The Collected Wisdom
of the Haas Answer Man

Look What You Can Do
With a Haas

(early 2005
vol 9 # 32)

Dear Applications:

I notice in the VF-7 operator’s manual that I should be able to put an “H” next to a tool to designate it as heavy. We have the side-mount tool changer on the machine, but the control does not accept the H. Am I doing something wrong? I’m trying to do this on the Tool Offsets page.

Jim Smith
 

Dear Jim:

You have to be on the Tool Pocket Table page in the Offset display to do this – if you try to do it from the page where you enter tool offsets, the control will respond with “Invalid Number.”

Older software will not let you flag the tool currently in the spindle; the tool to be designated has to be in the carousel. The following procedure, however, will work for all software versions.

This should do it. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you still have problems.

Sincerely,
Haas Applications

(early 2005
vol 9 # 32)

Dear Applications:

I have a couple questions. How do you reset the timers (to see how long a cycle takes)? Also, is there a way to take tools out of the carousel without actually doing a tool change? I have a side-mount tool changer on my VF-4.

Dave Winterman
 

Dear Dave:

On the Current Commands screen that displays the timers and the M30 count,
	use the cursor arrows to highlight the timer you want to zero out. Then press ORIGIN. On a Haas VMC, tools must be loaded and unloaded via the spindle, so the machine can manage the tool carousel. This is particularly important with a side-mount tool changer, since tools don’t generally go back into the pocket they came out of (the  Pocket Table in the Offset display keeps track of which tool is where).
Sincerely, Haas Applications

(early 2005
vol 9 # 32)

Dear Applications:

I accidentally pushed the Emergency Stop button during a tool change. Now I have a tool in the T1 pocket (inside the shuttle) as well as tool 1 in the spindle. I restarted the machine and repositioned the XYZ axes home, and the spindle crushed into the tool inside the tool changer. I think there are two options: to retrieve the tool from the tool changer, or tell the machine that the spindle is empty. I’m not sure what to try, though. Can you please help?

Jon Davis
 

Dear Jon:

Press the TOOL CHANGER RESTORE key on the control. You will be prompted by the control, with instructions to restore the tool changer to normal operation. If there is a tool in the spindle, it will most likely need to be removed. If you want to read about the process before you try it, there is a detailed flow chart in your Operator’s manual that describes tool changer recovery.

Sincerely,
Haas Applications

(early 2005
vol 9 # 32)

Dear Applications:

Our current Haas machines have Setting 39, “Beep at M30.” If we were to order a new machine, could we get a similar setting for M00? We would like it to toggle the same way Setting 39 does. Please let us know if this addition is possible. Thank you.

Chris Weber
 

Dear Chris:

You’re not the only customer who has asked that Setting 39 be expanded – so, we’ve done it. In the latest Haas software release (Mill version 13.05; Lathe v. 6.05), turning on Setting 39 causes the control to beep at M00, M01, M02 and M30.

Sincerely,
Haas Applications

Auto Shut Down
(Settings 1 & 2)

(early 2005
vol 9 # 32)

Dear Applications:

Can I program an automatic shut-down on my Haas VMC that will also take the tool out of the spindle?

Andy Bloomington

Dear Andy:

You can use either Setting 1 or Setting 2 to automatically shut down your machine.

1  AUTO POWER OFF TIMER: This is a numeric setting. When it is set to a number other than zero, the machine will automatically be turned off after that many minutes of idle operation. This will not occur while a program is running, nor will it occur while the operator is pressing any keys. The auto-off sequence gives the operator a 15-second warning, and pressing any key will interrupt the sequence.

