The tool alignment point is the reference point used to determine the position of the workpiece coordinate system in the machine coordinate system after the workpiece is aligned and clamped on the machine tool.

The tool setting point can be selected on the workpiece or on the clamping positioning component, but there must be an accurate, reasonable, and simple positional correspondence between the tool setting point and the workpiece coordinate point, which is convenient for calculating the position of the workpiece coordinate point on the machine tool (the machine tool coordinate of the workpiece coordinate point). It is best to align the tool point with the workpiece coordinate point.

Tool change point: the machining center has a tool magazine and Automatic tool changer, which can automatically change tools according to the needs of the program. The tool change point should be at a position where there is no collision or interference between the workpiece, fixture, tool, and machine tool during tool change, and the tool change point of the machining center is often fixed.

Knife setting method:

Horizontal tool alignment (x, y coordinates):

(1) Lever dial indicator tool setting: the tool setting point is the center of the cylindrical hole;

(2) Using edge finder for tool alignment: circular holes or reference edges

(3) Use a knife collision or trial cutting method to align the knife.

Z-axis tool alignment (z-coordinate):

(1) On machine tool alignment: Use a z-direction setter for tool alignment.

(2) Pre adjustment of external cutting tools and on machine tool alignment.

(3) External tool setting instrument: Measure the diameter, length, blade shape, and angle of the tool.

(4) The Problem of Tool Alignment in Multi station Processing of Horizontal Machining Centers