Alpha XS CNC Tutorial-ENGLISH

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 141

XS

CNC TUTORIAL

X
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
XS

‘CNC TUTORIAL’
THIS MANUAL HAS BEEN PREPARED TO PROVIDE THE USER WITH BASIC INFORMATION
ON THE OPERATION OF THE MACHINE IN THE CNC MODE.
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATING YOUR MACHINE IN ORDER
TO ENSURE THAT YOUR MACHINE PERFORMS TO ITS MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY.

IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS ON A SUBJECT, EVEN AFTER OPERATIONS HAVE BEEN STARTED,
THEN REFER TO THIS MANUAL AS NECESSARY.

IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE OPERATOR HAS APPROPRIATE SKILL


AND EXPERIENCE IN THE USE OF A CONVENTIONAL CENTRE LATHE, AND IS
FAMILIAR WITH THE MACHINE OPERATORS MANUAL, IN PARTICULAR THE
SAFETY NOTES.
i

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL

Blank Page
ii

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Powering Up The Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Operators Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Operator Control Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Main Isolator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Control On/Off Pushbuttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Cycle Start Pushbutton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Program Protect Key (CNC Mode Select) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Cycle Hold Pushbutton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Coolant On/Off Pushbutton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chuck Open/Close Pushbutton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Internal/External Grip Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Hand Wheel Increments Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Manual Turret Index Pushbutton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Tailstock Forwards/Retract Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Auto Mode Pushbutton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Edit Mode Pushbutton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
MDI Mode Pushbutton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Manual Mode Pushbutton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Feed Rate Override Dial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Spindle Speed Override Dial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Stopping The Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
MDI Input Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Cursor keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Reset Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Data Input Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
iii

Axis Jog Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8


CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Contents
Axis Rapid Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
EOB (End of Block) Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Alter & Delete Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Insert Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
POS (Position) Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
PROG (Program) Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
SHIFT Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
CAN (Cancel Key) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
INPUT Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
OFFSET SETTINGS Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
SYSTEMS Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
MESSAGE Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
CUSTOM GRAPHICS Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
PAGE Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
HELP Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Screen Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Jog Status Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Auto Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Absolute Position Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Relative Position Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Overall Position Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Program Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Current Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Next Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Program Directory Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Tool Offset Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Work Shift Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Message And Alarm Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Graphic Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
iv

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Contents
Moving The Slides, Turret And Spindle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Moving The Slides With The Hand Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Moving The Slides With The Jog Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Indexing The Turret In Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Operating The Power Chuck In Manual Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Internal/External Gripping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Operating The Power Tailstock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Moving Slides Using Manual Data Input (MDI) Mode . . . . . . . . . . 15
Moving Slides In Rapid Using MDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Moving Slides In Feed Using MDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Indexing The Turret In MDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Commanding Spindle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Operation Of Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Eight Station Turret . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Manual Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Operation By ‘T’ Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Erroneous ‘T’ Codes And Tool Offsets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Power Chuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Manual Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Power Chuck, Spindle Rotation, Sliding Guard Interlock . . . . . . . . 21
Clamping/Unclamping Using Footpedals (Option) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Hydraulic Tailstock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Manual Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Power Tailstock, Spindle Rotation, Sliding Guard Interlock . . . . . . 22
Advancing/Retracting Using Footpedals (Option) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
v

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Contents
Edit Mode - Use Of Edit Mode For Part Program Writing . . . . . . . . . . 23
Program Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Registering Programs To Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
To Recall A Program To The Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Insert Function - End Of Block Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Auto Block Numbering Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Delete Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Alter Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Cursor: Page And Searching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
To Switch The Machine From Inch To Metric Function . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Edit Mode - Program Proving Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Graphics Simulation Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Edit Mode - Running A Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Program Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Program Select . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Workshift Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Tool Offset Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Program Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Feedrate Override . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Sliding Guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Edit Mode - Workshift And Tool Offsets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Setting The Workshift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
‘T’ Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Setting The Tool Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Checking The Tool Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Setting The Tool Nose Radius Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
vi

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Contents
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Machine Axis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Working Quadrants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Component Datums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Letter Address Function List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
‘G’ Code Listing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
‘M’ Code Listing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Tool Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Program Writing Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
i) Program Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
ii) Safe Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
iii) Tool Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
iv) Program Finish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
v) Complete Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Programming Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Standard Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Auto Chamfer ‘C’ Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Angle Input ‘A’ Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Circular Interpolation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Auto Radius ‘R’ Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Tool Nose Radius Compensation: T.N.R.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Automatic Cycles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
G70 Finish Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
G71 Rough Turn Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
G72 Rough Face Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
G73 Pattern Repeat Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
G74 Peck Drilling / Face Groove Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
G75 I/Dia. / O/Dia. Groove Cycles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
G76 Multi-pass Threading Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
G92 Single Pass Threading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
vii

G32 Special Threading Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99


CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Contents
Sub Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Programmable Data Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Input / Output - With External Part program Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Electrical Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Handshaking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Parameter Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Parameter Settings Decimal point Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Parameter Settings ‘G’ Code Select Parameter Type A, B or C . 113
Loading Programs To / From The Machine Via RS232 . . . . . . . . . . 114
Loading & Saving Programs From PCMCIA Flash Cards . . . . . . . . 117
Parameter Write Enable: P.W.E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Searching For A Parameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Slide Set-up Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121


General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
The ‘X’ Axis 1st Reference Point Return Set-up Procedure . . . . . . . 124
The ‘Z’ Axis 1st Reference Point Return Set-up Procedure . . . . . . . 125
Soft Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Solutions To Programming Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Program Example 6 - From Page 74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Program Example 8 - From Page 80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
viii

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Introduction
This tutorial has been designed as a familiarisation and operational guide for first time users of the
CNC operations and controls on the Alpha ‘1000' Series lathe.
It is intended to allow users to get the machine up and running quickly, while at the same time
acquaint themselves with the operator controls and the major features of the system.
When reading the text you will find it beneficial to refer to the illustration on page two that identifies
the keypads, individual push buttons and other controls
Until the commissioning procedure laid out in the Alpha ‘1000' Series manual (supplied with the
machine) has been carried out DO NOT attempt to follow the instructions given in this section.
Please ensure that you are fully familiar with the SAFETY NOTES in the Alpha ‘1000' Series manual.
NOTE
The axis soft limit values are factory set for the appropriate work holding and tool holding device fitted at machine
manufacture. Any subsequent alteration in either the work holding or tool holding device will require the soft limits to
be reset accordingly.

Operation
NOTE
Before proceeding any further identify the EMERGENCY STOP pushbutton. Firmly pressing this will immediately halt
the motion of all parts of the machine including any optional accessories in use. This button is intended for
emergency use only and will cause all automatic machining cycles to be aborted.

Powering Up THE MACHINE


Switch on the machine’s mains isolator (situated on the door of the electrical cabinet which is at the
rear of the machine’s head stock), the SYSTEM OFF pushbutton (on the operators control panel)
will illuminate, confirm that the emergency stop button(s) are un-latched (twist to release)
Using the illustration on the following page for reference turn the Mode Select Keyswitch to the
CNC mode of operation.
Press the green SYSTEM ON pushbutton to switch on the system. The button will illuminate.
MANUAL The screen will then display the axis position and
JOG page
X 403.300 F 0 MM/MIN
Z 250.000

ABS REL ALL NEXT OPRT +

NOTE
In the interest of clarity the screen illustrations shown in this book are purely diagrammatic, they
have been simplfied for illustration purposes and do not fully represent the screens as shown on
1

the machines themselves.


CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Operators Control Panel
1 2

3
6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

1 Screen Display with Softkeys 8 Feed Engage Lever


2 MDI Keypad 9 ‘Z’ Axis MPG Hand wheel
3 Manual Operation Keypad 10 Axis Jog Direction Lever
4 Program Protect Key Switch 11 Automatic / Manual Operation Select
5 Feedrate Override Control 12 Spindle Speed Potentiometer (Pot.)
6 Emergency Stop 13 System ON/OFF Buttons
7 ‘X’ Axis MPG Hand wheel 14 Spindle Forwards/Reverse
15 Spindle START/STOP Lever
2

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Operator Control Functions (see photo on page 2)
Mains Isolator Switch (location AC cabinet door - Not shown)
Position "O": The machine is completely disconnected from the mains supply.
The switch should be put in this position at the end of each working day. With
the switch in this position the AC electrical cabinet door can then be opened
It is then safe to work on any electrical equipment or moving parts of the
machine.
Position "1": The machine is connected to the mains supply, all electrical
equipment may be live and moving. The switch should be put in this position for
the machine to be used. The electrical cabinet door cannot be opened while the
switch is in this position.
System ON (green pushbutton) / System OFF (red pushbutton)
Push the green SYSTEM ON button to energise the control system after switching
on the mains isolator. The button will illuminate to indicate that the system is ON

Cycle Start button (located on Manual Operation Keypad)


Used to initiate cycle commence this button is operative in the AUTO, SINGLE
STEP and MDI modes only. (When pressed the light above the button illuminates)
AUTO or SINGLE STEP modes are defined as a part program starting with a
block indicated by the cursor on the screen.
OR
MDI mode is where a single block is displayed on the screen. The button will
remain illuminated until the block is completed.
NOTE
(i) If an ALARM message is indicated on the screen, then the machine will not respond to
the CYCLE START pushbutton.
(ii) If the safety guard is open and the CYCLE START is pressed the message GUARD
OPEN will appear on screen.

Mode Select Key Switch


Used to select which of the machines modes, CNC (left) and ALPHA (right) you
wish to operate the machine in.
For MANUAL GUIDE mode selection see key switch to CNC mode and press the
Manual Guide key:

Program Protect Key Switch


With the key in the on position, this will prevent programs from being accidental
changed or erased.
To edit a program the switch needs to be turned to the off position.
3

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Cycle Hold button (located on Manual Operation Keypad)
This pushbutton is operative in AUTO, SINGLE BLOCK or MDI modes.
When pressed the light above the button illuminates and interrupts the programs
execution. It disables the door interlock and the cycle can be re-started at the
point of interruption by pressing the CYCLE START pushbutton.
If a block contains axis movement only the interrupt will be immediate. If the
block contains an M, T, S code, execution of the block is completed before the
CNC enters the CYCLE HOLD condition.
The following special cases should be noted.
a) If the CYCLE HOLD is pressed during a G76 Canned Threading Cycle, the
CNC will complete that particular full threading command before entering
the CYCLE HOLD condition.
b) If CYCLE HOLD is pressed during a G92 Threading Cycle the feed light will
illuminate immediately but the cycle will continue until the next escape
condition of the cycle.
c) If CYCLE HOLD is pressed during a G32 Threading Cycle it will continue to
the end of the -Z (negative) movement and stop. It is advisable to only
activate CYCLE STOP if the slide is moving in a + Z (positive) movement

Coolant On / Off
These pushbutton manually starts and stops the Coolant Flow. It overrides the
program codes M13 and M14.

Chuck Open / Close buttons (if fitted)


These pushbutton opens and closes the hydraulic chuck*, but only when pressed
at the same time. (*Available as an optional extra)

Internal External Chucking Select button


This is used for selecting internal or external gripping of the component it is
interlocked with the OPEN / CLOSED pushbutton.

Handwheel Increment Select buttons


This switch is operational in the Handwheel option only. Selection of the X1, X10,
X100 position of this switch will adjust the slide movement and the X and Z read
out by that amount
The X1 position alters the handwheel increment to 0,001mm
The X10 position alters the handwheel increment to 0,010mm
The X100 position alters the handwheel increment to 0,100mm
4

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Manual Turret Index button
This pushbutton is active in the manual mode only. Providing the machine
guard is closed each press of the pushbutton will result in the Turret indexing
one station forward.

Tailstock Forwards / Retract buutons


Active in the manual mode,these will advance/retract the hydraulic tailstock if
fitted (Available only if optional hydraulic tailstock fitted)

AUTO button
Pressing the button in program allows the machine to run a full Automatic
program stored within the CNC. It also allows access to the Automatic Mode
pages through the CUSTOM GRAPHIC pushbutton.

EDIT button
Providing the Program page is on the screen. Pressing the EDIT pushbutton will
display in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen the word
EDIT **** **** **** .
Allowing the modification, registration and deletion of programs.

Block Delete button


When switched on this allows the control to ignore all blocks of information
which have a slash, “/ ”, code as the first character in the block.

Optional Stop button


When switched on the cycle stops after a block containing M01 is executed.
Cycle is resumed by pressing cycle start button

Machine Lock button


When this switch is in the ON position all axis move commands are suppressed.
(M, S and T functions are executed). Position registers are updated irrespective of
no slide movements.
The CNC will lose the true absolute position because the slideway movement is
locked. Because of this, after running the machine in “MC LOCK”, operation
cannot proceed until the control has been switched off and on again using the
red and green buttons.
5

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
MDI button
Providing you are in the program screen pressing the MDI pushbutton accesses
the manual data input pages and softkeys. It allows program operation by
commands from the MDI panel and will display
MDI*** *** ***
in the bottom left hand corner of the screen. In some instances it may be
necessary to press the (MDI) softkey to display the screen.
MANUAL

X 403.300 F 0 MM/MIN
Z 250.000 O0000

MODAL
GO F M
G96 S
G40

ABS REL ALL PROG MDI NEXT OPRT +

SINGLE Block button


This push button is active only when the machine is in the AUTO mode of
operation.
When the pushbutton is active the control will only execute one step of the
program every time the CYCLE START pushbutton is pressed.

JOG/MPG (MANUAL) button


When active the manual mode will display
HND**** *** ***
in the bottom left hand corner of the screen and it can be active in all other
modes of operation. It allows the machine slides to be moved using the
Handwheels or Jog and Rapid keys.

Feefrate Over-ride dial


The dial is operative in modes AUTO, MDI, SINGLE STEP including rapid
movements.
Rotating it in a counter clockwise direction will decrease the feed rates of the
active slideways to a minimum value of ZERO. Rotating it clockwise will increase
the feed rates to a maximum of 150% as designated in the machine specification

Spindle Speed Over-ride dial


The dial is operative in all modes of operation. Rotating the dial in a counter
clockwise direction will reduce the RPM of the spindle, rotating in a clockwise
direction will increase the RPM. In both cases the RPM is displayed in the bottom
right hand corner of the screen.
6

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Stopping The Machine
The machining cycle can be stopped in a variety of ways under normal conditions for various rea-
sons, such as checking the surface finish of the workpiece etc.
This can be achieved by a variety of methods as detailed below.

Objective Procedure Result

1. To stop machine at any point a) Press Cycle Hold button. All axes motion ceases unless thread-
cutting is active.

b) Turn the Feedrate Override dial to As above on feed moves, but has no
the off position, i.e. fully counter effect on threadcutting.
clockwise.

2. To resume cycle after Cycle Hold a) Depress Cycle Start switch on Machine operation continues.
has been initiated. control.

b) Turn Feedrate Override dial As above.


to desired override position.

3. To resume operation after any Depress Cycle Start pushbutton. The ‘Cycle Start’ pushbutton will
program stop’ has been illuminate and the cycle should
initiated.(Program Stops are continue.
M00,M01, M02, M30)

4. Emergency Stop Button If you wish to continue, it is necessary This suspends all active commands
If a potentially dangerous to release the emergency stop but- stops the spindle and all machine
condition begins, the machine can ton(s) bytwisting to release the latch. motion ceases.
be easily stopped by pressing the Then press the green system on
large red pushbutton. pushbutton until it illuminates and then
press RESET. Page through the
program to the point at which the tool
was first called up and then run the
program from there, in single block
and with extreme care, until you have
passed the block in which the
Emergency Stop Button was pressed.

5. Sliding Guard If it is required to stop the machine This generates a Cycle Hold and
The sliding guard is locked during and open the guard during automatic stops the spindle. The pushbutton
Automatic and MDI operation by cycle then depress the Cycle Hold illuminates when active.
means of a spring operated shot push-button.
bolt. This is a safety device to
prevent the guard being opened When the spindle comes to rest the
during cycle. shotbolt is released allowing the guard
to be opened.

To resume automatic operation close This will remove the interrupt


the guard and push cycle start. condition, the spindle will start and
the cycle will continue immediately.
7

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
The MDI Input Keypad
RESET key EDIT keys

ALPHA/NUMERIC
HELP key keys (for Data &
Axis Jog)

INPUT key
SHIFT key
CANCEL key
EOB key
PAGE CHANGE
keys FUNCTION keys

CURSOR keys

Cursor keys
These four keys are marked with directional arrows which move the cursor Left,
Right or Up and Down.

RESET key
RESET i) Stops the execution of the programme in automatic mode.
ii) Cancels any command in the current block of a part programme.
iii) Stops the Spindle.
iv) Returns the Cursor to the first block of the part program in Edit mode.
v) Cancel Alarm messages providing the cause of that Alarm has been
removed.

Alpha/Numeric Data Input keys


These are dual function alpha/numeric keys.
The large character signified on each key is input when the
key is pressed.
The small number on each key is input when the SHIFT key
is pressed prior to the key.
The following special cases should be noted:

Axis Jog keys


These are dual function numeric keys.
Key numbers 2, 4, 6, and 8 are used for Axis Jog Direction in the
JOG / HANDLE mode of operation. Holding down the arrow key will
result in the slides moving in that direction at the current active Feed
Rate.
8

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
MDI Keypad
Axis Rapid Key
5 Key number 5 activates the RAPID movement of the slides.
Pressing this key immediately prior to one of the Feed Direction Keys will result in
the slide moving in that direction at a rapid 4M/min. This movement is
interactive, once the Axis Direction Key is released the slide stops (providing the
MANUAL MODE page is on screen and the MANUAL pushbutton has been
pressed).

RAPID is only active in one axis at a time

EOB key
EOB Represented by the character ; and termed END of BLOCK it must be present at
the end of each program line

ALTER and DELETE keys


These keys are used in the EDIT mode of operation and are used for altering or
deleting individual alpha numeric information in a program line.

INSERT key
This key is used in the EDIT/MDI mode of operation to insert alpha/numeric
information as complete lines or individual words into the program.

POS key
When pressed, this key displays the POSITION of the slides. It gives access
through the softkeys to the (REL) relative and (ALL) all positional screens.

PROG key
Pressing this key calls the current active programme to the screen. It allows
access through the soft keys to (EDIT) & (MDI) modes and the Program Directory
(DIR)

SHIFT key
Pressing this key prior to one of the alpha/numeric keys, displays the alternative
symbol found on the bottom right hand corner of that key.

CAN key
This key is used in the EDIT or MDI modes of operation. When pressed it will
delete the single character in a program line which is underlined by the
CURSOR when that line is being compiled.

INPUT key
This key is used to input data on the peripheral information pages on the Off Set
Setting, Geometry and Wear Offset, Work Shift and Parameter pages.
9

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
OFFSET SETTING key
This key is used to call the settings pages to screen for the Geometry and Wear
Offsets, through the softkeys (GEOM ) (WEAR).Using the right hand softkey and
the PAGE keys, the (W/SHIFT) and the PWE ( program write protect) page can
also be called to the screen.

SYSTEM key
This key is used to access the system Parameters and Diagnostic data pages.

MESSAGE key
In the event a spurious alarm is generated pressing this button will display, on
screen, the Operator Message, Alarm information and Alarm History

GRAPH key
This button is the route to all the graphically expressed screens in Manual Mode,
Auto Mode, and Tool Path Graphics set up pages.

PAGE keys
Many sections of the system have numerous pages covering Parameters,
Diagnostics, Settings etc. these keys are used for paging forward or backwards
through those pages.

