Add an Extra Axis - the Easy Way

Many machine shops recognise that a rotary 4th axis is not just for cylindrical parts but can return massive benefits in terms of cycle time savings, reduced setup times and component quality for those multi-sided parts where more than one setup/operation would otherwise be necessary on a conventional three axis machine. Building on the success of their rotary table range, Haas engineers ensured that from the very first Haas mill, the capability for full 4th axis machine would be available as an optional extra, but it would also be a quick and easy setup that in most cases the operator would be able to complete.

Where your Haas machine already has the optional 4th axis drive installed already connecting a Haas 4th axis could not be easier using Setting 30 where Haas store all the parameters for all of their rotary models. Once the rotary is connected using the procedure in the Haas manual, the operator selects his model from the list and the Haas control will automatically retrieve the data and store in the correct parameters – making the Haas 4th axis units a truly ‘Plug & Play’ option. 

For programming simplicity the Haas control needs the bare minimum of code for common operations such as drilling a hole on each face of a 6 sided component, for example;

T01 M06 (CALL DRILL);
G0 G90 G54 X0. Y0. A0. S5000 M03;
G43 H1 Z50. M08;
G81 Z-10. F500. G98 (CALL CYCLE & DRILL ONE HOLE);
G91 A60. L5 (REPEAT CYCLE 5 TIMES AT 60 DEGREE INTERVALS);
G0 G90 G80 Z50.;
G28 G91 Y0. Z0.;
M30;

Further user friendly features include G107 Cylindrical Mapping covered in a previous email (2nd October 2009) or for milling applications use Setting 34 to store the 4th axis diameter, this is very important since all programmed feedrates are in mm/min. which is a linear measurement, however when the correct diameter is entered into Setting 34 the Haas control will calculate the angular feedrate using the diameter and the linear program rate and hence coordinate the 4th axis to move at the correct speed to achieve the required linear feed from the program. 

Specific instructions are enclosed within the Haas manual, please consult the manual first for further information or call the Haas Service Dept. for assistance.