TABLE OF CONTENTS The ability of a control system to return a cutting tool from any position to the machine reference position is a critical feature of all modern CNC systems. Programmers and operators understand the term machine reference position as synonymous with the home position or machine zero position. This is the position of all machine slides at one of the extreme travel limits of each axis. The exact position is determined by the machine manufacturer and is not normally changed during the machine working life. Return to that position is automatic, on request from the control panel, in MDI operation, or via the program.
The existence of machine reference position is for referencing purposes. In order that the CNC machine is accurate, we need more than just the high quality components, we need some unique location that can be considered the origin point of the machine - a zero position - a home position. Machine reference position is exactly such a point.
| Note | Machine zero is a fixed position on a CNC machine that can be reached repeatedly, on request, through the control panel, MDI, or program code execution. |
Although the design of CNC machining centers varies for different models, there are only four possible locations for the machine zero, within the XY view:
Lower left corner of the machine
Upper left corner of the machine
Lower right corner of the machine
Upper right corner of the machine
It is quite...