HELP key
In any CNC page Program, Position etc. pressing the HELP key will access the
help softkeys (ALARM) (OPERATE) (PARM). Pressing one of these keys will open
up help pages in the three options.
10

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Screen Descriptions
MANUAL Manual Mode screen
F 0 MM/MIN The MANUAL MODE screen is always prominent at
X 403.300 power up and displays the X and Z absolute position
Z 250.000 of the slides. If the machine is fitted with a power
chuck and power tailstock the screen will also display
the choice of foot pedal activity. If the chevron is in
the >ON position. It means the foot pedal switches
are active, if the chevron is in the >OFF the foot
pedals are inactive.
ABS REL ALL NEXT OPRT + The JOG STATUS screen can be accessed at any
time through the MANUAL pushbutton, CUSTOM
GRAPHIC and PAGE keys.

AUTO Auto Settings screen


F 0 MM/MIN Can be accessed through the AUTO pushbutton and
X 403.300 CUSTOM GRAPHIC key (repeatedly if required).
Z 250.000 O7777
G21 G40 G96
MODAL G0 X200 Z200
GO F M T0101
G96 S G0 X50 Z2
G40 G96 S200 M13

ABS REL ALL HNDL PROG NEXT OPRT +

POSITION (ABSOLUTE) Absolute Position screen


X 403.300 F 0 MM/MIN To call up this screen press the POS key, it displays
the absolute position of the X and Z slides along
Z 250.000 O7777
G21 G40 G96
with the softkeys choice (ABS) (REL) (ALL). Pressing
these will display 3 variantions of the positional
MODAL G0 X200 Z200 screen; Absolute, Relative and Overall
GO F M T0101
G96 S G0 X50 Z2
G40 G96 S200 M13

ABS REL ALL HNDL ALARM MSG HISTORY +

POSITION (RELATIVE) Relative Position screen


F 0 MM/MIN Displays the Relative position of the slides.
X 403.300 The co-ordinates value can be set to ZERO by press-
Z 250.000 O7777
G21 G40 G96
ing the following sequence of keys.:-
MODAL G0 X200 Z200 POS key Z REL softkey Z OPTN softkey Z ORIGIN
GO F M T0101 softkey Z U or W key Z INPUT key
G96 S G0 X50 Z2
G40 G96 S200 M13
11

ABS REL ALL HNDL PROG NEXT OPRT +

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
POSITION Overall Position screen
(RELATIVE) (ABSOLUTE) Displays simultaneously
U 246.912 X 123.456
W 913.780 Z 456.890 i) U & W: The current position in the relative
co-ordinate system
(MACHINE) (DISTANCE TO GO)
X 0.000 X 0.000 ii) X & Z: The absolute position in the relative
Z 0.000 Z 0.000
co-ordinate system
iii) The current position in the machine co-ordinate
F 0 MM/MIN system.
ABS REL ALL HNDL PROG DIR OPRT + iv) The distance to go.

PROGRAM Program screen


O7777 Pressing the EDIT pushbutton followed by the PROG
G21 G40 G96 G99 Z RESET keys displays the current program screen
G50 S2000 and opens the route through the soft keys (DIR) to the
G0 X100 Z200 T0101 program directory.
M01
; Repeat pressing of the PROG softkey will alternate
G0 G96 S200 M13 betwwen two program screens one where the whole
X50 Z5 of the screen is dedicated to the program. The other
Z-50 F0.25
is where Current and Next screen are selectable.
ABS REL ALL HNDL PROG DIR OPRT + Pressing the OPTN softkey in turn opens the route to
Background Edit, Program Search, and Number
Search

NEXT Next screen


F 0 MM/MIN Active in the PROGM mode only, press the (NEXT)
X 403.300 softkey to access. The screen displays on the left the
Z 250.000 O7777
G21 G40 G96
values currently being executed and the next block
on the right of the screen.
MODAL G0 X200 Z200
GO F M The commanded spindle speed and the last tool
T0101
G96 S G0 X50 Z2
selection appears in the bottom right of the page.
G40 G96 S200 M13

ABS REL ALL HNDL PROG NEXT OPRT +

PROGRAM DIRECTORY O7777 N0010 Program Directory screen


PROGRAM (NUM.) MEMORY (CHAR.) Accessed by pressing the PROGM pushbutton and the
USED: 17 4,320 ( DIR ) softkey shows all the Program Numbers in
FREE: 46 3,960
memory, the length of each program in character size
O NO. SIZE (CHAR.) DATE
O0001 360 1969-06-11 14:40 and the input date.
O0002 240 1995-06-12 14:55
O0010 420 1996-07-01 11:02 It also shows both the Total Memory used and the
O0020 180 1996-08-14 9:40
O0040 1,140 1997-03-25 18:27 Free Memory remaining in character size.
O0050 60 1998-08-26 16:04
O0100 120 1998-04-30 13:11
12

PROG DIR OPRT +

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
OFFSET (GEOM) O7777 N0010 Tool Offset screen
NO. X Z R T The OFFSET page, is used for setting the co-ordinates
G 01 0.000 1.000 0.000 0 of the tool relative to the component, usually the
G 02 1.486 -49.561 0.000 0
G 03 1.486 -49.561 0.000 0 nominated figures are large. To call the page to the
G 04 1.486 0.000 0.000 0 screen press the PROG key.
G 05 1.486 -49.561 0.000 0
G 06 1.486 -49.561 0.000 0 Press the OFFSET SETTING key (several times if
G 07 1.486 -49.561 0.000 0
G 08 1.486 -49.561 0.000 0 necessary) to call up the softkey choice for the pages
(OFFSET) or (SETTING) onto screen. The two screens
can be accessed by pressing the appropriate softkey.
WEAR GEOM OPRT + Offset numbers (1 to 8) are displayed on screen. Use
the PAGE key to display a further 8 offsets (9 to 16).
The standard number of offsets, which can be called
to screen, is 16.
Extra offsets are available as an option.

WORKSHIFT O7777 N0010 Workshift screen


F 0 MM/MIN The WORKSHIFT is the distance from the machine
X 403.300 ZERO datum to the ZERO datum face of the
Z 250.000 component.
Press the PROG key.
(SHIFT VALUE) (MEASUREMENT)
Press the OFFSET SETTING key (several times if
X 0.000 X 0.000
Z 0.000 Z 0.000 necessary) until the screen for the softkey option
(OFFSET) or (SETTING) appears.
WK Press the softkey (SETTING) and the right hand softkey
ABS REL ALL OPRT +
SHIFT (several times if necessary) until the softkey option for
(W/SHIFT) appears on screen .
Press the softkey to call the page to screen.

ALARM HISTORY O7777 N0010 MESSAGE and ALARM screen


97.01.14 16:43:48 PAGE=1 This screen is displayed automatically when an alarm
010 IMPROPER G-CODE occurs. It allows access to Messages, Alarms and the
97.01.13 8:22:21 Alarm History through the soft keys. You can return to
506 OVERTRAVEL : +X
97.01.12 20:15:43
at any time, by pressing the MESSAGE key.
417 SERVO ALARM : X AXIS DGTL PARAM

ALARM MSG HISTRY OPRT +

GRAPHIC screen
The GRAPHIC screen is described in detail in the
section on Part Program Proving.
13

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Moving the Slides, Turret and Spindle
Moving The Slides With The Handwheels
(Also referred to as the MPG [manual pulse generator])
The machine always powers up in the Handwheel Mode with
both handwheels active. Rotating either the X or Z handwheel
will move the slides in that direction.
Counter-clockwise for minus, Clockwise for positive. The
readout on the screen will change accordingly.
Selection of the X1, X10, X100 positions of the HAND WHEEL INCREMENT
toggle switch (Item P -see page 2) will adjust the slide movement, and the X and
Z readout by that amount.
The X1 position alters the third decimal place
The X10 position alters the second decimal place
The X100 position alters the first decimal place

Moving The Slides With The Jog Controls


Set the FEED RATE OVER-RIDE switch (Item 17 -see page 2) to
7 8 9 the100% position. Holding down the AXIS JOG BUTTONS
(2,4,6 & 8) will jog the slides in X and Z axes forward and
4 5 6 backwards at the feed rate (providing the MANUAL MODE
screen is selected using the CUSTOM GRAPHIC and MANUAL
1 2 3 pushbuttons).
If the Rapid Key (5) is pressed just prior to one of the AXIS JOG
DIRECTION buttons the slides will move at 4 metres / min.
Care must be taken to avoid collisions with any stationary parts of the machine
such as the Tailstock, Steadies, Chuck etc.

Indexing The Turret In Manual Operation


(The indexing turret is an optional item)
Press the MANUAL pushbutton to select Manual / Handwheel mode.
Ensure the Turret is free to rotate without any obstructions that could collide with
the Tools or Disc. Press the TURRET INDEX pushbutton once and the disc will
rotate sequentially to the next Turret Station. Each subsequent press of the
pushbutton will rotate the turret one station.

NOTE
Where pressing the TURRET INDEX button indexes the turret forward (tools 1 - 2 - 3 - 4) -
Pressing and holding the button down for more than 1 second will index the turret in reverse
(1 - 8 - 7 - 6 ).

IMPORTANT
On partial guard machines (e.g. '1800' machines) The F1 key must also be pressed
(simultaneously) to allow turret index using the turret index key.
14

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Operating the Chuck In Manual Operation (This is an optional item)
MANUAL Ensure the Manual mode is
selected by pressing the MANUAL
X 403.300 F 0 MM/MIN button, press the CHUCK OPEN &
Z 250.000 ENABLE buttons together, once to
open the chuck press and a
second time to close it.
If foot pedals have been fitted
these will also be active.

ABS REL ALL NEXT OPRT +

Internal / External Gripping


Selects whether the Component is to be gripped on the Outside Diameter or
Inside Diameter, The switch is interlocked with the Chuck OPEN/CLOSED switch

Operating The Power Tailstock (This is an optional item)


Press the MANUAL button to select manual mode.
Press the tailstock advance buuton to advance the Quill forward.
Press the tailstock retract button to retract the Quill back into the housing.
If tailstock footpedals are fitted these will also be active.

Moving The Slides Using MDI (Manual Data Input) Mode


Press the PROG pushbutton to select the program screen. Press the MDI button
to select the MDI pages on the screen.
It may be necessary to additionally press the (MDI) softkey to access the following
screen. The bottom left hand corner of the screen will display MDI**** *** ***
confirming MDI mode is active.

PROGRAM MDI O0000 N0030


MDI
X 403.300 F 0 MM/MIN
Z 250.000 O0000
G0 X100 Z100
MODAL
GO F M
G96 S
G40

ABS REL ALL PROG MDI NEXT OPRT +


15

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Moving The Slides In Rapid Movement Using MDI
IMPORTANT
It should be noted that the Work Shift and Tool Offset should be set prior to attempting a
practical example.

A rapid movement is designated by the code G0 or G00 it is followed by an X


and/or Z co-ordinate figure an example of this on the following page.

Example
GE X A After calling the MDI page to screen,.the following sequence of numbers can be
entered using the MDI keypad and the INSERT pushbutton to register them to the
top left-hand corner of the screen.
Z B 0 G21 G0 X100.000 Z200.000 ;
Press the INSERT key to register them to the program
1 2
The MDI page always uses Prog No. O0000

• EOB G21 (selects metric mode of measurement)


G0 (selects a rapid move)
X 100.000 (selects a X axis cross slide co-ordinate)
Z 200.000 (selects a Z axis saddle slide co-ordinate)
; (selects the End Of Block )
If the list of commands displayed are not as intended press the letter 'O' key and
O( press the DEL pushbutton to clear the screen and restart the entry.
Check there is no obstruction to the slide movement, close the machine guard.

Turn the FEED RATE O/RIDE SWITCH to 25% and press the CYCLE START push
button to advance the slides to X 100.000 Z200 .000 in rapid movement
1.5m/min (25% of 6m/min). Upon completion of the move the commands G0
X100.000 Z 200.000, will delete automatically and the program MDI display
will be empty.

Pressing the POS key at any time POSITION


during the move will display the
on-going machine position. X 403.300 F 0 MM/MIN
Z 250.000

ABS REL ALL NEXT OPRT +


16

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Moving The Slides In Feed Movement Using MDI
IMPORTANT
It should be noted that the Work Shift and Tool Offset should be set prior to attempting a
practical example.

A feed movement is designated by the code G1 or G01. It is followed by an X


and/or Z co-ordinate, a figure F for feed, an S for spindle speed, and the appro-
priate M code for spindle start. An example of this is shown below.

Example
After calling the MDI page to screen. The following sequence of numbers can be
entered using the MDI keypad and the INSERT pushbutton to register them to the
bottom left-hand corner of the screen.
Enter G21 G98 G1 X100.000 Z200.000 F100 ;
G E F SP X A Press the INSERT key to register them to the programme
The MDI page always uses Prog No O0000
Z B 0 1 G21 (selects metric mode of measurement)
G98 (selects feed per minute)
2 8 9 G01 (selects a linear feed move)
X100.000 (selects a X axis cross slide co-ordinate)
Z200.000 (selects a Z axis saddle slide co-ordinate)
• EOB
F (selects feed in mm per minute)
; (selects the End Of Block )
If the list of commands displayed are not as intended press the LETTER 'O' key
O( and press the DELETE push button to clear the screen. Re-enter the correct
sequence.
Check there is no obstruction to the slide movement, close the machine guard.
Turn the FEED RATE O/RIDE SWITCH to 100 % and press the CYCLE START
push button to advance the slides to X100 000 Z200.000 in a feed movement
of 0.25mm/rev.
At completion of movement the commands G21 G97 G1 X100.000 Z200.000
F100.0 ; will delete automatically and the Program MDI display will be empty,
ready for the next command .
Pressing the POSITION (POS) pushbutton will display the on-going machine
position.

Press the POS pushbutton to check the position of the slides.

Press the PROG pushbutton to select the program screen.

Press the MDI pushbutton to call the MDI pages to the screen.
On occasions it may be necessary to also press the ( MDI ) softkey to access the
screen. The bottom left-hand of the screen will display:
17

MDI **** *** *** confirming MDI mode is active


MDI
CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Indexing The Turret Using MDI
Check there are no obstructions to the turret rotation. If necessary wind the slides
away.
Select the MDI mode using the PROG key, the MDI pushbutton and the (MDI)
softkey.
Enter the following sequence from the MDI panel T0200 ; they will appear in
T * 0 the bottom left-hand corner of the screen; and press the INSERT key to register
them to the programme O0000
T02 (select the New Tool Station)
2 EOB
00 (selects No Offset)
; (selects End of Block)

If any of the commands displayed are incorrect press the letter 'O' key followed
O( and the DELETE key to clear the screen. Re-enter the correct sequence.

Close the machine guard and press the START CYCLE pushbutton to index the
turret to station 2 at the completion of the index.
18

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Commanding The Spindle In MDI
Spindle movement can be commanded only when the control is in MDI or AUTO
modes. The Commands are:
M03 SPINDLE FORWARD
M04 SPINDLE REVERSE
M05 SPINDLE STOP
M13 SPINDLE FORWARD WITH COOLANT ON
M14 SPINDLE REVERSE WITH COOLANT ON
Snnnn commands SPINDLE SPEED where ‘n’ equals any number in the range 0
to 9 [e.g.: S1500, S0725 etc.] and is interpreted in two ways:
If the code G96 is used, Snnnn specifies the surface speed in meters or feet per
minute If the code G97 is used, Snnnn specifies revolution per minute (RPM)
Enter the following commands using the MDI keys G97 S500 M03 ; and
GE S = M# press the INSERT key.

0 5 7

9 EOB

Close the machine guard and press the START CYCLE pushbutton.
The spindle will start to rotate in a clockwise direction at 500 RPM and will be
indicated at the bottom right-hand corner of the screen.

This speed can be increased or decreased using the SPINDLE OVERRIDE DIAL
situated on the operator panel.

NOTE
Note that during acceleration and deceleration the spindle load meter will indicate a value
which rises to 150% and falls to a steady value once the spindle is running at a constant
speed.

To enter a speed change press the MDI keys to enter S1000, then INSERT and
START CYCLE to accelerate the spindle rpm to this figure.
Leaving the spindle running and entering the command M04, press INSERT
M# S = 0 and CYCLE START will result in the spindle decelerating to a stop and then
accelerating to 1000 RPM in a counter clockwise direction.
1 4 5 Entering the command M05, and pressing INSERT and CYCLE START will
result in the spindle stopping.

During spindle rotation pressing RESET will immediately stop the spindle or any
RESET other MDI function.
19

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Operation Of Options
Eight ( 8 ) Station Turret
These are Vertical indexing, fully automatic disk type tool turrets which mount on a raiser block on
the lathe cross slide. They are driven by an internal electrical motor and can be indexed from the
one tool station to the next by use of the manual TURRET INDEX pushbutton or the tool position
can be selected randomly by use of the T code in the MDI or AUTO mode of operation.

Manual Operation
The TURRET INDEX pushbutton will operate ONLY with the control in the JOG / HANDLE mode of
operation and with the sliding guard closed. Each time the pushbutton is pressed the turret will
revolve to the next station in order of ascending tool number. 1 Z 2 Z 3 Z 4 etc.The TURRET
INDEX pushbutton has a single action and the turret will not continue to index if the pushbutton is
permanently held down.
NOTE
Where pressing the TURRET INDEX button indexes the turret forward (tools 1 - 2 - 3 - 4) - Pressing and holding the
button down for more than 1 second will index the turret in reverse (1 - 8 - 7 - 6 ).

IMPORTANT
On partial guard machines (e.g. '1800' machines) The F1 key must also be pressed (simultaneously) to allow turret
index using the turret index key.

Operation By ‘T’ Code


When a T code is executed with the control in the MDI or AUTO mode of operation. The turret will
revolve directly to the specified tool position.
The T code must follow the following 4 digit format T _ _ _ _ where the first two digits are the
Tool Turret Station Number Selection 1 to 8 and the second two digits are the Tool Offset Number
Selection
T0808 denotes Turret Tool Station 8 working with Tool Offset Number 8
T0816 denotes Turret Tool Station 8 working with Tool Offset Number 16
(not usually used)

Erroneous ‘T’ Codes (when a Turret is being used)


If a Tool Number higher than 8 or an Offset Number higher than 16 is used in the program (such
as a program generated by the Alphalink Cad /Cam system) the Alarm message TOOL OUT OF
RANGE will appear on the machine screen. The program is edited with the PROGRAM EDITOR in
the CAD System, using the T codes 1 to 8 and Offset codes 1 to 16.
20

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Power Chuck
NOTE - Description of operation
The following description relates to hydraulic chucks which are either factory fitted or subsequently fitted by T S
Harrison personnel. If another system is fitted by an outside agency please refer to the manufacturers instructions or
that of the agents who have connected the item. It is important to understand that the safety interlocks and features
described in the following text may not function with another manufacturers control system.

IMPORTANT
The operating pressure of the chuck is machine size dependent. It is preset at the factory to a nominal 20 to 25 bars.
The recommended MAXIMUM pressure should, under no cIrcumstances, be exceeded. This figure is clearly stated on
the legend plate below the Chuck Pressure Adjuster situated on the Hydraulic Power Unit. Adjusting it to a Higher
Pressure will result in the Draw Tube Material exceeding its Safe Tensile Strength Figure, causing the Tube to fracture
and the chuck to release the work component.

Manual Operation - Clamping and Unclamping the Chuck.


