Manual
Table Of Contents
- Controls of the 3500i
- Manual Information
- Introduction
- Machining Fundamentals
- Manual Data Input
- Tool Management
- 4.1 Tool Table
- 4.2 Tool Data
- Program Management
- Conversational Editing
- Programming: Canned Cycles, sub-programs
- 7.1 Explaining Basic Cycles
- Round/Chamfer
- Rapid
- Line
- Arc
- Dwell:
- Plane Selection
- Reference Point Return:
- Fixture Offset (Work Coordinate System Select):
- Unit (Inch/MM)
- Dimension (Abs/Inc)
- Absolute Zero Set
- Block Form
- Temporary Path Tolerance
- System Data
- FeedRate
- FeedRate (4th-Axis)
- Spindle RPM
- M - Functions
- Tool Definition and Activation
- Repeat Blocks
- 7.2 Canned Cycles
- 7.3 Probing Cycles
- 7.4 Sub-programs
- 7.1 Explaining Basic Cycles
- Drawing Programs
- Running a Program on the Machine
- CAM: Programming
- 10.1 CAM Programming
- CAM Mode
- Recommended CAM Programming Sequence
- CAM Mode Mouse Operations
- CAM Mode Screen
- Activating CAM Mode
- Creating a New Program
- Tool Path Data Input
- Quick Coordinate Entry
- Job Setup: Basic tab
- Job Setup: Advanced tab
- Comment Tab
- Block Form: Basic tab
- Comment Tab
- Drilling Cycle:
- Drilling dialogue:
- Mill Cycle
- Pocket Cycle
- Pocket Finish Cycles
- Engraving Cycle
- Program Directive
- Modifying Toolbar
- Viewing Tools
- CAM Mode buttons
- CAM Setup
- Geometry
- DXF Import Feature
- Modifying Tools
- Shapes
- Tool Table
- Tool Paths
- CAM Example 1
- CAM Example 2
- 10.1 CAM Programming
- G-Code Edit, Help, & Advanced Features
- 11.1 G-Code Program Editing
- 11.2 G-Code and M-Code Definitions
- 11.3 Edit Help
- 11.4 Advanced Programming
- SPEED
- M - Functions
- Order of Execution
- Programming Non-modal Exact Stop:
- In-Position Mode (Exact Stop Check):
- Contouring Mode (Cutting Mode) :
- Setting Stroke Limit:
- Return from Reference Point:
- Move Reference from Machine Datum:
- Modifiers
- Block Separators
- Tool Offset Modification
- Expressions and Functions
- System Variables
- User Variables
- Variable Programming (Parametric Programming)
- Probe Move (G31)
- Conditional Statements
- Short Form Addressing
- Logical and Comparative Terms
- File Inclusion
- 11.5 Four Axis Programming
- Software Update
- Off-Line Software

ACU-RITE 3500i 75
4.2 Tool Data
Tool Radius Compensation
When tool compensation is not active, the CNC positions the tool's
center on the programmed path. When programming a part profile,
the cutting edge must be half a diameter away from the path. Using
radius compensation moves the cutting edge half a diameter away
from the path.
This enables you to program the coordinates along the part profile. You
do not need to adjust the path to compensate for tool diameter.
Most moves can be compensated. Specify right-hand or left-hand
compensation. “Right” or “Left” refers to the side of the path to
which the tool offsets, as viewed from behind a moving tool. If the tool
is to the left of the work, use Left (G41). If the tool is to the right of the
work, use Right (G42). Refer to chapter 11 "G-Code" on page 366.
Contouring without radius compensation
The tool center moves in the working plane along the programmed
path or to the programmed coordinates.
Applications: Drilling and boring, pre-positioning.
When tool compensation is active, the CNC offsets the
tool by half a diameter to position the cutting edge of the
tool on the programmed path.
Use tool compensation with lines and arcs only.