Acu-Rite CNC 3500i User Manual

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ACU-RITE 3500i
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4.2 T
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Tool Radius Compensation
When tool compensation is not active, the CNC positions the tool's 
center on the programmed path. When programming a part profile, 
the cutting edge must be half a diameter away from the path. Using 
radius compensation moves the cutting edge half a diameter away 
from the path.
This enables you to program the coordinates along the part profile. You 
do not need to adjust the path to compensate for tool diameter.
Most moves can be compensated. Specify right-hand or left-hand 
compensation. “Right” or “Left” refers to the side of the path to 
which the tool offsets, as viewed from behind a moving tool. If the tool 
is to the left of the work, use Left (G41). If the tool is to the right of the 
work, use Right (G42).  Refer to chapter 11 "G-Code" on page 364.
Contouring without radius compensation
The tool center moves in the working plane along the programmed 
path or to the programmed coordinates.
Applications: Drilling and boring, pre-positioning.
When tool compensation is active, the CNC offsets the 
tool by half a diameter to position the cutting edge of the 
tool on the programmed path.
Use tool compensation with lines and arcs only.