There are three ways of Clamping or Unclamping the Chuck.
i) Using the Pushbutton on the Operator Control Panel
ii) Using the Foot Pedals
iii) In Cycle using M codes

Power Chuck, Spindle Rotation, Sliding Guard Interlocks


In order to avoid dangerous situations the Chuck is interlocked as follows:
Interlock 1 The Chuck will not Clamp or Unclamp in any mode of operation if the Spindle is
rotating
Interlock 2 The Spindle will rotate with the Sliding Guards Open in the JOG/HANDLE mode but
the chuck will not Clamp or Unclamp
Interlock 3 The Chuck will unclamp or clamp at any time in the JOG/HANDLE mode, providing
the Spindle is not Running.
Interlock 4 The Internal / External switch is inoperative when the Chuck is Clamped.
Interlock 5 The Chuck will Clamp or Unclamp at the beginning or end of the program in AUTO,
EDIT or MDI modes, providing the spindle is not rotating, with the guards in an
Open or Closed condition.

Clamping / Unclamping A Chuck Using The Foot Pedals (Option)


Opening the sliding guards enables the Foot Pedal. Pressing the Pedal once actuates Clamp, press-
ing a second time actuates Unclamp. In either case the chuck will complete its clamp or unclamp
action before acknowledging the second command.
21

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Hydraulic Tailstock (Option) - Description of Operation
NOTE
The following description relates to Hydraulic Tailstocks which are factory fitted or subsequently fitted by T S Harrison
personnel. If another system is fitted by an outside agency please refer to the manufacturers instructions or that of
the agents who have connected the item. It is important to understand that the safety interlocks and features
described in the following text may not function with another manufacturers control system.

Manual Operation
Advancing and Retracting the Tailstock Quill
There are three methods of Advancing and Retracting the Tailstock Quill.
i) Using the Rotary Positional Switch on the Operator Pane
ii) Using the Foot Pedals.
iii) In cycle using M codes.

Tailstock, Spindle Rotation, Sliding Guard Interlocks


Interlock 1 The Spindle will rotate with the Sliding Guards Open in the JOG/HANDLE mode but
the Tailstock will not Advance or Retract.
Interlock 2 The Tailstock will Advance or Retract any time in the JOG/HANDLE mode, providing
the Spindle is not running.
Interlock 3 The Tailstock will Advance or Retract at the beginning or end or of programme In
AUTO, EDIT or MDI mode, providing the spindle is not rotating. With the guards in
an Open or Closed condition.

Advancing / Retracting Using The Foot Pedals (Option)


Opening the Sliding Guards enables the Foot Pedal Option . Pressing the Pedal once advances the
tailstock quill, pressing a second time retracts the quill. In either case the Tailstock will complete its
clamp or unclamp action before acknowledging the second command.
22

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Edit Mode - Use Of Edit Mode For Part-Program Writing

Program Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Registering Programs To Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
To Recall a Program To The Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Insert Function - End Of Block Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Auto Block Numbering Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Delete Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Alter Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Cursor: Page And Searching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
To Switch The Machine Form Metric To Imperial Measurement . 29

23

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Program Directory
To display the program DIRECTORY, the number of programs and the amount of memory used and
available.
Press: EDIT Z PRGRM Z RESET
To put the control in the edit mode and reset the current program.
Press: DIR (soft key) (The soft keys are located just below the screen).
PROGRAM DIRECTORY O7777 N0010
PROGRAM (NUM.) MEMORY (CHAR.)
USED: 17 4,320
FREE: 46 3,960
O NO. SIZE (CHAR.) DATE
O0001 360 1969-06-11 14:40
O0002 240 1995-06-12 14:55
O0010 420 1996-07-01 11:02
O0020 180 1996-08-14 9:40
O0040 1,140 1997-03-25 18:27
O0050 60 1998-08-26 16:04
O0100 120 1998-04-30 13:11

PROG DIR OPRT +

Registering Programs To Memory


Press the EDIT Z PRGRM Z RESET keys to put the control into edit mode and reset the current
program.
Turn the PROGRAM PROTECT key to the OFF position.
Type: O
(All programs start with the LETTER O followed by a 4 digit number).
Type: O 0002
(Program number 2 for example)

IMPORTANT
Please note that program number 0001 is dedicated to Alpha link Cam applications.
Programs stored in this location will be overwritten by the Alpha link software

Press the INSERT key


This inserts the program number into the memory, the display will show a new program page with
the program number in the top left corner of the screen.

To Recall A Program To The Screen


Active only in the PROG mode, press the ( DIR ) softkey and TYPE IN the program Number, O and
the four digits required, then press the CURSOR down key.
24

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Insert Function - End Of Block Function
The INSERT FUNCTION is used in the EDIT mode for:
i) Inserting new programs into the memory.
ii) Inserting information into the program structure.

Operation
i) Press: EDIT Z PRGRM Z RESET keys
Turn the PROGRAM PROTECT key to the OFF position
Type: O 1000 (Letter O Numerical 1000) ie. Prog No. (one thousand)
Press the EOB key and INSERT key to display the programing screen:
PROGRAM O0001 N0010
O0001 ;

ABS REL ALL HNDL PROG DIR OPRT +

The N10 will be automatically inserted if the auto block number function is switched on.
(See page 26).

ii) Using the Data Input Keys Press:


G21 G40 G90 G99
When the "block" is complete:
Press the EOB (End of Block) key Z Press the INSERT key
To display the following program line.
O1000;
N10 G21 G40 G96 G99;
25

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Auto Block Number Function
If this function is active the blocks / lines of the program will, automatically, be numbered in
increments of 10 when the program is sent to the memory.
i.e. N10
N20
N30

To activate the AUTO BLOCK NUMBER function:


Press the MDI Z OFFSET SETTING keys
Press the ( SETTING ) softkey so that the SETTINGS series of pages are displayed.
Press the PAGE keys to page through the various screens available in this mode, until the SETTINGS
(HANDY) page is prominent
SETTING (HANDY) O0001 N0010
PARAMETER WRITE = 0 (0:DISABLE 1:ENABLE)
TV CHECK = 0 (0:OFF 1:ON)
PUNCH CODE = 1 (0:EIA 1:ISO)
INPUT UNIT = 0 (0:MM 1:INCH)
I/O CHANNEL = 0 (0-3: CHANNEL NO.)
SEQUENCE NO. = 1 (0:OFF 1:ON)
TAPE FORMAT = 0 (0:NO CNV 1:F15)
SEQUENCE STOP = 0 (PROGRAM NO.)
SEQUENCE STOP = 0 (SEQUENCE NO.)

OFFSET SETTING WORK OPRT +

If SEQUENCE NO. is 0 then the AUTO BLOCK FUNCTION is not active.


If SEQUENCE NO. is 1 then the AUTO BLOCK FUNCTION is active.
To activate the function ON or OFF move the cursor to ‘SEQUENCE NO.’
Using the Data Input keys .
Press 1 Z INPUT to switch AUTO BLOCK FUNCTION ON
Press 0 Z INPUT to switch AUTO BLOCK FUNCTION OFF
26

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Delete Functions
The DELETE FUNCTION is used in the EDIT mode for:
1. Deleting complete programs.
2. Deleting single characters.
3. Deleting a block.
4. Deleting a section of program.
5. Deleting all programs in memory.

1. To Delete A Complete Program


Press the EDIT Z PRGRM Z RESET keys
Turn the PROGRAM PROTECT key to the OFF position
Type: O0052 (Letter O Numerical 0052)
Press the DELETE key to display the screen prompt ‘Edit Delete O0052’ Z
Press the softkey (EXECUTE) to delete the PROGRAM from the memory.

2. To Delete A Single Character (GO or X100 or F0.1)


Press the EDIT Z PRGRM Z RESET keys
Turn PROGRAM PROTECT key to the OFF position
Move the cursor under the character to be deleted.
Press the DELETE key to delete the character from the screen.

3. To Delete A Block
Press the EDIT Z PRGRM Z RESET keys
Turn the PROGRAM PROTECT key to the OFF position.
Move the cursor to the block number or beginning of the line to be deleted.
Press the EOB (End of Block) key so ; is displayed in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen
then press the DELETE key to delete the block from the screen

4. To Delete A Section Of A Program


Press the EDIT Z PRGRM Z RESET keys
Turn the PROGRAM PROTECT key to the OFF position
Move the cursor under the block number at the start of the blocks to be removed.
Example N200 G0 X550 Z4 TO3O3;
N210 G0X70 Z2 M13;
N220 X78;
N240 G0 Z2;
N250 X550 Z400 T0300;
N200 Z N240 inclusive, four blocks in total to be deleted
Using the Data Input Keys type N240
Press the DELETE key to remove this section of the program, the cursor will position under the
block N250.
27

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
5. Delete All The Programs From Memory
NOTE
ALL PROGRAMS REGISTERED TO MEMORY WILL BE DELETED

Press the keys EDIT Z PRGRM Z MEMORY keys


Turn the PROGRAM PROTECT key to the OFF position
Type: O -9999 (NEGATIVE / MINUS 9999)
Press the DELETE key to erase all programs from the memory.

Alter Function
The ALTER FUNCTION is used in the EDIT mode for altering an individual character.
To ALTER an individual CHARACTER:
Press the EDIT Z PRGRM Z RESET keys
Turn the PROGRAM PROTECT key off
Example: N340 G01 Z-74.9 F 0.25 ;
In the above block F0.25 requires to be altered to F0.35, move the cursor under F0.25
Type: F0.35
Press the ALTER key to change the character F0.25 automatically to F0.35

Cursor: Page And Searching


To Search for a PROGRAM which is registered in the MEMORY
Press the EDIT Z PRGRM Z RESET keys
Type: O 0015 (Letter O numerical 0015)
Press: CURSOR DOWN
Program number 15 will be searched and displayed as the current program on the screen.
If the program is not in the memory an ALARM 71 (data not available) will occur.
Press the RESET key to cancel ALARM.

To Search for a Block Number or any other WORD


Press the EDIT Z PRGRM Z RESET keys
Type: N620
Press the CURSOR DOWN key
The CURSOR will then appear under N620.

To Search Back To N40 From N620:


Type: N40
Press the CURSOR UP key
Pressing the CURSOR UP or DOWN without a value will move the cursor one character at a time.
28

Pressing the PAGE UP or DOWN will scroll the programme one page at a time.

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
To Switch The Machine Form Metric To Imperial Measurement
In the ISO mode of operation the Alpha Machine MEASURING System can be changed so that all
relative information regarding METRIC or INCH measurement is switched automatically. This covers:-
i) Absolute Positioning.
ii) Incremental Positioning .
iii) Geometric, Wear Offsets and Tool Radius
iv) Homing Positions

IMPORTANT
THE WORKSHIFT MUST BE RESET

Switching the machine between METRIC and IMPERIAL measurement


Press the MDI Z OFFSET SETTING keys
Press the (SETTING) softkey to display the settings series of pages.
Press the PAGE keys to page through the various screen available in that mode, until the
SETTING ( HANDY) page appears.

SETTING (HANDY) O0001 N0010


PARAMETER WRITE = 0 (0:DISABLE 1:ENABLE)
TV CHECK = 0 (0:OFF 1:ON)
PUNCH CODE = 1 (0:EIA 1:ISO)
INPUT UNIT = 0 (0:MM 1:INCH)
I/O CHANNEL = 0 (0-3: CHANNEL NO.)
SEQUENCE NO. = 1 (0:OFF 1:ON)
TAPE FORMAT = 0 (0:NO CNV 1:F15)
SEQUENCE STOP = 0 (PROGRAM NO.)
SEQUENCE STOP = 0 (SEQUENCE NO.)

OFFSET SETTING WORK OPRT +

CURSOR to the INPUT UNIT line.


Using the Data Input Keys .
Press 1 Z INPUT for an Imperial machine measuring system
Press 0 Z INPUT for a Metric machine measuring system

IMPORTANT
POWER THE MACHINE DOWN ( RED BUTTON) AND RE-POWER THE MACHINE UP AGAIN ( GREEN BUTTON )
TO REGISTER THE SELECTED MEASURING SYSTEM.

Note before changing to Alpha mode the measuring system must be returned to its original setting. Ie. metric
machines set to metric and imperial machines set to inch.
29

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL

Blank Page
30

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Edit Mode - Program Prove Options

Graphics Simulation Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

31

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Graphic Simulation Function
The GRAPHIC SIMULATION FUNCTION is used in the AUTO mode for checking programs and
looking at the tool path position during a program.
When the GRAPHICS are run the movements are displayed as follows:
RAPID TRAVERSE movements are displayed as a chain line.
FEED movements are displayed as a complete line.
WHEN SETTING AND RUNNING THE GRAPHIC SIMULATION THE FOLLOWING G.PRM DATA IS
USED:
1. WORK LENGTH.
2. WORK DIAMETER.
3. PROGRAM STOP.
4. AUTO ERASE.
5. SCALE and GRAPHIC CENTRE.
6. ZOOM.
7. RUNNING GRAPHICS.

Press the EDIT Z PRGRM Z RESET keys


Press the CUSTOM GRAPHIC key to select the graphic display screen (if this screen does not
appear).
Press the ( G.PRM ) softkey to display the graphic setting parameters.
GRAPHIC PARAMETER O0001 N0010
WORK LENGTH W = 130000
WORK DIAMETER D = 130000
PROGRAM STOP N = 0
AUTO ERASE A = 1
LIMIT L = 0
GRAPHIC CENTRE X = 61655
Z = 90711
SCALE S = 32
GRAPHIC MODE M = 0

S 0 T0000

SETTING G.RPM GRAPH OPRT +

G.RPM GRAPH OPRT +

ZOOM

NORM SCALE SCALE EXEC


32

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
1. Work Lenght
Using the CURSOR keys move the cursor to the WORK LENGTH W= line enter the length in
MICRONS using the Address/ Numeric MDI Data Keys.
Type 130000 (130mm) and press the INPUT key to register the value for the work length to
screen.

2. Work Diameter
Using the CURSOR key move the cursor to the WORK DIAMETER D line and enter the work
piece outside diameter in MICRONS.
Type 110000 (110mm) and press the INPUT key to register the value of the diameter to the
screen.

3. Pogram Stop
If the graphics are only required for part of the program, entering the block number next to the
program stop "N" sign will end the graphic simulation at that point.
Move the cursor next to the "N" sign for program stop.
Enter the block number required.
e.g. 220 (block number N220)
Press: INPUT
To enter the "N" value for the program stop.
Setting the "N" value to 0 will allow the graphics to run through completely.
The program stop function value will return to 0 after one cycle of the program so the next
cycle will run through the graphics completely.

4. Auto Erase
When the AUTO ERASE function is active, the graphics will be automatically reset at the
beginning of the program that is being run.
Move the cursor next to the AUTO ERASE selection.
TYPE 1 Z INPUT = AUTO ERASE is Active
TYPE 0 Z INPUT = AUTO ERASE is Not Active

5. Scale And Graphic Centre


The SCALE and GRAPHIC CENTRE are set automatically by the computer using the WORK
LENGTH and WORK DIAMETER.

6. Zoom
The ZOOM function is used for magnifying an
area of the graphic display to allow a clear view
S 1.27 of the component profile i.e. tapers; radii; and
X 500.000
blend points etc.
Z 250.000
Press the [ ZOOM ] soft key (under the screen)
After pressing the ZOOM soft key, two ZOOM
CURSORS will be displayed on the graphic
simulation screen.
33

One cursor is for the upper screen limit (HI) and


the other cursor is for the lower screen limit (LO).
CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Pressing the HI/LO "soft" key will alternate which cursor is active (the active cursor will flash).

To move the active cursor press the keys shown right and the cursor
will move in the direction of the arrows.

The cursors represent the top right and bottom left-hand corners of the rectangular area to be
magnified.
When the cursors have been positioned to the required area:
Press the [ACT] soft key and the screen will now display the ZOOMED area.
To return the screen back to the original scale press the [NORMAL] soft key

7. Running Graphics
To run the GRAPHIC SIMULATION first call the program to the screen
Press the program test - MACHINE LOCK key
IMPORTANT
AFTER USING ‘MACHINE LOCK’ THE MACHINE MUST BE TURNED OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN USING THE
RED & GREEN PUSHBUTTONS ON THE OPERATORS CONTROL PANEL TO RE-ESTABLISH THE SLIDES ACTUAL
POSITIONS

Press the EDIT pushbutton Z PRGRM Z RESET keys (to reset the cursor to ** CLOSE THE
MACHINE SLIDING GUARD **
Press the AUTO pushbutton
Press the SINGLE BLOCK pushbutton (when SINGLE BLOCK is selected cycle start will have to
be pressed to execute each block of program).
Press CUSTOM GRAPHICS key to display the graphic screen
Press the CYCLE START pushbutton repeatedly to advance line by line through the program,
checking the tool path step by step until the program is complete .
34

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Edit Mode - Running A Program

Program Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Program Select . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Workshift Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Tool Offset Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Program Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Feedrate Over-ride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Auto Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Sliding Guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

35

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Program Directory
PROGRAM DIRECTORY O0001 N0010 To display the Program Directory; press the EDIT Z
PROGRAM (NUM.) MEMORY (CHAR.)
PROG Z RESET keys, to put the control in the edit
USED: 60 3321 mode and reset the current program.
FREE: 2 429 Press the [ DIR ] soft key (the soft keys are located just
O0010 O0001 O0003 O0002 O0222 O0999 below the screen) to display the programs registered
O0062 O0004 O0005 O1111 O0969 O6666
O0021 O1234 O0588 O0020 O0040 in the memory

PROG DIR OPRT +

Program Select
To search for a program which is registered in memory call the Program Directory to screen as
described above type: O7777 (Letter O numerical 7777) press the CURSOR down key.
Program number 7777 will be searched and displayed as the current program on the screen.
If the program is not in the memory ALARM 71 (Data Not Found) will occur, press RESET to cancel
ALARM.
Alternatively to start a new program press the PROG Z EDIT Z RESET keys type O7777 and press
the INSERT key, to call the program heading to screen.

Workshift Check
Check the WORKSHIFT is correctly set (see ‘SETTING THE WORKSHIFT’ on page 42)

Tool Offset Check


Check the TOOL GEOMETRY/OFFSETS are correctly set (see page 43 for details)

Program Reset
Press EDIT Z PRGRM Z RESET, to re-select the program

Feedrate Over-ride
It is IMPORTANT that you set the feed rate over-ride rotary switch to 100%

Auto Cycle
Press AUTO Z CYCLE START to run the program continuously.

Sliding Guard
The cycle will only start if the sliding chip guard is closed.

NOTES
Pressing AUTO Z SINGLE BLOCK Z CYCLE START, will start the cycle and complete one block at a time.
Re-press CYCLE START to complete each individual block.
36

Pressing FEED HOLD will halt the program at any time during the cycle. Re-pressing CYCLE START will restart the
cycle at the same point.

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Edit Mode - Workshift And Tool Offsets

Theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Setting The Workshift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
‘T’ Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Setting The Tool Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Checking The Tool Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Setting The Tool Nose Radius Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

37

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Theory
The machine is fitted with absolute encoders on both 'X' and 'Z' axes. Therefore a common
"MACHINE DATUM" is used to set up both the 'X' and 'Z' slides automatic "REF POINT RETURN" rel-
ative to the TURRET DATUM POINT.

Definitions
1. Machine Datum Point
Is the point at which the Spindle Nose and the spindle centre line intersect.

2. Turret Datum Point


Is the point at which the Face of the Turret Disc and the Pitch Circle Diameter of the VDI tool mounting
holes intersect.

3. Ref. Ppoint return


Is the Back Stop as Home position to which the "Turret Datum Point" returns relative to the "Machine
Datum" when programing a G28.

4. Tool Geometry Offset (Z Axis) *


Is the diametric difference between the 'Turret Datum Point' and the 'Tool Point'.

5. Tool Geometry Offset (X Axis) *


Is the diametric difference between the 'Turret Datum Point' and the 'Tool Point'.