Sincerely,
Haas Applications

(Summer ’04
vol 8 # 30)

Dear Applications:
      I have access to a Haas HL-2 lathe at the university where I teach, and want to know if the machine is recommended for hard turning applications. We want to hard turn some samples and then run ball burnishing experiments on the machine.
      Conrad Morton

Dear Conrad:
      Haas HL and SL series lathes are very capable of, and well suited for, hard turning applications. Process and tooling may be areas of concern, but the Haas lathe won’t be. Issues that could potentially require special attention – i.e., these could be the source of a problem – include depth of cut, advance per revolution, surface feet (or meters) per minute, insert grade, and programmed path. It’s a good idea to work closely with your tooling supplier to determine the best insert grade and programming path for your part.
      Sincerely,
      Haas Applications

(Summer ’04
vol 8 # 30)

Dear Applications:
      Are there recommended time limits for running at 10,000 rpm? We are running our VF-3, which has a gearbox, for 6-hour cycles three times a day.
      David O’Dwyer

Dear David:
      There are no time limits for running the spindle at 10,000 rpm – even at 100% spindle load, you can easily run it for 6-hour increments three times a day. The main consideration when you run the spindle continuously for long periods of time is letting it warm up and cool down. While the machine will warn you about spindle warm-up, you should also allow a cool-down period. Best-case scenario is to run the spindle at low speed (500 to 1,000 rpm) for a maximum of 20 minutes after completing the job. At the very least, the spindle fan should be allowed to run for 20 minutes before the machine is powered off, which can be done automatically. Setting 1, Auto Power Off Timer, lets you set the number of minutes that the machine will sit idle before it turns itself off.
      Sincerely,
      Haas Applications

(Spring ’04
vol 8 # 29)

Dear Applications:

I’m looking to assign M codes to control air flow through an aftermarket air/oil misting system during machining. I’m using a 1-inch, 2-flute endmill that is run using air instead of flood coolant to cool the inserts and clear chips. This would be like using M88 and M89 to turn through-spindle coolant on and off. Can I do this on a Haas?

     Rob Durham

Dear Rob:
     Yes, Haas machines have a set of user-definable M codes. An optional M code will activate one of the relays, wait for an M-fin signal, release the relay, and again wait for M-fin. (The RESET button will terminate an operation that gets hung up waiting for M-fin.)
     Most Haas machines, including all VF base models, come standard with 5 spare M-function user interfaces (if you have an older machine, you may have only 4). If your spare M functions are already  being used by probes and/or other options, you can purchase an option that provides 8 additional M functions.
     There are a couple of parameters that must be changed in order to assign new M functions. One parameter allows you to select which M-code relay bank to use, and the other one activates the relay bank.  Please call us with your machine’s serial number so that we can determine the values for these parameters.
     You’ll need to contact the manufacturer of your mist system for installation and wiring instructions. Haas Customer Service will be happy to provide any information they may need. TIP: Haas has an auto air gun option, activated by M code, that provides a constant air blast to the cutting tool during dry machining.

     Sincerely,
     Haas Applications

(Winter ’04
vol 8 # 28)

Dear Applications:

    I have a VF-6 50-taper VMC with a 30+1 side-mount tool changer. Is there a way to advance the tool carousel to the next tool while machining? The tools are spaced quite a distance from each other, and it takes too long for tool changes. Thank you.

    Blaine Bowman

Dear Blaine:

    Yes, you can easily speed things up. The Haas CNC control automatically “pre-calls” the next tool – unless your programming format stops it from doing so. If you have an M01 at the end of each tool, the Haas control will not pre-call the next tool without further information. We are going to assume you have an M01 at the end of each tool in your program. Option 1 is simply to remove the M01s from your program. Option 2, if you prefer to keep them, is to program the tool number (Tnn) of the next tool just after a tool change. Here's an example:

    Sincerely,
    Haas Applications

(Summer ’03
vol 7 # 26)

Dear Applications:

     I would like to be able to fine-adjust my feedrate while testing out a program, but the control only has Feed Override buttons of plus or minus 10%. Other CNC machines in my shop have a separate feedrate control knob that can be used to adjust the feed and speed on those machines. Is there some way I can have more control over the Haas machine’s feedrate when running through a program? 
     Troy Smith

Dear Troy:

     If you press the HANDLE CONTROL FEED button, you can then use the jog handle for feedrate overrides. Clockwise motion of the jog handle increases the feedrate in 1% increments (up to 999% on Haas mills and 200% on lathes). Counterclockwise motion reduces feedrate by 1% with each click (down to 0%). The feedrate display will blink while this feature is active. Pressing the HANDLE CONTROL FEED button again will turn this feature off. You can similarly control spindle speed with the jog handle by pressing the HANDLE CONTROL SPINDLE button.
     If you turn on Setting 144, Feed Overide → Spindle, then a feedrate override will affect the spindle speed proportionately. The jog handle will adjust the feed and speed simultaneously, in 1% increments. This is to keep the chip load constant while adjusting the feedrate on a programmed move.
     If you turn on Setting 101, Feed Overide → Rapid, then – you guessed it! – a feedrate override will also proportionately affect rapids, in 1% increments when using the jog handle. 

