Use Cycle 224 DATAMATRIX CODE PATTERN to convert text to a so-called DataMatrix code. This code will be used as a point pattern for a previously defined fixed cycle.
Application
Cycle sequence

- The control automatically moves the tool from its current position to the programmed starting point. This point is always located in the lower left corner.
- Move to 2nd set-up clearance (spindle axis)
- Approach the starting point in the working plane
- Move to the Safety clearance above the workpiece surface (spindle axis)
- Then, the control moves the tool in the positive direction of the secondary axis to the first point 1 in the first row
- From this position, the control executes the last defined fixed machining cycle
- Then, the control moves the tool in the positive direction of the principal axis to point 2 for the next operation.
- This procedure will be repeated until all machining operations in the first row have been completed. The tool is located above the last point 3 of the first row
- Then, the control moves the tool in the negative direction of the principal and secondary axes to the first point 4 of the next row
- Then, the next points are machined
- These steps are repeated until the entire DataMatrix code has been completed. Machining stops in the lower right corner 5
- Finally, the control retracts the tool to the programmed 2nd set-up clearance
Sequence:
Notes
- Check the machining sequence using a graphic simulation
- Carefully test the NC program or program section in the SINGLE BLOCK mode of the Program run operating mode.
- This cycle can only be executed in the FUNCTION MODE MILL machining mode.
- Cycle 224 is DEF-active. In addition, Cycle 224 automatically calls the last defined machining cycle.
- The control uses the special character % for special functions. If you want to use this character in a DataMatrix code, enter it twice in the text, e.g. %%).
Cycle parameters
Help graphic | Parameter |
---|---|
Q225 Starting point in 1st axis? Coordinate in the lower left corner of the code in the main axis. The value has an absolute effect. Input: –99999.9999...+99999.9999 | |
Q226 Starting point in 2nd axis? Coordinate in the lower left corner of the code in the secondary axis. The value has an absolute effect. Input: –99999.9999...+99999.9999 | |
QS501 Text input? Enter the text to be converted within quotation marks. Variables can be assigned. Outputting variable texts in DataMatrix codes Input: Max. 255 characters | |
Q458 Cell size/Pattern size(1/2)? Specify how the DataMatrix code is described in Q459: 1: Distance between cells 2: Pattern size Input: 1, 2 | |
Q459 Size for pattern? Definition of the distance between cells or the pattern size: If Q458=1: Distance between the first and second cell (between cell centers) If Q458=2: Distance between the first and last cell (between cell centers) This value has an incremental effect. Input: 0...99999.9999 | |
Q224 Angle of rotation? Angle by which the entire pattern is rotated. The center of rotation lies in the starting point. The value has an absolute effect. Input: –360.000...+360.000 | |
Q200 Set-up clearance? Distance between tool tip and workpiece surface. This value has an incremental effect. Input: 0...99999.9999 or PREDEF | |
Q203 Workpiece surface coordinate? Coordinate on the workpiece surface referenced to the active datum. The value has an absolute effect. Input: –99999.9999...+99999.9999 | |
Q204 2nd set-up clearance? Distance in the tool axis between tool and workpiece (fixtures) at which no collision can occur. This value has an incremental effect. Input: 0...99999.9999 or PREDEF |
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.
11 CYCL DEF 224 DATAMATRIX CODE PATTERN ~ | ||
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12 CYCL CALL |
Outputting variable texts in DataMatrix codes
In addition to specified characters you can also output certain variables in DataMatrix codes. Precede the variable with %.
You can use the following variable texts in Cycle 224 DATAMATRIX CODE PATTERN:
- Date and time
- Names and paths of NC programs
- Count values
Date and time
You can convert the current date, the current time, or the current calendar week into a DataMatrix code. Enter the value %time<x> in cycle parameter QS501. <x> defines the format, e.g. 08 for DD.MM.YYYY.
Keep in mind that you must enter a leading 0 when entering the date formats 1 to 9, e.g. %time08.
The following formats are available:
Input | Format |
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%time00 | DD.MM.YYYY hh:mm:ss |
%time01 | D.MM.YYYY h:mm:ss |
%time02 | D.MM.YYYY h:mm |
%time03 | D.MM.YY h:mm |
%time04 | YYYY-MM-DD hh:mm:ss |
%time05 | YYYY-MM-DD hh:mm |
%time06 | YYYY-MM-DD h:mm |
%time07 | YY-MM-DD h:mm |
%time08 | DD.MM.YYYY |
%time09 | D.MM.YYYY |
%time10 | D.MM.YY |
%time11 | YYYY-MM-DD |
%time12 | YY-MM-DD |
%time13 | hh:mm:ss |
%time14 | h:mm:ss |
%time15 | h:mm |
%time99 | Calendar week |
Names and paths of NC programs
You can convert the name or path of the active or called NC program into a DataMatrix code. Enter the value %main<x> or %prog<x> in cycle parameter QS501.
The following formats are available:
Input | Meaning | Example |
---|---|---|
%main0 | Full path of the active NC program | TNC:\MILL.h |
%main1 | Directory path of the active NC program | TNC:\ |
%main2 | Name of the active NC program | MILL |
%main3 | File type of the active NC program | .H |
%prog0 | Full path of the called NC program | TNC:\HOUSE.h |
%prog1 | Directory path of the called NC program | TNC:\ |
%prog2 | Name of the called NC program | HOUSE |
%prog3 | File type of the called NC program | .H |
Count values
You can convert the current count value into a DataMatrix code. The control displays the current count value in Program Run on thePGM tab of the Status workspace.
Enter the value %count<x> in cycle parameter QS501.
The number after %count indicates how many digits the DataMatrix code contains. The maximum is nine digits.
- Example:
- Programming: %count9
- Current count value: 3
- Result: 000000003
- Operating information
- In the Simulation, the control only simulates the count value you define directly in the NC program. The count value from the Status workspace in the Program Runoperating mode is ignored.