We just got a new HRT160 4th axis for our Haas Mini so my experience level with 4th axis in general is pretty low. My issue is this,
My first project for using my 4th axis is basically a cube with the same machining being done on each of the rotating sides. In F360 under Pattern, I use "circular pattern" with 4 instances. The code starts off with a facing operation, several milling operations, followed by a couple drilling operations to be repeated on all 4 sides.
For some reason the facing and milling operations would all move to a safe Z height before the A axis rotates the part. Once the drilling cycle starts it would run correctly on the first side, then go up to the retract height but would drop back down to machine zero (tool change height) before the A axis starts rotating, which doesn't allow for enough clearance. First I tried adjusting the clearance/retract heights but this a no effect on the Z axis prior to the A axis rotating. So then I started analyzing the code and was surprised that the end of cycles between the milling operations and the drilling operations were identical. I cannot find anything in the code that would make the drilling operations return to Z zero before rotating the A xis but does not require the milling operations to do the same. I have even tried separating the drilling operations into its own program, still has the same results.
At this point I dont know if its a F360 setting or a HAAS setting that is causing the issue.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Keith
My first project for using my 4th axis is basically a cube with the same machining being done on each of the rotating sides. In F360 under Pattern, I use "circular pattern" with 4 instances. The code starts off with a facing operation, several milling operations, followed by a couple drilling operations to be repeated on all 4 sides.
For some reason the facing and milling operations would all move to a safe Z height before the A axis rotates the part. Once the drilling cycle starts it would run correctly on the first side, then go up to the retract height but would drop back down to machine zero (tool change height) before the A axis starts rotating, which doesn't allow for enough clearance. First I tried adjusting the clearance/retract heights but this a no effect on the Z axis prior to the A axis rotating. So then I started analyzing the code and was surprised that the end of cycles between the milling operations and the drilling operations were identical. I cannot find anything in the code that would make the drilling operations return to Z zero before rotating the A xis but does not require the milling operations to do the same. I have even tried separating the drilling operations into its own program, still has the same results.
At this point I dont know if its a F360 setting or a HAAS setting that is causing the issue.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Keith