         Sincerely,
         Haas Applications

(Summer ’03
vol 7 # 26)

Dear Applications:

I work as a mold maker, where I machine complex mold plates with a VF-5. It can take a couple of hours to machine a complex contour with one tool. If I break a tool in the middle of a programmed contour, is there a way I can go back and start in the middle of a tool sequence, where I left off when the tool broke?
     Dan Mitchell

Dear Dan:

You can do this using Setting 36, Program Restart. When this setting is off, it is difficult to start machining from anywhere except the beginning of a program or tool sequence. When it is on, you’re able to start from the middle of a tool sequence. Here’s how:
     With Setting 36 on, cursor onto the program line where you want to begin, and press CYCLE START. First, the entire program will be scanned to ensure that the tools, offsets, G codes, and axis positions are set correctly before starting from the block where the cursor is positioned. Note that some alarm conditions may not be detected prior to motion starting.
     You can leave this setting on all the time if you want, but it might do some things unnecessarily (such as changing a tool or moving the table, and then changing/moving it back) in response to the program scan, so it is recommended that you turn it off when you’re done using it.
     (Note: For a detailed discussion of the Haas run-stop-jog-continue (RSJC) feature, see the Answer Man column in the Winter 2003 issue of CNC Machining.)

    Sincerely,
    Haas Applications

(Summer ’03
vol 7 # 26)

Dear Applications:

I have some trainees that I need to restrict from getting into certain areas of the Haas control. Is there a way to keep them from getting into programs and editing them, or into Parameters and changing them?
     Bill Hall

Dear Bill:

Yes, you can lock out unauthorized users. The Memory Lock Keyswitch (KEY) is a Haas control option that locks certain settings – including those for program memory, offsets and macro variables – and parameters. Since the KEY option locks the Settings, it also allows you to lock areas within the settings: Applying it to Setting 8 locks all programs; Setting 119 locks offsets; Setting 23 locks and hides O09xxx programs; Setting 120 locks macro variables; Setting 7 locks parameters; and Parameters 57, 209 and 278 lock other control features.
     In order to edit or change these areas, the keyswitch (if installed) must be unlocked and the settings described here turned off.
     (Any Mill Control ver. 9.25 and above; any Lathe Control ver. 2.23 and above. This option can be field-installed on 1997 and later Haas mills and lathes).

     Sincerely,
     Haas Applications

(Summer ’03
vol 7 # 26)

Dear Applications:

When I’m down near a part with a tool, is there a quick way to rapid just one axis home? When I press HOME/G28, it rapids all three axes home. I have a VF-8, which wastes time if I send the X axis all the way to the left when all I want is to rapid the Z-axis home, or the Y and Z axes but not X.
    Jason Scott

Dear Jason:

As you noted, the HOME/G28 key will rapid all axes to machine zero. Yes, you can also rapid just one axis (X, Y, Z, A or B) to machine zero. Enter the letter X, Y, Z, A or B, and then press HOME/G28 and that axis alone will rapid home.
     (Any Mill Control ver. 9.49 and above; any Lathe Control ver. 2.24 and above.)

