You use the BLK FORM function to define a workpiece blank for graphic simulation of the NC program.
Application
Related topics
- Depiction of the workpiece blank in the Simulation workspace
- Blank form update with FUNCTION TURNDATA BLANK (option 50)
Compensating turning tools with FUNCTION TURNDATA CORR (option 50)
Description of function
You define the blank relative to the workpiece preset.

When you create a new NC program, the control automatically opens the Insert NC function window for workpiece blank definition.
The control offers the following workpiece blank definitions:
Icon | Function | Further information |
---|---|---|
BLK FORM QUAD Cuboid workpiece blank | ||
BLK FORM CYLINDER Cylindrical workpiece blank | ||
BLK FORM ROTATION Rotationally symmetric blank with a definable contour | ||
BLK FORM FILE STL file as workpiece blank and finished part |
Notes
- Enable the Advanced checks switch for simulations
- Check the machining sequence using a simulation
- Carefully test your NC program or program section in the Single Block mode
- You can select files or subprograms in the following ways:
- Enter the file path
- Enter the number or name of the subprogram
- Select a file or subprogram by means of a selection window
- Define the file path or name of the subprogram in a QS parameter
- Define the number of the subprogram in a Q, QL, or QR parameter
- In order for the control to show the workpiece blank in the simulation, the workpiece blank must have minimum dimensions. The minimum dimensions are 0.1 mm or 0.004 inches in all axes as well as in the radius.
- The control shows the workpiece blank in the simulation only after it has executed the complete workpiece blank definition.
- Even if you want to close the Insert NC function window or add a workpiece blank definition after writing an NC program, you can always define a workpiece blank via the Insert NC function window.
- The Advanced checks function in the simulation uses the information from the workpiece blank definition for workpiece monitoring. The control can monitor only the active workpiece blank, even if several workpieces are clamped in the machine!
- In the Simulation workspace you can export the current view of the workpiece as an STL file. This function allows you to create missing 3-D models, for example semifinished parts if there are several machining steps.
If the called file is located in the same folder as the calling NC program, it is also possible to simply enter the file name.
Advanced checks in the simulation
Cuboid workpiece blank with BLK FORM QUAD
Application
With BLK FORM QUAD you define a cuboid workpiece blank. You use a MIN point and a MAX point to define a spatial diagonal.
Description of function

The sides of the cuboid are parallel to the X, Y and Z axes.
You define the cuboid by entering a MIN point for the bottom front left corner and a MAX point for the top rear right corner.
You define the coordinates of the points in the X, Y and Z relative to the workpiece preset. If you define a positive value for the MAX point in the Z coordinate, the blank is given an oversize.
If you use a cuboid workpiece blank for turning (option 50), keep the following in mind:
Even if the turning operation takes place in a two-dimensional plane (Z and X coordinates), you have to program the Y values for a rectangular blank in the definition of the workpiece blank.
Input
NC programs contained in this User's Manual are suggestions for solutions. The NC programs or individual NC blocks must be adapted before being used on a machine.
- Change the following contents as needed:
- Tools
- Cutting parameters
- Feed rates
- Clearance height or safe position
- Machine-specific positions, e.g. with M91
- Paths of program calls
Some NC programs depend on the machine kinematics. Adapt these NC programs to your machine kinematics before the first test run.
In addition, test the NC programs using the simulation before the actual program run.
With a program test you determine whether the NC program can be used with the available software options, the active machine kinematics and the current machine configuration.
1 BLK FORM 0.1 Z X+0 Y+0 Z-40 | |
2 BLK FORM 0.2 X+100 Y+100 Z+0 | ; Cuboid workpiece blank |
The NC function includes the following syntax elements:
Syntax element | Meaning |
---|---|
BLK FORM | Syntax initiator for cuboid workpiece blank |
0.1 | Designation of the first NC block |
Z | Tool axis Other possibilities might be available, depending on the machine. |
X Y Z | Coordinate definition of the MIN point |
0.2 | Designation of the second NC block |
X Y Z | Coordinate definition of the MAX point |
Cylindrical workpiece blank with BLK FORM CYLINDER
Application
With BLK FORM CYLINDER you define a cylindrical workpiece blank. You can define a cylinder either as a solid piece or as a hollow pipe.
Description of function

