Tool Assembly Conventions for Turning

General Comments

The Machining Axis is always a direct axis system. For example, ZX defines a direct axis system with Z as the spindle axis and X as the radial axis.

Selected geometry (for example, Finish Profile Turning) can be selected either in X+ or X- :

the system will figure out whether machining is in X+ or X- based on Insert-Holder orientation (as defined using Set-Up Angle)
depending on the options of a Machining Operation, several possibilities might exist,
(for example, Frontal machining). User option is then available (X+/X-) to specify what the system should do.

The Output Point definition is considered according to the X+/Z+ quadrant.

Round, Diamond and Triangle Inserts Square Insert Groove Insert

Examples below deal with Horizontal Lathe Machine Tool.

Insert Holder

Different settings of the Setup Angle, Invert Tool and Hand Style parameters result in different configurations for positioning the tool.

Left Tool: Insert is visible and points to left:

Inverted Left Tool :

Right Tool: Insert is visible and points to right:

Inverted Right Tool:

Output Point

In the following figure reference is made according to the Spindle/Radial Axis (Z/X)

Spindle Rotary Direction

With a Horizontal Lathe Machine Tool the convention for spindle rotary direction defined in the Machine Editor dialog box is as follows:
Looking into Z direction, Chuck & Jaws at your back.

Clockwise

Counterclockwise

The following represent common settings:

180deg Setup Angle

When Setup angle is set to 180deg, machining takes places in X- as system detects that this is what the tool can machine (geometry can be selected in X+ or X-).

Direct Machining Axis

As the Machining Axis is always considered as being direct, the two situations below are the same (this corresponds to a rotation around the spindle axis).

Summary

The following figures summarize conditions for lathe tool assemblies.

The figure below shows other settings for different output points.