Bridgeport Heidenhain CNC Mill
Programming & Operating Instructions

Chapter 8
Running Programs

Transfering programs into the "run" buffer

1. Press the program run-continuous key.
2. Press the Program Number   key to display the directory of programs resident in the controller's memory.
   
3. Choose the program you wish to run by either using the cursor keys or by entering the number of the program using the numeric key pad.  Press the Enter   key.

Dry running programs

1. Press the Dry Run   key to check out program for syntax errors, math errors, and axis limit interferences without actually moving and axes.
   
   The program will run until an error, a dwell, or a tool change command is encountered.
2. When a dwell (G38) or tool change is encountered, press the NO ENT   key to cause the program to continue its run.
   
3. When a syntax or programming error is encountered, an error message will be displayed.    Most messages are self-explanatory.   If you don't understand the message, refer to the error message section of the Heidenhain Operating Manual.
   
4. Ultimately, if no errors are encountered, the CRT will redisplay the first block of the program.

Going for broke

1. Clean, stone, and wipe down the table.
   
2. Clean, stone, and wipe down the vise, quick mount base plate, or workpiece thoroughly.
   
3. Mount the vise, quick mount base or workpiece on the table and clamp securely. 
   
4. Indicate in the vise's fixed jaw or the quick mount base plate to within 0.001" runout.
   
5. If using the quick mount system, clean, stone (as appropriate), and wipe down the carrier (top) plate.  Secure the carrier plate to the base plate using two ball locks.  Tighten the Allen screws securely.
   
6. If this is not a production run of a proven part (i.e., it is a test of a student generated program), do not install any cutters into the spindle.
   
7. Note where all clamps, if used, are located. Make sure the program will not send the cutter into the clamps.   If necessary, relocate the clamps or modify the program.
   
8. "Float" the X-Y origin to the desired location using an edge finder or dial indicator as described in Chapter 2.
   
9. Mount the cutters in their holders and set the tool length offsets as described in Chapter 7.

Precautions

Run the program through twice without cutters installed to see if it looks like everything is going where its supposed to go.

1. The first time through use the single block mode. Press the RUN SINGLE BLOCK   key.
2. Second time through use the continuous run mode. Press the RUN CONTINUOUS   key.

• Note the dial reading on the knee dial. Drop the knee down a sufficient distance so that no cutter will contact the workpiece. Record the distance. Then run the program through in the continuous or single-block mode as you choose. If everything looks OK, then raise the knee back to its former position.
  
• It is always wise to first run a dummy part in wood or machinable wax—just in case an error remains.

3. After running the first genuine workpiece, perform a First Article Inspection Report, measuring each dimension and comparing it to the print dimension and tolerance. Make any necessary adjustments to the program and/or setup. Then run and check another piecepart. Once a good part is obtained, the rest of the run will be just like it.