Monitoring the minimum distance using kinematic ID 98

Depending on the tool head geometry and if the tool is inclined, the tool head may undershoot the minimum distance or even collide with the surface.

As a result, it may be preferable for the tool head not to undershoot a minimum security distance. If the minimum distance is reached and if the tool continues to be inclined, it is virtually extended for kinematic transformation so that the tool head remains at a constant height (Phase 2). Monitoring the minimum distance is then executed by a preceding kinematic transformation ID 98 (see also Documentation of multi-step kinematic transformations). The required limit angles can be specified in the kinematic transformation parameters.

Phase 1: As long as the minimum distance is not reached, the tool length (tool clamping point = tool centre point = laser beam length) remains constant when the tool is inclined.

Phase 2: When the minimum security distance is reached, the height of the tool clamping point is maintained constant. This corresponds to an extension of the tool, which is normally only possible automatically with laser beam machining. The actual effective tool length is displayed on the PLC interface to adjust the process (e.g. laser focus point).

When inclination compensation is activated in the NC program, a number of different angles can be defined. These parameters are set as Kinematic 98 parameters.

• Maximum inclination angle starting at which the tool is virtually extended.
• Angle at which tool extension deactivated.
• Maximum inclination angle. Further inclination results in an error message with program abort.