITIP 880 Mounting Instructions

Mounting base

ld. Nr. 382 892-01 ..... 146

POSITIP 880 Mounting Instructions

Tilt/Swivel Mount

ld. Nr. 382 891-01 ..... 147

10

Operating Instructions

POSITIP 880 11

I – 1 Fundamentals of Positioning

You can skip over this chapter if you are familiar with the
concepts of coordinate systems, incremental and absolute
dimensions, nominal and actual positions, and distance-to­go.

Coordinate Systems

In order to define positions on a surface, a reference system is
required.

For example, positions on the earth's surface can be defined
absolutely by their geographic coordinates of longitude and latitude. In
contrast to the relative definition of a position that is referenced to a
known location, the network of horizontal and vertical lines on the
globe constitute an absolute reference system. See Fig. I.1.

I – 1 Fundamentals of Positioning

On a milling machine, workpieces are normally machined according to
a workpiece-based Cartesian coordinate system (a rectangular
coordinate system named after the French mathematician and
philosopher Renatus Cartesius, who lived from 1596 to 1650). The
Cartesian coordinate system is based on three coordinate axes
designated X, Y and Z which are parallel to the machine guideways.

The figure to the right (Fig. I.2) illustrates the right-hand rule for
remembering the three axis directions: the middle finger is pointing in
the positive direction of the tool axis from the workpiece toward the
tool (the Z axis), the thumb is pointing in the positive X direction, and
the index finger in the positive Y direction.

Fig. I.1 The geographic coordinate system is an

absolute reference system

Fig. I.2 Designations and directions of the axes on a

milling machine

12 I Operating Instructions

Setting the Datum

The workpiece drawing (Fig. I.3) identifies a certain point on the
workpiece (usually a corner) as the absolute datum and perhaps one
or more other points as relative datums.

The datum setting procedure establishes these points as the origin of
the absolute or relative coordinate systems: The workpiece, which is
aligned with the machine axes, is moved to a certain position relative
to the tool and the display is set either to zero or to another appropriate
value (e.g., to compensate the tool radius).

Example:
Drawing with several relative datums (ISO 129 or DIN 406 Part 11,

Fig. 171)

Fig. I.3 The workpiece datum represents the origin

of the Cartesian coordinate system

I – 1 Fundamentals of Positioning

POSITIP 880 13

Example: Coordinates of hole 1:

X =10 mm
Y = 5 mm
Z = 0 mm (hole depth: Z = – 5 mm)
The datum of the Cartesian coordinate system is located 10 mm from
hole 1 in the X axis and 5 mm from it in the Y axis. See Fig. I.4.

The KT Edge Finder from HEIDENHAIN, together with the
POSITIP 880's edge finding functions, facilitates finding and setting
datums.

Nominal Position, Actual Position and Distance­To-Go

The position that the tool is to move to is called the nominal position

I – 1 Fundamentals of Positioning

while the position of the tool at any given moment is called the actual
position. The distance from the nominal position to the actual position
is called the distance-to-go. See Fig. I.5.

Sign for distance-to-go

The distance-to go has a positive sign if the axis direction from the
actual towards the nominal position is negative.

The distance-to-go has a negative sign if the axis direction from the
actual towards the nominal position is positive.

Fig. I.4 Hole 1

Fig. I.5 Nominal position S, actual position I and

defines the coordinatesystem

distance-to-go R

14 I Operating Instructions

Absolute Workpiece Positions

Each position on the workpiece is uniquely identified by its absolute
coordinates. See Fig. I.6.

Example: Absolute coordinates of position 1:
X = 20 mm
Y = 10 mm
Z = 15 mm

If you are drilling or milling a workpiece according to a workpiece
drawing with absolute coordinates, you are moving the tool to the
value of the coordinates.

Fig. I.6 Position 1 definition through absolute

coordinates

Incremental Workpiece Positions

A position can also be referenced to the preceding nominal position.
In this case the relative datum is always the last nominal position.
Such coordinates are referred to as incremental coordinates
(increment = increase). They are also called incremental or chain
dimensions (since the positions are defined as a chain of dimensions).
Incremental coordinates are designated with the prefix I.

Example: Incremental coordinates of position 3 referenced to position

2. See Fig. I.7

Absolute coordinates of position 2:
X = 10 mm
Y = 5 mm
Z = 20 mm

Incremental coordinates of position 3:

IX = 10 mm
IY = 10 mm
IZ = –15 mm

If you are drilling or milling a workpiece according to a drawing with
incremental coordinates, you are moving the tool by the value of the
coordinates.

I – 1 Fundamentals of Positioning

Fig. I.7 Positions 2 and 3 through incremental

coordinates

POSITIP 880 15

A coordinate list corresponding to this example is useful when
working in the operating mode: PROGRAMMING. See Fig. I.8

Fig. I.8 Workpiece drawing with coordinate

dimensioning (ISO 129 or DIN 406 Part 11,
Fig. 179)

Coordinateorigin Dimensions in mm

I – 1 Fundamentals of Positioning

1100 ­1 1.1 325 320 ø 120 H7
1 1.2 900 320 ø 120 H7
1 1.3 950 750 ø 200 H7
1 2 450 750 ø 200 H7
1 3 700 1225 ø 400 H8
2 2.1 -300 150 ø 50 H11
2 2.2 -300 0 ø 50 H11
2 2.3 -300 -150 ø 50 H11
3 3.1 250 0° ø 26
3 3.2 250 30° ø 26
3 3.3 250 60° ø 26
3 3.4 250 90° ø 26
3 3.5 250 120° ø 26
3 3.6 250 150° ø 26
3 3.7 250 180° ø 26
3 3.8 250 210° ø 26
3 3.9 250 240° ø 26
3 3.10 250 270° ø 26
3 3.11 250 300° ø 26
3 3.12 250 330° ø 26

Pos. X1 X2 Y1 Y2 r f d

Coordinates

16 I Operating Instructions

Position Encoders

The position feedback encoders convert the movement of the
machine axes into electrical signals. The POSITIP 880 constantly
evaluates these signals and calculates the actual positions of the
machine axes, which it displays as a numerical value on the screen.
See Fig. I.9.

If there is an interruption in power, the calculated position will no
longer correspond to the actual position. When power is restored, you
can re-establish this relationship with the aid of the reference marks
on the position encoders and the POSITIP 880's reference mark
evaluation feature (REF).

Reference Marks

The scales of the position encoders contain one or more reference
marks. When reference marks are crossed they can be used to define
an absolute position in an incremental system. If power is interrupted
this absolute position is lost and the relationship between the
reference mark and scale position is lost. The reference marks on the
position encoders and the POSITIP 880's reference mark evaluation
feature allows the unit to quickly re-establish this relationship again
when power is restored. See Fig. I.10.

When a reference mark is crossed over, it generates a signal which
identifies that position as the reference point. The POSITIP 880 uses
this reference point to restore the relationship between the scale
position and the display value which was last defined by setting the
datum.

If the position encoders feature distance-coded reference marks,
there are reference marks uniquely spaced along the length of the
scale. Crossing any two reference marks will restore the datum. Each
axis need only move a limited distance for linear encoders, and angle
for rotary encoders.

The datum setting cannot be restored from one power
cycle to the next if the reference marks were not crossed
before the datum was set.

Fig. I.9 Linear position encoder, here for the X axis

I – 1 Fundamentals of Positioning

Fig. I.10 Linear scales: with distance-coded

reference marks (upper illustration) and one
reference mark (lower illustration)

POSITIP 880 17

Angle Reference Axis

For angular positions, the following reference axes are defined:

Plane Angle reference axis

XY +X

YZ +Y

ZX +Z

Positive direction of rotation is counterclockwise if the working plane
is viewed in negative tool axis direction. See Fig. I.11.

Example: Angle in the working plane X / Y

Angle Corresponds to the...

+ 45° ... bisecting line between +X and +Y

+/– 180° ... negative X axis

- 270° ... positive Y axis

I – 1 Fundamentals of Positioning

Fig. I.11 Angle and the angle reference axis, e.g. in

the X / Y plane

18 I Operating Instructions

I – 2 Working with POSITIP 880 –

First Steps

Power Up

Switch on the power (located on the back). It will take

approximately 25 - 30 seconds for system to start

after power up. The initial screen will appear (This

screen will only appear the first time you power

up). Select the language by pressing the LANGUAGE

soft key.

At this point you have the choice of MILL or TURN.

Select the MILL soft key to proceed with milling

functions the first time you power up. See Table of

Contents for turning functions section. See Fig. I.12.

You can change the application later in

INSTALLATION SETUP under COUNTER SETTINGS.

Your POSITIP 880 is now ready for operation and is in the operating
mode ACTUAL VALUE. Axis will show “NO REF”.

Before You Start

The POSITIP 880's reference mark evaluation feature automatically re­establishes the relationship between axis slide positions and display
values that you last defined by setting the datum.

If the axis encoder has reference marks, the NO REF indicator will
flash. See Fig. I.13. After crossing over the reference marks, the
indicator will stop flashing and change to REF.

Working without reference mark evaluation

You can also use the POSITIP 880 without crossing over the reference
marks. Press the NO REF soft key to exit the reference mark evaluation
routine and continue in ACTUAL VALUE mode. The NO REF indicator
will indicate that reference marks were not crossed over for that axis.

You can still cross over reference marks at a later time. The ENABLE
REF soft key will be available from ACTUAL VALUE mode. Press this
soft key to activate the reference mark evaluation routine.

Fig. I.12 Initial screen

I – 2 Working with POSITIP 880 – First Steps

Fig. I.13 Display before choosing NO REF

POSITIP 880 19

ENABLE REF function

The purpose of the ENABLE REF function, is to give the operator the
opportunity to either ignore the reference marks as they are crossed
over by disabling it, or finding reference marks when necessary by
enabling it. When the ENABLE REF soft key is pressed, the POSITIP 880
is ready to identify a reference mark. When the ENABLE REF soft key is
not depressed, POSITIP 880 will ignore all reference marks. When all
reference marks have been found, the ENABLE REF soft key will
disappear.

If an encoder is setup without reference marks, then the
REF indicator will not be displayed.

Once reference marks for all desired axes are established, press NO
REF soft key to cancel out of routine. You do not have to cross over the
reference marks of all the encoders, only those that you need.

If you do not cross over the reference marks, POSITIP 880
does not store the datum points. This means that it is not
possible to re-establish the relationship between axis slide
positions and display values after a power interruption
(switch-off).

Turn on power and press any key.
Cross over the reference marks (in any order).

Do not cross over the reference marks. Note: In this

I – 2 Working with POSITIP 880 – First Steps

20 I Operating Instructions

case the relationship between axis slide position and
display value will be lost after a power interruption.
Press the NO REF soft key.

Operating Modes

Selecting the operating mode determines which functions are
available to you.

Available functions Mode Key

Position display for workpiece
machining; Zero reset; Datum
setting – also with edge finder probe

ACTUAL VALUE

Distance-to-go display; hole
patterns; milling and drilling with tool
radius compensation

Storage of work steps for small-lot
production

Run programs previously created in
the PROGRAMMING mode

You can switch to another operating mode at any time by pressing the
key for the desired mode.

In the following examples requiring tool usage, refer to chapter I-8
under Job Setup.

DISTANCE-TO-GO

PROGRAMMING

EXECUTE PROGRAM

I – 2 Working with POSITIP 880 – First Steps

POSITIP 880 21

On-Screen Operating Instructions (HELP Mode)

The integrated operating instructions provide information and
assistance in any situation. See Fig. I.14 & Fig. I.15.

To call the operating instructions:

8 Press the INFO soft key.
8 Press the HELP soft key.
8 Information relevant to the current operation will be displayed.
8 Use the paging soft keys if the explanation is spread over more than

one screen page.

