Acu-Rite CNC 3500i User Manual

7 Programming: Canned Cycles, sub-programs

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Use the thread milling for cutting inside or outside threads. It cuts 
either Inch or MM, left or right hand, and Z movement up or down. 
A single tooth or multi-toothed tool may be used. Start can be at the 
top or bottom of the hole or boss. The tools are set, as you would 
normally set TLO. 

The first move in this cycle is a rapid move to the center of 
the thread before moving the Z axis. Make sure the tool is 
properly located before calling up this cycle.

ZFinish

Z

Absolute Z position where the thread cut 
will finish. This can be above or below the 
start position depending on the direction of 
the thread cut: up or down. (Required)

ZStart

H

Absolute Z position where the thread cut 
starts. This can be above or below the finish 
position depending on the direction of the 
thread cut, up or down. If not set, cycle 
uses the current Z tool position. (Required)

ZSafePosn

P

An Absolute safe Z position above the part 
for rapid moves in X and/or Y. (Required)
WARNING: P must be above the part to 
avoid a crash while positioning.

MajorDia

D

Major thread Diameter. If this is a tapered 
thread, it is the major diameter at the Z start 
position. Hence, if you have a tapered hole 
and you start at the top and cut down, you 
would have a different major diameter than 
if you started at the bottom and cut up. A 
plus (+) value cuts in the CW direction and 
a minus (-) value cuts in the CCW direction. 
(Required)

ThdDepth

C

Depth of thread. The incremental depth of 
thread on one side. A plus (+) value is inside 
thread, a minus (-) value is outside thread. 
(Required)