TABLE OF CONTENTS Using the method of Work Offsets for tool positioning based on machine zero is much faster and more efficient than using the older methods of position compensation functions G45 and G46 described in the previous chapter. The work offsets are also known as Work Coordinate System, or even as Fixture Offsets. Work offsets are much more efficient than using the position register commands G92 (milling systems) or G50 (turning systems). CNC programmers who do not know the meaning of position compensation functions or the meaning of position register commands, are most likely working with the most modern CNC machines only. However, there are many machines in industry that still require these rather obsolete functions. Knowing them well will increase the number of available programming tools.
This chapter describes the most modern methods to coordinate the relationship between machine zero reference position and the program zero reference point. We will use the Work Coordinate System feature of any modern control system, whether it is called the Work Coordinate System or the Work Offsets. The latter term seems to be more popular because it is a little shorter. Think of the work offsets as an alignment between two or more coordinate systems.
Before some more detailed descriptions can be covered, just what is a work coordinate system - or a work offset?
Work offset is a method that allows the CNC programmer to program a part away from...