To view information on another topic:

8 Press the LIST OF TOPICS soft key.
8 Press the paging soft keys to scroll through the index.
8 Press the VIEW TOPIC soft key to select the item you need.

To leave the operating instructions:

8 Press the EXIT HELP soft key.

Example: On-screen operating instructions for datum setting
with the edge finder (CENTER LINE)

The CENTER LINE function is described in this manual on page 20.

8 From the ACTUAL VALUE mode, press the PROBE soft key.
8 Press the INFO soft key.

8 Press the HELP soft key.
8 To leave the operating instructions: Press the EXIT HELP soft key.

The screen returns to the screen with the SET DATUM form and

I – 2 Working with POSITIP 880 – First Steps

DRO display.

Fig. I.14 Index under HELP mode

Fig. I.15 On-screen operating instructions for datum

setting

Confirming Your Changes

You must confirm your changes by pressing the ENT key for them to
become effective. The instruction sections of this manual will
occasionally give the command “Confirm your changes.” This means
press the ENT key.

22 I Operating Instructions

Messages

The Message bar messages will change color depending on the type
of information it is conveying: Normal messages will appear as gray
boxes with black text. Instructional messages will appear as blue
boxes with white text. Error messages will appear as red boxes with
white text.

Error messages

If an error occurs while you are working with POSITIP 880, the
Message bar will turn red and provide an explanation of what caused
the error.

To clear the error message:

8 Press the CE (Clear Entry) key.

Critical error messages

Critical error messages mean that the operational
reliability of the POSITIP 880 has been impaired.

If a critical error occurs, a message box will appear in the middle of the
screen:

8 Take note of the error message displayed on the screen.
8 Switch off the power to the POSITIP 880.
8 Attempt to correct the problem with the power off.
8 If the critical error message recurs, notify your customer service

agency.

I – 2 Working with POSITIP 880 – First Steps

POSITIP 880 23

Selecting the Unit of Measure

Positions can be displayed and entered in millimeters or inches. If you
choose inches, INCH will be displayed on the status bar at the top of
the screen. See Fig. I.16.

To change the unit of measure:

8 Press the INFO soft key.
8 Press the INCH/MM soft key.
8 The unit of measure can also be set in JOB SETUP. Refer to Job

Setup, chapter I-8.

Selecting the Angle Format

Angles – such as for a rotary table – can be displayed and entered
either as decimal degrees, degrees/minutes/seconds (DMS) or radian
values. Refer to Job Setup, chapter I-8 for instructions on setting angle
format.

Fig. I.16 The MM indicator

Tool Table

The POSITIP 880’s tool table provides a convenient way to store

I – 2 Working with POSITIP 880 – First Steps

diameter and length offset information for each of the tools you
commonly use. You can enter up to 99 tools.

Before you start workpiece machining, select the tool you are using
from the tool table. POSITIP 880 will then take into account the
entered diameter and length of the tool.

The tool length is the difference in length ∆L between the tool and the
reference tool. The reference tool is indicated by T1 in Fig. I.17.

Sign for the length difference ∆L

If the tool is longer than the reference tool: ∆L > 0 (+)
If the tool is shorter than the reference tool: ∆L < 0 (–)

Refer to Job Setup for entering a tool into the tool table.

Fig. I.17 Tool length and diameter

24 I Operating Instructions

Calling the Tool Data

The lengths and diameters of your tools must first be entered into the
POSITIP 880's tool table.

Before you start machining, select the tool you are using from the tool
table. POSITIP 880 then takes into account the stored tool data when
you work with tool compensation (e.g., with hole patterns).

You can also call the tool data with the command TOOL
CALL in a program.

Tool call

Press the INFO soft key.

Then the JOB SETUP soft key. (Tool table is high-

lighted).

Press ENT.

TOOL NUMBER

Cursor to the tool you want or enter the tool number

directly.

Press USE, then USE NEW SETTINGS.

View status bar to verify the proper tool has been

called.

I – 2 Working with POSITIP 880 – First Steps

POSITIP 880 25

I – 3 Actual Value

Datum Setting: Approaching Positions and Entering Actual Values

The easiest way to set datum points is to use the POSITIP 880's
probing functions – regardless of whether you probe the workpiece
with the HEIDENHAIN KT Edge Finder or with a tool. Description of
the probing functions: See "Probing Functions for Datum Setting" on
page 28

I – 3 Actual Value

Of course, you can also set datum points in the conventional manner
by touching the edges of the workpiece one after the other with the
tool and entering the tool positions as datum points (see examples
following this page).

The datum table can hold up to 99 datum points. In most cases this
will free you from having to calculate the axis travel when working
with complicated workpiece drawings containing several datums.

Datum settings are performed in the ACTUAL VALUE operating mode
and define the relationships between the axis positions and the
display values. If necessary, the datum table’s values may be changed
by entering a value directly.

See Job Setup for setting the datum value directly.

Datum selection (Mill only)

In ACTUAL VALUE mode, the Up/Down arrow keys may be used to
select the next or previous datum number.

Tool selection (Turn only)

In ACTUAL VALUE mode, the Up/Down arrow keys may be used to
select the next or previous tool number.

26 I Operating Instructions

Example: Setting a workpiece datum without the probing
function. See Fig. I.18 & Fig. I.19.

Working plane: XY
Tool axis: Z
Tool diameter: D = 3 mm
Axis sequence in this example: X - Y - Z

Preparation: Calling the tool data

Select the tool data for the tool which you are using to touch the
workpiece.

Preparation: Select the datum

Operating mode: ACTUAL VALUE

From ACTUAL VALUE mode, press the DATUM soft

key.

Cursor will be in the DATUM NUMBER field.

Enter the datum number and press ENT.

Touch the workpiece at edge 1.

I – 3 Actual Value

Fig. I.18 SET DATUM form

Select the X axis key.

DATUM SETTING X

Enter the position of the tool center (X = – 1.5 mm)

and

transfer the X-coordinate of the datum and press ENT.

Touch the workpiece at edge 2.

Select the Y axis key.

POSITIP 880 27

Fig. I.19

DATUM SETTING Y

Enter the position of the tool center (Y = – 1.5 mm)
and

transfer the Y-coordinate of the datum and press ENT.

Touch the workpiece surface.

I – 3 Actual Value

Select the Z axis key.

DATUM SETTING Z = + 0

Enter the position of the tool tip (Z = 0 mm) and
transfer the Z-coordinate of the datum. Press USE.

Probing Functions for Datum Setting

It is particularly easy with a HEIDENHAIN KT 130 Edge Finder (Fig.
I.20).

During probe functions, the display freezes with the
location of the edge, centerline, or circle center.

The following probing soft key functions are available:

 Workpiece edge as datum: EDGE
 Centerline between two workpiece edges: CENTER LINE
 Center of a hole or cylinder: CIRCLE CENTER

With Circle Center, the hole must be in a main plane. The three main
planes are formed by the axes X / Y, Y / Z and Z / X.

The POSITIP 880's probing functions enable you to set datum points
with a HEIDENHAIN KT Edge Finder. The probing functions are also
available when you are using a tool instead of an edge finder.

Fig. I.20 The HEIDENHAIN KT 130 Edge Finder

28 I Operating Instructions

Datum setting with the edge finder

Preparation: Enter the stylus diameter and select the datum

8 Press the INFO soft key.
8 Press JOB SETUP, then cursor to EDGE FINDER and press ENT.
8 Enter the diameter of the edge finder stylus and confirm with ENT.
8 Enter the desired length and confirm with ENT.
8 Enter the desired unit of measurement (inch/mm).
8 Press USE, then USE NEW SETTINGS.

In all probing functions, POSITIP 880 takes into account the entered
stylus diameter.

To abort the probing function

While the probing function is active, POSITIP 880 displays the CANCEL
soft key. Choose this soft key to return to the opening state of the
selected probing function.

I – 3 Actual Value

POSITIP 880 29

Example: Probe workpiece edges, and set the corner as a datum.
See Fig. I.21 & Fig. I.22.

Datum axis: X = 0 mm

Y = 0 mm

The coordinates of the datum can be set by probing edges or surfaces
and capturing them as datums as described on the next page.

Operating mode: ACTUAL VALUE

Press the PROBE soft key.

I – 3 Actual Value

Cursor to axis.

Press EDGE soft key.

PROBE IN X AXIS

Move the edge finder toward the workpiece until the
LEDs on the edge finder light up.

Retract the edge finder from the workpiece.

ENTER VALUE FOR X + 0

0 is offered as a default value for the coordinate. Enter
the desired coordinate for the workpiece edge, for
example X = 0 mm and

set the coordinate as a datum for this workpiece
edge. Press ENT.

Press EDGE soft key.

PROBE IN Y AXIS

Move the edge finder toward the workpiece until the
LEDs on the edge finder light up.

Fig. I.21 Form for setting datum using an edge

Fig. I.22

Retract the edge finder from the workpiece.

30 I Operating Instructions

ENTER VALUE FOR Y + 0

0 is offered as a default value for the coordinate. Enter

the desired coordinate for the workpiece edge, for

example Y = 0 mm and

set the coordinate as a datum for this workpiece

edge. Press ENT.

Press USE soft key.

Example: Set centerline between two workpiece edges as datum.
See Fig. I.23 & Fig. I.24.

The position of the centerline M is determined by probing the edges 1
and 2.

The centerline is parallel to the Y axis.
Desired coordinate of the centerline: X =0 mm
Operating mode: ACTUAL VALUE

Spacing between edges is displayed on the message bar
when using the probe centerline feature.

Press PROBE.

I – 3 Actual Value

Cursor to the axis for which the coordinate is to be

set: X axis.

Press CENTER LINE.

1. PROBE 1ST EDGE IN X

Move the edge finder toward workpiece edge 1 until

the LEDs in the edge finder light up.

2. PROBE 1ST EDGE IN X

Move the edge finder toward workpiece edge 2 until

the LEDs in the edge finder light up. The distance

between the edges is displayed on the message bar.

Retract the edge finder from the workpiece.

POSITIP 880 31

Fig. I.23 Setting centerline between two edges

Fig. I.24

ENTER VALUE FOR X

Enter coordinate (X = 0 mm) and transfer coordinate
as datum for the centerline and press ENT.

Press USE soft key.

Example: Probe the center of a hole with an edge finder and set

I – 3 Actual Value

the datum. Offsetting X-axis datum by 50 mm from center of
hole. See Fig. I.25 & Fig. I.26.

Main plane: XY
Edge finder axis: parallel to the Z axis
X coordinate of the circle center: X = 50 mm
Y coordinate of the circle center: Y = 0 mm
Operating mode: ACTUAL VALUE

Press PROBE.

Cursor to the axis for which the coordinate is to be
set: X axis.

Press CIRCLE CENTER.

Select plane (X/Y, Y/Z or Z/X) containing the circle
(main plane): Plane XY

32 I Operating Instructions

Fig. I.25 Setting the center of a hole

Fig. I.26

PROBE 1ST POINT IN X/Y

Move edge finder towards first point 1 on the

circumference until the LEDs on the edge finder light

up.

Retract edge finder from bore hole wall.

Probe two additional points on the circumference in

the same manner. Further instructions appear on the

screen. See Prompt bar for measured diameter.

ENTER CENTER POINT X X = 50

Enter the first coordinate (X = 50 mm) and

transfer coordinate as datum for the circle center and

press ENT.

ENTER CENTER POINT Y Y = 0

Accept default entry Y = 0 mm. Press ENT. Press USE.

