Skip to content

Weeke Machining Center Calibration (MCC)

This module is a description of the�basic�necessary steps when calibrating a Weeke Machining Center with MCC and�does not�contain specifics about each machine model or configuration.

Pre-requisite: It is highly recommended that before executing this procedure that a Stiles Education faculty member or a Stiles Field Service Representative (FSR) demonstrate the steps.

CAUTION: Prior to performing any of the following procedures, ensure personnel read and follow all safety recommendations and other procedures provided by the Homag machine operations manual.

It is highly advisable to create a current set of Ghost CD’s of the C and D drives prior to making any software changes!

Absolute Encoders – No Reference Program
Required Procedures

mcc calibration -26Step 1: Check machine being level. 

Using a machinist level, place the level above the leveling pads, on the THK rails. Do this on the X and Y axis. Correct the machine level if necessary. Verify the anchor bolts are tight for machines that have been anchored.

MCC calibration -01MCC calibration -02Step 2: Check alignment of the rear fence pins by using a dial indicator.

Adjust the pins so they form a straight line with the pin in the machine zero corner.

The rear fence pins can be adjusted slightly by loosening the 4 bolts holding the pin assembly to the machine bed and then loosen or tighten the adjustment bolts at the front and rear of the assembly. Tighten the 4 assembly bolts and check the pin alignment again.

Note: this is just one example of the fence pin construction. Do this for each rear fence pin assembly along the X axis of the machine.

Step 3: Run a calibration program in field 1 using the Main Router.

MCC calibration -03Verify the tool database has accurate values of length and radius for the desired calibration tool.

Verify the panel thickness in WoodWOP is as close to actual panel thickness nearest to the Field 1 zero point.

Program the distance of the dado in the X, Y direction and Z Dimension of the router tool.

NC generation creates this program for Field 1 and the machine will process the program creating the desired router contour. Measure the distance from the X zero and Y zero, record these values and calculate the error from the program geometry.

If the program X value is 50 mm and the actual contour is located at 51 mm, the router has moved 1 mm too far from Field 1. Change the X axis reference value +1 mm to correct for this error. Do the same for the Y and Z axis values, then retest.

Continue to test and make changes until the X, Y and Z Reference is processing at the desired accuracy, usually <.1 mm error.


Step 4: Correct the X, Y and Z Reference values. Within Desktop, Open Weeke BHC, Open the DriveTop program.

MCC calibration -17

Step 5: Once the Indramat drives have been scanned, select the desired axis.

MCC calibration -18

Step 6: Select Homing/set absolute Measurement and then Motor Encoder.

MCC calibration -19

Step 7: The Reference values for the selected axis will display here:

MCC calibration -20

After the tool location accuracy has been verified and there is a value error, add or subtract this value from the Reference Distance to correct the error. Example: Router test cut has an error of +.2 millimeters, subtract this value from the Ref. Distance.

NOTE: When changes are made in this data box for calibration values, enter the number ensuring the use of a comma when typing in the new value. After the data is saved, the comma will change to a decimal point.

MCC calibration -21

Step 8: Make the required changes for each axis using the same guidelines and then Exit out of this display.

The data will automatically be saved to the drive parameters. Run the test program again and verify the main router is in the correct location.

Step 9: At this point perform the router test again to verify the router location is correctly calibrated.

Make the required changes until the router is cutting within .1 mm of the design geometry.

Step 10: Adjust each tooling function (vertical drills, saw, etc…) using the X, Y, and Z axis values contained within each tool data page.

Select View from the Main Menu and open the tab Unit. Change the values for the X, Y and Z offsets as necessary, Save using the F7 check box.

MCC calibration -22

Step 11: Perform a test operation for each machining function available on your machine: vertical boring, all directions of the horizontal boring aggregates and the grooving saw.

MCC calibration -23Horizontal boring data pageMCC calibration -24Grooving saw data pageMCC calibration -27

Step 12: After all the tooling functions have been calibrated in the machine zero corner, drill a test hole in the panel in the other fields of your machine.

Step 13: Adjust the field locations in the X axis and Y axis, using the PZV display function.

Change the values, and Save. Verify the results for each Field

MCC calibration -28MCC calibration -29

Step 12: At this time you should be satisfied with the machine processing in all the applicable machine Fields and the calibration of each tooling function.

Step 13: Make a new set of Ghost disks (C and D drives only) and store the CD’s in a safe location.

 

In review, follow this simple order of progression:

  1. Follow the safety rules and related recommendations stated in the machine manual.
  2. Make a current set of Ghost CD’s (C and D drives only).
  3. Level the machine, if the machine has anchor bolts, verify bolts are tight and check level one more time.
  4. Align the of rear fence pins. If your machine has Front Fence Pins, these must be verified also.
  5. Correct the main router utilizing (DriveTop) X, Y and Z motor encoder values.
  6. Save data and verify the position of the main router has been corrected, repeat if necessary.
  7. Calibrate all other tools. MCC/WZ_DBE/View/Unit i. After changes have been made to the Unit data boxes, remember to click the F7 icon.
  8. Calibrate all other fields. PZV program option. i. After changes have been made to the PZV Fields, remember to click Save. 9. Make new set of Ghost CD’s (C and D drives only).

 


Next Step

Stiles Education provides calibration information and guidance in further detail in our MC502 Weeke Maintenance and Troubleshooting class.

For information regarding Stiles Education courses or to register for classes, call 616.698.7500 ext 1237

Source: Phillip Rasey, Stiles Education’s Weeke CNC Specialist | November 2007