Sidebar

Home



Knowledge Base


Guides & Tutorials

Projects

Samples

kb:tutorials:basic:how_to_configure_and_use_fixed_tool_sensor

How to configure and use fixed tool sensor

Fixed tool sensor is a switch that is used for measurement of tool length(tool offset). Tool length value is very important once we change the tool during machining process and the new tool length needs to be considered so that all distance and geometry parameters of machined workpiece are still correct.

Fixed tool sensor

Fixed tool sensors come in different shapes, sizes and can use different working principles. But essentially, it is used for the same thing, to measure tool length. Fixed tool sensor is usually mounted on machine table at a dedicated location, hence the name.

Example of fixed tool sensor used with Mk3 controller:

Connection diagrams

Fixed tool sensor is connected to controller's digital input. Image below demonstrates connection of sensor with Mk3 controller input. You can refer to the dedicated user manual for wiring diagrams of other PlanetCNC controllers.

NOTE: We really recommend connection of fixed tool sensor to controller's input via dedicated opto-isolative circuit board. Such as these: OptoIso Input or OptoIso 3/4

Configuring fixed tool sensor

In PlanetCNC TNG under File/Settings/Program Options/Probe & Measure configure input pin that you intend to use for fixed tool sensor.

You can select between either Probe 1 or Probe 2 option. It doesn’t matter which one you choose, just make sure that you use input number to which your fixed sensor is connected to.

Input pin is selected from drop down menu:

Now that your sensor is connected and its input configured, it is best to activate sensor by hand to check if everything is functioning OK. Jog your machine (it can be in any direction) and see if machine stops when you activate sensor. Please note, that sensor dedicated input LED will be ON only when input is activated. If you use normally closed switch for your movable sensor, make sure that you invert its input under File/Settings/Input&Output.

Under IO tab of main display check if input is activated correctly.


Now move machine to position where fixed sensor is mounted. Make sure that tool is right above the center of fixed tool sensor or in case that you use micro switch, above the lever.

Write down Machine coordinates of X and Y axis. These values will be used for configuration of sensors X and Y axis position:

Jog Z axis towards the sensor. When sensor is activated, write down Machine coordinate of Z axis. This value will be used for configuration of sensor Z axis position:

Note that it is very important what kind of tool is used when obtaining Z axis position value, because all future tool measurements will be dependent on this value. That is why we call this tool also a default tool. Default tool should not be too long or too short. It should be some normal length.

Signs that your default tool was not suitable are usually Z axis plunging into machine table or Z axis activating limit switch after tool offset measurement.


Under File/Settings/Program Options/Offsets/Tool Offset/Measure Length, insert values that you previously wrote down for Sensor Position X,Y and Z:

Speed & Low:
Speed and Low are speed values of first and second tool offset measurement moves (only Z axis).

First reference move will be performed at Speed value. After fixed tool sensor is activated, machine retracts for switch click distance and starts with the second measurement move, but this time at Low speed value. Make sure that Speed value is not set too high to the point where fixed tool sensor, tool or machine could get damaged. Low value should be significantly lower that Speed value.

Safe Height:
After both tool offset measurement moves are finished, machine will ascend to Safe Height value and return to previous position.

Switch Click Distance:
This is the distance from the point where fixed tool sensor is activated and to the point when it is deactivated.

Measuring tool offset procedure

Tool offset measure procedure can be executed via menu item Machine/Tool Offset/Measure Length or with left toolbar button(ruler and tool icon).

Default sequence of Tool Offset Measure procedure

  • Machine will ascend to safe height at current machine position and move to fixed sensors XY position.
  • Machine will descend towards fixed tool sensor with Speed value and when sensor gets activated, Z axis will retract for Switch Click Distance and measure tool offset again at Low speed value. Machine will stop and ascend to safe height.
  • Software will set new tool offset value
  • Machine will return back to XYZ position
kb/tutorials/basic/how_to_configure_and_use_fixed_tool_sensor.txt · Last modified: 2024/09/12 15:26 by planetcnc

Page Tools