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

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.

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.

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

Top of your program do you have a block form?

Yes we have a block form.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hello Ben,

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

CheersAttachment 250612

Mark

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

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

Does the pgm mgt button do anything?

Hello Ben,

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

Thanks for all your help.

Kind Regards

Mark

Any ideas what the issue was. Cheers.

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