The concept of tool radius compensation is just like using tool length compensation in programming, basically without considering the length of the tool. Because of the tool radius compensation, we can not consider too much tool diameter when programming. Tool length compensation is applicable to all tools, while tool radius compensation is generally only used for milling cutters. When the milling cutter processes the outer or inner generalization of the workpiece, the cutter radius compensation is used, and when the end face milling cutter is used to process the end face of the workpiece, only the cutter length compensation is required. Since tool radius compensation is a relatively difficult instruction to understand and use, many people refuse to use it in programming. But once we understand and master it, using it will bring great convenience to our programming and processing.
When the programmer prepares a program for machining the shape of a cnc machined workpiece with a milling cutter, first of all, it is necessary to perform a detailed calculation of the coordinate value according to the shape of the workpiece and the radius of the tool to clarify the path the tool center takes. The radius of the tool used at the moment is only the radius value of the milling cutter. After painstakingly programming, it is found that this milling cutter is not suitable for changing to other diameters. The programmer has to work hard to calculate the center of the tool from the beginning. The coordinate value of the path taken. This is not too big a problem for a simple workpiece, and it is simply too difficult to calculate from scratch for a messy-shaped mold.
The contour machining of a workpiece is divided into rough machining and finishing, so that the rough machining is completed after the rough machining program is compiled. Due to the rough machining, the workpiece dimensions have changed, and then the coordinate value of the tool center of the finishing machining needs to be calculated, and the workload is even greater. At this moment, if tool radius compensation is used, these troubles are easily solved. We can ignore the tool radius, and program according to the size of the workpiece, and then put the cnc machining tool radius as radius compensation in the radius compensation register. Whether it is temporary replacement of the milling cutter or rough finishing, we only need to change the tool radius compensation value to be able to control the size of the workpiece. Basically, it is not used for a little correction of the program.