Machine coordinate system M-CS

Application

In the machine coordinate system M-CS you program constant positions, such as a safe position for retraction. The machine manufacturer also defines constant positions in the M-CS, such as the tool-change point.

Description of function

Properties of M-CS machine coordinate system

The machine coordinate system M-CS corresponds to the kinematics description and therefore to the actual mechanical design of the machine tool. The physical axes of a machine tool are not necessarily always exactly perpendicular to each other, and therefore do not represent a Cartesian coordinate system. The M-CS thus consists of multiple one-dimensional coordinate systems that correspond to the axes of the machine.

The machine manufacturer defines the position and orientation of the one-dimensional coordinate systems in the kinematics description.

The machine datum is the coordinate origin of the M-CS. The machine manufacturer defines the machine datum in the machine configuration.

The values in the machine configuration define the zero positions of the position encoders and the corresponding machine axes. The machine datum does not necessarily have to be located in the theoretical intersection of the physical axes. It can also be located outside of the traverse range.

Position of the machine datum in the machine

Transformations in the machine coordinate system M-CS

The following transformations can be defined in the M-CS machine coordinate system:

  • Axis-specific shifts in the OFFS columns of the preset table
  • Preset table *.pr

  •  
    Machine

    The machine manufacturer configures the OFFS columns of the preset table in accordance with the machine.

  • Axis-specific shifts in the rotary and parallel axes using the datum table
  • Datum table

  • Axis-specific shifts in the rotary and parallel axes using the TRANS DATUM function
  • Datum shift with TRANS DATUM

 
Machine

The machine manufacturer can also define further transformations.

Note

Position display

The following modes of the position display are referenced to the machine coordinate system M-CS:

  • Nominal reference position (RFNOML)
  • Actual reference position (RFACTL)

The difference between the values for the RFACTL and ACTL. modes of an axis result from all stated offsets as well as all active transformations in other reference systems.

Programming coordinate entry in machine coordinate system M-CS

Note

The machine manufacturer can define the following further transformations in the machine coordinate system M-CS:

  • Additive axis shifts for parallel axes with the OEM-offset
  • Axis-specific shifts in the OFFS columns of the pallet preset table
  • Pallet preset table

 
Notice
Danger of collision!
The control may feature an additional pallet preset table, depending on the machine. Values that the machine manufacturer defined in the pallet preset table take effect before values that you defined in the preset table. The control indicates in the Positions workspace whether a pallet preset is active and if yes, which one. Since the values of the pallet preset table are neither visible nor editable outside the Setup application, there is a risk of collision during any movement!
  1. Refer to the machine manufacturer's documentation
  2. Use pallet presets only in conjunction with pallets
  3. Change pallet presets only after discussion with the machine manufacturer
  4. Check the pallet preset in the Setup application before you start machining

Example

This example illustrates the difference between traverse movements with and without M91. The example shows the behavior with a Y axis as oblique axis that is not arranged perpendicularly to the ZX plane.

Traverse movement without M91

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.

 
Tip

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 L IY+10

You use the Cartesian input coordinate system I-CS for programming. The ACTL. and NOML. modes of the position display show only a movement of the Y axis in the I-CS.

The control uses the defined values to determine the required traverse paths of the machine axes. Since the machine axes are not arranged perpendicularly to each other, the control moves the axes Y and Z.

Since the machine coordinate system M-CS is a projection of the machine axes, the RFACTL and RFNOML modes of the position display show movements of the Y axis and Z axis in the M-CS.

Traverse movement with M91

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.

 
Tip

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 L IY+10 M91

The control moves the machine axis Y by 10 mm. The RFACTL and RFNOML modes of the position display show only a movement of the Y axis in the M-CS.

In contrast to the M-CS, the I-CS is a Cartesian coordinate system; the axes of the two reference systems do not coincide. The ACTL. and NOML. modes of the position display show movements of the Y axis and Z axis in the I-CS.