What does the "Part position" do tab in the cam setup?

[juliancasiello]

Hi! Im doing my first steps into 5 axis machining, and im trying to get accurate machine simulation. I work with an old Haas VF-4 (2005 no tcpc) with a TRT160 (square model), i couldn´t find a model for the TRT so i model it. I measured the intersection of the rotating axis (53.85mm below the plate), but i got a little bit confused with the "part position" in the setup. It is only for the simulation or it affects the code?

Another question: how can i can modify the machine definition to automaticly compensate for the difference between the Z of the plate and the center of rotation (so i can set G54 to the plate of the TRT wich is easier)

I hope you understand me, my english es medio malo.

Thanks!

[rengfx]

It's to position your setup in the Machine Simulation, that's correct. No effect on code output

If you want your Machine Simulation model to use it's Origin as the WCS and make it the Center of Rotation, you can accomplish this by translating the entire Machine Model to where the Origin is now the COR of your 5th axis trunnion, some of my machine sim files use the center top of the table, and some use the rotary platter face etc

Note I regularly will use a similar machine config file, but then apply it to my own self made machine model. Using existing machine models etc is a faster route, but you are able to fully define any series of bodies as your XYZAC/B axes and make a working simulation model within the CAM environment

This my '93 HAAS with an HRT7 (had to model it off the old manual, no CAD models exist) and skinny spindle way covers (like -2 inches skinnier than newer models have represented), I have 3 main setups I use,

3 axis bare table with rotary modeled for clearance 

3 axis center bare with vise left and rotary right

4 axis rotary setup

 

 

 

I even have modeled tool holders in the umbrella tool changer for my longer gage rotary setups, for clearance visualization

Then I can keep all my workholding etc that bolts to the table in a single CAM Template setup and leverage whichever machine config represents my table when I'm making that part

Your imagination is the only limitation

[lee.krasnow]

@rengfxthat is a sweet CAM template setup you've got there. I already have some similar template files of my own for various setups on my 1989 4-axis MAHO MH600C (which I run in horizontal mode 100% of the time) but never bothered to do much in the way of machine simulation because that machine generally has pretty good clearance. Now I'm kitting out the table on my 1989 3-axis MAZAK VQC-15/40 with a gang of 96mm workholding receiver plates including one way off to the right side of the table that will be permanently mounted at 90-deg and suddenly I find myself worrying a lot about spindle body clearance! I'll setup the MAZAK template files like you've done with yours for your HAAS. Thanks for the info.