I – 3 Actual Value

POSITIP 880 33

Datum Setting with a Tool

Even if you use a tool or non-electrical edge finder to set datum points,
you can still use POSITIP 880's probing functions described under the
section “Datum setting with the Edge Finder.” EDGE, CENTER LINE
and CIRCLE CENTER. See Fig. I.27 & Fig. I.28.

Preparation: Enter the tool diameter and select the datum

8 Press INFO.
8 Press the JOB SETUP soft key.
8 Select the TOOL TABLE form by pressing ENT.

I – 3 Actual Value

8 Cursor to the tool you will use to set the datum.
8 Press USE and then USE NEW SETTINGS.

Example: Probe workpiece edge and set edge as datum

Datum axis: X =0 mm
Tool diameter D = 3 mm
Operating mode: ACTUAL VALUE

Press PROBE.

Cursor to the axis for which the coordinate is to be
set: X axis.

Fig. I.27 Setting datum using an edge

Press EDGE soft key.

PROBE IN X

Touch workpiece edge

Store the position of the edge by pressing the NOTE
soft key.

Retract the tool from the workpiece.

34 I Operating Instructions

Fig. I.28

ENTER VALUE FOR X

Enter coordinate of the tool center

(X = -1.5 mm) and

transfer coordinate as datum for the center line and

press USE soft key.

I – 3 Actual Value

POSITIP 880 35

I – 4 Distance-To-Go

Displaying and Moving to Positions

Distance-To-Go feature

Although it is often sufficient to have POSITIP 880 display the
coordinates of the actual position of the tool, it is usually better to use
the distance-to-go feature — this enables you to approach to nominal
positions simply by traversing to display value zero. Even when
working with the distance-to-go feature you can enter coordinates in
absolute or incremental dimensions. Make sure you are in
DISTANCE-TO-GO mode.

I – 4 Distance-To-Go

Graphic positioning aid

When you are traversing to display value zero, POSITIP 880 displays a
graphic positioning aid. See Fig. I.29.

POSITIP 880 displays the graphic positioning aid in a narrow rectangle
underneath the currently active axis. Two triangular marks in the
center of the rectangle symbolize the nominal position you want to
reach.

A small square symbolizes the axis slide. An arrow indicating the
direction appears in the square while the axis is moving. You can easily
tell whether you are moving towards or away from the nominal
position. Note that the square does not begin to move until the axis
slide is near the nominal position.

Refer to the JOB SETUP menu to setup the graphic positioning aid.

Fig. I.29 Graphic Positioning Aid in use

Tool Selection

In DISTANCE-TO-GO mode, the up/down arrow keys may be used to
select the next or previous tool number

Taking the tool radius into account

POSITIP 880 has a tool radius compensation feature. This allows you
to enter workpiece dimensions directly from the drawing. The
displayed remaining distance is then automatically lengthened (R+) or
shortened (R–) by the value of the tool radius. See Fig. I.30.

Entering tool data

Enter tool data with the TOOL TABLE soft key.

8 Choose TOOL TABLE soft key.
8 Cursor to the desired tool and press ENT. The TOOL DESCRIPTION

form will appear.

8 Enter the tool diameter.
8 Enter the tool length.
8 Enter the tool unit.
8 Enter the tool type and press ENT.
8 Press USE twice.

Fig. I.30 Tool radius compensation

36 I Operating Instructions

Example: Milling a shoulder by traversing to display value zero

The coordinates are entered as absolute dimensions; the datum is the
workpiece zero. See Fig. I.31 & Fig. I.32.

1: X = 0 mm / Y = 20 mm

Corner
Corner

2: X = 30 mm / Y = 20 mm
3: X = 30 mm / Y = 50 mm

Corner
Corner

4: X = 60 mm / Y = 50 mm

Operating mode: DISTANCE-TO-GO
Preparation:

8 Enter the tool data.
8 Pre-position the tool to an appropriate location (such as X = Y = -20

mm).

8 Move the tool to milling depth.

I – 4 Distance-To-Go

Fig. I.31 Single cycle preset

Select the Y axis key.

NOMINAL POSITION VALUE

Enter nominal position value for corner point 1:

Y = 20 mm and

select tool radius compensation R + with TOOL COMP

(R+) soft key.

Transfer the nominal position value by pressing USE.

The graphic positioning aid for the Y axis is displayed.

Traverse the Y axis until the display value is zero. The

square in the graphic positioning aid is now centered

between the two triangular marks.

Once the axis is moved to zero the axis value is

incremented to axis value in the next block.

Press the NEXT BLOCK soft key to advance.

Fig. I.32

POSITIP 880 37

Select the X axis key.

NOMINAL POSITION VALUE

Enter nominal position value for corner point 2:
Y = +30 mm,

select tool radius compensation R – and press USE
soft key.

I – 4 Distance-To-Go

NOMINAL POSITION VALUE

Transfer the nominal position value. The graphic
positioning aid for the X axis is displayed.

Traverse the X axis until the display value is zero. The
square in the graphic positioning aid is now centered
between the two triangular marks.

Once the axis is moved to zero it will increment to
next block.

Press the NEXT BLOCK soft key.

Select the Y axis key.

Enter nominal position value for corner point 3:
Y = +50 mm,

select tool radius compensation R + and press USE
soft key.

Transfer the nominal position value. The graphic
positioning aid for the Y axis is displayed.

Traverse the Y axis until the display value is zero. The
square in the graphic positioning aid is now centered
between the two triangular marks.

Once the axis is moved to zero it will increment to
Next Block.

Press the NEXT BLOCK soft key.

38 I Operating Instructions

Select the X axis key.

NOMINAL POSITION VALUE

Enter nominal position value for corner point 4:

Y = +60 mm,

select tool radius compensation R + and press USE

soft key.

Transfer the nominal position value. The graphic

positioning aid for the X axis is displayed.

Traverse the X axis until the display value is zero. The

square in the graphic positioning aid is now centered

between the two triangular marks.

Once the axis is moved to zero it will increment to

next block.

Press the NEXT BLOCK soft key.

I – 4 Distance-To-Go

POSITIP 880 39

Example: Drilling by traversing to display value zero

Enter the coordinates in incremental dimensions. These are indicated
in the following (and on the screen) with a preceding I. The datum is
the workpiece zero. See Fig. I.33 & Fig. I.34.

Hole 1 at: X = 20 mm / Y = 20 mm
Distance from hole 2 to hole 1: IX = 30 mm / IY = 30 mm
Hole depth: Z = –12 mm
Operating mode: DISTANCE-TO-GO

NOMINAL POSITION VALUE

I – 4 Distance-To-Go

NOMINAL POSITION VALUE

NOMINAL POSITION VALUE

Select an axis key: X axis.

Enter nominal position value for hole 1: X = 20 mm
and press ENT. Cursor will move to the Y axis field.

Enter nominal position value for hole 1: Y = 20 mm
and press ENT. Cursor will move to the Z axis field.

Enter the nominal position value for the hole depth:
Z = –12 mm The graphic positioning aid for the Z axis
is displayed. Press USE soft key.

Pre-position the drill over the first hole. Traverse Z
axis until the display value is zero. The square in the
graphic positioning aid is now centered between the
two triangular marks.

Retract the drill in the tool axis (Z).

Fig. I.33 Drilling example

Fig. I.34

Once the axis is moved to zero it will increment to
next block.

Press the NEXT BLOCK soft key.

Select an axis key: X axis.

40 I Operating Instructions

NOMINAL POSITION VALUE

Enter nominal position value for hole 2: Y = 30 mm,

mark your input as an incremental dimension, press I

hard key.

Select tool radius compensation R0 by pressing TOOL

COMP (R0) soft key.

Press USE. The graphic positioning aid for the X axis

is displayed.

Traverse the X axis until the display value is zero. The

square in the graphic positioning aid is now centered

between the two triangular marks.

Once the axis is moved to zero it will increment to

next block.

Press the NEXT BLOCK soft key.

Select the Y axis key.

I – 4 Distance-To-Go

POSITIP 880 41

NOMINAL POSITION VALUE

I – 4 Distance-To-Go

Enter nominal position value for hole 2: Y = 30 mm,
mark your input as an incremental dimension, press I

hard key.

Select tool radius compensation R0 by pressing TOOL
COMP (R0) soft key.

Press USE. The graphic positioning aid for the Y axis
is displayed.

Traverse the Y axis until the display value is zero. The
square in the graphic positioning aid is now centered
between the two triangular marks.

Once the axis is moved to zero it will increment to
next block.

Press the NEXT BLOCK soft key.

Select the Z axis key.

NOMINAL POSITION VALUE

Enter the nominal position value for the hole depth:
Z= –12 mm

Press USE soft key. The graphic positioning aid for the
Z axis is displayed.

Drill hole 2: Traverse Z axis until the display value is
zero. The square in the graphic positioning aid is now
centered between the two triangular marks.

Retract the drill in the tool axis (Z).
Once the axis is moved to zero the operation is

complete.

Press the NEXT BLOCK soft key.

42 I Operating Instructions

I – 5 Milling Patterns

This chapter describes the hole pattern functions CIRCLE PATTERN,
LINEAR PATTERN, RECTANGLE POCKET.

In the operating mode DISTANCE-TO-GO, use the soft keys to select the
desired hole pattern function or pocket milling, and enter the required
data. This data can usually be taken from the workpiece drawing (e.g.
hole depth, number of holes, dimensions of the pocket, etc.).

With hole patterns, the POSITIP 880 then calculates the positions of
all the holes and displays the pattern graphically on the screen. With
pocket milling, it calculates all of the traverse paths for the roughing
out of the pocket. The graphic positioning aid appears when you begin
execution, enabling you to position simply by traversing to display
value zero.

Circle Pattern

Automatic advance function

Once you have moved the table into position and machined to depth,
the POSITIP 880 will automatically advance. You can also manually
advance by pressing the NEXT HOLE soft key.

POSITIP 880 will not automatically advance if the depth is
set to THRU.

I – 5 Milling Patterns

Information required:

 Pattern type (full or half)
 Holes (no. of)
 Center (center of circle pattern in pattern plane)
 Radius (defines radius of the circle pattern)
 Start angle (angle of 1st hole in the pattern)
 Step angle (optional: this only applies if creating a circle segment.)
 Depth (the target depth for drilling in the tool axis)

POSITIP 880 calculates the coordinates of the holes which you then
move to simply by traversing to display value zero. The graphic
positioning aid is available for all moving axes.

A circle pattern is executed as a series of presets to the hole location
in the pattern plane and the drill depth.

POSITIP 880 43

Functions for drilling

Function Soft key

Press to go to previous hole.

Press to manually advance to the next hole.

Press to end drilling.

Example: Enter data and execute a circle pattern. See Fig. I.35 &
Fig. I.36.

I – 5 Milling Patterns

Holes (no. of): 4
Coordinates of center: X = 50 mm / Y = 50 mm
Bolt circle radius: 20 mm
Start angle: Angle between X axis and first hole: 30°
Hole depth: Z = – 5 mm

1st step: Enter data

Operating mode: DISTANCE-TO-GO

Press FEATURES soft key.

PATTERN TYPE

HOLES

Press CIRCLE PATTERN soft key.

Fig. I.35 CIRCLE PATTERN form

Begin inputting data.

Enter the type of circle pattern (full).

Press ENT.

Enter the number of holes (4).
Press ENT.

Fig. I.36 Circle pattern graphic

44 I Operating Instructions

CENTER

RADIUS

START ANGLE

DEPTH

Enter the X and Y coordinates of the circle center

(both 50).

Press ENT.

Enter the radius of the circle pattern (20).

Press ENT.

I – 5 Milling Patterns

Enter the start angle (30°).

Press ENT.

Enter the depth of each hole (-5.0).

Press ENT.

