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IndustryArena Forum > MetalWorking Machines > Bridgeport Machines > Bridgeport / Hardinge Mills > Bridgeport VMC800 - Heid 426 control - Tool Length Offsets
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
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    27

    Bridgeport VMC800 - Heid 426 control - Tool Length Offsets

    We have a Bridgeport VMC800 with heidenhain 426 control. We are using a datum cutter and then bringing
    all the other cutters around and touching on the same Z zero height, then using the capture button to insert
    the z offset into the tool table. But then when you are programming the machine is there a way to get the machine
    to use the offsets in the background and display each cutters depth from the z datum of the job (ie, the datum cutter z zero).
    This is how we work on the Hurco machines we have, so I would think it was possible with the Bridgeport, just dont know how to do it!!

    Thanks

    Mark Newton

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2012
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    180

    Re: Bridgeport VMC800 - Heid 426 control - Tool Length Offsets

    If you mean that the screen value is relative to the end of the tool then it's changeable in the parameters.
    You'd have to wait till Monday for me to find out which one it is.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
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    27

    Re: Bridgeport VMC800 - Heid 426 control - Tool Length Offsets

    Hello

    Yes that is what I mean. That would be great if you could let me know Monday. And also do you know how to get into the parameters!!!

    Cheers

    Mark.

  4. #4
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    Jan 2013
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    27

    Re: Bridgeport VMC800 - Heid 426 control - Tool Length Offsets

    Also why we are in conversation. Do you know how you can view the graphics of your program before you run the program. At the moment
    we are running everything blind!!!

    Thanks.

    Mark

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2012
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    180

    Re: Bridgeport VMC800 - Heid 426 control - Tool Length Offsets

    Top of your program do you have a block form?

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
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    27

    Re: Bridgeport VMC800 - Heid 426 control - Tool Length Offsets

    Yes we have a block form.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2012
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    180

    Re: Bridgeport VMC800 - Heid 426 control - Tool Length Offsets

    Right.

    If you have a nc-software book, this information is on page 327.
    can get the book on heidenhain website i believe.

    To enter parameters you need to be in program edit, then press the MOD key. code is 95148.
    take your time and double check everything...
    Check you are in OVERWRITE which is a toggle on one of the softkeys.
    Press GOTO, 7285 , ENT.
    This figure needs to be a 1, so highlight the 0 and press 1.
    Now press END, END

    From now on when setting a datum, make sure you have tool called the tool you are setting with - Take your time until you get used to it.
    If you use tool tables rather than tool defs in the program then its easier to see.

    As for the graphics, what have you tried, or what do you think is not working?

    All the best ben

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Posts
    27

    Re: Bridgeport VMC800 - Heid 426 control - Tool Length Offsets

    Hello Ben,

    Thanks very much, I will go and give this a try.

    The graphics will run when the program is started. But is there a way of generating the cutter path in a the test run to give you
    a guide to see if the program is ok? And to see the finished result without running the actual program.

    Thanks very much so far, its apprecited.

    Mark

  9. #9
    Join Date
    May 2012
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    180

    Re: Bridgeport VMC800 - Heid 426 control - Tool Length Offsets

    So have you tried the test run.
    Button usually below program edit. Start and stop it with the soft keys.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
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    27

    Re: Bridgeport VMC800 - Heid 426 control - Tool Length Offsets

    Hello Ben. Thanks for the info for setting the tools. That has worked a treat.

    We will be investigating the graphics soon and I will get back to you.

    Thanks again.

    Mark

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
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    27

    Re: Bridgeport VMC800 - Heid 426 control - Tool Length Offsets

    Hello Ben,

    When we are in test run we have just a blank screen with no program edit/start/stop buttons. In program and editing we get the graphics but it is just the
    block form. What we are trying to see is the simulation of the toolpath we are going to be cutting.

    Thanks.

    Mark

  12. #12
    Join Date
    May 2012
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    180

    Re: Bridgeport VMC800 - Heid 426 control - Tool Length Offsets

    Can you take a picture of your control in that mode please.

  13. #13
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    Jan 2013
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    Re: Bridgeport VMC800 - Heid 426 control - Tool Length Offsets

    Hello Ben,

    Please see attached, its just really a blank screen!!

    CheersClick image for larger version. 

Name:	WP_20140923_10_20_09_Pro.jpg 
Views:	0 
Size:	40.9 KB 
ID:	250612

    Mark

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
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    1121

    Re: Bridgeport VMC800 - Heid 426 control - Tool Length Offsets

    IIRC hit one of the little circle jerk buttons it should give you display options

  15. #15
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    Jan 2013
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    Re: Bridgeport VMC800 - Heid 426 control - Tool Length Offsets

    One of the circle buttons returns you to the program and editing screen, the other does nothing?

  16. #16
    Join Date
    May 2012
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    180

    Re: Bridgeport VMC800 - Heid 426 control - Tool Length Offsets

    Does the pgm mgt button do anything?

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
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    27

    Re: Bridgeport VMC800 - Heid 426 control - Tool Length Offsets

    Hello Ben,

    All sorted now thanks. The guys have resolved the graphics issue.................somehow!!

    Thanks for all your help.

    Kind Regards

    Mark

  18. #18
    Join Date
    May 2012
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    180

    Re: Bridgeport VMC800 - Heid 426 control - Tool Length Offsets

    Any ideas what the issue was. Cheers.

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
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    27

    Re: Bridgeport VMC800 - Heid 426 control - Tool Length Offsets

    A local guy came in and pressed a few buttons and got it working!!!

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