Axis Details Dialog

Axis details dialog can be accessed by pressing the axis label button next to the relevant axis redout on the main DRO screen. The dialogs offer some additional information and access to axis-specific functions. The information shown depends on the type of the axis. In other words, X, Y, and Z details offer different information and actions than the angular α axis.

Linear Axis Details

Linear axis readouts (X, Y, and Z) look similar to the screenshot below.

Fig. 1: Linear Axis Details dialog example
Fig. 1: Linear Axis Details dialog example

Readouts

Position

Position display is identical to the readout shown on the main DRO display.

Feed Rate

Feed rate is calculated using the change in position over time. It can be used to quickly verify or adjust the feed rate for the axis.

Chip Load

When a cutter is selected, the chip load is calculated using the current feed rate and RPM.

Action Buttons

Each of the action buttons below can be shown in one of the three configurable button positions on the main screen. In such a case, the buttons will have identical functionality.

Center Button

Center function is used to find the centerline of the workpiece. Functionally, it finds the half-way point between current position and the 0 point and sets the origin to the calculated value.

To set find the centerline, follow these steps:

  1. Indicate one edge of the workpiece (there is no need to account for the edge finder diameter)
  2. Press "Zero Set" button
  3. Indicate the opposite edge of the workpiece
  4. Press the "Center" button
  5. Exit the Axis Details dialog

By default this function uses the incremental coordinate system. In order to set the absolute origin to the center point, long-press the "Zero Set" and "Center" button, which will apply the action to the absolute coordinate system.

In most cases the "Indicate Workpiece" function is much more convenient and flexible.

Zero Set Button

Zero set button sets the zero point to the current position. The button has two functions:

Hold

Hold function is used to quickly switch cutters without losing current axis position. It works by freezing the axis readout. The function affects the currently selected coordinate system for the axis but, in most cases, the function should be used in Absolute mode.

An example workflow can be as follows (using Z axis with a manual tool height setter as an example):

  1. Place the tool height setter under the cutter
  2. Lower the cutter onto the contact area until the gauge reads "0"
  3. Press the "Hold" button; the readouts will turn gray, indicating that position refresh is paused
  4. Mount the new cutter into the spindle
  5. Lower the new cutter until the gauge reads "0"
  6. Press the "Hold" button; readout will turn green, indicating that position refresh has resumed

Even though a tool height setter provides a convenient way to swap cutters, these functions can be used with simple feeler gauge, etc.

To cancel the Hold function, long-press the Hold button. This will resume position refresh without altering the position.

Absolute/Incremental Mode Selection

The "abs/incr" (Absolute/Incremental) button switches the axis between the two coordinate systems. If a sub-datim is active, switching to the Absolute coordinate system de-activates the sub-datum.

Inch/mm Selection

The unit selection button switches the axis between metric and imperial units.

Near-Zero Warning

This button activates audible near-zero warning. The function works as follows: When axis readout moves to within 0.100" from the 0 point (from either direction), the DRO will start emitting periodic beeps The frequency of the beeps increases as the distance to the 0 point decreases Within 0.005" from 0, the DRO will start emitting a solid beep When the readout is at 0, the continuous beep stops Please note: When the axis is not moved for 5 seconds, audible warning stops; it resumes when the axis starts moving again. When the direction of the movement changes (i.e. axis is moved away from 0), audible warning stops. Once 0 is reached, axis must move 0.005" from 0 for the warning to be re-activated Near-Zero warning can be active for a single axis at a time. Activating the function for an axis will automatically deactivate it for any other axis, if applicable.

Angular Axis Details

Angular axis details dialog is similar to the linear axis details, as shown below.
Fig. 2: Angular Axis Details dialog example
Fig. 2: Angular Axis Details dialog example

Position Readout

Position readout displays the axis readout, identical to the main screen.

Action Buttons

Center, Zero Set, and Abs/Incr buttons provide the same functionality as in the case of linear axis details dialog and are described in the previous section.

"Gear" Button

The "Gear" button (AKA "Divisions Per Rev." command button) is used to set the Angular axis to display arbitrary divisions. Most commonly, this function is used for cutting gears, indexing plates, etc. via a rotary table [equipped with an encoder].

Pressing the button brings up the "Set Divisions Per Revolutoin" dialog shown below.

Fig. 3: Dialog used to set arbitrary divisions per revolutoin
Fig. 3: Dialog used to set arbitrary divisions per revolutoin

Degree/Division Selection

This button switches the angular axis display between degrees and arbitrary divisions set via the "Gear" function.