NC sequences for reuse

Application

You can save up to 2000 consecutive NC blocks as NC sequences and insert them during programming using the Insert NC function window. Unlike called NC programs, you can modify NC sequences after insertion without changing the actual sequence.

Description of function

You can use NC sequences in the Editor operating mode and the MDI application.

The control saves the NC sequences as complete NC programs in the TNC:\system\PGM-Templates folder. You can also create subfolders in order to sort the NC sequences.

Here are the following possibilities for creating an NC sequence:

  • Save marked NC blocks with the Create NC sequence button
  • Context menu in the Program workspace

  • Create a new NC program in the TNC:\system\PGM-Templates folder
  • Copy the already existing NC program to the TNC:\system\PGM-Templates folder
 
Tip

You must use the Create NC sequence button to create the first NC sequence; then the TNC:\system\PGM-Templates folder is created.

If you create an NC sequence with the Create NC sequence button, then the control opens the Save NC sequence window.

In the Save NC sequence window, you can enter the following information:

  • Define the name of the NC sequence
  • Select the storage location of the NC sequence
  • If you created subfolders in the TNC:\system\PGM-Templates folder, the control will display a selection menu that contains all folders.

The control displays all folders and NC sequences alphabetically in the Insert NC function window under NC sequences. You can insert the desired NC sequence at the cursor position and customize it in the NC program.

Inserting NC sequences in the Insert NC function window

If you open an NC sequence as its own tab in the Editor, then you can permanently edit the contents of the NC sequence.

Adding a user-defined folder icon

You can save user-defined folder icons for the subfolders of the NC components.

To save a folder icon:

  1. Select the Files operating mode
  2. Open a subfolder in the TNC:\system\PGM-Templates folder
  3. Insert the desired folder icon with the name foldericon.svg
  4. The control displays the user-defined folder icon in the NC sequences area of the Insert NC function window.
 
Tip

You can add a different folder icon with the name foldericon-dark.svg for the Dark Mode.

Notes

 
Notice
Caution: Danger to the tool and workpiece!
If you insert an NC sequence with a different unit of measure despite the confirmation request, the control will not convert the values. Be aware that input values with a different unit of measure can be too small or too high, such as for feed rates. Incorrect input values can lead to increased tool wear, tool breakage, and lower surface quality.
  1. Always insert NC sequences only into NC programs with the same unit of measure.
  2. Check the input values and correct them if required
  • Make sure to define an unambiguous name for each NC sequence within a folder. If you try to save an NC sequence under a name that has already been assigned, then the control opens the Overwrite NC sequence window. The control asks if you wish to overwrite the existing NC sequence.
  • If you drag an NC sequence to the right in the Insert NC function window, the control will display the following file functions:
    • Edit
    • Rename
    • Delete
    • Activate or deactivate write protection
    • Open the path in the Files operating mode
    • Mark as favorite
  • You can also select some of these file functions from the context menu.

  • Context menu in the Insert NC function window

  • Write-protected NC sequences cannot be renamed or deleted. It is possible to edit such an NC sequence, but you need to save it as a new file after editing.
  • While write protection is active, the control displays a corresponding symbol next to the NC sequence.

  • If you create a backup of the TNC: partition with the NC/PLC Backup function, then the backup also contains the NC sequences.
  • Backup and restore

  • The input ranges for millimeter values in NC programs are greater than for inch values. The control will display an error message if the millimeter values of an NC sequence exceed the input ranges of an inch program.
  • The control scales user-defined folder icons to max. 32x32 dp (device-independent pixels).