6. Work Offset / Workshift


Is the NEGATIVE dimensional co-ordinate which must be inserted into the control for individual
components, to OFFSET the actual MACHINE DATUM to the theoretical WORK-PIECE ZERO
DATUM. This enables the user to input actual drawing dimensions.

7. Tool Wear Offsets *


As the heading suggests, these are the incremental offsets which can be inserted to
accommodate tool wear in order to obtain component tolerances.

8. Tool-Nose Radius Compensation


Is the information of Tool Radius and Tool Type which must be inserted into the TOOL
GEOMETARY page to ensure the Tool Radii and Tool orientation are correct relative to the
component.

NOTE
* These are not available as standard, but only as an optional extra.
The standard machine features a single ‘OFFSETS’ mode with properties as the ‘TOOL GEOMETRY OFFSET’
38

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Setting The Workshift Geometric Tool
3 Jaw Chuck Offset ‘Z’ Axis
Machine Datum Z Tailstock
Work Piece Datum

1/2 Reference Point


Geometric X/2 Turret Datum Point Return - ‘X’ Axis
Workshift ‘-Z’ Value Tool Offset
‘X’ Axis

Reference Point Return - ‘Z’ Axis

8 Station Turret

Reference Point
Return - ‘X’ Axis
Reference Point Return - ‘Z’ Axis

4 Station Toolpost

There are 4 variations of OFFSET information which must be considered when setting-up prior to
running the program:
1. WorkShift
The distance in the Z axis from the Machine Datum to the Component Zero Datum
2. Tool Geometry Offsets *
Calculates the distance from the Cutting Tool Datum Point to the Turret or Toolpost Datum in
both X or Z axes relative to the Work Piece Datum, X zero Z zero. These figures are, usually,
numerically large.
3. Wear Offsets *
Allows figures to be inputted to compensate for any wear to the Tool Tip occurred during the
cutting operation without altering the Tool Geometry Figures. These figures are, usually,
numerically low (micron's)
4. Tool-Nose Radius Compensation
Is the theoretical path being generated by the Cutting Tool, taking into consideration the Radius
of the Tool and the Position of the Tool, relative to the component.
39

NOTE
* These are not available as standard, but only as an optional extra.
The standard machine features a single ‘OFFSETS’ mode with properties as the ‘TOOL GEOMETRY OFFSET’
CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Setting the Workshift
Using the information on page 15 - ‘Moving Slides, Turrets And Spindles’ move the slides with the
Handwheels to position the Cutting Tool to the approximate Z Zero position of the Work Piece.
Example: Nominal WORKSHIFT of -123mm
IMPORTANT
The WORKSHIFT is ALWAYS a negative (minus) value.

-123

MACHINE DATUM
WORKSHIFT O7777 N0010
WORK PIECE DATUM
X 403.300 F 0 MM/MIN
Z 250.000
(SHIFT VALUE) (MEASUREMENT)
X 0.000 X 0.000
Z 0.000 Z 0.000
WORKSHIFT -Z VALUE

WK +
SHIFT

IMPORTANT
Before setting the workshift. Ensure that there are no tool offsets active:
Using the manual mode, wind the tool to a safe place & run the MDI program:
O0000 G0 X200 Z400 T0000:
(Use the feed rate override dial to control the speed of the slide)

Press the OFFSET SETTING key (repeatedly if necessary) until the softkey option for [OFFSETS] &
[SETTING] appears. Press the [SETTING] softkey then the Continuous Menu softkey [right-hand end
arrow] until the [WK SHIFT] softkey page appears. Press the [WK.SHIFT] softkey to display the page.
Using the CURSOR Z key highlight the Z register on the MEASUREMENT column
Type: 0.000 Z INPUT
The actual WORKSHIFT value will register in the Z SHIFT VALUE as a MINUS value.
Check the ABSOLUTE POSITION screen, it should read Z 0.000 (ZERO)
WORKSHIFT O7777 N0010 POSITION (ABSOLUTE)

X 0.000 F 0 MM/MIN X 0.000 F 0 MM/MIN


Z 0.000 Z 0.000 O7777
G21 G40 G96
MODAL G0 X200 Z200
(SHIFT VALUE) (MEASUREMENT) GO F M T0101
X 0.000 X 0.000
Z -123.456 Z 0.000 G96 S G0 X50 Z2
40

G40 G96 S200 M13

WK + ABS REL ALL HNDL ALARM MSG HISTORY +


SHIFT
CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
‘T’ Codes
The T codes are 4 digit numbers made-up of two different parts.
The first 2 digits refer to the tool number.
The second 2 digits refer to the offset number.
Example:
T0200 - Tool number 2 and no offsets
T0505 - Tool number 5 and offsets number 5

41

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Setting The Tool Offsets
(Cut and Measure Method)
Press OFFSET SETTINGS key (repeatedly if necessary) until the [OFFSET] & [SETTINGS] softkeys
page appears.
Press the [OFFSET] softkey to display the OFFSET page, CURSOR to highlight the correct offset
position i.e. 01 for tool 1 and cursor across the line and input ZERO for each individual item.
X Z R T
Type 0.000 Z INPUT , 0.000 Z INPUT, 0.000 Z INPUT , 0 Z INPUT

This will zero any existing offsets.


Repeat the exercise for all 16 offsets

OFFSET (GEOM) O0001 N0010


NO. X Z R T
G 01 0.000 1.000 0.000 0
G 02 1.486 -49.561 0.000 0
G 03 1.486 -49.561 0.000 0
G 04 1.486 0.000 0.000 0
G 05 1.486 -49.561 0.000 0
G 06 1.486 -49.561 0.000 0
G 07 1.486 -49.561 0.000 0
G 08 1.486 -49.561 0.000 0

WEAR GEOM OPRT +

Press the PROG Z MDI keys and the MDI softkey to select the MDI mode of operation MDI****
*** *** will appear in the bottom left-hand side of the screen. Press the PAGE key to call up the
program (MDI) screen depicted below:

MANUAL O0001 N0010

X 403.300 F 0 MM/MIN
Z 250.000 O0001
G21 G40 G96
MODAL G0 X200 Z200
GO F M T0101 Program
Modal Information G96 S G0 X50 Z2
G40 G96 S200 M13

ABS REL ALL PROG MDI NEXT OPRT +


42

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
CLOSE THE SLIDING GUARD
Type: T0100 (the first tool to be set)
Press the INSERT Z CYCLE START pushbutton. The tool turret will index to tool 1
(if a quick change tool post is fitted load the tool before closing the guard).
Type the Programme line: S300M03;
Press the INSERT key and the CYCLE START key.
The spindle will rotate at 300rpm or whatever S value is entered.
Press the MANUAL pushbutton to select the Handle / Manual mode of operation. HND**** ***
**** will appear in the bottom left-hand side of the screen. Using the toggle switch X100, X10, X1
and Z Handwheel, advance the Z axis so the Tool touches the Z (zero) face of the component.
Recall the OFFSET page by pressing the OFFSET SETTINGS key.
Using the CURSOR keys cursor to 01 (Tool Offset No1) and across to the Z column of figures.
Type Z 0.000
Press [MEASURE] softkey, to register the offset to screen.
Typing only 0.000 will result in the Alarm FORMAT ERROR
The Z Offset for Tool No.1 Z axis is now established and recorded.
Using the MDI mode re-start the spindle
Use the HND **** *** *** (MANUAL key) mode to take a small cleaning cut up the O/D of the
component. Using the Handwheels in the X10 selection, move the Tool away from the material in
the +Z direction.
IMPORTANT
DO NOT MOVE THE X AXIS

Press OFFSET SETTING key


Stop the spindle using MDI mode or alternatively by pressing the RESET key
Measure the turned diameter and note the size, example: 58.25mm.
CURSOR across the 01 (Tool No1 Offset line) to the X axis column
Type X58.25
Press the [MEASURE] softkey, to register the Offset to screen.
The Tool Offset for Tool No 1 X-axis is established and recorded to screen on the geometry chapter
of the menu.
REPEAT THE EXERCISE FOR ALL TOOLS BEING USED.
43

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Checking The Tool Offsets
Ensure that the toolpost is clear of the component and tailstock.
Press the PROG Z MDI keys, the [MDI] softkey Z PAGE to display the PROGRAM (MDI) screen.
Type the program line T0101; (T0101 Z EOB) Z INSERT Z CYCLE START keys to register tool 1
with offset 1 to the MDI memory; tool 1 will index to position (if quick change toolpost is fitted then
load the tool).
Turn the FEED OVER-RIDE DIAL down to 10%.
Type the program line G0Z0.000; (G0 Z0.000 Z EOB) press the INSERT key to register it to the
screen
Press the CYCLE START pushbutton
If the offset is correct the tool will travel to the Z zero face of the component.
Use the Handlewheels to move clear of the component in both the X & Z axes.
Type the program line G0X58.25; press the INSERT key to register it to the screen.
Press the CYCLE START pushbutton
If the offset is correct the tool will travel to the diameter of 58.25.
Use the MPG handle to move the tool clear in both the X & Z axes.
Repeat the procedure for T0202 and all other tools being used.
44

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Setting The Tool Nose Radius Compensation Values
There are two values to be entered on the OFFSET page along with the tool offsets:
1. The "R" value is the tool tip radius size.
2. The "T" value is the tool tip location and is a single digit number taken from the following
diagram.

IMAGINARY TOOL NOSE LOCATION CODE


NUMBERS

6
1 2
OFFSET (GEOM) O0001 N0010
NO. X Z R T
G 01 120.000 50.000 0.800 3
G 02 111.900 48.500 0.000 0
G 03 0.000 0.000 0.000 0
G 04 0.000 0.000 0.000 0 Ø
G 05 0.000 0.000 0.000 0
5 7
G 06 0.000 0.000 0.000 0 9
G 07 0.000 0.000 0.000 0
G 08 0.000 0.000 0.000 0

WEAR GEOM OPRT + 4 3


8

X-

Z- Z+

X+

Press the MENU Z OFFSET key and PAGE to OFFSET.


CURSOR to the correct offset position.
To set the "R" value:
Press: R-0.8 Z INPUT
This will set the "R" value to 0.8mm
To set the "T" value:
Press: T3 Z INPUT
This will set the "T" value to location 3
45

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL

Blank Page
46

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Programming

Machine Axis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Working Quadrants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Component Datums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Letter Address Function List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
‘G’ Code List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
‘M’ Code List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Tool Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Program Writing Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
i) Program Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
ii) Safe Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
iii) Tool Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
iv) Program Finish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
v) Complete Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

47

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Machine Axes
In preparing a program four characters are used to identify the required slide positioning:
"X" ABSOLUTE (diameter) dimension Associated with
"U" INCREMENTAL (diameter) dimension cross-slide movement
"Z" ABSOLUTE (longitudinal) dimension Associated with
"W" INCREMENTAL (longitudinal) dimension saddle movement

X or U Axis
(Crosslide
movement)

Z or W Axis
(Crosslide movement)

When using X and Z dimensions, the dimensions are taken from a common datum position and this
is referred to as ABSOLUTE PROGRAMING.
When using U and W dimensions, the dimensions are relative and are taken from point to point.
This is called INCREMENTAL PROGRAMING.

Working Quadrants
The four characters X, Z, U, W, can be proceeded by a (-) negative or (+) positive sign to deter-
mine the direction of that movement relative to the component datum, which ultimately determines
the machining quadrant in which the tool is working.

-U

(-X -Z) (-X +Z)

-W +W

(+X -Z) (+X +Z)

Tool Path Component Datum


+U

Tool
48

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Component Datum Point
Is a common point to both axes from which all dimensions are associated; for example the centre
line and front face of the component.

Negative Positive
Longitudinal Longitudinal
-Z +Z
Dimension Dimension

Component Datum
Bar Stock

Positive Diametric
Dimension
+X

Example:
Ø30

Ø20
Ø25

15
20
22
30

Finish profile program:

N120 G00 X20 Z2;


N130 G01 Z-15 F0.2;
N140 X25;
N150 Z-20;
N160 X25 Z-22;
N170 Z-30;

Using a common component datum means all dimensions inserted into a program can be taken
49

from a drawing .

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Letter Address Function List

Function Letter Meaning Input Range

Program No. O Program ref. No. 0-9999

Sequence No. N Block No. 1-9999

Preparation G Designates mode of operation


function e.g. rapid/feed 0-99

}
X
Z Axis dimensional commands
U
W
C Chamfer amount +-9999.999 +-999.9999
I
K } Radius centre co-ordinates

R Radius amount
A Angular dimension

Feed rate F Designates feed or 1-10000mm/min (0.01-393"/min)


thread lead 0.001-250mm/rev (9.84"/rev)

Tool function T Designates tool No. 0-8 TOOLS


and offset No. 0-16 OPTIONS
(0-32 option)

Miscellaneous M Machine controls 0-99

Designation P P&Q used in repeat 0-99


of sequence Q cycles (G70-G76)
number

Dwell X Designated dwell time 0-9999 seconds


U
P (When used with G04)

Speed S RPM or surface speed


50

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
‘G’ Code Listing
‘G’ Codes* Function Group Set At Power On
A B C
00 00 00 Rapid traverse *****************
01 01 01 Linear feed 01 *****************
02 02 02 Circular feed CCW *****************
03 03 03 Circular feed CW *****************
04 04 04 Dwell 00 *****************
20 20 70 Inch data input 06
21 21 71 Metric data input
27 27 27 Reference point return and check
28 28 28 Reference point return 00
30 30 30 2nd reference point return
32 33 33 Single pass thread 01 *****************
40 40 40 Cancel TNRC *****************
41 41 41 TNRC to left 07 *****************
42 42 42 TNRC to right *****************
50 92 92 Zero shift/MAX RPM speed limit 00
70 70 70 Finish Cycle
71 71 71 Rough Turn Cycle
72 72 72 Rough Face Cycle
73 73 73 Forging / Casting Cycle
74 74 74 Drilling / Face Groove Cycle
76 76 76 Multi Pass Threading Cycle
96 96 96 Constant surface speed 02
97 97 97 Constant RPM
98 94 94 Feed per MINUTE 05 *****************
99 95 95 Feed per REVOLUTION *****************

NOTES
UP TO FOUR ‘G’ CODES CAN BE PROGRAMMED INTO ONE BLOCK. BUT ONLY ONE ‘G’ CODE FROM EACH
GROUP CAN BE USED.

THE SPECIAL G50 CODE MUST BE USED ON A LINE ON ITS OWN FOR EITHER MAX SPEED OR THE ZERO
SHIFT. IT CANNOT USE BOTH OPTIONS ON THE SAME LINE.

* The default Fanuc preparatory ‘G’ code system for the Alpha Plus S machines is ‘A’ however the
user can by means of the following instructions set the system to either version ‘B’ or ‘C’
Dependant on the ‘G’ code system required. The fanuc 21iT system parameter 3401 bit 6 (GSB)
and bit 7 (GSC) must be altered as follows:
‘G’ Code Bit 7 GSC Bit 6 GSB
51

System ‘A’ 0 0
System ‘B’ 0 1
System ‘C’ 1 0
CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
’M’ Code Listing

‘M’ Function

00 Program stop
01 Program optional stop with spindle and coolant stop
02 Program end
03 Spindle on forward CCW
04 Spindle on reverse CW
05 Spindle stop
08 Coolant on
09 Coolant off
13 Spindle on forward CCW and coolant on
14 Spindle on reverse CW and coolant on
30 Program end; reset and auto restart
40 Speed range 1 Select
41 Speed range 2 Select
68 Tailstock Extend
69 Tailstock Retract
78 Power chuck open
79 Power chuck close
98 Sub program call
99 End of sub program
52

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Tool Function
The "T" code is a four digit number made-up of two different parts. The first two digits being the
Tool reference number; the second 2 digits the Offset numbers.
Tool No./Offset No.
T_ _ / _ _
(01-8 ) / (00-16)
Although it is normal practice that the tool number and the offset number are the same this is not
critical and any combination of tool and offset numbers can be used:

Examples:
T0100 : tool one with no offset
T0101 : tool one with offset one (normally used)
T0114 : tool one with offset fourteen (can be used)

There are four toolpost options available for the Harrison CNC machines:
Option 1 : manual quick-change toolpost (fitted as standard)
Option 2 : manual indexing four station toolpost
Option 3 : manual angular quick-change toolpost
Option 4 : auto indexing eight station toolpost

NOTES
(i) On the Alpha machines the programing procedure for all the toolpost options is the same.
(ii) With automatic indexing turrets the machine slides will always complete any X and/or Z move to the Tool
Change Position before indexing to the programed position.
(iii) With the manual quick-change toolpost, when the slides have reached the Tool Change Position the
message "Change Tool and press Cycle Start" will appear on screen.
Although pressing Cycle Start will recommence the cycle it is necessary to press the PROG pushbutton to re-
call the program to screen and clear the message from the screen.
(iv) 00) on the rapid movement back to the
It is essential that the tool offset digits are zero / cancelled ( T010
Tool Change Position and only re-called when next working with the tool.
53

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Examples
Providing the "WORK SHIFT" value has been set.
A program containing the block:
N100 G0 X400 Z500 T0200;
Will position the Turret Datum relative to the Work Piece Datum.

X = 400
T02

T02
Work Shift Dimension
-Z Value

Z = 500

A program containing the block:


N110 G0 X100 Z5 T0202;
Will position the tool tip relative to the Work Piece Datum position

No. 2 Tool Offset ‘Z’


X=100

No. 2 Tool Offset ‘X’

T02

Work Shift Dimension


-Z Value
Z=5
54

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Program Writing
It is advisable to establish a set programing format as soon as possible. This enables programers,
setters and operators to communicate and establish safe working procedures.
Each program can be broken down into sub-sections which contain the relative information
necessary to safely produce a complete component.

The Program Structure:

PROGRAM NUMBER

SAFE START

TOOL OPERATION-------- 1
TOOL OPERATION-------- 2 Seperate Tool Operations
TOOL OPERATION-------- 3 (i) If a Turret is fitted it normally governs the
TOOL OPERATION-------- 4 number of Tool Operations which can be used
TOOL OPERATION-------- 5
TOOL OPERATION-------- 6 (ii) Alternatively if a Turret is NOT fitted the Number
TOOL OPERATION-------- 7 of Tool Offsets governs the number of Tool
TOOL OPERATION-------- 8 operations,
TOOL OPERATION-------- 9 16 offsets are available as standard an extra 32
TOOL OPERATION-------- 10 or 64 as an available as an option
TOOL OPERATION-------- 11
TOOL OPERATION-------- 12

PROGRAM FINISH

i) Program Number
This contains the program reference number which starts with the letter "O" followed by four
numbers.
e.g. O0001; (program No.1)

NOTE
At the end of every block an "end of block" sign must be used, this is a semi colon ‘;’ and is entered by pressing the
EOB key.
55

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
ii) Safe Start
The SAFE START contains all the relative information which sets the machining parameters and
conditions. It also cancels all model information within the memory and selects a safe turret index
position.
e.g. O0001
N10 G21 G40 G96 G99;
N20 G50 S.2800;
N30 G00 X500 Z500 T0000;
N40 M01;

N10 G21 G40 G96 G99;


(block (metric) (TNRC off) (constant (feed per rev.)
number) surface speed)
N20 G50 S2800;
(spindle speed (spindle speed restriction
rpm restriction) set to max. Of 2800 rpm)
N30 G0 X500 Z500 T0000;
(rapid traverse) (X and Z co-ordinates (cancel all
for tool-change position) offsets)
N40 M01;
(optional stop)

iii) Tool Operations (1-12 max.)


