Hey this is Sami from Avid CNC! This is a walkthrough on how to calibrate and
make adjustments after you've installed your Avid CNC Rotary Axis. Please refer
to the Avid CNC rotary instructions also linked below, or you can navigate to it
through our website. These step-by-step instructions will be critical to follow
in addition to this video. We will reference several steps, screenshots,
and reference images from these instructions. The calibration procedure
will need to be completed each time the rotary assembly is installed on the CNC
machine. If you have not previously installed and configured Mach 4 for your
CNC machine, please complete the CNC software setup guide prior to
calibrating your rotary. This rotary calibration procedure will vary based on
how you've chosen to orient your rotary axis in relation to your CNC machine
frame. The alignment procedure will assist in both leveling and squaring the
rotary frame in relation to your machine. First, in Mach 4 under the machine setup
tab, select "spindle with rotary axis enabled," then click enable, and then home
the X, Y, and Z axes. Allowing the machine to reset its machine coordinates.
The calibration procedure will need to be completed each time the rotary axis
is installed on the CNC machine. Remove the current collet you have installed
and replace it with the supplied 8 millimeter ER20 collet, then insert the
m8 dowel pin. Be sure to insert the beveled end into the spindle we will
position the tailstock at the end of the rotary frame. Then lock the tail stock in
place using the spring plungers. Place your Auto Z touch plate on the touch
plate isolator. Note how the corner wall lines up to the
isolator, it should fit in snugly. We will drive the spindle over and position the
bottom of the dowel pin roughly 25 millimeters or about 1 inch above the
center of the touch plate. Ensure that the magnet on the touch plate is
attached to the dowel pin in the spindle. Click the auto Z touch plate
button. Now that we've enabled rotary cutting in
Mach 4 there will be a rotary tab with rotary specific touch off and
calibration functions. Enter the tool diameter of 8 and select millimeters for
units. In the rotary calibration section we will select the mounting type and
orientation of your rotary assembly. The diagram buttons illustrate the
orientation for each mounting orientation option. Please note that the
images and instructions shown in Mach 4 will differ depending on your mounting
type, mounting orientation, and rotary frame length. Then click the frame
alignment button. We'll follow the instructions shown in Mach 4 for the
rotary frame alignment. Step 1, to probe the first position.
Once we probed the first position, we'll slide the tailstock to the chuck end and
lock it in place. We'll position the spindle above the touch plate and attach
the magnet then click the start probing button again.
You will now see two values on the screen. First "The Adjustment Distance",
this is the amount to adjust the end of the rotary frame shown by the blue arrow
in the image. This will square the rotary frame to the gantry. As well as, "Raise the
Chuck or Tailstock End." This is the amount to adjust the
jack screws on the designated end of your rotary frame. This will level the
rotary frame in relation to your machine table. Just a reminder, the direction
you'll need to adjust and the bolts you'll need to loosen on your rotary
will be different depending on the axis that you've mounted your rotary parallel
to. At the three indicated corners loosen the fasteners attaching the undermount
plates to the machine cross members. Do not loosen the fasteners on the fourth
unmarked corner, this will serve as your pivot. Adjust the frame in the direction
and the amount that was shown on the screen in Mach 4. Use calipers to make
the micro adjustments, then tighten the fasteners at the three indicated corners.
Now we'll also raise or lower the tail stock or Chuck end loosen the indicated
fasteners attached to the under mounting plates to the rotary frame. Loosen the
jackscrew nuts and then tighten the jack screws to raise the rotary frame. A
quarter turn of the jack screws will raise the frame approximately 0.3
millimeters or 12 thousandths of an inch. Be sure to raise the right and left jack
screws the exact same amount when leveling your rotary. Then tighten the
fasteners and jam nuts at the indicated location. Now we will repeat the frame
alignment to ensure that our adjustments are within tolerance. It is recommended
to repeat this step until you have the adjustment distances within five
thousandths of an inch.
Next we can set the mid supports. Let's slide the tailstock just above the mid
supports. We'll follow the instructions shown in Mach4 for the rotary frame
alignment, Step 4 to probe the mid support locations. You will now see an amount to adjust the mid support jack screws.
The procedure is the same to adjust the height of the chuck or tail end. Loosen the fasteners
attaching the mid support plates to the rotary frame, loosen the jackscrew jam
nuts, tighten the jack screws to raise the center of the rotary frame, then
tighten the fasteners and jam nuts at the indicated locations. Then repeat the
set mid supports on your mock pop-up until you have the height within five
thousandths. You may need to repeat the mid support procedure more than once to
achieve proper alignment. Now on to the touch plate offset. Before continuing it
is highly recommended to read the full section of the touch plate offset
instructions to be familiar with the probing routines used. Improper placement
of the spindle may cause the machine to crash. Also, do not forget to attach the
magnets in the correct placement. We also recommend having the E-Stop in
hand if this is your first time running the rotary calibration. We'll remove the
tailstock live Center and position the tailstock closer to the chuck. Insert the
chuck locating pin into the chuck with the flange of the bushing flush against
the chuck jaws and then tightening the chuck. First we'll drive the spindle over
to the touch plate and set the touch plate location. Ensure that the magnet
from the touch plate is attached to the dowel pin in the spindle. Do not do
anything with the magnet attached to the chuck locating pin just yet. We'll click
the "set touch plate offset" button. Then click "start probing."
Once that operation is complete we'll position the spindle over the Chuck
locating pin as indicated. Ensure that there will be ample clearance between
the collet nut and the Chuck jaws. We'll connect the magnet from the touch plate
to the dowel pin in the spindle and then connect the magnet from the Chuck
locating pin to the touch plate. Once you verify that the spindle, chuck locating
pin, and magnets are all in the correct locations then click "start probing." The
probing routine will probe the top of the Chuck locating pin followed by each
side, followed by the top again.
The touch plate can now be used to offset your cutting tool to the center
of your Chuck! This is analogous to setting the Z offset to the machine bed
for flat or non rotary programs. Thanks everyone for watching, stay tuned for
more a rotary project and pro tip videos soon. See you all in the shop!