After Install: Powering up your Mill

Created by Michael Webb, Modified on Thu, 12 Jun at 12:45 AM by Joseph Peter Tabunar

TABLE OF CONTENTS




Pre-Startup Preparation


PLEASE NOTE: Pre-Installation Requirement

Before proceeding, make sure the full machine installation process is completed using our guide HERE.

Activating Your CNC Controller

After unboxing and networking the machine, your CNC controller must be activated. This step converts temporary access into a full license. Level Up CAD/CAM will coordinate with XTCERA via Splashtop for activation and verification.


Installing Splashtop (Optional for Self-Installs) 

From your machine's CNC controller, navigate to SOS.SPLASHTOP.COM and download the Splashtop Quick Support utility.

Once downloaded, double click the program and provide the 6-9 digit code to Level UP Support team on our support site here: support.levelupcadcam.com or Email: support@levelupcadcam.com


New Machine Checks

Before running your machine:

  • Verify that all shipping support braces (and foam) have been completely removed from the mill.

    • 3-4 foam inserts in the Robotic Arm Area (Best accessible via right-side access panel)

      • A wedged foam piece may need manual jogging of the robotic arm for loosening and removal.

    • Foam pieces from milling chamber area (Accessible via front door)

    • Chuck shipping bolt


  • Verify disc adapters are placed in the machine properly and according to their adapter codes.

  • Register tools in Tool Management (TM)

  • Confirm X-Mill Controller software is accessible and up to date



Powering On & Initial Commands


Starting the XTCERA CNC Controller

Launch the XMILL CNC Controller App on your desktop. If your interface differs from the image, contact support.

Figure 1. XMILL CNC Controller desktop icon
 


AUTO Menu Overview

The XMILL software operates in two modes: AUTO and MANUAL.

The AUTO Menu is your central hub for monitoring system activity. It provides a real-time overview of:

  • The current machine disposition

  • Any program (NC file) that is loaded

  • The current position of all machine axes

  • The active tool loaded into the spindle, including its ID and usage status

The interface is visually divided into two sections:

  • The top portion displays machine status, tool position, and axis location

  • The lower portion is used for queue management and job control, including file loading, prioritization, and execution

Figure 2. AUTO Menu showing machine and tool status



Emergency Stop Reset

Check the physical Emergency Stop button on the machine. If it is pressed, twist it clockwise to release. Then, on the XMILL Controller, go to the AUTO tab and press the RESET button.

The machine status should display “Systems running normal” once the reset is successful.

Figure 2. Location of the RESET button in the AUTO menu



Sending the Machine to the HOME Position

Once the machine is powered on and the controller displays “Systems running normal,” you can send it to the HOME position.

In the AUTO tab, press the HOME button to move all axes into their calibrated “ready” state.

Figure 3. Location of the HOME button in the XMILL controller interface



Machine Configuration


MANUAL Menu: Tool Management & Automatic Disc Changer

Navigate to the MANUAL tab to access key machine setup functions.

In this section, we’ll focus on two features:

  • TM – Tool Management: Used to register, edit, or verify your milling tools

  • ADC – Automatic Disc Changer: Used to scan and verify disc adapter positions

Click the corresponding button to open each module.

Figure 4. MANUAL tab interface showing Tool Management (TM) and Automatic Disc Changer (ADC) options



Checking Your Disc Adapters

The first step when unbox=xing a new machine is to check and confirm that all disc adapters are correctly placed inside the material storage area.

These adapters must be seated properly to ensure smooth automatic disc changes during milling. However, for this initial check, it is not necessary to mount any milling material.

? This step ensures that the system can recognize, load, and return each adapter without mechanical error.

Figure 5. Disc adapters properly arranged in the material storage tray
 

Next, access the adapter configuration menu:

  1. Navigate to the MANUAL tab.

  2. Click the ADC (Automatic Disc Changer) button.

  3. This will open the ADC control interface.

Figure 6. MANUAL tab showing location of the ADC button


Automatic Disc Changer Menu

Once you click ADC, the Automatic Disc Changer Menu will appear. This screen gives you control over disc slot identification, chuck cleaning, and adapter scanning.

To perform the adapter check:

  • Click Adapter Scan

  • Wait for the system to verify that all adapters are correctly registered and can be returned to their slots

You can also view adapter info, check positions (D1–D12), and verify RFID or ID-based assignment.

Figure 7. ADC control interface for adapter management and scanning
 


Loading & Managing Jobs


Loading Your First File

To begin your first test, load your NC file using the steps below:

1. From the top menu, click the AUTO tab.

Figure 8. AUTO tab interface for loading and monitoring NC jobs


2. At the bottom left of the screen, press the LOAD button to open the file list window.

Figure 9. LOAD button in bottom-left corner


3. Click the Add button. A pop-up window will appear for you to browse and select your NC file.

Figure 10. File list window with Add button highlighted
 

4. Select your file and click Open. The file will now be listed in the NCFile List window.

Figure 11. File browser for selecting NC file


5. Once all required files are added, click OK to confirm and load the job.

Figure 12. OK button to confirm file selection


6. Finally, click the START button to begin milling.


 Figure 13. START button to begin milling



Loading and Managing Multiple Files

You can add multiple NC files to the job queue to run sequentially. Follow the steps below to add each file one at a time:

  1. Click the Add button again in the NCFile List window.

Figure 14. Add button for loading another NC file


  1. Locate and select the file you want to add from the file browser.

Figure 15. Selecting an NC file from the folder view


  1. After clicking Open, the new file will appear in the queue.

Note: You can only add one file at a time to the list.

Figure 16. NCFile List showing multiple files added to the queue



Changing File Priority

If you want to change the execution order of files in the queue:

  1. Click on the file name to select it.

  2. Use the Upward or Downward buttons to rearrange its position in the list.

  3. Press Apply to save the new order.

Figure 17. Reordering files using the priority controls
 


Deleting Files from the Queue

You can delete files from the queue using the following options:

  • To remove a single file: Select the file and click Delete

  • To remove all files: Click Delete All


Figure 16. File removal options in the NCFile List window



Final Review


Quick Checklist Before First Mill

  • unchecked

    Installation guide fully completed

  • unchecked

    Splashtop Quick Support installed and 6–9 digit code sent to support

  • unchecked

    CNC Controller activated (license confirmed via XTCERA)

  • unchecked

    Emergency Stop reset and controller status shows “Systems running normal”

  • unchecked

    Machine successfully sent to HOME position

  • unchecked

    All disc adapters confirmed in tray and scanned via ADC

  • unchecked

    All milling tools registered in Tool Management (TM)

  • unchecked

    AUTO tab and software interface successfully opened

  • unchecked

    NC file(s) loaded and confirmed in the job queue

  • unchecked

    Multiple files added if needed and order prioritized

  • uncheckedFile(s) verified and START button pressed to begin milling


Need Assistance?

Submit a support ticket at support.levelupcadcam.com or email us at support@levelupcadcam.com.



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