Difference between revisions of "Dragon A400 Side Offsets Calibration"

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'''Dragon A400 Side Offsets Calibration'''
 
'''Dragon A400 Side Offsets Calibration'''
  
''This calibration is meant for Dragon A400 users experiencing differences in cutting height due to warped or imperfect square and rectangular tubing.''
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'''This calibration is no longer in its testing phase and is ready for use in Dragon A400 version 1.07.13.'''
  
'''1.''' If you require a way to calibrate your warped or imperfect tubing, the option is here for you located in the '''Tube/Pipe Library''' under the '''Advanced''' tab.
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''This calibration is meant for Dragon A400 users experiencing differences in cutting height and side to side offsets due to front gate centering issues while running '''square and rectangular tubing only.'''''
 +
 
 +
__NOTOC__
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==='''1.'''===
 +
If you require a way to calibrate your torch height on all sides based on your tubing, the option is here for you located in the '''Tube/Pipe Library''' under the '''Advanced''' tab. You will have to select a square or rectangular tubing from the material list in order to change to the Advanced tab.
  
  
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[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib2.png]]
 
[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib2.png]]
  
 
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==='''2.'''===
'''2.''' In the '''Advanced''' tab, select the '''Calibration''' option under the Side Offsets section at the bottom of the window.
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In the '''Advanced''' tab, select the '''Calibrate''' option under the Side Offsets section at the bottom of the window.
  
  
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'''3.''' The first screen is available to '''Disable''' any previously entered material side offsets (as an option) before continuing with the calibration. click '''Next''' to start the calibration process.
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==='''3.'''===
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The first screen is available to '''Disable''' any previously entered material side offsets (as an option) before continuing with the calibration. click '''Next''' to start the calibration process.
  
  
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'''4.''' The calibration window will appear and instruct you to make sure your machine has been powered '''off''' before continuing. You are free to move the chuck trolley manually to the front most position to accommodate a shorter length of tubing. '''IMPORTANT: Make sure the front gate is positioned to its HOME position before continuing.'''  
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==='''4.'''===
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On this screen, you will be prompted to select your machine (usually named Factory Calibrated Machine or for its serial number) before continuing. Once the proper machine is selected, click the '''Next''' button.
  
 +
[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib4(1).png]]
  
[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib5.png]][[File:Side_Offsets_Calib5a.png]]
 
  
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==='''5.'''===
 +
Now, ensure that your machine is turned on and click the '''Start Mach''' button on the screen to turn on the Mach 3 software, or, in the case that it is already turned on, the calibration screen will acknowledge this and continue to the next step in the calibration process.
  
'''5.''' Obtain a dial indicator for the following steps. Proceed by placing the dial indicator on a surface that is considered '''constant''' (like the machine's beak/part catcher) and then set the indicator as shown in the picture and '''zero''' it out to start.
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[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib4(2).png]]
  
 +
 +
==='''6.'''===
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The calibration window will appear and instruct you to home your machine before continuing. Once it is completely home, the green lettering will disappear and you are free to click the '''Next''' button.  '''IMPORTANT: Make sure the front gate is positioned to its HOME position before continuing.'''
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 +
 +
[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib5(1).png]][[File:Side_Offsets_Calib5a.png]]
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 +
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==='''7.'''===
 +
Now, you will be prompted to indicate the length of the tubing by entering it into the provided value field, then click the '''Begin Load''' button to bring the chuck trolley to its load position for this length tube. Proceed to load the material and click the '''Next''' button once you've done so.
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 +
 +
[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib5.png]]
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 +
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==='''8.'''===
 +
Obtain a feeler gauge for the following steps. For our purposes, we will refer to this top side of the material as '''(Side A)'''. Select the '''Move Torch''' button in this window and proceed to using the feeler gauge to judge the exact height of the torch tip from the top dead center of the material's surface. Indicate the gap distance in the value field provided and select the '''Next''' button.
 +
 +
The torch should now raise and the chuck will rotate exactly 90 degrees for use on the next step.
  
 
[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib6.png]]
 
[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib6.png]]
  
  
'''6.''' In this step you will rotate the tube 90 degrees as shown in the picture making sure not to move the dial indicator and take a new reading on this next face of the tubing. The reading should be entered into the value field below. (This can be a positive or negative value).
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==='''9.'''===
 +
In this step the gate should be rotated to the orientation shown in the picture (90 degrees from home). You will then take a new reading with the feeler gauge on this next face of the tubing '''(Side B)'''. The reading should be entered into the value field below. Then, click the '''Next''' button.
  
 +
The torch should now raise and the chuck will rotate exactly 90 degrees for use on the next step.
  
