11 An Introduction to CNC Milling
11.1 Understanding Coordinate Systems
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11.1.2.
Machine Home Position
The machine home is a specific and factory-set location to which the tool can be sent through the
control software. The machine uses the home position as a reference point for all operations. If the
machine is not homed, it cannot accurately locate the workpiece on the cross slide.
The machine home location is located as follows:
Info Table: Machine Home Position Location
Axis
Location
X
Near the maximum positive position
Y
Near the maximum positive position
Z
Near the maximum positive position
When moving to its home position, the tool first moves up along the Z axis to reduce the chance of
impact during the homing sequence.
The machine is homed by clicking
Setup
|
Set/Check Home
in the Main Menu.
It is advisable to home the machine before running a program on it.
11.1.3.
The Work Coordinates
The location of the tool at any time can be described by its position along the X, Y and Z axes. However,
the origin point (0,0,0) is not factory-set and can be defined as any point within the work area.