The TOOL OPERATIONS contain the information of individual tools data and cutting requirements
to perform any sequence of machining.
e.g. N50 T0200;
N60 G0 G96 X62 Z0 S250 T0202 M13;
N70 G01 X-1 F0.3;
N80 G0 Z3;
N90 X500 Z500 T0200;
N100 M01;

N50 T0200;
(tool No.1 without offset)
N60 G00 G96 X62 Z0 S250 T0202 M13;
(surface (tool No.2 (spindle
speed with offset forward
m/min) No.2) with coolant)
N70 G01 X-1 F0.3;
(linear feed) (X co-ordinate) (feed per rev 0.3mm per rev.)
Block N70 will face up the bar end if this was the operation required.
Block N80 will move the tool off the material.
N80 G00 Z3;
56

If this is the end of the work that the tool is doing, two more blocks of information are
needed to finish this statement.
CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Block N90 will take the turret back to tool change position.
Block N100 will allow an optional stop to be performed if needed.
N90 X500 Z500 T0200;
(X and Z tool change co-ordinates) (tool No.1 without offsets)
N100 M01;
(optional stop)

iv) Program Finish


The PROGRAM FINISH consists of two blocks of information to send the tool back to tool change
position and to end the program.

e.g.

N110 G0 X500 Z500 T0200 M05;


(X and Z tool change co-ordinates) (tool 2 without Offset) (spindle off &
coolant off )
N120 M02;
(end of program reset to start)

v) Complete Program
The complete program has now been established:
(Between each section it is recommended that two EOB signs are used to separate the sections to
make reading the program easier).

O0001; (Program number)


;
;
N10 G21 G40 G96 G99; (Safe Start)
N20 G50 S2800;
N30 G00 X500 Z500 T0000;
N40 M01;
;
;
N50 T0200; (Tool operation 2)
N60 G00 G96 X62 Z0 S250 T0303 M13;
N70 G01 X-1 F0.3;
N80 G00 Z3;
N90 X300 Z150 T0200;
N100 M01;
;
;
N110 G00 X500 Z500 T0200 M05; (End of program)
N120 M02;

The above format is used for all the program which making it easy to read and understand by
57

users.

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL

Blank Page
58

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Programming Examples

Standard Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Auto Chamfer ‘C’ Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Angle Input 'A' Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Circular Interpolation - G02, G03 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Auto Radius 'R' Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Tool Nose Radius Compensation: T.N.R.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Automatic Cycles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
G70 Finish cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
G71 Rough Turn Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
G72 Rough Face Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
G73 Pattern Repeat Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
G74 Peck drilling / Face groove Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
G75 I/dia, O/dia Groove Cycles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
G76 Multi Pass Threading Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
G92 Single Pass Threading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
G32 Special Threading Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Sub Programing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Programable Data Input - G10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
59

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Standard Format
Program examples are shown using the standard format for programing.

Example 1

Workpiece Datum

Ø32
Ø65 Bar Stock

Ø40

27
Chuck Jaws
40

The above component will be the subject for the first example.
The following tools, speeds and feeds will be used for this component.

TOOL 1 : ROUGH TURNING


Speed: 250m/min.
Feed: 0.3mm/rev.
4mm Depth of cut.

TOOL 2 : FINISH TURNING


Speed: 280m/min.
Feed: 0.2mm/rev.
1mm Finish depth of cut on Dia.
0.1mm Finish cut on faces.
60

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Program - Example 1

O0001; (Program number)


;
;
N10 G21 G40 G96 G99; (Safe Start)
N20 G50 S3000;
N30 G00 X500 Z500 T0000;
N40 M01;
;
;
N50 T0100; (Tool No.1 Rough turn)
N60 G00 G96 X67 Z0 S250 T0101 M13;
N70 G01 X-2 F0.3;
N80 G00 X57 Z1;
N90 G01 Z-39.9;
N100 G00 X58 Z1;
N110 X49;
N120 G01 Z-39.9;
N160 G00 X42 Z1;
N170 X33;
N180 G01 Z-26.9;
N190 X34
N200 G00 X500 Z500 T0100;
N210 M01;
;
;
N220 T0200; (Tool No.2 Finish turn)
N230 G00 X32 Z1 S280 T0202 M13;
N250 G01 Z-27 F0.2;
N250 X50;
N260 Z-40;
N270 X67;
N280 G00 X500 Z500 T0200 M05;
;
;
N290 M02; (End of program)
%
61

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Example 2

The component below will be the subject for the second example.

27

Ø40

Ø32
Ø65
Bar Stock

Workpiece Datum

5 x 45°
1 x 45°
5th Pass
2 x 45° 4th Pass
Ø41
3rd Pass
Ø49
2nd Pass
Ø57
1st Pass

2 x 45°
40

50

The following tools, speeds and feeds will be used for this component.

TOOL 1 : ROUGH TURNING


Speed: 250m/min.
Feed: 0.3mm/rev.
4mm Depth of cut.

TOOL 2 : FINISH TURNING


Speed: 280m/min.
Feed: 0.2mm/rev.
1mm Finish depth of cut on Dia.
0.1mm Finish cut on faces.
62

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Program - Example 2
O0002
N10 G21 G40 G96 G99; (SAFE START )
N20 G50 S3000;
N30 G00 X500 Z500 T0000;
N40 M01;
N50 T0100; (FACE MATERIAL & ROUGH OUTSIDE CONTOUR)
N60 G00 X70 Z0 T0101 G96 S250 M13;
N70 G01 X-2 F0.3
N80 G00 Z2;
;
N90 G00 X57 Z1; (1ST ROUGHING PASS )
N100 G01 Z-39.9 F0.3;
N110 G01 X 66 Z-41.9
N120 G01 Z-50.0
N130 G01 X68
N140 G00 Z1;
;
N150 G00 X49; (2nd ROUGHING PASS )
N160 G01 Z-39.9 F0.3;
N170 G01 X57
N180 G00 Z1
;
N190 G00 X41; (3rd ROUGHING PASS )
N200 G01 Z-37.9 F0.3;
N210 G01 X 44 Z-39.9;
N220 G01 X 49;
N230 G00 Z1;
;
N240 G00 X33; (4th ROUGHING PASS )
N250 G01 Z-26.9 F0.3;
N260 G1 X 38
N270 G01 X41 Z-28
N280 Z1
;
N290 G00 X20 Z1; (5th ROUGHING PASS CHAMFER ONLY)
N300 G01 X33 Z-6 F0.3;
N310 G00 Z1
N320 G00 X 100 Z100;
N340 G00 X500 Z500 T0100 ;
N350 M01
;
N360 T0200: (FINISH TURN OUTSIDE CONTOUR)
N370 G00 X70 Z2 T0202 G96 S250 M13;
N380 G00 X20 Z1;
N390 G01 X32 Z-5 F0.1;
N400 G01 Z-27;
N410 G01 X38
N420 G01 X40 Z028;
N450 G01 Z-40;
N460 G01 X61;
N480 G01 X67 Z-43
N490 G01 Z-50
N500 G00 X69
N510 G00 Z2
N520 G00 X 100 Z100;
N530 G00 X500 Z500 T0100
63

N540 M30; (END OF PROGRAM)

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Auto Chamfer ‘C’ Function
In Examples 1 and 2 all the intersection points were programed to produce the desired profile
including the points of the chamfers.
The Auto Chamfer Function using the ‘C’ value will produce 45 degree chamfers where needed on
the component.
Reference example using auto chamfering

Ø15

Ø10
1

3 2
5 4

10

20

The program for the above profile from points 1-5 would be as follows:
N110 ...
N120 X0 Z1 T0202 S250 M03;
N140 G01 Z0 F0.15;
N140 X10;
N150 Z-10;
N160 X15;
N170 Z-20;
N180 G00 X32;
N190 X500 Z500 T0200;
N200 etc...
If corners 2 and 4 were to have chamfers and corner 3 a fillet, all of 2mm, then by adding the "C"
values as shown below the chamfers will be automatically produced.
N110 ...
N120 X0 Z1 T0202 S250 M03;
N130 G01 X0 F0.15;
N140 X10 C-2;
N150 Z-10 C2;
N160 X15 C-2;
N170 Z-20;
N180 G00 X32;
N190 X500 Z500 T0200;
N200 etc...
64

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
NOTES
(i) Other than the addition of the "C" values.the program is unchanged
(ii) The + or - sign given to the "C" value is determined by the direction in which the tool is travelling and the
axis is NOT quoted.
i.e. In block N140 the tool is moving in an "X+" direction up to X10 and must also make a "Z-" move to
create the chamfer therefore "C" is given a minus value for the Z axis.
(iii) Auto Chamfers are used in the G01 movements.
(iv) Auto Chamfers can only be entered between two intersecting lines so the control can calculate the start and
finish points, As shown in diagram below.

PERMITTED AUTO CHAMFERS


Program Point

NON PERMITTED AUTO CHAMFERS

65

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Reference Example 2 (See Page 62 & 63)
Re-Program Using Auto Chamfering ‘C’ Function

27

Ø40

Ø32
Ø65
Bar Stock
Workpiece Datum

5 x 45°
1 x 45°
5th Pass
2 x 45° 4th Pass
Ø41
3rd Pass
Ø49
2nd Pass
Ø57
1st Pass

2 x 45°
40

50

The following tools, speeds and feeds will be used for this component.

TOOL 1 : ROUGH TURNING


Speed: 250m/min.
Feed: 0.3mm/rev.
4mm Depth of cut.

TOOL 2 : FINISH TURNING


Speed: 280m/min.
Feed: 0.2mm/rev.
1mm Finish depth of cut on Dia.
0.1mm Finish cut on faces.
66

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
New Program For Example 2 (See Page 62 & 63)
Using Auto Chamfering ‘C’ Function
O0002
N10 G21 G40 G96 G99; (SAFE START )
N20 G50 S3000;
N30 G00 X500 Z500 T0000;
N40 M01;
N50 T0100;
N60 G00 X70 Z0 T0101 G96 S250 M13; (FACE MATERIAL & ROUGH OUTSIDE CONTOUR)
N70 G01 X-2 F0.3
N80 G00 Z2;
;
N90 G00 X57 Z1; (1ST ROUGHING PASS )
N100 G01 Z-39.9 F0.3;
;
N110 G01 X 66 C-2 (AUTO CHAMFER )
N120 G01 Z-50.0
N130 G01 X68
N140 G00 Z1;
;
N150 G00 X49; (2nd ROUGHING PASS )
N160 G01 Z-39.9 F0.3;
N170 G01 X57
N180 G00 Z1
;
N190 G00 X41; (3rd ROUGHING PASS )
N200 G01 Z-39.9 C2 F0.3; (AUTO CHAMFER )
N210 G01 X 44 Z-39.9;
N220 G01 X 49;
N230 G00 Z1;
;
N240 G00 X33; (4th ROUGHING PASS )
N250 G01 Z-26.9 F0.3;
N260 G01 X 41 C-1 (AUTO CHAMFER )
N270 G01 Z-28
N280 Z1
;
N290 G00 X20 Z1; (5th ROUGHING PASS CHAMFER ONLY)
N295 G1 Z0 F0.3;
N300 G01 X33 C5 ; (AUTO CHAMFER )
N310 G00 Z1
N320 G00 X 100 Z100;
N340 G00 X500 Z500 T0100 ;
N350 M01
;
N360 T0200: (FINISH TURN OUTSIDE CONTOUR)
N370 G00 X70 Z2 T0202 G96 S250 M13; (AUTO CHAMFER )
N380 G00 X20 Z1;
N395 G01 Z0.0
N390 G01 X32 C-5 F0.1; (AUTO CHAMFER )
N400 G01 Z-27;
N420 G01 X40 C-1; (AUTO CHAMFER )
N450 G01 Z-40 C2; (AUTO CHAMFER )
N460 G01 X65 C-2; (AUTO CHAMFER )
N490 G01 Z-50
N500 G00 X69
N510 G00 Z2
N520 G00 X 100 Z100;
67

N530 G00 X500 Z500 T0100


N540 M30; END OF PROGRAM)

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Example 3

Workpiece Datum

Ø37
Ø46

Ø9
Ø27
Ø65 Bar Stock

1.5

6
30

30 34

65

The above component will be the subject for the third example.
The tools, speeds and feeds will be as the examples 1 and 2.

** ONLY THE FINISH PROFILE OF THE PROGRAM IS SHOWN **

Program - Example 3
N290 G00 X500 Z500 T0100 M05;
;
;
N300 T0200; (Tool No.2 finish profile)
N310 G00 G96 X9 Z1 S280 T0202 M13;
N320 G01 Z0 F0.2;
N330 X27 Z-4;
N340 X37 Z-28;
N350 X46 Z-34;
N360 X49 Z-64;
N370 X65 Z-65;
N380 G00 X500 Z500 T0200 M05;
N390 M02; (End of program)
%
68

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Angle Input ‘A’ Function
In Example 3 all the intersection points of the tapers/angles were programed. Using the Anglr ‘A’
Function enables easier programing of such components.
The following rules apply when using "A" input:
(i) The "A" dimension is always a positive value and is measured clockwise from the 3 o'clock
position. (See diagram below).

10°

A172

A190

(ii) Any straight line can be programed using 'one' or 'two' values selected from ‘X’, ‘Z’ or ‘A’.
i.e. X and A
Z and A
A only
(iii) When only ‘A’is programed from the above all three MUST be programed in the next line to
allow the control to calculate the intersection points.
(iv) Angle ‘A’ programing is used in G01 movements.
(v) Automatic Chamfer ‘C’ Function can be used with angular ‘A’ Function to program
chamfers on the end of tapers/angles. 69

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Example 4
Using Angle ‘A’ Function
Workpiece Datum

Ø9
Ø65 Bar Stock

Ø37
12°
3° 66°

35°

34


65

The above component will be the subject for the fourth example.
The tools, speeds and feeds will be the same as the third example.

** ONLY THE FINISH PROFILE OF THE PROGRAM IS SHOWN **

Program - Example 4 - Using Angle ‘A’ Function


N280 G00 X500 Z500 T0100 M05;
N290 M01;
;
;
N300 T0200; (Tool No.2 finish profile)
N310 G00 G96 X9 Z1 S280 T0202 M13;
N320 G01 Z0 F0.2;
N330 Z-4 A114;
N340 X37 A168;
N350 Z-34 A145;
N360 A177;
N370 X65 Z-65 A97;
N380 G00 X500 Z500 T0200 M05;
N390 M02; (End of program)
70

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Example 5
Using Angle ‘A’ and Chamfer ‘C’ Programming
Workpiece Datum

Ø20
Ø65 Bar Stock

5 x 45° 15°

25

4 x 45°

75
90

The above component will be the subject for the fifth example.
The tools, speeds and feeds will be as the previous examples.

** THE FINISH PROFILE OF THE PROGRAM IS ONLY SHOWN **

Program - Example 5 - Using Angle ‘A’ and Chamfer ‘C’ Programming


N290 M01;
;
;
N300 T0200; (Tool No.2 finish profile)
N310 G00 G96 X20 Z1 S280 T0202 M13;
N320 G01 Z-25 F0.2;
N330 A165 C5;
N340 X65 Z-75 A95 C-4;
N350 Z-90;
N360 X67;
N370 G00 X500 Z500 T0200 M05;
N380 M02; (End of program)
71

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Example 6
Example 6 below covers the functions shown so far.
Write the program as a new program but only use and program the finish tool.
It can then be checked with the program at the back of this manual. (Page 130)

Workpiece Datum

Ø24
Ø64

Ø42
Ø60
Ø72
Ø80 Bar Stock

2 x 45° 140° 2 x 45°


20
85
95

107
119
125
140
72

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Circular Interpolation - G02, G03
G02 and G03 are used when programing radii.

G02 CIRCULAR INTERPOLATION COUNTER CLOCKWISE (CCW)

G03 CIRCULAR INTERPOLATION CLOCKWISE (CW)

NOTES
(i) The first priority when programing a radius is to ensure that the tool is at the start point of the arc. It can be
brought to this position by a rapid (G00) or feed (G01) move.
(ii) G02 or G03 are programed for the direction of the radius.
(iii) The X and Z co-ordinates are programed for the finish point of the arc.
(iv) Also programed in the same line are the I and K values which are the incremental distances from the start
point of the arc to the centre point of the radius.
"I" is measured in the "X" axis. (Radius value not diameter)
"K" is measured in the "Z" axis.
(v) The "+" or "-" sign given to "I" and/or "K" is determined by which direction the tool has to travel in relation to
the "X" and "Z" axis.
73

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Circular Iinterpolation Examples:
First Radius Example
Workpiece Datum
Ø40

R5
K

Program using G03 (CW) CIRCULAR INTERPOLATION


N240 ...
N250 G01 X30 Z0 F0.15; (Start point of radius)
N260 G03 X40 Z-5 I 0 K-5; (Direction; end point and centre point of radius)
N270 ...
NOTE
If "I" or "K" equals zero it can be omitted

Second Radius Example


Workpiece Datum
Ø30

K
R4

50

Program using G02 (CCW) CIRCULAR INTERPOLATION


N230 ...
N240 G00 X30 Z1;
N250 G01 Z-46 F0.2; (Start point of radius)
N260 G02 X38 Z-50 I4 K0; (Direction; end point and centre point of radius)
N270 ...
NOTE
74

If "I" or "K" equals zero it can be omitted

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Third Radius Example

Workpiece Datum

Ø10
Ø27
R15

R15

12
38
44

6 9
15

Program using G02 (CCW) CIRCULAR INTERPOLATION (Partial Radius)

N240 ...
N250 G00 X10 Z1;
N260 G01 Z0 F0.12;
N270 X27 Z-38; (Start point of radius)
N280 G02 X51 Z-44 I12 K9; (Direction; end point and centre point of radius)
N290 ...

Using "R" in place of "I" and "K"

Instead of using "I" and "K" values when programing radii the "R" function can be used to replace "I"
and "K" which makes programing shorter and easier.

** "R" IS THE ACTUAL RADIUS VALUE **

e.g. Line N270 in the last radius example would read:


N270 G02 X51 Z- 44 R15;
OR
N270 G02 X51 W- 6 R15; ( W = Incremental Finish Position )

NOTE
75

The "R" is always a positive value.

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA ‘U’ - CNC TUTORIAL
Eample 7
Program using Circular Interpolation G02 / G03
(Using R values or I and K values)
Workpiece Datum

Ø30
Ø50
Ø80

R5

R4 R6

49
R4
35 55

R10
100

The above component will be the subject for the example.


The feeds, speeds will be as per the previous examples.

