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7 Common CNC Tool Setting Methods

1. what is tool setting?

Tool setting refers to measuring and setting the relative position between the tool and the workpiece in CNC machining.
Typically, the purpose of tool setting is to accurately position the tool in the intended location of the part to be machined and to ensure that the tool path matches the shape and dimensions of the workpiece accurately during the machining process.
Tool setting is a fundamental step in the CNC machining process, which directly affects the accuracy, efficiency and quality of machining.

2. Principle and purpose of CNC machining tool setting.

Principle of tool setting:

The principle of tool setting in CNC machining is based on measuring the relative coordinates of the tool to the workpiece and adjusting the coordinates using the CNC system.
Through tool setting, the operator is able to accurately set the tool’s working start point and machining path, thus ensuring that each step of the machining takes place in the expected area.

Purpose of tool setting:

Ensure machining accuracy: Avoid deviations in the position of the tool and the workpiece, and avoid machining errors due to inaccurate positioning.
Extend tool life: Reduce machining problems caused by tool damage or misalignment.
Improve productivity: Reduce downtime due to tool problems and improve machining continuity.

3. 7 methods of CNC machining tool setting.

There are a variety of tool setting methods commonly used in CNC machining, below we introduce 7 of these common methods:

1. Touch probe method

The touch probe is used to determine the coordinate position of the workpiece or tool by touching its surface. When the probe touches the surface of the workpiece, the sensor sends a signal to the CNC to determine the exact position of the tool. This method is usually used for more complex or higher precision machining.

Advantages: High precision, applicable to a wide range of workpieces.
Disadvantages: Higher equipment costs and complicated operation.

2. Laser tool setting

The laser tool setting method is to irradiate the tool and workpiece by a laser beam and use the reflected signal of the laser to measure the relative position of the tool. This method enables non-contact tool setting and is particularly suitable for high-speed machining.

Advantages: non-contact, fast speed, high precision.
Disadvantages: requires laser equipment support, high cost.

3. Mechanical tool setting method

The mechanical tool setting method is the most traditional method of tool setting, in which the tool is mechanically aligned with the coordinates of the workpiece through the use of a standard tool setting block or tool setting instrument. This method is relatively simple and suitable for small batch production and workpieces with low accuracy requirements.

Advantages: simple and easy to operate, low cost.
Disadvantages: Manual operation can easily lead to errors and lower precision.

4. Optical tool setting method

Photoelectric tool setting method is a commonly used CNC milling tool setting method. When the tool touches the photoelectric tool setting bar, the sensor detects and stops it automatically. This method is suitable for high-speed machining and mass production.

Advantages: real-time feedback, high precision.
Disadvantages: higher equipment costs, greater environmental interference.

5. Software simulation tool setting method

Through the tool path simulation software, using the computing power of the CNC system and software accuracy, simulate the contact and relative motion of the tool and the workpiece, so as to accurately determine the position of the tool. This method improves the accuracy and efficiency of cutting operations and is widely used in high-end CNC systems.

Advantages: Does not require physical contact and is suitable for complex machining.
Disadvantages: Requires a high performance CNC and slower processing speeds.

6. Mechanical tool measuring instrument method

This method performs accurate measurement of the tool by means of a mechanical measuring instrument, which is commonly used in the machining of precision parts. It locates the tool and workpiece by means of a high-precision measuring tool.

Advantages: High precision, suitable for high demand machining.
Disadvantages: troublesome to operate, limited scope of application.

7. Manual calibration method

The test-cut method is a commonly used tool setting method, which is divided into two types: relative and absolute. The operator determines the position of the tool by cutting the workpiece, suitable for simple machining, especially in the economic CNC machine tools commonly used.

Relative test cutting method: the use of gauges (such as steel plate ruler) to directly measure the size of the tool, easy to operate but less accurate.

Absolute test cutting method: through the “test cutting – measurement – adjustment” method, set the tool deviation, high precision but low efficiency.

Advantages: simple operation, less equipment requirements, suitable for low-precision machining and small batch production.
Disadvantages: Lower precision, lower efficiency, taking up machine time.

4. The importance of tool setting in CNC machining.

Tool setting is one of the core steps of CNC machining, and its importance cannot be ignored. Correct tool setting not only improves machining accuracy, but also brings the following benefits:

Improve machining efficiency:

Reduce rework caused by tool setting errors to avoid wasting material and time.

Ensure product quality:

Accurate tool setting ensures that the size and shape of the product meets the design requirements, thus improving the quality of the finished product.

Reduce tool wear:

Avoiding deviation in the position of the tool to the workpiece helps to extend tool life.

Increase automation:

The automated tool setting method reduces the intervention of manual operation and improves the automation and consistency of the production line.

5. Summary

In CNC machining, tool setting is a critical step in ensuring machining accuracy and productivity.
Each tool setting method has its own application scenarios and advantages and disadvantages. Mastering the tool setting technology and choosing the right tool setting method will greatly enhance the machining quality and production efficiency, and at the same time improve the service life of the tool.

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