To successfully square an HD series machine, you will need the following tools: Dial Indicator Machine Square Allen Keys Background: 1 st we align the square parallel to the Y-axis of travel so the X-axis is the only axis we will need to adjust. By lining the square up along the Y-axis, we can see and fix deviations that develop in the X-axis through manipulation or movement of the gantry. 1. Place the machine square on the process table of the machine. Orient the long side with the Y-axis and the short side with the X-axis. [1]
2. Using the appropriate collet, insert the dial indicator into the spindle and begin to move the spindle to the left side of the square. WARNING: It is recommended to unplug the spindle in case you accidentally depress the spindle on button. [2]
3. Using step mode, move the dial indicator to touch the left side of the square near the front. Rotate the spindle by hand to find the high point of the indicator. Zero the indicator or take note of the reading on the indicator. [3]
4. Now move the spindle down the Y-axis, along the edge of the machine square. You will notice that the dial indicator will move depending on whether or not the square is properly aligned. [4]
5. When the dial indicator is at the end of the edge of the square, you will need to move the square so that the indicator reads zero, or whatever reading was at the front. 6. Repeat this process going up and down the Y-axis as needed until both the front and rear of the square read the same on the dial indicator. Once this is done, you have now prepared the square for reading the alignment on the X-axis. 7. Align the spindle and dial indicator on the front edge of the square on the left hand side. Touch the edge with the dial indicator and zero the dial. Again rotate the spindle by hand to find the high point of the indicator. [5]
8. Move the indicator across the front of the square in the X-axis. When you get to the edge of the square, stop and note the reading on the indicator. This is the offset between the gantry uprights and therefore how out of square your machine is. [6]
9. To fix this offset, you will need to mechanically move the machine. To do so you must loosen a series of screws to correctly remedy the problem. 10. First remove the covers as indicated by your machine model: HD Mini: [7]
HD Series: [8]
11. You will need to loosen the screws holding the X-axis to these uprights in order to successfully square the machine. Please note the locations of these screws. HD Mini: [9]
HD Series: [10]
[11]
12. Loosen these screws, but keep at least one snug on the left side, this will act as a pivot point in squaring. 13. Now using your hand, push or pull the right side of the gantry to attempt to bring the dial indicator to its zero position. [12]
14. Once the zero has been found, tighten all the screws to correctly set the square of the machine. 15. Run the dial indicator back and forth across the front edge of the square to confirm. 16. You may need to repeat this procedure several times to bring the axis square around with a combination of pushing and pulling both sides to correctly square the machine. NOTE: Using a small rubber mallet to light tap the axis may help with the fine adjustment in the axis movement. This procedure may take several attempts to get it in place. 17. When finished, replace the side covers and make sure everything is tight. NOTE: Another way to check if the machine is square cut a large square and measure diagonally across the corners. They should match dimensionally. [13]