** ONLY THE FINISH PROFILE OF THE COMPONENT IS SHOWN **

THE DUPLICATE LINES SHOW ‘I’ AND ‘K’ VALUES SUBSTITUTED FOR THE ‘R’ VALUES

N350 T0200; (Tool No.2 Finish profile)


N360 G00 G96 X0 Z1 S280 T0202 M03;
N370 G01 Z0 F02;
N380 X20;
N390 G03 X30 Z5 R5; OR N390 G03 X30 Z5 I0 K-5;
N400 G01 Z- 49;
N410 G02 X42 Z- 55 R6; OR N410 G02 X42 Z-55 I6 K0;
N420 G03 X50 Z- 59 R4; OR N420 G02 X50 Z-59 I0 K-4;
N430 G01 Z- 86;
N440 G02 X58 Z-90 R4; OR N420 G02 X58 Z-90 I4 K0;
N450 G01 X60;
N460 G02 X80 Z- 100 R10; OR N460 G02 X80 Z-100 I10 K0;
N470 G00 X500 Z500 T0200;
N480 M01;
76

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Auto Radius Function
In previous program radius examples all the G02 / G03, R, I and K were used to produce the radii.
The Auto Radius Function will produce a radius at an intersection by using the R value only

Example 7 Component - Re-programed using the Auto Radius Function


N350 T0200; (Tool No.2 Finish profile)
N360 G96 X0 Z1 S280 T0202 M03;
N370 G01 Z0 F02;
N380 X30 R - 5;
N390 Z- 55 R6;
N400 X50 R - 4;
N410 Z- 90 R4;
N420 X60;
N430 G02 X80 Z- 100 R10;
N440 G00 X500 Z500 T0200;
N450 M01;

NOTES
(i) Radii values can be either positive or negative in value as a general rule. To decide whether the R has a
positive or a negative value the direction the slide is travelling in on the next block must be considered
(a) If the next block is travelling in a -Z direction or a -X direction the R value is negative.
(b) If the next block is travelling in a + X direction the R value is positive.
(ii) The "R" values are included in the G01 moves.
(iii) The two interacting lines of the radius must be at right angles to the radius otherwise G02/G03 must be
programed.
(iv) In program block numbers N420 and N430 the final radius does not conform to above note (iii) and
therefore must be programed with the start point of the radius (N420) and the finish point with G02 (N430).
(See diagram below for permitted/non permitted radii).

PERMITTED RADII NOT PERMITTED RADII


- R Value

-Z Program Point

+X
+R Value
77

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Example 8
The example below covers the functions shown so far.
Write the program as a new program, but only use and program the finish tool.
It can then be checked with the program at the back of this manual (Page 131)

Workpiece Datum 5°

2 x 45°

Ø16 5°

R5.4

52
3 x 45°
18

R5
Ø40
83
17

107
15

Ø62

45°
3

R7
Ø76
7
78

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Tool Nose Radius Compensation: T.N.R.C.
When turning components with only parallel diameters and square faces Tool Nose Radius
Compensation (T.N.R.C.) is not required.
"Tool Nose Radius Compensation" compensates for the tool tip radius, to allow accurate machining
of complex profiles with tapers and radii.
** T.N.R.C. IS ONLY USED ON THE FINISH PROFILE PASS **

X Axis Contact Point

R R

Centre of Tip Radius


Z axis
Contact
Point

When cutting taper/chamfer and/or radii the contact point of the tool moves and varies its position
around the tool tip. This will produce small errors in the components size and shape depending on
the tool tip radius amount.

Varying point of
contact of tip radius R
Point of Contact as it moves around
the contour.

** T.N.R.C. IS USED TO CORRECT THIS ERROR **

In order to do this the control must have four basic facts:

(i) TOOL TIP RADIUS


(ii) RADIUS LOCATION ON THE TOOL
(iii) TOOL POSITION IN RELATION TO THE WORKPIECE AND CUTTING DIRECTION
(iv) THE PATH OF THE TOOL
79

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
(i) Tool Tip Radius
This is entered along with the tool offsets under the heading "R" and is always a minus value.

(ii) Radius Location on the Tool


This is entered along with the tool offsets under the heading "T". It is a single digit number and is
determined from the following chart.

Radius Location Chart:-

1 2

Ø
5 7
9

4 3

X-

Z- Z+

X+
80

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
(iii) Tool Position In Relation To Workpiece And Cutting Direction
This is entered in the program using G41 and G42
G41 - COMPENSATION TO THE LEFT OF THE COMPONENT
(When looking in the direction the tool is cutting)
G42 - COMPENSATION TO THE RIGHT OF THE COMPONENT
(When looking in the direction the tool is cutting)
See diagram below.
G40 - T.N.R.C. CANCEL

G42 G41

T2 T2

R-0.8 R0.8

G42 G41
G41 G42
T4 T4
T3 T3
R-0.8 R0.8
R-0.8 R0.8

(iv) The Path of the Tool


This following program is for the finish profile only.

NOTES
(i) THE T.N.R.C. HAS TO BE CALLED UP INTO A POSITIONING MOVE TO THE BEGINNING OF THE PROFILE
BEFORE MACHINING IS STARTED.
(ii) WHERE RADII ARE CONCERNED THE MOVEMENT HAS TO BE A TANGENTIAL MOVE ONTO THE RADIUS
TO CALL THE T.N.R.C.
(iii) WHEN THE END OF THE PROFILE IS REACHED THE NEXT BLOCK OF PROGRAM MUST CONTAIN G40
TO CANCEL T.N.R.C. IN A MOVE AWAY FROM THE COMPONENT.
(See diagram on following page).
81

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
T.N.R.C. Diagram

Ø30
Ø70

Ø40
Ø100

R15

G0
0/G

Ø300
G00/G40

41
40
65
X102, Z2
80
Index Point
95 200

Program Example
N100 T0200;
N110 G00 G41 X30 Z2 S175 M13 T0202;
N120 G01 Z- 45 F0.1;
N130 X40 Z-65;
N140 X70;
N150 Z- 80;
N160 G02 X100 W-15 R15;
N170 G01 X102;
N180 G00 G40 Z2;
N190 G00 X300 Z200 T0200;
82

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Automatic Cycles
The control is supplied with the following automatic canned cycles
G70 - FINISH CYCLE
G71 - ROUGH TURN CYCLE
G72 - ROUGH FACE CYCLE
G73 - FORGING/CASTING REPEAT CYCLE
G74 - DRILLING/FACE GROOVE CYCLE
G75 - O.D./I.D. GROOVE CYCLE
G76 - MULTI PASS THREADING CYCLE
These automatic canned cycles are used to make programs shorter and easier.
NOTE
The cutting tool must be positioned clear of the component billet size. It always returns to this position upon
completion of the cycle.

G70 - Finish Cycle


The G70 Finish Cycle is used after G71; G72; and G73 to take a final finish pass on the
component profile.
Format:-
N... G70 P... Q...;
N = Block number
P = Block number of program where FINISH PROFILE begins
Q = Block number of program where FINISH PROFILE ends.

G71 - Rough Turn Cycle


The G71 cycle is used for external and internal rough profiling.
Format:-
This cycle consists of two blocks of program.
N... G71 U... R...;
N... G71 P… Q... U... W... F...;
First block:
N = Block number
U = Depth of cut per side
R = Retraction amount (tool clearance for rapid traverse)
Second block:
N = Block number
P = Block number of program where FINISH PROFILE begins
Q = Block number of program where FINISH PROFILE ends
U = Finishing allowance to be left on the diameters
W = Finishing allowance to be left on the faces
F = Feed rate for roughing
83

NOTE
In the second block of program "U Finishing allowance to be left on diameters" is a positive value when turning
externally and a minus value when turning internally.
CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Example 9
Using G70 and G71 to produce a complete program.
The component will be the subject to the following data

TOOL 1: ROUGH TURNING (G71)


Speed: 250m/min.
Feed : 0.3mm/rev.
5mm Depth of cut.

TOOL 2: FINISH TURNING (G70)


Speed: 280m/min.
Feed : 0.2mm/min.
1mm Finish Depth of cut (2mm on Dia.)
0.1mm Finish cut on faces.

Ø40
Ø60
Ø140

Ø100

Material to
30 be removed
60 (includes
facing
80
allowance)
90
110
130
84

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Program - Example 9

O0009; (Program number)


;
;
N10 G21 G40 G96 G99; (Safe Start)
N20 G50 S3500;
N30 G00 X400 Z300 T0000;
N40 M01;
;
;
N50 T0100; (Tool No.1 Rough Turn G71)
N60 G00 G96 X142 Z0 S250 T0101 M13;
N70 G01 X- 2 F0.3;
N80 G00 X142 Z2;
N90 G71 U5 R1;
N100 G71 P110 Q180 U2 W0.1 F0.3;
N110 G00 X40 F0.2; *********
N120 G01 Z- 30;
N130 X60 Z-60; (Lines N110 to N180
N140 Z- 80; Define the Finish Profile)
N150 X100 Z- 90;
N160 Z-110;
N170 X140 Z- 130;
N180 G00 Z1; *********
N190 X400 Z300 T0100;
N200 M01;
;
;
N210 T0200; (Tool No.2 Finish Profile G70)
N220 G00 G41 X142 Z2 S280 T0202 M13;
N230 G70 P110 Q180;
N240 G00 G40 X400 Z300 T0200;
N250 M05;
;
;
N260 M02; (End of program)
%
85

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
G72 - Rough Face Cycle
This cycle is similar to G71 except that the cutting direction is made in the X axis direction.
Format:-
This cycle consists of two blocks of program.
N... G72 W... R...;
N... G72 P... Q... U... W... F...;
First block:
N = Block number
W = Depth of cut (Z axis)
R = Retraction amount (tool clearance for rapid traverse)
Second block:
N = Block number
P = Block number of program where FINISH PROFILE begins
Q = Block number of program where FINISH PROFILE ends
U = Finishing allowance to be left on the diameters
W = Finishing allowance to be left on the faces
F = Feed rate for roughing

Example 10
Using G70 and G72 to produce a complete program.

2 x 45°

1 x 45°

1 x 45°
Ø60
Ø36
Ø30
Ø10

4
10

18
86

30

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
The component will be the subject to the following data.
TOOL 1 : ROUGH FACING (G72) TOOL 2 : FINISH FACING (G70)
Speed : 250m/min. Speed : 280m/min.
Feed : 0.3mm/rev Feed : 0.2mm/rev.
4mm Depth of cut. 1mm Finish Depth of cut.
(2mm on Dia.)
0.1mm Finish cut on faces

Program - Example 10

O0010; (Program number)


;
;
N10 G21 G40 G96 G99; (Safe start)
N20 G50 S3500;
N30 G00 X400 Z300 T0000;
N40 M01;
;
;
N50 T0100; (Tool No.1 Rough Face G72)
N60 G00 G96 X62 Z0 S250 T0101 M13;
N70 G01 X-2 F0.3;
N80 G00 X62 Z2;
N90 G72 W4 R1;
N100 G72 P110 Q210 U2 W0.1 F0.3;
N110 G00 Z-20;
N120 G01 X60;
N130 X56 Z-18;
N140 X36;
N150 X30 Z-10;
N160 Z-5;
N170 X28 Z-4;
N180 X10;
N190 Z-1;
N200 X8 Z0;
N210 G00 Z2;
N220 G00 X400 Z300 T0100;
N230 M01;
;
;
N240 T0200; (Tool No.2 Finish Face G70)
N250 G00 X62 Z2 S280 T0202 M13;
N260 G70 P110 Q210;
N270 G00 X400 Z300 T0200;
N280 M01;
;
;
87

N290 M02; (End of program)


%
CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA ‘U’ - CNC TUTORIAL
G73 - Pattern Repeat Cycle
This cycle permits cutting of a fixed pattern repeatedly. With this cycle it is possible to efficiently
produce components whose rough shape has been forged or cast.
Format:-
This cycle consists of two blocks of program
N... G73 U... W... R...;
N... G73 P... Q... U... W... F...;
First block:
N = Block number
U = Material amount to be machined on component (X axis radius value)
W = Material amount to be machined on component (Z axis)
R = Number of rough passes.
Second block:
N = Block number
P = Block number of program where FINISH PROFILE begins
Q = Block number of program where FINISH PROFILE ends
U = Finishing allowance to be left on the diameters
W = Finishing allowance to be left on the faces
F = Feed rate for roughing

Example 11
Using G70 and G73 to produce a complete program.
2 x 45°

R2

1 x 45°
Ø10

Ø50
Ø20

Ø30

10
15
30
88

42
70
CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
The component will be the subject to the following data.
TOOL 1 : ROUGH TURN (G73) TOOL 2 : FINISH TURN (G70)
Speed : 150m/min. Speed : 180m/min.
Feed : 0.3mm/rev. Feed : 0.15mm/rev.
MATERIAL : CAST IRON CASTING
8mm Machining amount on DIAMETER
2mm Machining amount on FACES

Program - Example 11

O0011; (Program number)


;
;
N10 G21 G40 G96 G99; (Safe start)
N20 G50 S2700;
N30 G00 X400 Z300 T0000;
N40 M01;
;
;
N50 T0100; (Tool No.1 Rough turn G73)
N60 G00 G96 X26 Z0 S150 T0101 M13;
N70 G01 X-2 F0.3;
N80 G00 X60 Z3;
N90 G73 U4 W2 R3;
N100 G73 P110 Q200 U2 W0.1 F0.3;
N110 G00 X6;
N120 G01 Z0 F0.15;
N130 X10 C-1;
N140 Z-10;
N150 X20 Z-15;
N160 X30 Z-30;
N170 Z-42 R2;
N180 X50 C-2;
N190 Z-70;
N200 X60;
N210 G00 X400 Z300 T0100;
N220 M01;
;
;
N230 T0200; (Tool No.2 Finish Turn G70)
N240 G00 X60 Z3 S180 T0202 M13;
N250 G70 P110 Q200;
N260 G00 X400 Z300 T0200;
N270 M01;
;
89

;
N280 M02; (End of program)
%
CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
G74 - Peck Drilling and Face Grooving Cycle
This cycle permits cutting of face grooves which are wider than the tool being used, it can also be
utilised as a drilling cycle by omitting the 'X' axis values.
Format:-
The cycle consist of two blocks of program.
N... G74 R...;
N... G74 X... Z... P... Q... R.... F...;
First block:
N = Block number
R = Return value (chipbreaking)
Second block:
N = Block number
X = Finish diameter (not used in drilling cycle)
Z = Finish depth dimension (Absolute value)
P = X axis shift per cut (not used in drilling cycle)
Q = Z axis depth of cut per peck
R = Side shift clear at end of cycle (not used in drilling cycle)
F = Feed rate
NOTE
P&Q values are to be specified in microns (2.5mm = 2500)

Example12
Using G74 to produce a 7mm wide groove, 15mm deep with a tool of only 3mm wide.
Ø51
Ø80

Tool Offset Point


Ø65

3mm Wide Tool


90

15

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
The component will be subject to the following data.
TOOL 4 : 3mm wide grooving tool
Speed : 95m/min.
Feed : 0.12mm/rev.

The following program example shows the grooving section only.


Program - Example 12
N210 T0400;
N220 G00 G96 X51 Z2 S95 T0404 M13;
N230 G74 R1;
N240 G74 X59 Z-15 P2000 Q5000 R0 F.12;
N250 G00 X300 Z400 T0400;
N260 M01;

Eample 13
Using G74 to produce a deep drilled hole 12mm dia.

100
25

Ø12

The component will be the subject to the following data.


TOOL 6 : 12mm Dia. H.S.S. Drill
Speed : 30m/min = 795 RPM
Feed : 0.15mm/rev.

The following example program shows the drilling cycle only.


Program - Example 13
N340 T0600;
N350 G00 G97 X0 Z2 S795 T0606 M13;
N360 G74 R2;
N370 G74 X0 Z-100 P0 Q2500 R0 F.12;
91

N380 G00 X300 Z400 T0600;


N390 M01;

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
G75 - I.Dia. / O.Dia. Grooving Cycle
This cycle permits internal or external radial grooves to be cut using a tool which is narrower than
the required groove width.

Format:-
This cycle consists of two blocks of program.
N... G75 R...;
N... G75 X... Z... P... Q... R... F...;
First block:
N = Block number
R = Return value (chipbreaking)
Second block:
N = Block number
X = Finish diameter (Bottom of groove)
Z = Finish groove position (Absolute)
P = X axis depth of cut per peck (Incremental value in MICRONS)
Q = Z axis shift per cut (width of tool = max. Shift)
F = Feedrate
92

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Example 14
Using G75 grooving cycle.

Ø45

Ø32

25 50

Tool Offset Point 5mm Wide Tool

The above component will be the subject to the following data.


TOOL : 5mm WIDE GROOVING TOOL
Speed : 150m/min cutting speed
Feed 0.15mm/rev.

The following program is for the groove section only.

Program - Example 14

N150 T0200;
N140 G00 X47 Z-55 S150 T0202 M13;
N150 G75 R0.5;
N160 G75 X32 Z-75 P3000 Q4500 F0.15;
N170 G00 X400 Z400 T0200;
N180 M01;
93

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
G76 - Multipass Threading Cycle
This threading cycle calculates the number of passes required to produce the programed thread.
Straight and taper threads can be programed using the G76 cycle.

Format:-
N... G76 P...(i) ...(ii) ...(iii) Q... R...;
N... G76 X... Z... R... P... Q... F...;
First block:
N = Block number
P = P value consists of 3 parts, each 2 digits.
i = Number of finish passes (spring cuts) 02 = 2 Finish passes
ii = Tool retraction at the end of thread
This is based on the pitch of the thread but can only retract at 90º or 45º.
e.g If a straight (90 deg.) pull out is required 00 would be programed to
retract the tool at 45º. The number of pitches relative to the core dia,
finish length and tool start point must be considered. Programing example 15
would retract the tool over 1.5 pitches at 45º (see page 97).
iii = Thread included angle.
This is for compound threading using one of the following angles:
29;55;60;80. For plunge threading 00 is programed.
Q = Minimum depth of cut. (Value is radial and in microns).
e.g.Q100 = 0.1mm minimum depth of cut.
R = Final pass amount.
NOTE
Increasing the value of ‘Q’ will reduce the number of passes made by the tool

Second block:
X = Core diameter.
(For taper threads this is the core diameter at end of cut).
Z = Finish length of thread, absolute position.
R = Taper amount.
Radial value from end to start of taper.
P = Depth of thread. (Value is radial and in microns).
e.g. P1250 = 1.25mm depth of thread.
Q = Depth of first cut. (Value is radial and in microns).
e.g. Q500 = 0.5mm depth of first cut.
F = Thread lead.

IMPORTANT NOTE
When using G76 with a thread included angle programmed it should be noted that under certain combinations of
material, cutting parameters, tool set up and thread geometry that poor quality surface finish may be produced on
the thread flank. When present, this is generally caused by swarf impact on the flank. In these circumstances it is
recommended that plunge threading is used by setting the thread included angle to zero (00).
94

Alternatively, Manual Guide I or Alpha mode can be used as these have threading cycles with alternative cutting
strategies, compared to the simpler G76, which generally give better results.

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Example 15
Example of parallel thread using G76 thread cycle.
M16 x 2mm Pitch.

Depth of Thread

(13.55 + 6)
Ø19.55
1.225
Ø13.55
Ø16

45°
Tool Start Point

3 30

60°

The following program is for the thread only.

Program - Example 15

N190 T0400;
N200 G00 G97 X19.55 Z5 S1600 T0404 M13;
N210 G76 P021560 Q100 R0.05;
N220 G76 X13.55 Z-33 R0 P1225 Q400 F2;
N230 G00 X400 Z350 T0400;
N240 M01;
95

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Example 16
Example of taper thread using G76.
1:6 ratio thread on diameter
1.5mm Pitch.

Ø20.16
Ø36.16

Ø33.16

Ø19.16
Ø22
Ø35

0.92

8.5
18 78

The following program is for the thread only.

Program - Example 16

N280 T0700;
N300 G00 G97 X38 Z6 S1000 T0707 M13;
N310 G76 P020060 Q100 R0.05;
N320 G76 X36.16 Z-96 R-8.5 P920 Q400 F1.5;
N330 G00 X400 Z300 T0700;
N340 M01;
96

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Example 17
Example of internal threading using G76 threading cycle.

Ø18

Ø20
Start Point of Tool
X14, Z4

M20 x 1.5mm Pitch


(1.0mm Deep)

1.0
50

The following program is for the internal thread only.