When in TOOL field enter the TOOL TABLE and select the
desired tool.

8 Press USE soft key to begin step.

8 Pressing the VIEW () soft key will toggle through the

different views of the pattern (Graphic, etc.).

POSITIP 880 45

2nd step: Drill

Move to hole:

Traverse each coordinate of the working plane to
display value zero.

Drill:
Traverse to display value zero in the tool axis. When
you have reached required depth, it will automatically
advance to the coordinates of the next hole.

I – 5 Milling Patterns

After drilling, retract the drill in tool axis.

Press the NEXT HOLE soft key.

Continue to drill the remaining holes in the same way.
When pattern is complete, press the END soft key.

Linear Pattern

Information required:

 First hole (1st hole of the pattern)
 Holes per row (number of holes in each row of pattern
 Hole spacing (the spacing or offset between each hole in the row)
 Angle (the angle or rotation of the pattern)
 Depth (the target depth for drilling in the tool axis)
 Number of rows (number of rows in the pattern)
 Row spacing (the spacing between each row of the pattern)

POSITIP 880 calculates the coordinates of the holes which you then
move to simply by traversing to display value zero.

The graphic positioning aid is available for all moving axes.
The graphic enables verification of the hole pattern before you start

machining. It is also useful when:

 selecting holes directly
 executing holes separately
 skipping holes

46 I Operating Instructions

Example: Entering data and executing linear pattern. See Fig. I.37
& Fig. I.38.

First X coordinate of hole: X = 20 mm
First Y coordinate of hole: Y = 15 mm
Number of holes per row: 4
Hole spacing: 10 mm
Tilt angle: 18°
Hole depth: Z = THRU
Number of rows: 3
Row spacing: 12 mm

1st step: Enter data

Operating mode: DISTANCE-TO-GO

Press FEATURES soft key.

Press LINEAR PATTERN.

I – 5 Milling Patterns

Fig. I.37 LINEAR PATTERN input form

Begin data entry.

FIRST HOLE X AND Y

Enter the coordinates of first hole (X = 20 mm).

Press ENT.

Y = 15 mm.

Press ENT.

POSITIP 880 47

Fig. I.38

HOLES PER ROW

HOLE SPACING

ANGLE

I – 5 Milling Patterns

DEPTH

NUMBER OF ROWS

Enter the number of holes per row (4). Press ENT.

Enter the space between holes (10).

Press ENT.

Enter the angle of rotation (18°).
Press ENT.

Enter the depth for drilling (THRU).

Press ENT.

Enter the number of rows (3).

Press ENT.

ROW SPACING

Enter the spacing between rows (12).

Press ENT.

When in TOOL field enter the TOOL TABLE and select the
desired tool.

Press USE.
Press the VIEW () soft key to see graphic.

48 I Operating Instructions

2nd step: Drill

Start linear hole pattern function.

Move to hole:

Traverse each coordinate of the working plane to

display value zero.

Drill:

Traverse to display value zero in the tool axis.

I – 5 Milling Patterns

After drilling, retract the drill in tool axis.

Press the NEXT HOLE soft key.

Continue to drill the remaining holes in the same way.

When pattern is complete, press the END soft key.

Milling a Rectangle Pocket

In the operating mode DISTANCE-TO-GO you can use the POSITIP 880
for milling a rectangle pocket.

The information for rectangle pocket milling can also be written to a
machining program as a cycle.

Select the cycle with the RECTANGLE POCKET soft key, and enter the
required data. This data can usually be taken quite easily from the
workpiece drawing (e.g. the axis size and the depth of the pockets).

The POSITIP 880 calculates the rough-out paths and offers graphic
positioning aid.

Finish allowance

The amount of material to be left for machining on the last pass around
the pocket.

POSITIP 880 49

Rectangle pocket milling in programs

The POSITIP 880 makes the roughing out of rectangle pockets simple:
You just enter the dimensions for the pocket, and the POSITIP 880
calculates the rough-out paths.

Execution of cycle
The execution of the cycle is represented in the figures to the right.

Step 1:

The POSITIP 880 gives the distances-to-go for positioning the tool at
the starting position A: First in the tool axis, and then in the machining
plane to the center of the pocket.

Step 2:

Roughing out the pocket in accordance with the path indicated in the

I – 5 Milling Patterns

diagram climb milling (see Step 2). In the working plane the stepover
is no greater than the radius of the current tool. The stepover distance
of the last pass around the pocket is equal to the finish allowance. The
operator chooses the appropriate pecking depth in the tool axis.

Step 3:

This procedure repeats itself until the entered depth B is reached.
Input into cycle for RECTANGLE POCKET

 Starting position

(enter absolute value, referenced to datum)

 End depth

(enter absolute value, referenced to datum)

 Center in X

Center of the pocket in the main axis of the working plane.

 Center in Y

Center of the pocket in the secondary axis of the working plane.

 Size length in X

Length of the pocket in the direction of the main axis.

 Size length in Y

Length of the pocket in the direction of the secondary axis.

 Direction

(counter-clockwise or clockwise)

 Finish allowance

Finishing allowance in the working plane.

Step 1 in rectangle pocket

Step 2 in rectangle pocket

Step 3 in rectangle pocket

50 I Operating Instructions

Programming example: Mill rectangle pocket. See Fig. I.39 & Fig.
I.40.

Starting position: 2 mm
Milling depth: –20 mm
Pocket center in X: 50 mm
Pocket center in Y: 40 mm
Side length in X: 80 mm
Side length in Y: 60 mm
Direction: CCW
Finishing allowance: 0.5 mm

Example: Entering rectangle pocket data into a program
Operating mode: DISTANCE-TO-GO

Press FEATURES.

Press RECTANGLE POCKET.

START DEPTH

Enter the start depth (2 mm). Press ENT.

I – 5 Milling Patterns

Fig. I.39 Rectangle pocket programming example

END DEPTH

CENTER

SIZE

DIRECTION

Enter the end depth (- 20 mm).

Press ENT.

Enter the X and Y dimensions for the pocket center.

Press ENT.

Enter the X and Y dimensions for the side.

Press ENT.

Enter the direction of rotation (counter-clockwise).

Press ENT.

Fig. I.40 Rectangle pocket programming graphic

POSITIP 880 51

FINISH ALLOWANCE

Enter the amount of finish allowance (0.5).
Press ENT.

When you cursor to the TOOL field, press TOOL TABLE soft
key. Select tool and press USE. Tool will enter into the
TOOL field.

2nd step: Mill a rectangle pocket

I – 5 Milling Patterns

After you have entered all of the required data, start
the RECTANGLE POCKET cycle and position the axes
by traversing to zero. The pecking depth in the tool
axis does not have to be preset. End the cycle after
the pocket has been milled pressing END.

52 I Operating Instructions

I – 6 Programming POSITIP 880

Program Capabilities

Operating mode: PROGRAMMING
This section describes the programming capabilities of the POSITIP

880. The programs can be edited in program memory and executed in
the EXECUTE PROGRAM mode. The operator can load, save or delete
a program from internal storage in FILE OPERATIONS. The CLEAR
function clears the current program in memory. See Fig. I.41.

Function Soft key

Allows access to all programming features.

Allows the operator to load, save, delete or
clear a program.

Allows the operator access to all block
functions.

Editing and moving through a program

 Press Up/Down Arrow keys to move the program block highlight

cursor to the next or previous block. The highlight cursor will wrap
around the first and last blocks in the program.

 To move to a specific block number in the current program, enter a

number and press ENT.

 To insert a new step in the current program, press PROGRAM FEATURES

soft key and select the desired block. The block is inserted above
the block currently highlighted.

 To edit the block currently highlighted, press the ENT key.
 To delete the block currently highlighted from the program, press

the CE key.

Fig. I.41 Program function screen

I – 6 Programming POSITIP 880

POSITIP 880 53

Programming Features

The PROGRAMMING mode has a PROGRAMMING FEATURES soft key
which shows all the blocks that can go into a program. Below is a list
of PROGRAMMING FEATURES soft keys.

Operating mode: PROGRAMMING

Function Soft key

Opens the TOOL CALL block which is used to
select a specific tool number from the tool table
at run-time.

DATUM CALL is used to select a datum at run­time.

PRESET is used to locate a target position on
an axis. The PRESET form allows for entering
one or more axis values. Each axis value will be
entered as a separate preset block.

Opens CIRCLE PATTERN form. Refer to the
Milling Patterns chapter for performing circle

I – 6 Programming POSITIP 880

patterns.

Opens LINEAR PATTERN form. Refer to the
Milling Patterns chapter for performing linear
patterns.

Opens the RECTANGLE POCKET form. Refer
to the Milling Patterns chapter for performing
rectangle pockets.

Opens the LABEL NUMBER form to mark the
beginning and the end of a subprogram

LABEL CALL (REPEAT) is used to call a
subprogram 1 or more times. It allows the
subprogram to be offset a specified amount on
each iteration.

LABEL CALL (Rotate) allows blocks within a
subprogram to be rotated a specified amount
on each iteration.

LABEL CALL (MIRROR) allows blocks within a
subprogram to be inverted over an axis to
represent a mirror image of that subprogram.

POSITION DRILL soft key opens the program
form for position drill jobs.

LINE soft key opens the program form for
milling a line.

54 I Operating Instructions

Function Soft key

ARC soft key opens the program form for
milling an arc.

BLEND soft key opens the program form and
NORMAL ARC, INVERTED ARC and CLOSED
CONTOUR soft keys for performing a blend.

CHAMFER soft key opens the program form
and the CLOSED CONTOUR soft key to create
a chamfer.

MORE soft key allows the operator to toggle
through the different soft keys rows.

Some programming features provided by the Positip 880,
such as Arcs, Blends and Chamfers, are not easily
machined on a manually operated machine. These tool
paths require two axes with simultaneously controlled
motion. The Positip 880’s Contour View function provides
a graphical method for the operator to approximate these
tool paths. See "Contour View" on page 81for details
regarding this function.

I – 6 Programming POSITIP 880

POSITIP 880 55

Tool Call

The TOOL CALL is used to select a specific tool number from the tool
table at run-time, for instance during a program. The block specifies a
tool number and an optional tool axis. See Fig. I.42.

Calling a tool

Refer to Job Setup for how to enter the length and diameter of your
tools in the tool table.

The TOOL CALL command automatically pulls the tool length and
diameter from the tool table.

You may define the tool axis for the program run in the TOOL CALL
block.

Tool axis setting

A tool axis is selected to define the machining plane. Tool radius
compensation is applied to the axes forming the machining plane. Tool
length compensation is applied along the tool axis.

For example, a horizontal boring machine may have machining
features such as hole patterns located in the YZ plane. The boring
operations are performed in the X axis. For this configuration, the tool

I – 6 Programming POSITIP 880

axis would be set to the X axis.

 Press the TOOL AXIS soft key.
 Select the tool axis with soft key.
 Press USE.

Fig. I.42 TOOL CALL form

When you execute a tool call block with a new tool axis,
this tool axis will remain in effect until you select another
from the tool table or another tool call block.

To perform a tool call
Operating mode: PROGRAMMING

Press the PROGRAMMING FEATURES soft key.

Select the TOOL CALL soft key. The cursor defaults to
the NUMBER field.

TOOL NUMBER

The tool number defaults to the previous tool block’s
number. Enter the desired value by using the numeric
key pad or press the TOOL TABLE soft key. (The SIZE
and TOOL TYPE fields are read only.) Press ENT.

56 I Operating Instructions

TOOL AXIS (OPTIONAL)

Entering the tool axis (such as Z) is optional. It is used

to set the tool axis at run-time. An axis may be

selected by using the axis (X, Y, Z) soft keys. Press

ENT. The program contains the tool call block TOOL

CALL 1 Z.