     Sincerely,
     Haas Applications

(Spring ’03
vol 7 # 25)

Dear Applications:

I’m wondering if there’s a faster way to do tool changes on my Haas VF-2. Here’s the sequence I’m using:

M05
M09
G91 G28 G00 Z0.0 M19
M06

Is this the best way to do it?
     Brian Sandstrom

Dear Brian:

Actually, all you have to do is program an M06, and the Haas control will take care of everything else. When the Haas CNC reads “M06,” it will:

1)  retract the Z axis to the tool change position;
2)  stop the spindle;
3)  orient the spindle;
4)  turn off the coolant; and
5)  change the tool

     Presto change-o! It’s not quite magic, but it is faster.
     TIP: For super-fast tool changes on a VF-2, check out the new Haas VF-2SS, a high-speed machine with a tool-to-tool change time of 1.6 seconds, a 12,000-rpm spindle and 1400-ipm rapids.

     Sincerely,
     Haas Applications

(Spring ’03
vol 7 # 25)

Dear Applications:

On my SL-20 lathe, I have used the jog handle to control feedrate overrides, but I would like to control dry run feedrates too. It would make this machine a lot easier and safer to dry run, especially when tooling is close to the chuck. How can I do this?
     Richard Beever

Dear Richard:

The Graphics mode is the safest way to check a programmed tool path. You could also try using the handle feed override while in Memory mode; this is useful when setting up a job where the tool comes close to the chuck (within a couple thou’). Single-block through the program and override the feed to a stop if you want, then check your “distance to go” on the Current Commands page. You can feed hold and stop the spindle to make sure the distance to go doesn’t exceed the gap between the tool and the chuck jaws. This method is better than using Dry Run, because you can slow the feed down to 1% (or 0%) and react quicker if it looks like the tool will cut into the face of the jaws. To review:

1) Run the program in Graphics to check the tool path.

2) Run the program in Memory, with rapid override at 5%, and use the jog handle for feedrate override. Use the “distance to go” display on the Current Commands page to compare tool position relative to the workpiece (the spindle may be stopped at any time to check the gap).

3) This is also a good time to make sure other tools and index points clear the workpiece, chuck and tailstock.

Another alternative is to turn on Setting 103, so that the Cycle Start and Feed Hold functions are both controlled by the CYCLE START button. Hold the button in and the program runs; release it and the machine stops in a feed hold. This is a very useful setting, but remember to turn it off when you’re through using it.

     Sincerely,
     Haas Applications

• • •
 

(Winter ’03
vol 7 # 24)

Dear Applications:

Is it possible to enlarge the image on the Graphics display to show more detail when it is running through a program?

     Jose Cruz

Dear Jose:

Yes, you can zoom in on the graphic image to enlarge the section that you’re interested in (the graphics will also appear to run more slowly when enlarged). To do this, first run the program in Graphics, then press F2 and the PAGE DOWN and arrow keys to select the tool path portion you want enlarged. Press WRITE/ENTER to accept the zoom view, and CYCLE START to run the program again. You’ll have a much better view of the area you selected.
     You can also use the SINGLE BLOCK key to step through the program line by line, whether in zoom mode or overview. Press SINGLE BLOCK, then F3 (to display axis positions), then F4 (to display the program G code). Now, each press of the CYCLE START button will run one line of the program.
     If Setting 104 (Jog Handle to Single Block) is turned on and you press SINGLE BLOCK, then each counterclockwise click of the jog handle will execute one program line. Turning the jog handle clockwise will cause a feed hold. (Note: You can change Setting 104 while a program is running, but it can’t be on at the same time Setting 103 is on.)
     If you don’t need to see rapid paths and drill points, you can simplify the graphic image by turning off Setting 4 (rapids) and Setting 5 (drill points). (Haas mill control software version 9.06 and above; Haas lathe control ver. 4.11 and above.)

      Sincerely,
      Haas Applications

(Winter ’03
vol 7 # 24)

Dear Applications:

I was going through all the settings I have available to adjust on my new Haas VF-4 and noticed Setting 103, CYC START/FH SAME KEY. How do I use this setting?

     Ralph Warren

Dear Ralph:

Setting 103 is really useful when you’re carefully setting up and running through a program. When Setting 103 is on, the Cycle Start and Feed Hold functions are both controlled by the CYCLE START button. When CYCLE START is pressed and held in, the machine will run through the program; when it’s released, the machine will stop in a feed hold. This gives you much better control when setting up a new program. This feature should be turned off when you’re done using it. Setting 103 can be changed while you’re running a program, but it cannot be on when Setting 104 is on. (Haas mill control software version 9.06 and above; Haas lathe control ver. 4.11 and above.)

