When probing is done for zeroing, what exactly becomes the zero point for the X and Y axis? Is it the edge of the tool or the center? The reason for asking is because when I do a probe operation using a 2mm end mill there is no option for choosing this diameter of tool before probing and I’m just wondering if that can be a problem.
You’ll need to tell us which BitZero version you’re using, or if you’re zeroing manually.
It’s my understanding the centre of the bit or probe is the zero point.
1 Like
I have the original BitZero, doing a corner probe for X,Y, & Z
Then I think it’s the edge of the bit or probe (sorry), but I’m sure someone would be able to confirm this.
You’ll be manually jogging the edge of the bit (you don’t get probes with the v1) to the left and front of the BitSetter, and setting the respective X and Y edges of the workpiece, but I don’t think it takes account of the diameter of the probe, like the v2 does.
Carbide Motion, requires you to specify what size of end mill you are using, to account for probing.
If you are using the XYZ zero option with the BitZero, it would use the intersection of those three coordinates as the zero. If you use a singular X,Y or Z probe, then it will take it as the plane used on the BitZero as “zero” for that particular axis.
2 Likes
But how can I specify a 2mm end mill? There is no selection for that and no way to enter custom size.
I’m not sure if there’s been an update I’ve missed, but, as far as I know, you can’t specify your own end mill diameter with Motion. It’s been requested since the beginning of the C3D probe.
1 Like
You could use an end mill in the drop down, zero. Then do the math and the jog controls to manually zero XY, replace the previous endmill with the 2mm end mill and then use the BitZero to probe for Z. (Tedious)
Or if you have a BitChanger, probe with an endmill that is on the list, then change to your 2mm endmill.
Still learning here but I have seen a few videos showing how different people zero manually which I use even though I have a Bitzero V2.
Jog the machine to the lower left corner, lower the bit without touching the workpiece, jog the bit so that the center is over the corner and then touch off the Z.
If you look at the construction of BitZero the probing hangs over the edge of workpiece which I’m guessing calculates for the center of the bit.
I’m sure someone with more knowledge and experience can chime in on that however that’s what works for me thus far.
For a BitZero v1, with which one must select a supported endmill one can use a probing pin or an endmill of a supported size, then change to the unsupported endmill.
1 Like
If I do that do I then have to adjust the zero for the unsupported endmill?
Zero is set to the center of the endmill — X and Y would be set, then you could probe or otherwise set Z zero which is invariant of size.
1 Like
What type of stock are you probing?
2mm Aluminum plate. Panels for electronic instruments.
Thanks, it’s all clear to me now.
You could always enter the probing commands manually, through the MDI. Just probe the plate directly (a bit thin, maybe).
That said, have you considered eyeballing it? I don’t think probing offers much over a human eye.
1 Like
Thanks for the suggestion, but I trust an automated process more than a manual one.
1 Like
Might as well not bother with a BitZero, then. Just do it by eye.
I’m sorry, Will, but could you explain that please? I can’t seem to make sense of what you’re saying, sorry.
With a BitZero v1 (or for a v2) if one wishes the first operation to be using a tool which is not suited for probing (whether due to unsupported dimensions or geometry (say a V endmill) one does an XYZ probe using a supported tool, then switches to the other tool — if one doesn’t have a BitSetter to manage the tool offset length, then reprobe for Z, which is invariant of tool size/geometry.
1 Like
Awesome, thank you - to 20 letters.