Choose CE to clear any tool axis selection.

Press USE.

Datum Call

The DATUM CALL block is used to select a datum at run-time. See Fig.
I.43.

Datum call

The POSITIP 880 can store up to 99 datums in a datum table. You can
call a datum point from the datum table during a program run by simply
pressing the DATUM CALL soft key and entering the block DATUM XX.
This automatically calls the datum point entered for XX during program
run.

Operating mode: PROGRAMMING

I – 6 Programming POSITIP 880

Press the PROGRAMMING FEATURES soft key.

Select the DATUM CALL soft key. Call a datum point

from the table.

DATUM NUMBER

Enter the datum number (such as 5). Press USE. Input

range: 0 to 99.

DATUM #5 will appear within the block.

POSITIP 880 57

Fig. I.43 DATUM CALL form

Presets

The operator uses the PRESET function to establish a nominal position
on an axis to which to move. Use the PRESET form to enter the
desired preset value. The PRESET form allows for entering one or
more axis presets. However, multiple axis presets are entered into the
program as separate preset blocks. See Fig. I.44.

Entering a Preset

An axis preset involves entering a target value, selecting a preset type
(ACT or INC), and selecting a tool offset.

If the PRESET soft key is used, the cursor defaults to the
first axis field.

Operating mode: PROGRAMMING

Press the PROGRAMMING FEATURES soft key.

I – 6 Programming POSITIP 880

NOMINAL VALUE

TOOL OFFSET

Select the PRESET soft key or one of the axis keys.

Enter a nominal value using the numeric keys.
Press the Incremental hard key to toggle between

ACT and INC preset types. For an ACT preset, the
nominal value is relative to the current datum (at run­time). For an INC preset, the nominal value is relative
to the previous nominal location.

Press the TOOL COMP (R0) soft key to toggle through
the R+ (add radius), R- (subtract radius) or R0 (no
compensation) choices. Enter the value and

Press USE.

Fig. I.44 PRESET form

58 I Operating Instructions

Hole Patterns and Rectangle Patterns

See the Milling Patterns section for programming information on circle
patterns, linear patterns and rectangle patterns.

Subprograms

Subprograms

A subprogram is a subsection of blocks within a program which can be
called from another block within the program. The subprogram blocks
are programmed once, but may be run multiple times. A subprogram
can also be mirrored. See Fig. I.45.

Nesting subprogram

Subprograms can also be "nested." For example, a subprogram can in
turn call another subprogram.

Labels

I – 6 Programming POSITIP 880

Fig. I.45 Subprogram

Labels are visual markers within a program that designate the beginning
and end of a subprogram (abbreviated in the program to LBL.)

Example: Insert label for subprogram. See Fig. I.46.

Operating mode: PROGRAMMING

Select PROGRAMMING FEATURES.

Select the MORE soft key to advance to the second soft

key row.

Insert a label (LBL) for a subprogram.

LABEL NUMBER

Enter a label number (1). Press USE. The current

block now contains the label LBL #1.

Fig. I.46 LABEL form

POSITIP 880 59

Label Number

Label numbers 1 to 99 identify the beginning of a subprogram.

Label 0

Label 0 is used only to identify the end of a subprogram. An end label
is optional. If not used, the subprogram will end either at the block
from which the subprogram was called or after the last block in the
program.

Label Call

In the program, subprograms and program sections are called with the
command LBLCALL, such as LABEL CALL (REPEAT), LABEL CALL
(ROTATE), LABEL CALL (MIRROR).

The command LBL CALL 0 is not allowed.
After a LBL CALL block is inserted into the program, POSITIP 880

executes the called subprogram.

LABEL CALL REPEAT

This form is used to call a subprogram 1 or more times. It allows the

I – 6 Programming POSITIP 880

subprogram to be offset a specified amount on each iteration. See Fig.
I.47.

LABEL CALL ROTATE

This form allows blocks within a subprogram to be rotated a specified
amount on each iteration.

LABEL CALL (MIRROR)

This form allows blocks within a subprogram to be inverted over an
axis to represent a mirror image of that subprogram.

The beginning of a subprogram (or a program section repeat) is now
marked with the label. Enter the program blocks for the subprogram
after the LBL block.

Label 0 is used only to identify the end of a subprogram.

Fig. I.47 LABEL CALL REPEAT form

60 I Operating Instructions

Example: Enter a subprogram named LBL CALL REPEAT.

Press the PROGRAMMING FEATURES soft key again and

advance to the next soft key row by pressing the MORE

soft key.

Call the label by pressing the LABEL CALL (REPEAT)

soft key.

Enter the label number of the subprogram to be called

(1).

Enter X offset of 30. Press ENT.

Enter Y offset of 30. Press ENT.

Enter the number of repeats (1).

I – 6 Programming POSITIP 880

Press USE.

After the LBL CALL block in the operating mode EXECUTE PROGRAM, the
POSITIP 880 executes those blocks in the subprogram that are
located between the LBL block with the called number and the next
block containing LABEL 0. All subprograms should start with a label
number (1 to 99) and end with a label 0.

POSITIP 880 61

Position Drill

Point X1: 20 mm
Point Y1: 20 mm
Depth: Z = -12.00 ABS

POSITION DRILL function will move your table to the position you
want based upon your desired X and Y values.

In the operating mode PROGRAMMING you can use the POSITIP 880 for
a position drill.

Select the cycle with the POSITION/DRILL soft key, and enter the
required data. See Fig. I.48. This data can usually be taken quite easily
from the workpiece drawing.

Example: Enter data for a position drill
Operating mode: PROGRAMMING

Press the PROGRAMMING FEATURES soft key.

Press MORE soft key.

I – 6 Programming POSITIP 880

Press the POSITION/DRILL soft key.

Begin data entry.

X

Enter the point for X. Press ENT.

Y

Enter the point for Y. Press ENT.

DEPTH

Enter the cut depth. Press ENT.

Fig. I.48 POSITION/DRILL form

62 I Operating Instructions

Milling a Line

In the operating mode PROGRAMMING you can use the POSITIP 880 for
milling a line.

Lines are defined by their “FROM” point (the point where they begin)
and “TO” point (the point where they end).

There are two ways you can program a line:

 With four coordinates(X1, Y1) (X2, Y2)
 With three of the coordinates above (X1, Y1) or (X2 or Y2) and an

angle.

Choose a method based upon the information available from your
print.

Select the cycle with the LINE soft key, and enter the required data.
See Fig. I.49. This data can usually be taken quite easily from the
workpiece drawing.

The POSITIP 880 calculates the tool path and offers graphic
positioning aid.

Example: Enter data and mill a line

From point X1: 4 mm
From point Y1: 2 mm
To point X2: 2 mm
To point Y2: 2 mm
Depth: Z= 4.00
Tool offset: Center

1st step: Enter data for a line
Operating mode: PROGRAMMING

Fig. I.49 MILL LINE form

I – 6 Programming POSITIP 880

Press the PROGRAMMING FEATURES soft key, then the

MORE soft key.

Press the LINE soft key.

Beginn data entry.

FROM X1

Enter the from point for X. Press ENT.

FROM Y1

Enter the from point for Y. Press ENT.

POSITIP 880 63

TO X2

Enter the to point for X. Press ENT.

TO Y2

Enter the to point for Y. Press ENT.

DEPTH

Enter the cut depth. Press ENT.

TOOL OFFSET

Enter the tool offset. Press ENT.

Press USE.

I – 6 Programming POSITIP 880

Milling an Arc

In the operating mode PROGRAMMING you can use the POSITIP 880 for
milling an arc. See Fig. I.50.

There are two ways you can program an arc:

 With a from point, to point and a radius
 With a from point, to point and a center point

Choose a method based upon the information available from your
print.

Fig. I.50 MILL ARC form

64 I Operating Instructions

Major and Minor Arcs - A Major arc has a sweep angle greater than

180 degrees. A Minor arc has a sweep angle less than 180 degrees.
See Fig. I.51 as a graphic example of the two types of angles.

Example: Enter data and mill an arc

From point X1: 6 mm
From point Y1: 3 mm
To point X2: 3 mm
To point Y2: 6 mm
Depth: Thru
Radius: 2.24, < 180°
Direction: CW
Tool offset: Center

1st step: Enter data for an arc
Operating mode: PROGRAMMING

Press the PROGRAMMING FEATURES soft key.

Press ARC soft key.

Beginn data entry

FROM X1

Enter the from point for X. Press ENT.

Fig. I.51

Major

Arc

Minor

Arc

I – 6 Programming POSITIP 880

FROM Y1

Enter the from point for Y. Press ENT.

TO X2

Enter the to point for X. Press ENT.

TO Y2

Enter the to point for Y. Press ENT.

CUT DEPTH

Enter the cut depth. Press ENT.

POSITIP 880 65

RADIUS

Enter the size of the radius.
Press MINOR ARC soft key. Press ENT.

DIRECTION

Enter the arc direction. Press ENT.

TOOL OFFSET

Enter the tool offset. Press ENT.
Press USE.

I – 6 Programming POSITIP 880

Blend

A blend is a semi-circular fillet which connects two adjacent blocks
within a program. The two blocks may be two lines, two arcs, or a line
and an arc. The POSITIP 880 calculates the location of the arc to
transition smoothly from the previous block to the next. The two
blocks do not have to intersect or touch; however, if they do not touch,
the blend arc must be large enough to connect them. The blend arc
can be specified as “normal” or ”inverted”. The blend step cannot be
executed as a single cycle operation. See Fig. I.53 as a graphic
example of different types of blends.

A blend usually connects the previous block in the program with the
next block to form a continuous path. It is also possible to have the
blend connect the previous block to the first block within the current
continuous path.

To close the path using a blend, enter the blend’s radius and press the
CLOSE CONTOUR soft key. See Fig. I.52.

Fig. I.52 Input parameters for a blend

66 I Operating Instructions

Operating mode: PROGRAMMING

Press the PROGRAMMING FEATURES soft key.

Press the MORE soft key twice.

Press the BLEND soft key.

The “FROM” and “TO” fields are read only. They are

automatically filled when the BLEND form is opened.

The “TO” field changes with the CLOSE CONTOUR soft

key state.

Line 1

Blend

Lines

1 and 3

Touch

Close Contour

Blend

Last
Line

Line 3

Inverted

Line 1

Blend

Lines

1 and 3

Do Not Touch

Blend

Line 3

Line 1

Blend

Lines

1 and 3

Line 3

Overlap

First
Line

BLEND ARC RADIUS

Enter the blend arc radius by using the numeric keys.

BLEND TYPE

Enter type of radius (normal, inverted).

CLOSE CONTOUR

Press CLOSE CONTOUR to set the first step in the

continuous path.

Pressing the CLOSE CONTOUR soft key causes the

blend to connect the first block in the current path

instead of the next block. The block number shown in

the “TO” field will change.

When the desired data has been entered, press USE.

Blend

Line

Blend

Second

Fig. I.53 Examples of how blend can be used

I – 6 Programming POSITIP 880

POSITIP 880 67

Chamfer

A chamfer is an angled cut which connects two adjacent line blocks
within a program. The POSITIP 880 calculates the location of the
chamfer. The two lines do not have to intersect or touch, however, if
they do touch, the lengths are calculated from their intersection
points. See Fig. I.55 as a graphic example of a chamfer.

A chamfer usually connects the previous block in the program with the
next block to form a continuous path. It is also possible to have the
chamfer connect the previous block to the first block within the
current continuous path. This “closes” the path.

Fig. I.54 Input parameters for a chamfer

Intersecting lines – You can insert a chamfer between two
intersecting lines that are adjacent in the program sequence. See Fig.
I.54.

