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How Do I Set Job Zero?
What Is Job Zero?
At the most basic level, job zero, also called job origin, tells the machine where to begin running the job. Job zero is
a point in your design where all of the toolpaths will be based from (the X, Y, and Z coordinates).
In Carbide Create, job zero is called “Toolpath Zero”. When you design a project in Carbide Motion, you can choose
from several options for the project’s origin
point:
In MeshCAM, job zero is called “Program Zero” and there are even more origin options:
The lower-left corner is the most common job zero point for simple, beginner projects. With more advanced
projects, it may be beneficial to choose one location over the others; though what you choose will depend on a
variety of factors. For example, if you are using hold-down clamps (top clamping), finding the corners may be tricky
if the clamps are in the way. Also, your material may not be square, or may not have a square edge to start from. In
both of these examples, using the center for job zero may be more advantageous.
Steps for Setting Job Zero
To find and set job zero, complete the following steps:
1.
Home your machine. See
2.
Secure your material to the wasteboard. See
How Do I Secure Material to the Nomad 3
3.
Determine where job zero is in Carbide Create or MeshCAM:
a.
In Carbide Create, locate the origin marker (red/white circle on your canvas).
a.
In MeshCAM, locate the X/Y/Z arrows on the canvas or look for the Program Zero value.
4.
Use the BitZero V2 to find and set job zero for X,Y, and Z.
What is the BitZero V2?
BitZero V2 is a low-profile touch probe designed specifically for Carbide 3D Nomad machines. It allows you to
quickly and painlessly set job zero on your stock material.
You can use BitZero V2 to find the X, Y, and Z zero position, or you can use it to find only Z, only Y, or only X. As you
get started with your Nomad 3, you will likely want to set job zero on one corner of your stock, so you’ll need to
find X, Y, and Z. Watch the
Nomad 3 Gets Stock Probing Options video
•
Lower-Left
•
Center-Left
•
Top-Left
•
Center
•
NW corner (top-left)
•
Center-left
•
SW corner (bottom-left)
•
Center back
•
Center
•
Center front
•
NE corner (top-right)
•
Center-right
•
SE corner (bottom-right)
