Manual

ACU-RITE 3500i 73
4.2 Tool Data
Tool-Length Offsets
Tool-length offset is the distance from Z0 Machine Home to the tip of
the tool at the part Z0 (the surface of the work).
Tool-length offsets allow each tool used in the part program to be
referenced to the part surface. In an idle state, the CNC does not have
a tool-length offset active. Therefore, Tool #0 (T0) is active. When T0
is active, all Z dimensions are in reference to the Z Home position.
When you program T1, all Z dimensions become referenced to the
surface on which the tool-length offset of Tool #1 was activated.
For machines that do not have a Z-axis automatic homing feature, you
must set the Z0 position of the Z-axis. Usually, it is the fully retracted
(Up) position of the quill or machine head. Tool-Length Offsets are
referenced to this position.
Because tools differ in length, Z0 axis (Part Zero) is not set the same
way as X0 or Y0. The tool-length offset is the distance from the tip of
the tool to the top of the part. Enter a length offset for each tool in the
Tool Table.
With tool-length offsets active, the Z-axis position display reads 0.00
when the active tool moves to Part Zero. Tool-length offsets simplify
programming.
Entering Tool Length Offsets in the Tool Table
As described previously, see "Locating the Tool Table" on page 61, the
tool table is accessed from the Manual Data Input screen.
The Tool Length Offset data is placed in the “Length” column in the
tool table.
 To activate the tool table, touch the Manual Data
Input button.
 In the bottom menu bar, touch the Tool button to
open the tool table.
With the tool table open, it can now be edited.
 Select the tool number that is to be edited.
 Use the scroll bars, or arrow keys to highlight the “Length” column
field.
 Press the Enter key to activate the field.
 Use the Back Space or Clear button to delete previously entered
data if necessary.