I – 6 Programming POSITIP 880

A chamfer step can be specified by:

8 Length 1 and length 2, the angle is blank.
8 Length 1 or length 2 and the angle.

The axis lines must show they are currently at or will come
to a point of connection in order to create a chamfer.

Operating mode: PROGRAMMING

Press the PROGRAMMING FEATURES soft key.

Press the MORE soft key twice.

Press the CHAMFER soft key.
The “FROM” and “TO” fields are read only. They are

automatically filled when the CHAMFER form is
opened.

To close the path using a chamfer, enter the
chamfer’s data and press the CLOSE CONTOUR soft key.

Line 1

Line 1

Length 1

Angel

Line 2

Length 1

Length 2

Line 2

Line 1

Fig. I.55 Example of a chamfer

Angel

Length 2

Line 2

68 I Operating Instructions

LENGTH 1

LENGTH 2

ANGLE

CLOSE CONTOUR

Enter the distance from the point of intersection on

the line in the “FROM” step. Use the numeric keys to

enter the distance.

Enter the distance from the point of intersection on

the line in the “TO” step.

Enter the angle measured from the line along the X

axis and sweeps toward the adjacent line. Use the

numeric keys to enter the angle.

Pressing the CLOSE CONTOUR soft key causes the

chamfer to connect the first block in the current path

instead of the next block. The block number shown in

the “TO” field will change.

When the desired data has been entered, press USE.

I – 6 Programming POSITIP 880

POSITIP 880 69

File Operation Soft Keys

Function Soft key

Load from internal storage or to current
program memory

Save current program in memory to internal
storage

Delete program from internal storage

Clear current program in memory

Select a directory for internal storage

Create a name for a new directory

I – 6 Programming POSITIP 880

Delete a directory from internal storage

Allows the operator to transfer a program from
an external device into POSITIP 880's program
memory.

Allows the operator to transfer a program from
POSITIP 880 to an external device (PC or
printer).

Loading, saving, deleting & clearing a program

POSITIP 880 allows you to load programs from internal storage to
current program memory.

To load or delete a program:

Press the FILE OPERATIONS soft key.

Press the LOAD soft key.

Choose the desired program and press LOAD.
Confirm with YES. Follow the same procedure for
deleting a program, except press DELETE soft key.

70 I Operating Instructions

To save a program:

Press the FILE OPERATIONS soft key.

Press SAVE soft key.

To spell the name of the new program, use the LEFT

and RIGHT soft keys and the Up/Down arrow keys to

move through the selection of alphabetized

characters.

Choose desired characters, by pressing the SELECT

CHARACTER soft key to spell the name of the new

program.

To enter numerals in the name, press the numeric

keypad.

Use CE key to backspace.

When you have completed spelling the new program

name, select the SAVE soft key.

To clear a program:

Press the FILE OPERATIONS soft key.

I – 6 Programming POSITIP 880

Press CLEAR soft key. Confirm with Yes.

Directories

POSITIP 880 allows the operator to create directories in which to
maintain and store part programs. Press the MORE soft key to access
these functions.

Function Soft key

Select a directory

Create a name for a new directory

Delete a directory

POSITIP 880 71

Selecting a directory

To select a directory:

Press the FILE OPERATIONS soft key.

Press MORE soft key.

Press the SELECT DIRECTORY soft key.

Choose the desired directory and press SELECT.

Creating a directory

To create a directory:

Press the FILE OPERATIONS soft key.

I – 6 Programming POSITIP 880

Press MORE soft key.

Press CREATE DIRECTORY soft key.
Spell the name of the new directory, using the LEFT

and RIGHT soft keys and the Up/Down arrow keys to
move through the selection of alphabetized
characters.

To enter numerals to the name use the numeric
keypad

Choose desired characters, by pressing the SELECT
CHARACTER soft key

Use CE key to backspace.
When you have completed spelling the new directory

name, select the CREATE soft key.

72 I Operating Instructions

Deleting a directory

To delete a directory:

Press the FILE OPERATIONS soft key.

Press MORE soft key.

Press the DELETE DIRECTORY soft key.

Choose the desired directory and press DELETE.

Confirm with Yes.

Importing a Program

The RS-232-C interface on the rear panel allows you to utilize a device
such as a PC for external data storage.

Pin layout, wiring and connections for the data interface
see Chapter II-4 Data Interface.

If the device is not properly connected you will receive an
error message.

I – 6 Programming POSITIP 880

Example: Importing a program into POSITIP 880

Operating mode: PROGRAMMING

Press the FILE OPERATIONS soft key.

Press the MORE soft key twice.

IMPORT PROGRAM

Press the IMPORT PROGRAM soft key.

Setup the PC host terminal program to send the

program file as ASCII text data.

If you are importing programs into POSITIP 880 from a PC, the PC
must send the programs.

POSITIP 880 will load the new program into program memory only.
You will have to save it to internal storage if necessary. The external
device (PC) must be connected through the serial port.

POSITIP 880 73

Exporting a Program

Example: Exporting a program from POSITIP 880

Setup the PC host terminal program to receive the
ASCII text data and to save the data to a file.

Press FILE OPERATIONS

Press MORE (twice)

Press EXPORT PROGRAM

If you are transferring programs from POSITP 880 to a PC, the PC
must be ready to receive the program before pressing EXPORT

PROGRAM.

I – 6 Programming POSITIP 880

Block Function Soft Keys

A block is a single step or a series of steps that make up a program.
Operating mode: PROGRAMMING
Press the BLOCK FUNCTIONS soft key.

Function Soft key

This feature will “explode” a program block
into several more detailed blocks. Applies to
hole patterns and REPEAT, ROTATE and
MIRROR blocks.

Change depth or offset for a range of blocks.

Delete a range of blocks from current program.

Copy a range of blocks within the current
program.

Move a range of blocks within the current
program.

Reverse order of blocks in a path and the
“from” and “to” points in each block.

Adjusts the end point of current block and start
point of the next block to the intersection point
of the two features.

74 I Operating Instructions

Function Soft key

Adjusts the start point of current block and end
point of the previous block to the intersection
point of the two features.

Adjusts the end point of the last block in the
path and the start point of the first block in the
path to the intersection point of the two
features

Explode

This feature will “explode” a program block into several more detailed
blocks. You can explode hole functions and CALL LABEL REPEAT,
ROTATE and MIRROR. The step that you exploded will be replaced
with the individual lines and arcs (CALL LABEL REPEAT, ROTATE and
MIRROR) or positions (hole patterns) that made up the original block.

Highlight the block you want to explode.

Press the BLOCK FUNCTIONS soft key.

Press the EXPLODE soft key.

I – 6 Programming POSITIP 880

POSITIP 880 75

Changing program blocks. See Fig. I.56.

Operating mode: PROGRAMMING

From within BLOCK FUNCTIONS, press the CHANGE
BLOCKS soft key.

Select the range of blocks you want to change (FIRST
and LAST). Press ENT after each selection.

Enter the Z axis depth manually using either the
numeric keypad or select the THRU soft key. Press ENT.

Enter the tool offset: LEFT, CENTER or RIGHT. Press
USE. This applies to lines and arcs within the range
only.

I – 6 Programming POSITIP 880

Deleting, copying and moving program blocks

You can delete, copy or move a range of blocks.
When a block is deleted, POSITIP 880 automatically renumbers the

remaining blocks. The block after the deleted block then becomes the
current block.

Example: Delete program blocks
Operating mode: PROGRAMMING

From within BLOCK FUNCTIONS, press the DELETE
BLOCKS soft key.

Select the range of blocks you want to delete (FIRST
and LAST). Press ENT after each selection.

Press USE.

Fig. I.56 Changing a program block

76 I Operating Instructions

Trim blocks

You can trim, or connect, two adjacent line blocks using the trim
feature. The trim feature connects the two blocks by extending each
line to the point where they intersect.

Move the cursor to the line block to be trimmed.

Press the TRIM NEXT soft key. The end point of the

current line and the start point of the next line will be

set to the point where both lines intersect.

Move the cursor to the line block to be trimmed.

Press the TRIM PREVIOUS soft key. The start point

of the current line and the end point of the previous

line will be set to the point where both lines intersect.

Move the cursor to the line block to be trimmed.

Press the TRIM PATH soft key. The end point of the

last line and the start point of the first line in the path

will be set to the point where both lines intersect.

I – 6 Programming POSITIP 880

POSITIP 880 77

I – 7 Executing a Program

Preparing to Run a Program

When you are ready to run a program, you must be in the EXECUTE
PROGRAM mode. Press the EXECUTE PROGRAM hard key, then the
FILE OPERATIONS soft key, press the LOAD soft key, scroll to the desired

program, then press the LOAD soft key again. The current program
block is displayed at the top of the screen.

Black to gray feature

This feature is an on-screen visual aid. The axes that need to be moved
into position will be shown in black in the axes bar. When you get into
position they will switch to gray. Note: If your depth axis is set to
THRU, the depth axis will not switch to gray.

Operating mode: PROGRAMMING
You will be given a choice of how you want to run the program: Single

I – 7 Executing a Program

block or automatic.

 Single block

When you have moved the axis to the displayed position, call the
next block with the NEXT BLOCK soft key. It is recommended that you
use SINGLE BLOCK when running a program for the first time.

 Automatic

Here the display automatically shows the next program block as
soon as you have moved to the displayed position. Press AUTOMATIC
when you are sure the program contains no errors and you want to
run it quickly. When all displayed axes have switched to gray
(indicating that they are in position) the program advances to the
next block or hole.

Single block example

Operating mode: EXECUTE PROGRAM

Select SINGLE BLOCK. The program block and the
graphic positioning aid will appear (if currently in use).

Position by traversing to display value zero.

Call the next program block by pressing NEXT BLOCK.

Continue positioning and calling blocks with NEXT BLOCK until
machining is complete.

78 I Operating Instructions

Fig. I.57 1st EXECUTE PROGRAM screen

Automatic example:

Operating mode: EXECUTE PROGRAM

Select AUTOMATIC.

Position by traversing to display value zero.

The display automatically shows the next program

block as soon as you have moved to the displayed

position. The positioning aid automatically switches

to the coordinate axis of the new block.

Call the next program block by pressing NEXT BLOCK.

Function Soft key/Key

Start with the block before the current block
(this key is available prior to running a program).

Start with the block after the current block (this
key is available prior to running a program).

I – 7 Executing a Program

Enter into the tool data (this key is available
prior to running a program).

Used in either SINGLE BLOCK or AUTOMATIC
mode. Used only during execution of hole
patterns. Press to advance to the next hole in a
hole pattern.

Used in either SINGLE BLOCK or AUTOMATIC
mode. Used only during execution of hole
patterns. Press to step back to the previous
hole in a hole pattern.

Used in either SINGLE BLOCK or AUTOMATIC
mode. Used only during execution of pocket
patterns. Press to advance to the next step in a
pocket pattern.

Used in SINGLE BLOCK or AUTOMATIC mode
for the operator to advance manually to the
next block within a program.

Press to abort the AUTOMATIC or SINGLE
BLOCK mode and return to the previous
screen.

POSITIP 880 79

Program views

The POSITIP 880 allows the operator to see several different views of
the current operation. After choosing SINGLE BLOCK or AUTOMATIC to
begin an operation, the soft key on the far left will offer several
viewing options starting with VIEW (PGM/DRO). Toggle through to
choose other view options.

Operating mode will automatically switch to: EXECUTE PROGRAM

Function View

Shows all axis coordinates and each input
parameter in the current operation.

Shows enlarged view of axis display
coordinates.

Shows the graphical layout of the current

I – 7 Executing a Program

machining parameters.