 
[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib7.png]]
 
[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib7.png]]
  
  
'''7.''' Rotate the tubing an additional 90 degrees (180 from home now) and take another reading from the dial indicator on side 3 of the tubing. The reading should be entered into the value field below. (This can be a positive or negative value).
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==='''10.'''===
 
+
180 degrees from home now you will take another reading from side 3 of the tubing '''(Side C)'''. The reading should be entered into the value field below. Then, click the '''Next''' button.
  
 +
The torch should now raise and the chuck will rotate exactly 90 degrees for use on the next step.
  
 
[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib8.png]]
 
[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib8.png]]
  
  
'''8.'''  
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==='''11.'''===
 +
270 degrees from home now you will take a final feeler gauge reading and input the distance once again for '''(Side D)'''. Then, click the '''Next''' button.
  
 +
The torch should now raise and the chuck will rotate exactly 90 degrees for use on the next step.
  
 
[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib9.png]]
 
[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib9.png]]
 +
 +
 +
==='''12.'''===
 +
Now, the machine will cut 4 holes, (one on each side of the tubing) while using the new gap readings you've just entered along with the '''heights, feed rate and hole size''' you indicate in the value fields on this screen. We suggest a hole size that will not come in close proximity to the corner radius of your material. Click the '''Run''' button when you are ready to cut out the holes and click the '''Next''' button to proceed to the measuring steps on the next pages.
 +
 +
[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib9(1).png]]
 +
 +
 +
==='''13'''===
 +
Now, with the gate rotated to its '''home position''' once again '''(Side A)''' grab a micrometer, or tool gauging to a similar level of precision for use in the next steps.
 +
 +
==='''14.'''===
 +
On this screen, take precise measurements from the outside edges of the tube to the outside edges on the hole for '''Side A'''. ''This side will be the side without any additional notches cut into it.'' The readings should be entered into the value fields below according to the image on the screen.
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 +
Then, click the '''Next''' button.
 +
  
 
[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib10.png]]
 
[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib10.png]]
 +
 +
==='''15.'''===
 +
On this screen, take precise measurements from the outside edges of the tube to the outside edges on the hole for '''Side B'''. ''This side will be the side with 1 additional notch cut into it.'' The readings should be entered into the value fields below according to the image on the screen.
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 +
Then, click the '''Next''' button.
 +
  
 
[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib11.png]]
 
[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib11.png]]
 +
 +
==='''16.'''===
 +
On this screen, take precise measurements from the outside edges of the tube to the outside edges on the hole for '''Side C'''. ''This side will be the side with 2 additional notches cut into it.'' The readings should be entered into the value fields below according to the image on the screen.
 +
 +
Then, click the '''Next''' button.
 +
  
 
[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib12.png]]
 
[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib12.png]]
 +
 +
==='''17.'''===
 +
On this screen, take precise measurements from the outside edges of the tube to the outside edges on the hole for '''Side D'''. ''This side will be the side with 3 additional notches cut into it.'' The readings should be entered into the value fields below according to the image on the screen.
 +
 +
 +
Then, click the '''Next''' button.
  
 
[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib13.png]]
 
[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib13.png]]
 +
 +
==='''18.'''===
 +
The measurements taken in the entirety of this calibration should appear on this screen. Here, you will have the options to '''Verify''' your work, '''Go Back''' to redo anything you feel you have done incorrectly, or '''Finish''' to complete the calibration.
  
 
[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib14.png]]
 
[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib14.png]]
 +
 +
'''Your new Side Offsets will be entered into your Advanced tab in the [[Dragon Material Settings|Tube/Pipe Library]].'''
 +
 +
'''Make sure to save your progress on this screen for use in your jobs including this material.'''
  
 
[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib15.png]]
 
[[File:Side_Offsets_Calib15.png]]
 +
 +
'''If you'd like to apply these offsets to another material, you're free to do so as a baseline set of values, but it may not be optimized as much as it is for this particular material.'''

Latest revision as of 14:10, 20 November 2017

Dragon A400 Side Offsets Calibration

This calibration is no longer in its testing phase and is ready for use in Dragon A400 version 1.07.13.

This calibration is meant for Dragon A400 users experiencing differences in cutting height and side to side offsets due to front gate centering issues while running square and rectangular tubing only.


1.

If you require a way to calibrate your torch height on all sides based on your tubing, the option is here for you located in the Tube/Pipe Library under the Advanced tab. You will have to select a square or rectangular tubing from the material list in order to change to the Advanced tab.


Side Offsets Calib1.png

Side Offsets Calib2.png

2.

