Skip to main content

Adding additional offset in mach4

How to Add and Manage Fixture Offsets in MachMotion Mach4

This guide outlines how to view existing fixture offsets, add new offsets, and temporarily adjust work or head shifts within the MachMotion Mach4 control software.

1. Accessing the Fixture Offsets Table

  1. Launch your MachMotion Mach4 software.

  2. Navigate to the Fixtures tab.

  3. Click on Fixture Table.

 

2025-11-26 08_42_59-.png

You will see a window similar to the one below:

 

2025-11-26 08_44_10-2150M - Industrial.png

 

2. Adding a New Fixture Offset

The Fixture Offset window displays all available work coordinate systems (e.g., G54, G55, G56, etc.).

  1. Locate the offset you want to modify or create—for example, G55.

  2. Enter the desired X, Y, Z (and additional axis) values into the fields for that specific offset.

image.png

These values determine the machine’s zero point for that selected coordinate system.

3. Activating a Specific Fixture Offset in Mach4

To tell Mach4 which fixture offset you want the machine to use:

  1. Go to the MDI (Manual Data Input) tab.
    (Click MDI – labeled “1” in your screenshot)

  2. The MDI window will appear.
    (Shown as “2” in your screenshot)

  3. Type in the G-code for the desired offset.

    • Example: Type G55 and press Enter to activate the G55 work offset.

image.png

Once executed, the control will use the values stored in that fixture offset for subsequent movements and toolpaths.

4. Using Temporary Work Shift Offset (Work Shift & Head Shift)

MachMotion also allows temporary adjustment of offsets without changing the main fixture table. These are useful for quick tests, verifications, or safe moves.

Work Shift Offset

  • Applies a temporary shift to the active work coordinate system.

  • Useful for quick positional adjustments during setup or testing.

Head Shift Offset

  • Applies a temporary shift relative to the head/spindle.

  • Commonly used when testing Z-axis movements.

Example Scenario

You need to test a Z-axis move but want to avoid cutting into material.
You can enter a positive Z Work Shift value (e.g., Z+0.500") so the machine moves higher than the programmed position.

2025-11-26 08_59_49-2150M - Industrial.png

These temporary shifts can be zeroed at any time and do not modify your stored G54–G59 fixture offsets.

5. Important Notes

  • Always verify offsets before running a program.

  • Changing or activating offsets directly affects machine motion.

  • Temporary shifts are cleared when set back to zero but fixture offsets remain stored until manually changed.

 



Back to top