Shows the necessary feedback for precise
positioning or for following a contour along the
machining plane.

80 I Operating Instructions

Contour View

The contour view is an optional display screen available when
executing a program. The view will only appear if turned on. Refer to
section I-8 Job Setup for instructions. See Fig. I.58 & Fig. I.59.

Graphic displays

The contouring view provides the necessary feedback for positioning
precisely or for following a contour along the machine plane.

The screen consists of a main view showing the tool path and hole
locations, a smaller window showing the full part, and another smaller
DRO window showing current position.

Please note that this display only allows the operator to
approximately machine along a complex path. The
approximation of the cut to the actual programmed path is
solely a function of the skill and patience of the operator.

Main view

The main view is used for finer positioning. It’s scaling is such that one
pixel on the display is equal to the finer of the X and Y axis display
resolutions. This allows scale motion of 1 encoder pulse to be visually
discernible.

A tool icon is fixed in the center of the view. The tool path is displayed
relative to the tool. As the table is moved, the tool path moves relative
to the tool only.

The tool icon is not displayed to scale. It represents the center of the
tool only.

The tool path is offset from the programmed contour by the tool radius
and tolerance band. The tool’s path is relative to the tool selected.

I – 7 Executing a Program

Contour is turned on and off in JOB SETUP.

Fig. I.58 Test program in contour view

Contours

For lines and arcs the tool path is shown. The tool path includes any
offset specified in the program.

On either side of the tool path is a tolerance band. The tolerance band
parameter is setup in JOB SETUP. The gap between the tool path and
the tolerance band represents the allowable deviation from the tool
path. The inside tolerance band is shown in red. The outside tolerance
band is shown in green.

Fig. I.59 Test program in contour view

POSITIP 880 81

Positions and hole patterns

For positions and hole patterns, the position or center of the hole is
shown as a cross-hair.

A circle around the position/hole location represents the tolerance
band. When the center of the tool icon is within the circle, the cutting
is within the tolerance band.

Full part window

The full part window provides for very coarse positioning. It shows the
tool relative to the entire part. The scaling is such that the entire part
will fit within the window with a small buffer all around.

The part profile is fixed. The tool icon is shown to scale using the
current tool’s radius. As the table moves, the tool icon moves relative
to the part.

The shaded area represents the stock material. It is shown slightly
larger than the part's extents. As the tool icon moves, the shading
below the tool changes to background gray. This material removal

I – 7 Executing a Program

allows the shading to be used as an indication of the material
remaining.

The material removal mechanism functions only while the contouring
view is shown. If the tool is moved while another view is selected, the
affected material will not be removed in the contour view.

DRO window

The contour view provides the necessary feedback for positioning
precisely or for following a contour along the XY plane.

The DRO window shows the distance-to-go positions for X, Y and Z
axis. The DRO window allows viewing the position without switching
to another view.

82 I Operating Instructions

I – 8 INFO Screen

JOB SETUP Menu

The JOB SETUP menu is accessed by pressing the INFO soft key the
JOB SETUP soft key and then ENT. See Fig. I.60. When in the JOB

SETUP menu, the following soft keys will be available:

 INSTALLATION SETUP

Press to begin accessing the INSTALLATION SETUP parameters.

 IMPORT/EXPORT Press to begin importing or exporting the

operating parameters.

 CANCEL CHANGES Will cancel all changes and exit from JOB

SETUP back to the previous mode.

 USE NEW SETTINGS Will save any changes to the configuration

file before exiting.

 HELP

Will open on-line help.

I – 8 INFO Screen

General field/form navigation guide

 Press Up/Down arrow keys to move between fields.
 Use keypad to enter numeric values within each field.
 Press ENT to confirm the entry within a field.
 Press USE when form is completed and save settings to the form.
 Press USE NEW SETTINGS to return to the INFO screen.

To access the JOB SETUP menu:

Press the INFO soft key.

Press the JOB SETUP soft key.

The cursor will default to the first selection on the

menu: TOOL TABLE

Fig. I.60 JOB SETUP screen in milling

POSITIP 880 83

Tool table (Milling only)

The tool table will support up to 99 tools containing information on the
diameter, length and type. The length offset may be entered as a
known value or the POSITIP 880 may determine the offset
automatically. See Fig. I.61.

The following soft keys are available:

Function Soft key

Press to enter the tool offset length. Only
available in TOOL LENGTH field.

I – 8 INFO Screen

This will open the TOOL TYPES form for
selection. Only available in TYPE field.

This key will sort all entered tools by type (i.e.,
flat end mills with flat end mills, etc.).

This key will allow the operator to select
between tool axes (X,Y,Z).

Fig. I.61 Tool table in milling

84 I Operating Instructions

Tool Table Usage

Example: Entering the tool length and diameter into the tool
table. See Fig. I.62 & Fig. I.63.

Tool diameter 3.00
Tool length: 25.000
Tool unit: mm
Tool type: flat end mill

It is also possible to have POSITIP 880 determine an
offset. See alternative example below.

TOOL TABLE

TOOL DIAMETER

I – 8 INFO Screen

Press the INFO soft key, then the JOB SETUP soft key.

The cursor will default to the TOOL TABLE field.

Press ENT.

Fig. I.62 Tool length and diameter entry

Cursor to the tool you want to define or enter the tool

number. Press ENT.

Enter the tool diameter (3.0) and

press ENT.

Cursor will automatically move to the LENGTH field.

POSITIP 880 85

I – 8 INFO Screen

TOOL LENGTH

Only the tools set using the same reference surface may
be changed without having to set the datum.

If the tool table already contains tools in which the length
has been set, the reference surface should first be
established using one of them. If not, you will not be able
to switch between the new tools and the existing tools
without having to re-establish the datum. Before adding
the new tools, select one of the tools from the tool table.
Touch the tool to the reference surface and set the datum
to 0.

If a tool presetter is used to measure the length of a
tool, enter the tool length (25 mm) and press ENT.

It is also possible to have POSITIP 880 determine an
offset. This method involves touching the tip of each
tool to a common reference surface. This allows
POSITIP 880 to determine the difference between
the length of each tool.

Move the tool until its tip is touching the reference
surface.

Press the TEACH OFFSET soft key. POSITIP 880 will
calculate an offset relative to this surface. Press ENT.

Repeat the procedure for each additional tool using
the same reference surface.

Fig. I.63 TOOL TYPE field

Cursor will automatically move to the UNIT field.

TOOL UNIT

Enter the tool unit (inch/mm) and

press ENT.

Cursor will automatically move to the TYPE field.

86 I Operating Instructions

TOOL TYPE

If you want to set the type, press TOOL TYPES soft

key. Select from list and press ENT.

Press USE soft key twice, then the USE NEW SETTINGS

soft key once.

The tool table may be protected to prevent changes from
being made to the tool information. Refer to II-2
Installation Setup.

Tool axis setting

A tool axis is selected to define the machining plane. Tool radius
compensation is applied to the axes forming the machining plane. Tool
length compensation is applied along the tool axis.

For example, a horizontal boring machine may have machining
features such as hole patterns located in the YZ plane. The boring
operations are performed in the X-axis. For this configuration, the tool
axis would be set to the X-axis.

8 Press the TOOL AXIS soft key.
8 Select the axis by pressing one of the soft keys.
8 Press USE, then USE NEW SETTINGS soft key.

I – 8 INFO Screen

Tool selection and tool axis selection take effect
immediately. Pressing the CANCEL CHANGES soft key does
not restore the previous settings.

POSITIP 880 87

Datum table (milling only)

The datum table shows the absolute locations of the datums relative
to the reference mark. Normally the datums are set using the datum
and probe functions in actual value mode. It is also possible to set the
datum values directly if necessary. See Fig. I.64.

8 Press the arrow keys to cursor to the datum you need and press ENT.

The datum description form will appear.

8 Use numeric keys to enter the desired values and press ENT for each

axis. The values are measured from the reference marks.

8 When you have finished entering values, press the USE soft key.

Resetting the datum table:

I – 8 INFO Screen

8 Press the RESET ALL DATUMS soft key to reset all axis values in the

datum table.

Datum number 0 may be protected to prevent it from
being changed. Refer to II-2 Installation Setup.

Display configuration

The DISPLAY CONFIGURATION form is where the operator
determines which axes are displayed and in what order. The DRO
display may have 1 or 2 independent configurations.

8 Press the NEXT AXIS soft key to toggle through the available axes.
8 Press the CE key to turn off the axis display.
8 The form is closed by pressing the CANCEL or USE soft keys.
8 The factory default configuration for DRO 1 is 1st = X, 2nd = Y, and

3rd = Z. The 4th, 5th, and 6th displays are OFF. The default for
DRO2 is all displays OFF.

8 When more than 1 configuration is available, the DRO VIEW soft key

is used to toggle between DRO1 and DRO2. The current setting is
shown on the soft key. On power up, the DRO display defaults to
DRO1.

Scale factor

The scale factor may be used to scale the part up or down from the
programmed size. All displayed values are multiplied by the scale
factor. Tool radius offsetting is not affected. A scale factor of 1.0 is
used to create a part with the exact size as dimensioned on the print.
See Fig. I.65.

8 The numeric keys are used to enter a number greater than zero. The

range is 0.1000 to 10.000.

8 The scale factor settings will be retained on a power cycle. First-time

power-up default setting is OFF with a value of 1.0000.

8 When the scale factor is a value other than 1, the scaling symbol

is shown on the axis display.

Fig. I.64 Datum table in milling

Fig. I.65 Scale factor

88 I Operating Instructions

Diameter axes

Select DIAMETER AXES to set the axis values to either diameter or
radius values depending on the requirements of the drawing. .

8 Cursor to DIAMETER AXES and press ENT.
8 The cursor will be in the X axis field. (The field will default to

RADIUS). Depending on the parameter you need for that axis either
press the DIAMETER soft key or press ENT to leave as RADIUS and
advance to the next axis field.

8 Press USE, then USE NEW SETTINGS.

Radius/Diameter Display

POSITIP 880 can display either the radius or the diameter for you.
When the diameter is being displayed, the diameter symbol (Ø) is
shown next to the position value.

Edge finder (milling only)

The diameter and length offset of the edge finder are set in this form.
Both values are in the units indicated in the form.

The numeric keys are used to enter values of diameter and length. The
diameter must be greater than zero. The length is a sign value
(negative or positive).

Soft keys are used to select the units for the edge finder dimensions.
The entered diameter and length values are not converted when the
units are toggled.

The edge finder values will be retained on a power cycle.

Measured value output

With the measured value output feature, the current axis display
positions and probe measurement values can be sent over the serial
and /or parallel ports. Output of the current display positions is
activated via an external hardware signal (requires optional Auxiliary
Machine Interface) or via a command (Ctrl B) sent to POSITIP 880 over
the serial port.

The Measured Value Output form is used to set data output during
probing operations to On or Off. It is also used to set the display freeze
option.

 Data Output Probing - This may be set to either On or Off. When On,

the measurement data is output when the probe operation is
completed.

 Display Freeze - Set to either:

 Off - The display is not stopped during measured value output.
 Concurrent - The display is stopped during measured value output

and remains stopped while the switching input is active.

 Freeze - The display is stopped, but is updated by every measured

value output.

Refer to chapter II-5 Measured Value Output for information on the
format of the output data.

I – 8 INFO Screen

POSITIP 880 89

Graphic positioning aid

The GRAPHIC POSITIONING AID form is used to configure the bar
graph that is shown below the axes’ DRO display in DISTANCE-TO­GO mode. Each axis has its own range. See Fig. I.66.

8 Press the ON soft key to enable or simply begin entering values using

the numeric keys. Enter default value of 5 mm.

