Face machining (#FACE, #FACE OFF)

This mode is selected for lathes and machining centres. The desired contour on the face is programmed in millimetres or inches using a virtual Cartesian coordinate system.

Face machining
Face machining

Notice

notice

As of CNC build V3.00, the parameter P-CHAN-00262 must be assigned with the kinematic ID used, depending on P-CHAN-00008, in order to perform face machining applications.

  1. For face transformation 1 with P-CHAN-00008=1 - ID 13
  2. For face transformation 2 with P-CHAN-00008=2 - ID 14

The three logical axes X, Y (or C) and Z are provided to program the contour on the face in Cartesian coordinates.

Front view of face machining process
Front view of face machining process

The figure below shows each of the main planes in face machining. Only the G17 plane is of technological importance.

Main planes of face machining
Main planes of face machining

For more setting options for face machining, see [KITRA// KIN_TYP_13/14]

Syntax:

#FACE [ <name of 1st main axis>, <name of 2nd main axis> ]

<name of 1st main axis>

Name of the first main axis according to the current main plane.

<name of 2nd main axis>

Name of the second main axis according to the current main plane (virtual Cartesian axis).

When selected. the main plane (circular interpolation, tool radius compensation, etc.) is always defined by the 1st and 2nd main axes (G17). It is not permitted to change the main plane with G18, G19 while face machining is active.

Notice

notice

Programmed tracking axes are not affected by the transformation.

This mode is deselected by:

Syntax:

#FACE OFF

Use #FACE OFF to revert to the previously active state. This means that the last active main plane is selected automatically and the last active axis offsets are restored.

Programing Example

prg_example

Programming example for lathes

Example with axis name "C" for 2nd main axis

;…

#CAX[S, C]                  ;Assuming main spindle is "S"

#FACE[X, C]                 ;Select face machining

;…

G01 X40 C-30 Z50 F1000        ;Pre-position

G01 Z30                     ;Feed

G01 X10 C40                 ;Travel contour

G01 Z50                     ;Retract

;…

#FACE OFF

#CAX OFF

;…

M30

Example with axis name "Y" for 2nd main axis.

Note: No other axis with the identical name "Y" may exist in NC channel.

;…

#CAX[S, Y]                  ;Assuming main spindle is "S"

#FACE[X, Y]                 ;Select face machining

;…

G01 X40 Y-30 Z50 F1000        ;Pre-position

G01 Z30                     ;Feed

G01 X10 Y40                 ;Travel contour

G01 Z50                     ;Retract

;…

#FACE OFF

#CAX OFF

;…

M30

Programing Example

prg_example

Programming example for machining centres

The rotary axis (workpiece axis) in the channel is "C2". It is not necessary to program the #CAX command.

;…

#FACE[X, C2]                ;Select face machining

;…

G01 X40 C2=-30 Z50 F1000    ;Pre-position

G01 Z30                     ;Feed

G01 X10 C2=40               ;Travel contour

G01 Z50                     ;Retract

;…

#FACE OFF

;…

M30