The Structure column in the Program workspace

Application

When you open an NC program, the control searches the NC program for structuring items and displays these structure elements in the Structure column. The structuring items act like links and thus allow fast navigation in the NC program.

Description of function

The Structure column with automatically created structuring items

When you open an NC program, the control automatically creates the structure.

In the Program settings window you define which structuring items the control displays in the structure. The PGM BEGIN and PGM END structuring items cannot be hidden.

Settings in the Program workspace

The Structure column shows the following information:

  • NC block number
  • Icon of the NC function
  • Function-dependent information

The control displays the following icons within the structure:

Icon

Syntax

Information

BEGIN PGM

Unit of measurement of the NC program MM or INCH

TOOL CALL

  • Name or number of the tool, if applicable
  • Index of the tool, if applicable
  • Comment, if applicable

* Structure block

  • Entered string, if applicable
  • Comment, if applicable

LBL SET

  • Name or number of the label
  • Comment, if applicable

LBL 0

  • Number of the label
  • Comment, if applicable

CYCL DEF

Number and name of the defined cycle

TCH PROBE

Number and name of the defined cycle

  • CALL PGM
  • CALL SELECTED PGM
  • Path of the called NC program (e.g., TNC:\Safe.h), if applicable
  • Comment, if applicable
  • Cycle 12.1 PGM
  • SEL PGM
  • Path of the NC program (e.g., TNC:\Safe.h)
  • Comment, if applicable

FUNCTION MODE

  • Selected machining mode (possibilities: MILL, and SET)
  • Selected kinematics, if applicable
  • Comment, if applicable

M2 or M30

Comment, if applicable

M1

Comment, if applicable

STOP or M0

Comment, if applicable

APPR

  • Selected approach function
  • Comment, if applicable

DEP

  • Selected departure function
  • Comment, if applicable

END PGM

No additional information

In the Program Run operating mode, the Structure column contains all structuring items, even those of the called NC programs. The control indents the structure of the called NC programs.

Navigation path in the Program workspace

 
Tip

The control displays comments as separate NC blocks, rather than including them in the structure. These NC blocks start with the semicolon ;character.

Adding comments

Editing an NC block using the structure

To edit an NC block using the structure:

  1. Open an NC program

  1. Open the Structure column

  1. Select structure element
  2. The control positions the cursor on the corresponding NC block in the NC program. The focus of the cursor remains in the Structure column.

  1. Select the right arrow
  2. The focus of the cursor changes to the NC block.

  1. Select the right arrow
  2. The control edits the NC block.

Marking NC blocks using the structure

To mark NC blocks using the structure:

  1. Open an NC program

  1. Open the Structure column

  1. Hold or right-click the structuring item
  2. The control positions the cursor on the corresponding NC block in the NC program.
  3. The control opens the context menu.
  4. Context menu

  5. Select Mark
  6. The control displays check boxes next to the structuring items in the Structure column.
  7. The control marks the NC block in the NC program.
  8. Enable additional check boxes, if required
  9. The control marks all structuring items between the two selected structuring items as well as the associated NC blocks.
 
Tip

Instead of the context menu, you can use the CTRL + SPACE shortcut.

Notes

  • In the case of long NC programs, generating the structure view may take longer than loading the NC program itself. Even if the structure view has not been fully generated, you can already work in the loaded NC program.
  • You can navigate within the Structure column using the up and down arrow keys.
  • The control shows called NC programs in the structure with a white background. If you double-tap or click on such a structure element, the control opens the NC program if necessary in a new tab. If the NC program is open, the control switches to the corresponding tab.