There will often be an offset between the two. Right now, the offset is set to zero, so the program and machine coordinates are equal. If we move the machine to a point on the working table, both sets remain the same. However, if we want to set the current machine position (for example, X=7 and Y=6 inches) to be the program’s zero point, we can simply click the program coordinates and set them to zero. This doesn’t physically move the machine, but it reassigns the program’s 0,0 to that specific machine location. This flexibility allows you to reposition your program origin easily. You’ll also see how offsets function during the homing procedure or when manually setting X and Y positions.

For instance, if you manually set the machine coordinate to zero at a point where there’s an X offset of 7.7, the program coordinate becomes -7.7. The same applies for Y, which would become -6.4 if there’s a 6.4 offset — maintaining the relationship between machine and program space.

The coordinates tab shows the current XYZ position of the system. The coordinates in RED indicate the work (program) offset position, while the coordinates in TEAL indicate the current machine position. Clicking on the X and Y program coordinates (in red) allows to enter a position value to move the system in the XY plane. The “Z” button allows the operator to quickly set the the program coordinate for the Z-axis to zero.

NOTE: The Machine Coordinates for the Z axis are expected to be equal to or less than zero (with zero being the upper limit for the Z axis). If the coordinates are positive, please run the homing procedure to ensure the Z axis coordinates are set correctly. Incorrect coordinates for the Z axis may lead to unexpected machine movements, and can potentially damage the plasma torch.

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