74 4 Tool Management
4.2 Tool Data
With the tool in the spindle, carefully jog the tool down until it
touches the top surface of the work piece. This is referred to as
“Part Zero”.
Touch the Teach button. The 3500i calculates the tool
length offset for the selected tool putting the data to
the length column.
Press the Enter button to save the data entered in the field.
Diameter Offset in Tool Table
When you activate a tool, you automatically activate the length offset
and diameter values recorded on the Tool Table. When a tool is
activated, the length offset is applied immediately to provide an
accurate Z-axis position display.
The active diameter value is important when you program
compensated moves and use cycles with built-in tool compensation.
If tool diameter is correct, compensated moves and cycles are
executed accurately.
Enter tool-length offsets and tool diameter values on the numbered
lines of the Tool Table. The numbered lines on the Tool Table identify
the tool number (T-Code) that activates those values.
You can program a tool activation as a separate block or include it
within the block for most moves and cycles. Tool activation's
programmed, as separate blocks are easier to find in a Program
Listing.
The Tool Table can store information for up to a number of tools
specified by the machine builder.
On machines equipped with collet-type tool holders, it is impractical to
use the Tool Table to store tool-length offsets. You can set tool-length
offset at tool change. Tool Table diameters are still required for
compensated moves and when using cycles that have built-in
compensation. You can run all Jog features from the Tool Table.
Tool Table offsets activate when you program a T-Code.