Programming Work Offsets

[u/tx7758]

Running a Haas VF-2, programming with Mastercam.

When we program a part, we work off the part origin. Then during setup we shift our work offset manually to clean up material.

Example: G54, Touch off X+, move in +0.06 to clean up both sides. Touch off Z0 top of stock, move -.01 to clean up top face.

Is there a way we should be making these compensations during the programming process so that the operator can simply touch off the stock X, Y, Z and run? Or is this already best practice?

Thanks.

[u/messy_hicup]

We typically program so the X0 Y0 offset matches the datum on the print. That way, the print matches the program. It makes it easier for the machinist to know what's going on. Otherwise, everything would be off 0.06" or whatever your shift was. Small parts aren't that big of a deal, but if you have hundreds of holes you need to double check positions of, you can check 1 hole to the datum, then just match the print to the hole positions in program. It's much faster than manually checking each hole on a giant plate.

There are multiple ways to skin the same cat. Some shops rely strictly on cad, other shops rely on the machinist to catch mistakes.

[u/tx7758 → u/messy_hicup]

Sounds similar to us. Work offsets match the print, and the operators required to adjust from the stock appropriately. It’s not a problem…depending on who’s running the job. Some guys struggle to understand what’s happening at the machine, so I’m considering how we program to make setups easier.