Acu-Rite CNC 3500i user manual Rotary Axis Programming Conventions, Programming Examples, 431

Rotary Axis Programming Conventions

A rotary axis (typically U) programs differently based on the setting of the (Axes->PhysicalAxis->U->CfgRollOver>Shortest Distance) parameter, which is determined by the builder. The default for this parameter is off; in which case, the U-axis behaves like a linear axis. If set to on, the behavior of the rotary axis (U) is described below.

If programming the U-axis in Absolute:

The rotary axis never rotates more than 180 degrees in one move. So, if a move of greater than 180 degrees is programmed, the control resolves the number to a positive value less than 360 degrees and move to that target, taking the shortest distance (always less than 180 degrees). A move of exactly 180 degrees always moves positive and a move of exactly 360 degrees does not move at all.

If programming the U-axis in Incremental:

The rotary axis moves the exact amount of degrees programmed and in the direction indicated with the plus or minus sign. The display resets to zero every time 360 degrees is crossed so that the highest value in the U-axis display is 359.999 degrees depending on the displayed resolution.

Feedrate display is always vectored.

Programming Examples

All programming examples are for 4-axis machining with the rotary table mounted on the left end of the mill table, with the center line of the rotary axis parallel to the X-axis. The face of the rotary table faces X+.

The examples contain both milling and drilling applications. Modal cycles G81 to G89 and G66 can be executed at rotary locations as in XYZ locations. Non-modal canned cycles can be executed at rotary locations. Position the rotary axis before you execute a non-modal canned cycle.

11.5 Four Axis Programming

ACU-RITE 3500i 431