Changing the Output Point

An option for changing the tool output point is available for:

• Recessing, Ramping Recessing, Grooving, and Groove Finishing operations using grooving tools or inserts
• certain Threading operations using threading tools or inserts.

When Change Output Point is set the tool output point is changed automatically during the operation according to the profile geometry to be machined. 

For Grooving and Groove Finishing operations, tool output point changes are made out of the profile. 

For Recessing operations, tool output point changes are made before each tool motion involving machining (that is, after each plunge). However, changes are only done:

• if machining is consistent with the selected tool output point
• if another output point is defined on the tool so that the tool output point change can be made.

Otherwise, the tool output point will not be changed. 

Example of Groove Finishing

The following figure illustrates tool output point changes in a Groove Finishing operation that uses a grooving tool. In this example, at the start of operation the tool output point is P9. 

If the first flank to machine is flank 1, the tool motion is as follows:

• approach and lead-in motion to flank 1
• machine down flank 1
• lift-off from part profile
• tool output point change: tool output point is P9R
• approach and lead-in motion to flank 2
• machine down flank 2
• lift-off to Exit Point
• tool output point change: tool output point is P9 (as at start of operation).

If the first flank to machine was flank 2, the tool motion would be as follows:

• tool output point change: tool output point is P9R
• approach and lead-in motion to flank 2
• machine down flank 2
• lift-off from part profile
• tool output point change: tool output point is P9 and the guiding point is LEFT
• approach and lead-in motion to flank 1
• machine down flank 1
• lift-off to Exit Point.

If P9 is the tool output point and if the output point P9R is defined on the tool, the output point change is only done for grooving tools.

The tool output point at the end of operation is the same as at the start of operation.

Example of Recessing

The figure below illustrates a Recessing operation when a round insert is used. The tool output point changes during an operation only if the output point at the start of operation is P2, P3 or P9 for a frontal recess or P3, P4 or P9 for an external recess.

The tool output point is dependent on the machine axis system.