To define the cylinder, enter at least the radius or diameter and the height.
The workpiece preset is in the cylinder center in the working plane. Optionally you can define an oversize and the inside radius or diameter of the blank.
Input
NC programs contained in this User's Manual are suggestions for solutions. The NC programs or individual NC blocks must be adapted before being used on a machine.
- Change the following contents as needed:
- Tools
- Cutting parameters
- Feed rates
- Clearance height or safe position
- Machine-specific positions, e.g. with M91
- Paths of program calls
Some NC programs depend on the machine kinematics. Adapt these NC programs to your machine kinematics before the first test run.
In addition, test the NC programs using the simulation before the actual program run.
With a program test you determine whether the NC program can be used with the available software options, the active machine kinematics and the current machine configuration.
1 BLK FORM CYLINDER Z R50 L105 DIST+5 RI10 | ; Cylindrical blank |
The NC function includes the following syntax elements:
Syntax element | Meaning |
---|---|
BLK FORM CYLINDER | Syntax initiator for cylindrical workpiece blank |
Z | Tool axis Other possibilities might be available, depending on the machine. |
R or D | Radius or diameter of the cylinder |
L | Total height of the cylinder |
DIST | Oversize of the cylinder relative to the workpiece preset Optional syntax element |
RI or DI | Inside radius diameter of the core hole Optional syntax element |
Rotationally symmetric workpiece blank with BLK FORM ROTATION
Application
With BLK FORM ROTATION you define a rotationally symmetric workpiece blank with a definable contour. You define the contour in a subprogram or separate NC program.
Description of function

In the workpiece blank definition you refer to the contour description.
In the contour description, you program a half-section of the contour around the tool axis as the rotational axis.
- The following conditions apply to the contour description:
- Only coordinates of the main axis and tool axis
- Starting point defined in both axes
- Closed contour
- Only positive values in the main axis
- Positive and negative values are possible in the tool axis
The workpiece preset is in the center of the blank in the working plane. You define the coordinates of the blank contour relative to the workpiece preset. You can also define an oversize.
Input
NC programs contained in this User's Manual are suggestions for solutions. The NC programs or individual NC blocks must be adapted before being used on a machine.
- Change the following contents as needed:
- Tools
- Cutting parameters
- Feed rates
- Clearance height or safe position
- Machine-specific positions, e.g. with M91
- Paths of program calls
Some NC programs depend on the machine kinematics. Adapt these NC programs to your machine kinematics before the first test run.
In addition, test the NC programs using the simulation before the actual program run.
With a program test you determine whether the NC program can be used with the available software options, the active machine kinematics and the current machine configuration.
1 BLK FORM ROTATION Z DIM_R LBL "BLANK" | ; Rotationally symmetric blank |
* - ... | |
11 LBL "BLANK" | ; Subprogram start |
12 L X+0 Z+0 | ; Beginning of contour |
13 L X+50 | ; Coordinates in positive direction of main axis |
14 L Z+50 | |
15 L X+30 | |
16 L Z+70 | |
17 L X+0 | |
18 L Z+0 | ; End of contour |
19 LBL 0 | ; End of subprogram |
The NC function includes the following syntax elements:
Syntax element | Meaning |
---|---|
BLK FORM ROTATION | Syntax initiator for rotationally symmetric workpiece blank |
Z | Active tool axis Other possibilities might be available, depending on the machine. |
DIM_R or DIM_D | Interpret values in the main axes in the contour description as radius or diameter |
LBL or FILE | Name or number of the contour subprogram or path of the separate NC program |
Notes
- If you program the contour description with incremental values, the control interprets the values as radii regardless of whether DIM_R or DIM_D is selected.
- With software option 42 CAD Import, you can load contours from CAD files and save them in subprograms or separate NC programs.
Opening CAD Files with the CAD-Viewer
STL file as workpiece blank with BLK FORM FILE
Application
You can integrate 3D models in STL format as workpiece blank and optionally as finished part. This function is particularly convenient in combination with CAM programs, where the required 3D models are available in addition to the NC program.
Requirement
- Max. 20 000 triangles per STL file in ASCII format
- Max. 50 000 triangles per STL file in binary format
Description of function
The dimensions of the NC program come from the same source as the dimensions of the 3D model.
Input
NC programs contained in this User's Manual are suggestions for solutions. The NC programs or individual NC blocks must be adapted before being used on a machine.
- Change the following contents as needed:
- Tools
- Cutting parameters
- Feed rates
- Clearance height or safe position
- Machine-specific positions, e.g. with M91
- Paths of program calls
Some NC programs depend on the machine kinematics. Adapt these NC programs to your machine kinematics before the first test run.
In addition, test the NC programs using the simulation before the actual program run.
With a program test you determine whether the NC program can be used with the available software options, the active machine kinematics and the current machine configuration.
1 BLK FORM FILE "TNC:\CAD\blank.stl" TARGET "TNC:\CAD\finish.stl" | ; STL file as workpiece blank and finished part |
The NC function includes the following syntax elements:
Syntax element | Meaning |
---|---|
BLK FORM FILE | Syntax initiator for an STL file as workpiece blank |
" " | Path of the STL file |
TARGET | STL file as finished part Optional syntax element |
" " | Path of the STL file |
Notes
- In the Simulation workspace you can export the current view of the workpiece as an STL file. This function allows you to create missing 3-D models, for example semifinished parts if there are several machining steps.
- If you have integrated a workpiece blank and a finished part, you can compare the models in the simulation and easily identify any residual material.
- The control loads STL files in binary format faster than STL files in ASCII format.
Exporting a simulated workpiece as STL file