Fundamentals
2
2.1 Fundamental Geometrical Principles
2.1.1 Workpiece positions
2.1.1.1 Reference system of position specifications
In order that the machine or the control can work with the positions specified in the NC program,
these position specifications have to be made in a reference system that can be transferred to
the directions of motion of the machine axes. Cartesian (i.e. clockwise, perpendicular)
coordinate systems in accordance with DIN 66217 are used as workpiece coordinate system
for machine tools.
The workpiece zero (W) is the origin of the workpiece coordinate system.
2.1.1.2 Cartesian coordinates
The axes in the coordinate system are assigned dimensions. In this way, it is possible to clearly
describe every point in the coordinate system, and therefore every workpiece position based
on the direction (X, Y and Z) and three numerical values. The workpiece zero always has the
coordinates X0, Y0 and Z0.
NC programming
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