Program - Example 17

N390 T0600;
N400 G00 G97 X14 Z5 S1200 T0606 M13;
N410 G76 P020060 Q100 R0.05;
N420 G76 X20 Z-50 R0 P1000 Q300 F1.5;
N430 G00 X400 Z500 T0600;
N440 M01;

97

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
G92 - Single pass Threading Cycle
With this threading cycle each pass/depth of cut is programed individually until the required depth
is reached. Straight and taper threads can be produced using the G92 cycle.
Format:-
This cycle consists of one block of program per thread pass.
N... G92 X... Z... R... F...;
N = Block number.
X = Diameter of first pass followed by further X values in subsequent blocks until
required depth is reached.
Z = Finish length of thread, absolute position.
R = Taper amount.
Radial value from end of to start of taper.
F = Thread lead.

Example 18
M20 x 2.5mm Pitch thread using G92 cycle.

Ø16.933

Ø20

40
M20 x 2.5mm Pitch

The following program is for the thread only.

Program - Example 18

N230 T0500;
N240 G00 F97 X24 Z4 S1000 T0505 M13;
N250 G92 X19.2 Z-40 R0 F2.5;
N260 X18.6;
N270 X18.6;
N280 X17.6;
N290 X17.2;
N300 X16.933;
N310 X16.933;
N320 G00 X400 Z300 T0500 M05;
98

N330 M01;

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Thread Cutting By Other Methods
G32 - Longhand Method
Thread cutting by this method involves total control of the machine’s movements by the program, and is used for
machining less conventional threads and helical forms such as oil grooves and face scrolls.

Format:
N... G32 X... AND/OR Z... F...
X = Absolute finish position X axis
Z = Absolute finish position Z axis
F = Lead of thread
NOTE
The lead programed in 'F' will be the movement along the longest programed axis per revolution of the spindle.

Example 19
Example of scroll thread using G32 thread cutting.
Ø150
Ø25
4mm
Pitch

6
The following program is for the thread only.

Program - Example 19

N220 G00 X0 Z5 T0303 M03


N230 Z-0.5
N240 G32 X170 F4
N250 G00 Z5
N260 X0
N270 Z-1.0
N280 G32 X170
N290 G00 Z5
N300 X0
99

N310 Z-1.5
N320 G32 X170
N330 G00 Z5 etc
CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Example 20
Example of 2 start square form parallel thread using G32 thread cutting.

Ø25
4
6
3 6
105

The following program is for the thread only.

Program - Example 20

N120 T0202 M13


N130 G00 X28 Z12 (1st start point)
N140 X24 (dia first pass 1st start)
N150 G32 Z-103 F12 (thread cut)
N160 G00 X28 (rapid clear)
N170 Z18 (2nd start point)
N180 X24 (dia first pass 2nd start)
N190 G32 Z-103 (thread cut)
N200 G00 X28 (rapid clear)
N210 Z12 (1st start point)
N220 G32 Z-103
N240 G00 X28
N250 Z18
N260 X23
N270 G32 Z-103
N280 G00 X28
N290 Z12
N300 X22
N310 G32 Z-103
N320 G00 X28
N330 Z18
N340 X22
N350 G32 Z-103
N360 X28
100

N370 Z12 etc

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Example 21
50mm Pitch Oil Groove
0.5mm Deep

Ø100
Start of Groove
End of Groove
100 30

The above component will be the subject to the following data.


Speed : 100RPM
Feed : 50mm (As lead)
2 Passes

Program - Example 21

O0021; (Program number)


;
;
N10 G21 G40 G96 G99; (Safe start)
N20 G50 S4000;
N30 G00 X400 Z400 T0000;
N40 M01;
;
;
N50 T0100; (Tool No.1 Oil Groove)
N60 G00 G97 X110 Z-25 T0101 S100 M13;
N70 G32 X99.5 Z-30 F50;
N80 Z-130;
N90 X110 Z-135;
N100 G00 Z-25;
N110 G32 X99 Z-30;
N120 Z-130;
N130 X110 Z-135;
N140 G00 X400 Z400 T0100;
N150 M01;
101

;
;
N160 M02; (End of program)
%
CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Sub-Programming
The machine’s program memory can be divided into two areas:-

(i) MAIN PROGRAMS


Main programs are the complete programs which are normally used to produce components.
(ii) SUB-PROGRAMS
Sub-programs are used within the main programs for a particular operation/ routine.

Sub-programs can be used when:-


(a) Several components are to be made in one cycle.
(b) A section of program is used on a range of components
i.e. Duplicating Grooves, Contours,Part Off Routines

Two "MCODES" are used to CALL and to END the Sub-Programs:-


M98 : CALL SUB-PROGRAM
M99 : END SUB-PROGRAM

FORMAT:-
The sub-programs are called within the main programs.
N110 M98 P....(i) ....(ii);;
The "P" value used with M98 has two parts:-
(i) Number of repetitions of sub-program.
(ii) Sub-program number.

To differentiate between MAIN PROGRAMS and SUB-PROGRAMS it is recommended that the


following program numbers are used:-

For MAIN PROGRAMS For SUB-PROGRAMS


O0001 O1001
O0002 O1002
O0003 O1003
etc. etc.

When the control reads the M98 code it will go to the appropriate sub-program. The actual
SUB-PROGRAM is written as normal programing format, but instead of using M02, M99 is used to
end the sub-program. After the control reads the M99 code the program will return to the main
program at the block after where the M98 code was read.
102

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Example 22 -
To Machine 3 Components From One Cycle Using Sub-Programming

R2 1 x 45°
R1

Ø48
Ø40
Ø30

14

The above component will be the subject of the following data.


Also 3 components to be made in cycle as per the diagram on the following page.

TOOL 1. : ROUGH TURN AND FACE


Speed: 200m/min.
Feed:0.30mm/rev.
TOOL 2. : ‘U' DRILL 30mm DIAMETER
Speed:800RPM
Feed:0.15mm/rev.
TOOL 3. : FINISH TURN
Speed: 200m/min.
Feed: 0.20mm/rev.
TOOL 4. : PART OFF (5mm WIDE TIP)
Speed: 150m/min.
103

Feed: 0.20mm/rev.
MATERIAL : 50mm DIAMETER BRIGHT DRAWN ROUND BAR.
BAR LENGTH = 70mm (From chuck jaw face).
CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Example 22 -
To Machine 3 Components From One Cycle Using Sub-Programming

Chuck

Centre Line

5 14
1
20 20 20

60
1

NOTE
"G50" IS USED TO SHIFT THE COMPONENT "Z" ZERO DATUM WITHIN THE PROGRAM.

e.g. G50 W20 will move the component "Z" zero 20mm TOWARDS the chuck.
G50 W-60 will move the component "Z" zero 60mm AWAY from the chuck.
104

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Program - Example 22
MAIN PROGRAM
O0003; (MAIN PROGRAM number)
;
N10 G21 G40 G97 G99; (Safe start)
N20 G50 S4000;
N30 G00 X400 Z400 T0200;
N40 M01;
;
N50 T0200; (Tool No.2 U'Drill 30mm Dia.)
N60 G00 G97 X0 Z3 T0202 S800 M13;
N70 G01 Z-60 F0.15;
N80 G00 Z3;
N90 G00 X400 Z400 T0200;
N100 M01;
;
N110 M98 P31003; (Call Sub-program No.1003 to do 3 repetitions)
;
N120 G50 W-60; (Z axis ZERO SHIFT back to original DATUM)
N130 G00 X400 Z400 T0200 M05;
N140 M02; (End of MAIN PROGRAM)

SUB-PROGRAM
O1003; (Program No)
;
N10 G21 G40 G96 G99; (Safe Start)
N20 G50 S4000;
N30 G00 X400 Z400 T0000;
N40 M01;
;
N50 T0100; (Rough Turn)
N60 G00 X52 Z0 T0101 S200 M13;
N70 G01 X26 F0.3;
N80 G00 X51 Z1;
N90 G71 U5 R1;
N100 G71 P110 Q160 U2 W0.1 F0.3;
N110 G00 X26;
N120 G01 Z0 F0.2;
N130 X40 C-1;
N140 Z-7 R2;
N150 X48 R1;
N160 Z-15;
N170 G00 X400 Z400 T0100;
N180 M01;
;
N190 T0300; (Finish Turn)
N200 G00 G96 X51 Z1 T0303 200 M13;
N210 G70 P110 Q160;
N220 G00 X400 Z400 T0300;
N230 M01;
;
N240 T0400; (Tool 4 Part Off)
N250 G00 X52 Z-19 T0404 S150 G96 M13;
N260 G01 X26 F0.2;
N270 G00 X52;
N280 G00 X400 Z400 T0400;
N290 M01;
N300 G50 W20; (Z axis ZERO SHIFT for next component)
;
105

N310 M99; (End of SUB-PROGRAM back to


main program line N120)

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Programmable Data Input - G10
The G10 Function can be used in two different ways
i) It can be used as a Datum Shift in either X & Z axes within a program using either
Absolute OR Incremental movements
ii) It can be used to over write W/Shift and Tool Geometry Offsets and Wear Offsets.

G10 P.... X.... Z.... R.... Q....


or
G10 P.... U.... W.... C.... Q....

P = Offset Number
X = Absolute Offset Value in X
U = Incremental Offset Value in X
Z = Absolute Offset Value in Z
W = Incremental Offset Value in Z
R = Tool Nose Radius Offset Value ( Absolute )
C = Tool Nose Radius Offset Value ( Incremental )
Q = Imaginary Tool Nose Number

Example 23
28.333
21
12.5
4
Ø32.546
Ø47.453

All Radii 5mm


Ø30

Ø46

36.666
43.333
51.666
58.333
66.666
73.333
106

81.666
85.000

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
i) Program - Example 23
Using the G10 option as a progressive incremental Offset Value (Datum Move) in X direction
(Cross-slide) and incorporating it with a sub program.

MAIN PROGRAM
O0009; (Main Program number)
N010 G21 G40 G96 G99 ;
N020 G50 S1200;
N040 G00 X100 Z100 T0100 M13; (Safe Start)
N050 X60 Z5 T0101;
N060 M98 P051009; (Sub Program 1009 call repeat 5 times)
N070 G00 X100 Z100 T0100 ;
N080 M09;
N090 G10 P00 U10; (Total Offset Added Back On)
N100 M30; (End of Main Program)

SUB-PROGRAM
(Sub Program to be repeated 10 times) O1009;
(G10 Offset call 2mm incremental ) N010 G10 P00 U-2;
N020 G00 X60 Z5 M13;
N030 X26 Z-5 ;
N040 G01 G41 Z0 F0.15;
N050 G01 X30 Z-2
N060 G01 Z-12.5;
N070 G02 X34 W-4 R5;
N080 G01 X46 Z-21;
N090 G03 X47.453 Z-28.333 R5;
N100 G01 X32.546 Z -36.666;
N110 G02 X32.546 Z-43.333 R5;
N120 G01 X47.453 Z-51.666;
N130 G03 X47.453 Z-58.333 R5;
N140 G01 X32.546 Z-66.666;
N150 G02 X32.546 Z-73.666 R5;
N160 G01 X47.453 Z-81.666;
N170 G03 X50 Z-85 R5;
N190 G00 X52;
N200 G00 X60 Z5;
Return to main programme N210 M99;
107

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
ii) Program - Example 24
Using G10 option to over write the W/Shift and Tool Offsets from program.
Using the W/SHIFT and OFFSET pages is the handy / normal way to set these Offsets. However,
these pages are NOT protected by the EDIT key and can be accessed at anytime by anyone. To
avoid any serious occurrence or misuse of the w/shift and tool geometry offsets, they can be hard
written into the program using the G10 option which over writes the relevant offsets this applies
equally to Wear Offsets also. These G10 options can be integral part of the Safe Start procedure
of the programme.
Use the W/SHIFT and OFFSETS PAGES to set the Offset in the normal method (as described on
pages 42 to 45). Carefully record this data ready to write it into the Safe Start.

O0100;
;
N10 G21 G40 G96 G99; (Safe Start)
N20 G50 S2000;
N30 G10 P0 Z-301.369; (Work / Shift Setting Data )
N40 G10 P10001 X17.570 Z0.000 R0.4 Q3; (Geom Offset Setting Ddata For Tool 1)
N50 G10 P01 X0.005; (Wear Offset Setting Ddata For Tool 1)
N60 G10 P10002 X16.997 Z-6.000 R0 Q8; (Geom Offset Setting Ddata For Tool 2)
N70 G10 P02 X0.005; (Wear Offset Setting Ddata For Tool 2)
N80 .... ; (etc.)
;
N200 G00 X300 Z200 T0100;
N210 M01;

NOTE
‘Tool Geometry Offsets’ and ‘Wear Offsets’ are not installed as standard they are only available as an option.
On Standard machines there is just one single offset mode.
In these cases the following program example is correct:

O0100;
;
N10 G21 G40 G96 G99; (Safe Start)
N20 G50 S2000;
N30 G10 P0 Z-301.369; (Work / Shift Setting Data )
N40 G10 P01 X17.570 Z0.000 R0.4 Q3; (Offset Setting Data For Tool 1)
N50 G10 P02 X16.997 Z-6.000 R0 Q8; (Offset Setting Data For Tool 1)
N60 .... ; (etc.)
;
N200 G00 X300 Z200 T0100;
N210 M01;
108

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Input / Output
With External Part Program Storage
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Electrical Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Handshaking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Parameter Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Parameter Settings Decimal point Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Parameter Settings ‘G’ Code Select Parameter Type A, B or C . 113
Loading Programs To / From The Machine Via RS232 . . . . . . . . 114
Loading & Saving Programs with PCMCIA Flash Cards . . . . . . . . 117
Parameter Write Enable: P.W.E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Searching For A Parameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

109

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
General
A serial interface port complying generally with the RS232C standard is provided and this may be
used for bi-directional communication with a variety of external data storage and editing devices
such as tape punches and readers and computing equipment.
The interface is primarily intended for use with Fanuc devices but other manufacturer's equipment
can be used PROVIDING THE INTERFACE INFORMATION FOR THE EQUIPMENT IS AVAILABLE.
This information is usually provided in the user handbook for the equipment.

Electrical Connection
Connection to the serial port is made via the 25 pin "D" type connector on the main A.C. Cabinet
This connector follows the standard pin allocation for the RS232C interface which is detailed on
below and is compatible with the cable provided. The connection diagram shown in the figure will
work for the majority of applications. This assumes that the external equipment uses a 25 pin "D"
connector, but if this is not the case, data on the equivalent connections must be derived from the
equipment handbook.
To avoid picking up radiated electrical noise, always use a screened cable for this connection as
shown in the figure rate.

Cable connections used to link a PC to an ALPHA Plus ‘S’ lathe

9 Pin 25 Pin
CD 1

RD 2 2 RD

SD 3 3 SD

ER 4 4 RS

SG 5 5 CS

DR 6 6 DR

RS 7 7 SG

CS 8 8 CD

CI 9 20 ER
110

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Handshaking
The following Data is standard for the machine and is Factory set. The Baud Rate and the Stop
Bits are the two items of hand shaking protocol which are set by parameter and can be altered
accordingly by enabling the PWE parameter.
Baud Rate = 9600 Parameter 0103 (Setting 11: 9600)
Data Bits = 7 Fanuc Standard ( Fixed None Adjustable)
Stop Bits = 2 Parameter 0101 bit 0 (set to 1 : 2 stop bits)(set to 0 : 1 stop bit )
Parity = Even Fanuc Standard ( Fixed none adjustable )
In addition to the above the I/O CHANNEL on the Setting (Handy) page must also be set to "0"
(zero)

SETTING (HANDY) O0001 N0010

PARAMETER WRITE = 0 (0:DISABLE 1:ENABLE)


TV CHECK = 0 (0:OFF 1:ON)
PUNCH CODE = 1 (0:EIA 1:ISO)
INPUT UNIT = 0 (0:MM 1:INCH)
I/O CHANNEL = 0 (0-3: CHANNEL NO.)
SEQUENCE NO. = 1 (0:OFF 1:ON)
TAPE FORMAT = 0 (0:NO CNV 1:F15)
SEQUENCE STOP = 0 (PROGRAM NO.)
SEQUENCE STOP = 0 (SEQUENCE NO.)

OFFSET SETTING WORK OPRT +

111

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Parameter Settings
Parameters which effect the input devices are tabled below.
PARAMETER FACTORY SET VALUE
P0020 0 same as using SETTING(Handy) Page I/O Channel
I/O Channel

P0100 ENS ND3 NRC CTV


0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
CTV Character counting for TV check in the comment section of the program
0 = Not Performed
1 = Performed
NCR Output of the end of block ( EOB ) is ISO code
0 = LF,CR, are outputs
1 = Only LF is output
ND3 In DCN operation a program is
0 = Read block by block
2 = The Null code is ignored
ENS Action taken when a null code is found during read of EIA code
0 = An alarm is generated
1 = The NULL code is generated

P0101 NFD ASI SB2


1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
SB2 The number of stop bits
0 = 1 stop bit
1 = 2 stop bits
ASI Code used at data input
0 = EIA or ISO code (automatically listing)
NFD Feed before and after the data output
0 = Output
1 = No Output

PARAMETER FACTORY SET VALUE


P0102 0
Number specified for the I / O device ( when the I/O Channel is set at 0 )
Set Value
0 RS 232-C ( used control codes; DC1 to DC4
1 Fanuc cassette adaptor 1 ( Fanuc cassette B1/B2)
2 Fanuc cassette adaptor 3 ( Fanuc cassette F1 )
3 Fanuc programme File Mate, Fanuc FA Card Adaptor
Fanuc Floppy Cassette adaptor, Fanuc Handy file
112

Fanuc System P -
4 RS-232-C (control codes DC1 to DC4 not used )
5 Portable tape reader
6 Fanuc PPR, Fanuc System P - model G
Fanuc System P -- model H
CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
PARAMETER FACTORY SET VALUE
P0103 11
The Baud Rate Parameter P0103 has the choice of 12 setting tabled below
BAUD RATE SETTING
051 1
100 2
110 3
150 4
200 5
300 6
600 7
1200 8
2400 9
4800 10
9600 11
19200 12

Parameter Setting Decimal Point Programing


P3401
#0=1 ⇒ 00000001

Parameter Settings ‘G’ Code Select Parameter Type A, B or C


P3401
#7=0 #6=0 & ⇒ 00000000 (G Code type A)
#7=0 #6=1 & ⇒ 01000000 (G Code type B)
#7=1 #6=0 & ⇒ 10000000 (G Code type C)
113

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Loading Programs To / From The Machine Via RS232
Interface cable
Ensure the cable has a good connection into the P.C. and also the Machine.

Caution.
Damage can occur if a serial cable longer than the one supplied is used to connect the machine
control to a remote computer. The serial interface used is the industry standard RS-232 and the
specified maximum recommended length of cable is 15 metres or 50 feet. However with longer lines
and connections between devices that may be on different electrical busses, there is a much greater
risk of ground loops. These resultant ground loops can slowly heat the circuits and eventually cause
failure in the remote computer or the machine control. It is recommended that the ports are optically
isolated if long cables cannot be avoided. RS-232 optical isolation devices are commercially available.

Click on the Alpha Link Folder Icon to call the Alpha Link options to screen.

Click the Alpha Utilities icon to display the communication page.

Click on to the F1 (File Type) Button...

...to display the directory menu and select the correct file type you want to send or save:

Then click on ‘OK’ to activate that directory and record it to the window in the top left hand of the
screen:
114

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
i. RECEIVING a Program from the Machine.
On the PC:
Click to the F3 ( Receive ) Button to display the Receive File menu

Enter the name of the file to be received into the box:

Then click OK to receive the file.


Receiving... [filename]’ will appear:
The message ‘R

The PC is now ready to recieve the file from the Machine...