     Sincerely,
     Haas Applications

(Winter ’03
vol 7 # 24)

Dear Applications:

On another CNC machine, I am able to feed hold in the middle of a milling cut and handle jog away, to check the tool and/or the part, and then press Cycle Start to continue the program. The machine will continue on from that point I had pulled away at. Can I do that on a Haas mill?

     Daniel Grisin

Dear Daniel:

Yes, Haas mills have a run-stop-jog-continue (RSJC) feature that allows the operator to interrupt program execution, jog away from the part to perform a desired task, and then return to the interruption point and resume program execution. Once RSJC is initiated, the operator is able to stop and start the spindle, jog the XYZ axes individually (axes other than X, Y, and Z cannot be jogged), or command a tool release. The following describes the RSJC procedure. (Haas mill control software version 11.20 and above.)

1)  While a program is running, press FEED HOLD. This will stop all motion (after any canned cycle in process has been completed.)

2)  Press X, Y or Z followed by the HANDLE JOG key. The control will store the current X, Y or Z position. Axes other than X, Y, and Z cannot be jogged.

3)  At this point, the control will display the message JOG AWAY, and will tick once each second or so. The operator can use the jog handle, remote jog handle, the HANDLE JOG increment buttons (.0001/.1, .001/1., .01/10., .1/100.) or the JOG LOCK buttons to move the tool away from the part. Now you can use the COOLNT key to cycle the coolant, and CW, CCW, STOP to operate the spindle. You can also use the TOOL RELEASE button, and turn Through-Spindle Coolant (TSC) on and off using the AUX CLNT key. Note that using AUX CLNT requires that the spindle be rotating and that the door be closed. At this point tools can be swapped out and the associated length and diameter offsets adjusted. However, when the program is continued, the old offsets will still be used for the return position and any motion commands already in the queue. It is therefore unsafe to swap out tools and adjust offsets when the program is interrupted during a cut.

4)  When you’re ready to continue, jog to a position as close as possible to the stored position, or to a point where there will be an unobstructed rapid path back to the stored position.

5)  Return to the previous mode by pressing MEM, MDI or DNC. The control will only continue normally if the mode that was in effect at the time of the interrupt is re-entered.

6)  Press CYCLE START. The control will display the message JOG RETURN and rapid X and Y at 5% to the position where FEED HOLD was pressed; then it will do the same for Z. The rapid rate override keys have no effect during JOG RETURN. Note that the control will not follow the path the operator used to jog away. Instead, it will perform simple moves without regard for obstacles. Therefore, a crash is possible. If FEED HOLD is pressed during this motion, the control will go into a feed hold state and display the message JOG RETURN HOLD. Pressing CYCLE START will cause the control to resume the JOG RETURN motion. When the motion is completed, the control will again go into a feed hold state.

7)  Press CYCLE START again and the program will resume normal operation.

     Sincerely,
      Haas Applications

(Summer ’99
vol 3 # 10)

Dear Applications, 

I recently purchased an HS-1RP and really like how the machine runs. I have several older horizontals on the floor and they use a M65 command which in turn commands G17, G40, G49, G64, G80, and G98. I was wondering if the Haas has this feature? Program compatibility between different controls is a must for our operation.

     Sincerely,
     Carl Wilton 

Dear Carl, 

While your Haas was shipped without M65, it is possible to define your own M65 with an M-code alias. Haas Automation has macro call parameters for both M and G codes. Parameters 81 through 100 are used for user-defined M and G codes. To set up M65 so it works like your other machines, follow these steps:

4. Create the following      program:      %    O9009    G17 G40 G49 G64    G80 G98    M99    % 5. Turn Setting 7 on.  6. Reset the     emergency stop     button.

7. You can now use M65 just as you would in your other machines. Every time
     the machine reads an M65, it will call and run program O9009. 

Caution: M and G macro calls override the normal definition of a M or G code, so be sure not to use an M or G code that is already being used by the machine! 

     Sincerely, 
     Haas Applications