8 Only axes that have been setup in the AXIS CONFIGURATION will

appear in the form. Graphic positioning aid will be retained on a
power cycle.

Stopwatch

I – 8 INFO Screen

The stopwatch shows the hours (h), minutes (m), seconds (s). It
operates like a stop watch showing elapsed time.

The watch starts timing from 0:00:00 when the START soft key is
pressed and stops when STOP is pressed.

It will be reset to 0:00:00 when RESET is pressed. Resetting will stop
the watch if it is running.

The elapsed time field shows the total accumulated time from each
interval.

All stop watch functions are applied immediately. When running, both
the status bar and stop watch and the elapsed time field are updated
in real-time.

Fig. I.66 Graphic positioning aid

90 I Operating Instructions

Units

The UNITS form is used to specify the preferred display units and
format. The system powers up with these settings in effect.

 Inch/MM - Measurement values are displayed and entered in the

units selected in the DIMENSIONS field. Choose between INCH or
MM soft keys.

 Decimal Degrees, Radians or Degrees/Minutes/Seconds (DMS) -

The ANGLE FORMAT field affects how angles are displayed and
entered in forms. Choose between these three soft keys DECIMAL
DEGREES, RADIANS or DMS.

 CW/CCW - Direction fields in canned cycle forms default to the

direction clockwise or counter-clockwise selected in the
DIRECTION field.

Contour

The CONTOUR form is used to enable or disable the feature and to set
the tolerance bands.

8 Press the ON soft key to enable the feature. The contour view will

be available when executing a program.

8 Press the OFF soft key to disable the feature.
8 Enter a value for the inside tolerance. The inside tolerance is shown

in red on the screen.

8 Enter a value for the outside tolerance. The outside tolerance is

shown in green on the screen.

Console adjustment

The brightness can be adjusted for both the main console and the
remote console. The form is also used to set the display saver’s idle
time-out.

The MAIN BRIGHTNESS field applies to the main console. The
REMOTE SETTING applies to the remote console.

The display saver setting is the amount of time the system is idle
before the display is turned off. The idle time may be set from 30 to
120 minutes. The display saver can be disabled during the current
power cycle.

I – 8 INFO Screen

POSITIP 880 91

Installation Menu

Refer to the Technical Information section for Installation Setup
chapter.

Calculator

POSITIP 880’s calculator is capable of handling everything from simple
arithmetic to complex trigonometry and RPM calculations. The
numeric keypad acts as a standard calculator with keys for numbers 0
through 9, a decimal point, a positive/negative sign (+/-) and CE to clear
an entry.

I – 8 INFO Screen

The calculator is accessible from the INFO soft key. Press the
CALCULATOR soft key to access the STANDARD/TRIG and RPM softkeys.

Calculations can be entered directly into a highlighted field. See Fig.
I.67 & Fig. I.68.

Taper calculator functions are available for lathe operations only.

The calculator functions are:

 Standard/Trigonometry
 RPM
 Reference tables

Fig. I.67 Calculator soft keys

Fig. I.68 1st row calculator soft keys

92 I Operating Instructions

Math functions (+, –, x, /)

Math functions may be performed separately in the stand-alone
calculator or directly in the field you’re working in. For example, let’s
say we need to enter the radius of a circle pocket, but your print only
shows the diameter, 6.25. Here’s an easy way to figure out the radius:

8 Highlight the RADIUS field for the circle pattern.
8 Using the keypad, enter the value for the diameter, 6.25.
8 Press INFO.
8 Press CALCULATOR.
8 Press the TRIG soft key.
8 Press the / soft key.
8 Press the 2 key.
8 Press the ENT key. The answer, 3.125, will appear in the VALUE

field.

8 Press USE. Value will be shown in the RADIUS field.

When you need to enter more than one calculation into a
numeric field, the calculator will perform multiplication and
division before it performs addition and subtraction. If you
were to enter 3 + 1 / 8, POSITIP 880 will divide one by
eight, then add three for an answer of 3.125.

Trig functions

As we showed above, when you’re entering data for a milling or
positioning function, your print may not provide you with all of the
information you need. If an unknown value can be expressed as a
trigonometry function, square root or the square of a number,
POSITIP 880 can calculate the dimension for you in the trigonometry
calculator. See Fig. I.69 & Fig. I.70.

Using the trig calculator:

8 While in a numeric field (such as the “TO” field for a line), press the

INFO soft key, the CALCULATOR soft key, and then press the
STANDARD/TRIG soft key. Press the MORE soft key and the soft key

row in the picture to the right will appear:

8 Press the MORE soft key to toggle between the three soft key rows.
8 Enter a number and then press the soft key for the appropriate

trigonometry math function.

For example, to enter a radius that has a value equal to the square root
of 2, follow this procedure:

8 Highlight the RADIUS field.
8 Press the 2 key.
8 Press INFO.
8 Press CALCULATOR.
8 Press the TRIG soft key.
8 Press the SQR ROOT soft key. A value of 1.4142 will appear.

I – 8 INFO Screen

Fig. I.69 2nd row of calculator soft keys

Fig. I.70 Trig function soft keys

POSITIP 880 93

Whenever you're calculating the SIN, COS or TAN of an angle, enter
the angle first and then press the appropriate soft key. If you were to
enter a value of 30 into a numeric field, then press the SIN soft key, a
value of 0.5 (the SIN of 30 degrees) would appear.

Continuing, let’s assume that we are trying to set up a 10 cm SIN bar
at a 30° angle and need to know how tall the block underneath it
should be. If we multiply 0.5000 by 10, we know that we need to use
a 5 cm block.

Angle values use the current angle format selection of
decimal degrees, DMS, or radians.

I – 8 INFO Screen

RPM calculator

The RPM calculator is used to set the RPM (or surface cutting speed)
based on a specified tool diameter. See Fig. I.71.

8 Press the RPM soft key to open the RPM CALCULATOR form.
8 The RPM calculator requires a tool diameter. Use the numeric hard

keys to enter a diameter value. The diameter value will default to the
current tool diameter if no new value is entered. If there is no
current tool, the default value is 0.

8 If a surface speed value is required, enter the value using the

numeric hard keys. When a surface speed value is entered, the
associated RPM value will be calculated.

Surface speed table

8 When in the SURFACE SPEED field, a soft key is available for

opening on-line help. The table may be consulted for a
recommended range of surface speeds for the material being
machined.

8 Press either the FEET/MIN or METERS/MIN soft key depending on the

current units.

8 The RPM CALCULATOR form is closed by pressing the USE soft key.

There is no return value.

Reference tables

8 Press the REFERENCE TABLES soft key to open on-line help reference

tables.

Fig. I.71 RPM CALCULATOR form

94 I Operating Instructions

Language

The POSITIP 880 supports multiple languages. To change the
language selection:

8 Press INFO.
8 Press the LANGUAGE soft key.
8 Press the LANGUAGE soft key until the desired language selection

appears on the soft key.

8 Press USE and confirm your selection. The system will restart.

Changing from one language to another will restart the
system. This is equivalent to cycling power. It will be
necessary to cross over the reference marks to re­establish the current datum settings and reload the current
program.

Inch/MM

Positions can be displayed and entered in millimeters or inches. If you
choose inches, INCH will be displayed on the status bar at the top of
the screen.

To change the unit of measure:

8 Press INFO.
8 Press the INCH/MM soft key.
8 The unit of measure can also be set in JOB SETUP. Refer to Job

Setup, chapter I-8.

I – 8 INFO Screen

POSITIP 880 95

I – 9 POSITIP 880 Turning Functions

To enter POSITIP 880 for turning functions:

Power Up

Switch on the power (located on the back). It will take
approximately 25 - 30 seconds for system to start
after power up. The initial screen will appear (This

screen will only appear the first time you power
up). Select the language by pressing the LANGUAGE

soft key. See Fig. I.72.
Select the TURN soft key to continue with turning

functions. You can change the application later in
INSTALLATION SETUP under COUNTER SETTINGS.

If you are a novice user to the POSITIP 880 you
should review the first 4 sections of this manual for
information common to both milling and turning
applications.

I – 9 POSITIP 880 Turning Functions

Your POSITIP 880 is now ready for operation and is in the operating
mode ACTUAL VALUE.

Fig. I.72 Initial screen

96 I Operating Instructions

Fundamentals of Positioning

Introduction
The geometry of a workpiece is described by a rectangular or

Cartesian coordinate system (named in honor of the French
mathematician and philosopher René Descartes, in Latin Renatus
Cartesius, 1596 to 1650). The Cartesian coordinate system consists of
three mutually perpendicular axes X, Y and Z. The point of intersection
of these axes is called the datum (or origin) of the coordinate system.
See Fig. I.73.

To determine positions on a workpiece, the coordinate system is
“laid” onto the workpiece. With lathe work (i.e. rotationally
symmetrical workpieces), the Z axis moves along the axis of rotation
while the X axis moves in the direction of the radius or diameter. The
Y axis can be disregarded since it would always have the same values
as the X axis. See Fig. I.74.

Fig. I.73 Cartesian coordinate system

I – 9 POSITIP 880 Turning Functions

Fig. I.74 The Cartesian coordinate with lathe work

POSITIP 880 97

Job Setup for Turning Applications

Two of the features in this JOB SETUP menu are unique to turning
applications (DIAMETER AXES, OVERSIZE). See chapter I-8 Job Setup
Menu for descriptions of the other general Job Setup features. See
Fig. I.75.

The JOB SETUP menu is accessed by pressing the INFO soft key, then
the JOB SETUP soft key. When in the JOB SETUP menu, the following
soft keys will be available:

 INSTALLATION SETUP

Press to begin accessing the INSTALLATION SETUP parameters.

 IMPORT/EXPORT Press to begin importing or exporting the

configuration file.

 CANCEL CHANGES Will cancel all changes and exit from JOB

SETUP back to the previous mode.

 USE NEW SETTINGS Will save any changes to the configuration

file before exiting.

 HELP

Will open on-line help.

To access the JOB SETUP menu:

Fig. I.75 JOB SETUP screen in turning

I – 9 POSITIP 880 Turning Functions

Press the INFO soft key.

Press the JOB SETUP soft key.
The cursor will default to the first selection on the

menu: TOOL TABLE

Tool table (turning only)

The tool table will support up to 99 tools containing information on
each axis. If you have measured your tools using a tool presetter, the
offsets may be entered directly. See Fig. I.76.

Fig. I.76 Tool table in turning

98 I Operating Instructions

Tool Table Usage

Example: Entering offsets into the tool table

Press the INFO soft key, then the JOB SETUP soft key.

The cursor will default to the TOOL TABLE field.

Press ENT.

TOOL TABLE

Cursor to the tool you want to define or enter the tool

number. Press ENT.

I – 9 POSITIP 880 Turning Functions

POSITIP 880 99

TOOL DESCRIPTION

If a tool presetter is used to measure the length of a
tool, enter the tool offset (25 mm) and press ENT.

Press USE soft key twice, then the USE NEW SETTINGS
soft key once.

The tool table may be protected to prevent changes from
being made to the tool information. Refer to II-2
Installation Setup.

Diameter axes

Select DIAMETER AXES to set the axis values to either diameter or
radius values depending on the requirements of the drawing. See Fig.

I – 9 POSITIP 880 Turning Functions

I.77.

8 Cursor to DIAMETER AXES and press ENT.
8 The cursor will be in the X axis field. (The field will default to

RADIUS). Depending on the parameter you need for that axis either
press the DIAMETER soft key or press ENT to leave as RADIUS and
advance to the next Z AXIS field.

8 Press USE, then USE NEW SETTINGS.

Fig. I.77 DIAMETER AXES form

100 I Operating Instructions