Onthe Machine:
i Ensure the machine parameters described on pages 112 & 113 are set accordingly.
ii Press the PR0G Z EDIT Z RESET keys to display the current program.
iii Press the directory softkey [DIR] to display the full directory.
iv Press the softkey [OPRT]
v Press the Right Hand End softkey to display the softkey options [PUNCH] and [READ]
vi Type the program number to send (e.g ‘Example 1’) and press the softkey [PUNCH] and rress
the [EXECUTE] softkey to commence the transfer of data.

During transmission the PC will display the transmission as it is recieved and the status bar in the
bottom right will indicate progress as a percentage:

At 100% the message: ‘Receiving... [filename]’ will vanish, leaving just the program on screen
Exit the page in the normal way by pressing the cross in the top right hand side of the page or
115

alternatively Click on File(top left hand corner) and EXIT.

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
ii. Setting the PC to SEND a Program to the machine.
On the Machine:
i Ensure the machine parameters described on pages 112 & 113 are set accordingly.
ii Press the PR0G Z EDIT Z RESET keys to display the current program.
iii Press the directory softkey [DIR] to display the full directory.
iv Press the softkey [OPRT]
v Press the Right Hand End softkey to display the softkey options [PUNCH] and [READ]
vi Press the softkey [READ] and press the [EXECUTE] softkey to prepare machine to recieve
program.

On the PC:
Click on the F2 ( Send ) Button to display the full list of the files available.

Click on the file to send - this will hightlight the File name:

Then click OK to send the file.


The file will be seen on screen as it is transmitted and the message ‘SSending... [filename]’ will
appear:

At 100% the message: ‘Sending... [filename]’ will vanish, leaving just the program on
116

screen.
Exit the page in the normal way by pressing the cross in the top right hand side of the page or
alternatively Click on File(top left hand corner) and EXIT.
CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Loading and Saving Programs with PCMCIA Flash Cards
(Commonly know as a Smart Cards)

Loading from Card to Machine


1. Switch on machine in ISO mode.
2. On the SETTING ( HANDY) page, Set the I/O Channel to 4 as follows
i) Press the ‘PROGRAM’ then ‘MDI’ keys to enter the MDI mode
ii) Press the OFFSET/ SETTINGS key and the [ SETTINGS] soft key
iii) Press the Page down key several times until the PWE page is displayed
SETTING (HANDY) O0001 N0010

PARAMETER WRITE = 0 (0:DISABLE 1:ENABLE)


TV CHECK = 0 (0:OFF 1:ON)
PUNCH CODE = 1 (0:EIA 1:ISO)
INPUT UNIT = 0 (0:MM 1:INCH)
I/O CHANNEL = 4 (0-3: CHANNEL NO.)
SEQUENCE NO. = 1 (0:OFF 1:ON)
TAPE FORMAT = 0 (0:NO CNV 1:F15)
SEQUENCE STOP = 0 (PROGRAM NO.)
SEQUENCE STOP = 0 (SEQUENCE NO.)

OFFSET SETTING WORK OPRT +

iv) Press the numerical key 4 and the INPUT key to change the I/O channel to 4
v) The S-RAM SLOT on the console is now active and can be used to save and load data to
and from the machine Via the Smart card
3. Press the EDIT key. Providing the program page is displayed on the screen’ pressing the Edit key
will display the word EDIT **** **** **** in the bottom left hand corner.
Thus allowing the modification, registration and deletion of programs
4. Press the PROGRAM key , to select the program screen
5. Press the RIGHT HAND soft key
6. The [CARD] soft key will now appear on screen. Note :- if the I/O CHANNEL on the
SETTINGS (HANDY ) page is not set to 4. The [CARD] option will not appear on screen.
7. Insert the Flash Card into the reader slot next to the Fanuc Screen
117

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
8. Press the [ CARD ] softkey.
The files on the card will now be displayed on the screen, Example:
NO. FILE NAME. SIZE. DATE.
0001 330U1.ISO 2092 02- 04 -17
0002 330U3.ISO 3452 02- 04 -17
0003 330U2.ISO 3315 02- 04 -17
Note: The file numbers do not relate to the Fanuc program numbers but are the file numbers
allocated on the flash card.
9. Press the [ OPRT ] softkey (operate).
The following options will be shown above the softkeys:
[F.SRH ] [ F.READ ] [ N.READ ] [ PUNCH ] [ DELETE ]
10. Press the [ F.READ ] key to change the options above the soft keys to the following:
[ F.SET ] [ O.SET ] [ STOP ] [ CAN ] [ EXEC ]
11. Type 1 on the keypad and press [ F.SET ].
1 will be set on the screen in the section :
READ
FILE No =
12. Press the [ EXEC ] key to load the program.
READ
FILE No = will now automatically show 2 ready to load the next file.

Saving To Card from the Machine


To save a program to the Flash Card from the control
1. Press the ‘PROGRAM’ then ‘EDIT’ then ‘RESET’ keys to display the current program
2. Press the Directory softkey [ DIR ] to display the full directory
3. Press the softkey [ OPRT ]
4. Press the right hand softkey to display the options [PUNCH] and [ READ ]
5. To output the program, type the program number (e.g. O1111) and prss the softkey [PUNCH]
Note: The saved program will be allocated a file number on the card dependant on the
number of programs already stored on the card, Example:
NO. FILE NAME. SIZE. DATE.
0001 330U1.ISO 2092 02- 04 -17
0002 330U3.ISO 3452 02- 04 -17
0003 330U2.ISO 3315 02- 04 -17
0004 O1111 2543 02- 04 -19 ( NEW FILE )
If no file name was allocated from the computer e.g. the file was generated on the machine ,
the program number will be shown in the file name column
118

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Parameter Write Enable: P.W.E.
The procedure for switching the ‘PARAMETER WRITE’ ON & OFF is as follows:
Press PROGRAM Z MDI keys to select the MDI mode
Press the OFFSET SETTING key and the softkey [SETTINGS]
Press the PAGE DOWN key several times until the ‘PARAMETER WRITE’ page is displayed

SETTING (HANDY) O0001 N0010

PARAMETER WRITE = 0 (0:DISABLE 1:ENABLE)


TV CHECK = 0 (0:OFF 1:ON)
PUNCH CODE = 1 (0:EIA 1:ISO)
INPUT UNIT = 0 (0:MM 1:INCH)
I/O CHANNEL = 0 (0-3: CHANNEL NO.)
SEQUENCE NO. = 1 (0:OFF 1:ON)
TAPE FORMAT = 0 (0:NO CNV 1:F15)
SEQUENCE STOP = 0 (PROGRAM NO.)
SEQUENCE STOP = 0 (SEQUENCE NO.)

OFFSET SETTING WORK OPRT +

Press the Z CURSOR key to position the cursor below the 0 in ‘PARAMETER WRITE = 0’
Press the numerical key 1 and then the INPUT key to change the ‘PARAMETER WRITE’ value to 1
The parameter pages are now open for editing
To switch ‘PARAMETER WRITE’ OFF follow the procedure above but key in 0 instead of 1

Searching For A Parameter


Press the SYSTEM key until the parameter softkey option appears.
Press the softkey [PARAM]
Press the softkey [OPRT]
Type the parameter number 0124 and press the softkey [N/SEARCH] to change the page and put
the cursor below that parameter.

After completing the change, the PWE must be turned off. Follow the procedure ‘PROGRAM WRITE
ENABLE’ (above) but key in 0 instead of 1
119

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL

Blank Page
120

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Slide Set-up Procedure

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
The ‘X’ Axis 1st Reference Point Return Set-up Procedure . . . . . . 124
The ‘Z’ Axis 1st Reference Point Return Set-up Procedure . . . . . . 125
Soft Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

121

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
General
The drawing on the facing page (page 121) shows the Reference Point Return Position in both the
‘X’ & ‘Z’ axes for both the 8 Station Indexing Turret and 4 station Tool Post and the point on the
spindle from which they are taken, along with the points on the Tool Posts themselves.

In general the setting of the ‘X’ axis is critical whichever type of Tool Post or Turret is fitted. When
programming ‘X’ axis ZERO, the slide must take a drill directly onto the centre line of the spindle /
component. The ‘Z’ axis points of reference are only nominal distances which are taken from the
front face of the spindle to the front face of the Tool holder, on a 4 way tool in post, and the face of
the Disc on an Indexing Turret.

For all machines the Ref. Point Return for ‘Z’ is usually at (approximately) half the length of the bed.

In all cases however it is also important that the Tool Post or Turret are parallel and square in the
two axes in which they are travelling and to the axis of the spindle centre line

IMPORTANT NOTE
You will appreciate that T.S. Harrison & Sons export machines world wide and that International and Local
distributors hold Alpha machines in stock.

It may be that when the Alpha lathe left the factory it was not fitted with a tool post or turret and therefore the Slide
Ref. Positions were only set to Nominal Positions.

There are many different types and manufacturers of tool post and turrets all varying slightly in specification and
size. It may be that you have requested a locally manufactured tool post which may have been fitted by a local
supplier.

In this event the following procedure details how the Ref. Point Return Positions should be set.
122

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Machine Datum

Ref. Point Return ‘X’ Axis


Turret Datum Point

Ref. Point Return ‘Z’ Axis


8 Station Turret

4 Station Toolpost

Rotate Chuck

Test Bar

Checking Axis Alignment is Central Checking Axis Alignment is Parallel


123

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
The ‘X’ Axis 1st Reference Point Set-up Procedure
1. Set any WORKSHIFT values to ZERO. Check and record the X reading of the parameter 1240
and 1250. These figures are machine model specific, both parameters should have the same
readings in ‘X’ and ‘Z’
2. Using the 'CNC mode' of operation press the MANUAL pushbutton to select the hand wheel
operation, check and re-set and if necessary the Spindle & Bed Alignments
3. Check the Machine is cutting parallel using 0.1mm depths of cut and a feed rate of 0.01 over
a 150mm length. Adjust the spindle alignments if necessary.
DO NOT USE A CENTRE
4. Fit a parallel bar into a boring bar holder and using an Indicator Clock mounted to the chuck.
Clock around the circumference of the bar and adjust the height of the tool holder until the bar
is on the same centre line as the spindle (see diagram on page 121).
5. Clock around the circumference of the bar, adjusting the ‘X’ axis slide position only until the
bar running is concentric with the spindle.
WIND THE CLOCK AWAY FROM THE BAR IN THE ‘Z’ AXIS ONLY
6. Press the POS key and the softkey [REL], press the ‘U’ key and the softkey [ORIGIN] to establish
U0.000’
that the ‘X’ axis slide is on centre. The screen will read ‘U
7. Using the X axis handwheel, wind the ‘X’ axis slide until ‘U’equals the ‘X’ axis figure recorded in
Parameter 1240 and 1250
Example, Parameter 1240 Z X 300000micron Z 300.000mm
Z 500000micron Z 500.000mm
8. Switch the machine into MDI mode by pressing the MDI pushbutton
9. Turn the Parameter Write Protect ON, i.e PWE = 1
10. Press the SYSTEMS key, type in 1815 (do not Input) but press the softkey [NO.SRH]. The
parameter 1815 will appear on the screen in reverse video.
11. Using the CURSOR key cursor to the APZ column on the ‘X’ axis and type 0 (zero). Press the
INPUT key to alter the parameter from 1(one) to 0 (zero)
The alarm 000 'PLEASE POWER OFF' will appear
12. Power the control OFF at the RED pushbutton, wait while it has shut down completely and
Power up again
On power up these Alarms will appear:
100-PARAMETER WRITE ENABLE
300-APC ALARM X-AXIS NEEDS ZRN
13. Press the MDI and SYSTEMS key, type in 1815 (do not Input) but press the softkey [NO.SRH].
Using the CURSOR key, cursor to the APZ column on the ‘X’ axis and type 1(one). Press the
INPUT key to alter the parameter from 0 (zero) back to 1 (one).
14. Turn the Parameter Write Protect OFF, i.e PWE = 0
15. Power the control OFF at the RED pushbutton , wait while it has shut down completely, and
Power up the machine to establish the settings.
16. To check the REF. POINT RETURN wind the ‘X’ slide forward by approx 50mm, complete a
124

move in MDI mode, G28 U0.000; Press the POS key. X screen reading should read the same
position as the X figure in parameter 1240 & 1250.

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
The ‘Z’ Axis 1st Reference Point Set-up Procedure
1. Set any WORKSHIFT values to ZERO
2. Check and record the ‘Z’ reading of parameters 1240 and 1250. These figures are machine
model specific, both parameters should have the same readings
3. Using the ‘CNC Mode’ of operation, press the MANUAL pushbutton to select hand wheel
operation.
4. Using a RULE or TAPE MEASURE to establish the ‘Z’ axis 1ST REF. POINT RETURN position.
Wind the ‘Z’ axis to the Z axis figure recorded in parameters 1240 and 1250.
Example, Parameter 1240 Z X 300000micron Z 300.000mm
Z 500000micron Z 500.000mm
5. Switch the machine into MDI mode by pressing the MDI pushbutton
6. Turn the Parameter Write Protect ON, i.e. PWE = 1
7. Press the SYSTEMS key, type in 1815 (do not Input) but press the softkey [NO.SRH]. The
parameter 1815 will appear on the screen in reverse video.
8. Using the CURSOR keys, cursor to the APZ column on the ‘Z’ axis and type 0 (zero) and press
the INPUT key to alter the parameter from 1(zero) to a 0 (zero)
The alarm 000 'PLEASE POWER OFF' will appear
9. Power the system OFF at the RED pushbutton, wait until it shuts down completely. Power up the
machine.
On power up these Alarms will appear:
100-PARAMETER WRITE ENABLE
300-APC ALARM X-AXIS NEEDS ZRN
10. Press the MDI and the SYSTEMS keys, type in 1815 (do not Input) .Press the softkey [NO.SRH].
Using the CURSOR keys, cursor to the APZ column on the ‘Z’ axis and type 1(one).
Press the INPUT key to alter the parameter from 0 (zero) to a 1 (one)
11. Turn the Parameter Write Protect OFF, i.e. PWE = 0
12. Power the control OFF at the RED pushbutton , wait while it has shut down completely, and
power up the machine to establish the settings.
13. To check the REF. POINT RETURN wind the Z slide forward by approx 50mm, complete a move
in MDI mode, G28 W 0.000; . Press the POS key the ‘Z’ figure on screen should read the
same as the ‘Z’ figure in parameters 1240 and 1250.
125

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Soft Limits
Soft limits are generally set to provide safe area's for the tool and slides around the chuck and tail-
stock. They also stop the slides reaching their hard mechanical stops, which prevents damage to the
ballscrews etc.
NOTE
The axis soft limit values are factory set for the appropriate work holding and tool holding device fitted at machine
manufacture. Any subsequent alteration in either the work holding or tool holding device will require the soft limits to
be reset accordingly.

SOFT LIMIT SOFT LIMIT


PARMETER 1321 PARMETER 1320
X= -35000 (Ø35mm) X= +300000 (Ø300mm)

SOFT LIMIT
PARMETER 1321
Z= +115000 (115mm)
SOFT LIMIT
PARMETER 1320
Z= +1035000 (1035mm)

The 2 parameters involved are: -


1320 (limits 1+)
X---------
Z--------- See attached sketch
1321 ( limits 1-)
X---------
Z---------
At power up the machine has to select its mode of Operation, either Alpha or the ISO mode of
operation. The above parameters are over written at power up from parameters:-
1322 (limits 2+)
X---------
Z---------
126

1323 (limits 2-)


X---------
Z---------

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
As a general rule the X axis soft stops parameter 1322 (limits 2-) X------- value and 1323 (limit 2)
X-------- value are nominally set to 5mm (5000microns) before the actual hard stop of the slide.
The Z axis soft stop parameter 1323(limit 2-) Z value is set individually dependent on the Turret or
Tool post fitted. It is set nominally to give 2mm (2000 microns) clearance between the tool tip and
the front face of the chuck jaw.
The Z-axis soft stop parameter 1322 (limit 2-) Z value is nominally set to 5mm (50000microns)
before the actual hard stop of the slide.
The method of changing parameter readings is used after setting the X & Z REF POINT RETURNS:-
1) Power up the machine in the ISO mode.
2) Turn on the PWE (program write protect)
3) Press the SYSTEM pushbutton
4) Press the PARM soft key
5) Type 1322 and press the NO SEARCH soft key
6) Record carefully the figures in X and Z for both parameters 1322 and 1323 and whether they
are +(positive) or -(negative)
7) Cursor to either X or Z
8) Type in the new figure required in microns
9) IMPORTANT: - Power Down Turn The MODE KEY To The ALPHA MODE and POWER UP
again to turn the PWE to 0 (off)
10) Check the new reading have registered in the parameters 1320 and 1321

NOTE
As the return reference point is fixed, the type of toolpost determines the physical position of the cross slide. This
means that the X & Z soft limits may require re-defining (in parameters 1322 & 1323).
Using the POS pushbutton and the (ALL) softkey to make the existing soft limits inoperative, will allow the slides to
be wound to their extremes and the exact "machine position" for the soft limits to be established.
The soft limits can be altered by replacing the existing figures in parameters 1320 & 1321 to +1 and -1
respectively as shown below:-
Example
NEW EXISTING
1320(limit +1)
X -1----------------------------------------(+ 300000) (+300mm dia)
Z -1----------------------------------------(+1035000) (+1035mm)
1321 (limit -1)
X +1--------------------------------------- (- 35000) (-35 mm dia )
Z +1----------------------------------------(+115000) (+115mm)
127

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL

Blank Page
128

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Solutions To Programming Examples

Program Example 6 - From Page 72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130


Program Example 8 - From Page 78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

129

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Program Solution To Example 6 - From Page 74

O0006; (Program number)


;
;
N10 G21 G40 G96 G99; (Safe start)
N20 G50 S4000;
N30 G00 X400 Z400 T0000;
N40 M0;
;
;
N50 T0100; (Tool No.1 Finish Turn)
N60 G00 G96 X20 Z1 S250 T0101 M13;
N70 G01 Z0 F0.2;
N80 X24 C-2;
N90 Z-20;
N100 A140;
N110 X42 Z-65 A172;
N120 Z-85;
N130 X60 A95 C-2;
N140 Z-95;
N150 X64;
N160 X72 Z-107;
N170 Z-125;
N180 X82;
N190 G00 X400 Z400 T0100;
N200 M01;
;
;
N210 G00 X400 Z400 T0100 M05;
N220 M02; (End of Program)
%
130

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL
Program Solution To Example 8 - From Page 80

O0008; (Program number)


;
;
N10 G21 G40 G96 G99; (Safe start)
N20 G50 S4000;
N30 G00 X400 Z400 T0000;
N40 M01;
;
;
N50 T0100; (Tool No.1 Finish Turn)
N60 G00 G96 G41 X12 Z1 T0101 S250 M13;
N70 G01 Z0 F0.2;
N80 X16 C-2;
N90 Z-17 A175 R5.4;
N100 X40 A95 C-3;
N110 Z-30;
N120 G03 X50 Z-35 R5;
N130 Z-52;
N140 X62 Z-67;
N150 Z-83;
N160 X68 Z-86;
N170 Z-93;
N180 X90 R7;
N190 Z-107;
N200 X92;
N210 G00 G40 Z1;
N220 X400 Z400 T0100;
N230 M01;
;
;
N240 G00 X400 Z400 T0100 M05;
N250 M02; (End of Program)
%
131

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005
ALPHA XS - CNC TUTORIAL

Blank Page
132

CNC/XS
E01
JAN
2005

You might also like