Mach4 Axis Motor Calibration

If your machine is moving incorrect commanded distances, it might be a matter of being calibrated incorrectly. Maybe you're setting up a machine for the first time. Or, maybe you've already done this! Even if that is the case, we have seen rare instances where a user has accidentally changed a machine's calibration. Follow either of these two procedures to calibrate your machine and make sure an inch is an inch!

First, to access either of the calibration methods, select Configure->Plugins->Machine Calibration to select your method of calibration.

Manual Calibration

In the manual calibration method, you will need a dial indicator to measure the distance moved by the machine. It's quite simple; command a distance, measure it, and put the measured distance into Mach. It will do the calibration for you!

1. Once you have selected "Manual Calibration," select the axis you want to calibrate on the first drop-down.
2.  Choose the "Commanded Distance" selection.
3. Enter the units you want to move the machine (inches in the US)
4. Set the feedrate of the of the commanded move.
5. Click "Enable" and "Move."
6. After the move, put the measurement of the dial indicator in the "How far..." field in the drop down.
7. Hit "Submit."
8. Hit "Accept."
9. Repeat for each axis.

Once you hit accept, it will automatically save the "Steps Per Unit" value in the control configuration.