In the Advanced tab, select the Calibrate option under the Side Offsets section at the bottom of the window.


Side Offsets Calib3.png


3.

The first screen is available to Disable any previously entered material side offsets (as an option) before continuing with the calibration. click Next to start the calibration process.


Side Offsets Calib4.png


4.

On this screen, you will be prompted to select your machine (usually named Factory Calibrated Machine or for its serial number) before continuing. Once the proper machine is selected, click the Next button.

Side Offsets Calib4(1).png


5.

Now, ensure that your machine is turned on and click the Start Mach button on the screen to turn on the Mach 3 software, or, in the case that it is already turned on, the calibration screen will acknowledge this and continue to the next step in the calibration process.

Side Offsets Calib4(2).png


6.

The calibration window will appear and instruct you to home your machine before continuing. Once it is completely home, the green lettering will disappear and you are free to click the Next button. IMPORTANT: Make sure the front gate is positioned to its HOME position before continuing.


Side Offsets Calib5(1).pngSide Offsets Calib5a.png


7.

Now, you will be prompted to indicate the length of the tubing by entering it into the provided value field, then click the Begin Load button to bring the chuck trolley to its load position for this length tube. Proceed to load the material and click the Next button once you've done so.


Side Offsets Calib5.png


8.

Obtain a feeler gauge for the following steps. For our purposes, we will refer to this top side of the material as (Side A). Select the Move Torch button in this window and proceed to using the feeler gauge to judge the exact height of the torch tip from the top dead center of the material's surface. Indicate the gap distance in the value field provided and select the Next button.

The torch should now raise and the chuck will rotate exactly 90 degrees for use on the next step.

Side Offsets Calib6.png


9.

In this step the gate should be rotated to the orientation shown in the picture (90 degrees from home). You will then take a new reading with the feeler gauge on this next face of the tubing (Side B). The reading should be entered into the value field below. Then, click the Next button.

The torch should now raise and the chuck will rotate exactly 90 degrees for use on the next step.

Side Offsets Calib7.png


10.

180 degrees from home now you will take another reading from side 3 of the tubing (Side C). The reading should be entered into the value field below. Then, click the Next button.

The torch should now raise and the chuck will rotate exactly 90 degrees for use on the next step.

Side Offsets Calib8.png


11.

270 degrees from home now you will take a final feeler gauge reading and input the distance once again for (Side D). Then, click the Next button.

The torch should now raise and the chuck will rotate exactly 90 degrees for use on the next step.

Side Offsets Calib9.png


12.

Now, the machine will cut 4 holes, (one on each side of the tubing) while using the new gap readings you've just entered along with the heights, feed rate and hole size you indicate in the value fields on this screen. We suggest a hole size that will not come in close proximity to the corner radius of your material. Click the Run button when you are ready to cut out the holes and click the Next button to proceed to the measuring steps on the next pages.

Side Offsets Calib9(1).png


13

Now, with the gate rotated to its home position once again (Side A) grab a micrometer, or tool gauging to a similar level of precision for use in the next steps.

14.

On this screen, take precise measurements from the outside edges of the tube to the outside edges on the hole for Side A. This side will be the side without any additional notches cut into it. The readings should be entered into the value fields below according to the image on the screen.

Then, click the Next button.


Side Offsets Calib10.png

15.

On this screen, take precise measurements from the outside edges of the tube to the outside edges on the hole for Side B. This side will be the side with 1 additional notch cut into it. The readings should be entered into the value fields below according to the image on the screen.

Then, click the Next button.


Side Offsets Calib11.png

16.

On this screen, take precise measurements from the outside edges of the tube to the outside edges on the hole for Side C. This side will be the side with 2 additional notches cut into it. The readings should be entered into the value fields below according to the image on the screen.

Then, click the Next button.


Side Offsets Calib12.png

17.

On this screen, take precise measurements from the outside edges of the tube to the outside edges on the hole for Side D. This side will be the side with 3 additional notches cut into it. The readings should be entered into the value fields below according to the image on the screen.


Then, click the Next button.

Side Offsets Calib13.png

18.

The measurements taken in the entirety of this calibration should appear on this screen. Here, you will have the options to Verify your work, Go Back to redo anything you feel you have done incorrectly, or Finish to complete the calibration.

Side Offsets Calib14.png

Your new Side Offsets will be entered into your Advanced tab in the Tube/Pipe Library.

Make sure to save your progress on this screen for use in your jobs including this material.

Side Offsets Calib15.png

If you'd like to apply these offsets to another material, you're free to do so as a baseline set of values, but it may not be optimized as much as it is for this particular material.