[voltsandbolts]

Design question:

Axis name and why?

I have noticed that on a machine like the jgro for example, the Long axis is “Y” the Gantry axis is “X” and the spindles axis is “Z”

But I have seen machines where the table (long axis) is “X” and the gantry is “Y” is there a reason for this?

Or is it just personal preference?

Thanks,
RW

[samco]

As long as the axis layout fall into the 'right hand rule' I don't think it matters what is the longest and what is the shortest.. imho

http://help.onecnc.net/nc/ncmain.html

http://www.rainnea.com/cnc_support.htm

sam

[jimbo7]

The axis are based on the cartesian coordinate system for 3 axis. Drafting systems from which parts are produced are also based on this system.

Basically, if you are looking at a drawing sheet, left to right is the X axis and belly button out to infinity and beyond is the Y axis. Anything standing vertically fromthe sheet is the Z axis.

This work well for Mills. For Lathes, programmers have adopted the powered axis as Z and the axis across as X. Think of a bench mill laying down.

[Clockwork]

The axis definition comes from the Cartesian coordinate system. Wiki does a good job of explaining it here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartesi...rdinate_system

[Al_The_Man]

The axis are based on the cartesian coordinate system for 3 axis. Drafting systems from which parts are produced are also based on this system.

Basically, if you are looking at a drawing sheet, left to right is the X axis and belly button out to infinity and beyond is the Y axis. Anything standing vertically fromthe sheet is the Z axis.

The above is the way I have always seen it, and conform to.

I believe some of the differences seen on Gantry's is if the operator/control is positioned at the end of the table, some integrators will make this end the X axis from left to right, i.e. the operation of the machine conforms to the above.
Others ignore this and insist on placing the X axis on the long side, regardless of the operator view standpoint.
Al.

[ger21]

One thing to consider is that in most CAD programs, the X is left to right, so when you design long parts, you tend to orient them along the X axis. So it makes sense for the machines long axis to be the X axis, or you'll need to rotate your parts in CAD all the time.

[voltsandbolts]

Thanks for the refresher on the Cartesian coordinate system guys.

Al and Ger I do tend to draw things in CAD with the long side from left to right, and it does make sense to set the long axis as “X” for that reason. But, do to space I tend to watch my machine cut standing at the end, so for now I have the gantry set as “X” .

Thanks for the info.
Rob