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This product and this document have been prepared and tested as much as possible. If you find any misprints or errors, please inform us. Roland DG Corporation assumes no responsibility for any direct or indirect loss or damage that may occur through use of this product, regardless of any failure to perform on the part of this product.
Contents Contents ......................1 1. Built-in Panel Operation (Basic) ..............3 Built-in Panel Screen and Functions .............4 What Is the Built-in Panel? ......................4 Built-in Panel Function List ......................5 2. VPanel Operation (Basic) ................6 VPanel Basic Operation ................7 What Is VPanel? ..........................7 Displaying VPanel ..........................
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Contents Setting the Z Origin Using the Z0 Sensor ................44 Operation of the Tool Bur Replacement Function (Auto Tool Changer) ....45 How to Set Overrides ........................46 Checking Job/Tool Bur Information during Cutting ............46 Pausing/Resuming/Canceling Cutting ...................47 Recovering from Errors .........................48 Turning Off the Status Lights during Cutting ...............49 Changing the Blower Strength during Cutting ..............49 6.
1. Built-in Panel Operation (Basic) Built-in Panel Screen and Functions ....4 What Is the Built-in Panel? ............4 Built-in Panel Function List ............5...
Built-in Panel Screen and Functions What Is the Built-in Panel? The built-in panel contains the frequently used functions. You can use it to perform operations while checking the machine's internal behavior. " P. 5 "Built-in Panel Function List" Display Screen (Top Window) This displays the currently selected coordinate system.
Built-in Panel Screen and Functions Part Name Details Notation used in this docuRment Override key Select the feeding speed override and the spindle rotating speed override. [OVER RIDE] OVER RIDE Menu key Call up the submenu. [MENU] MENU Z0 sensor key Use this key when you use a Z0 sensor to set the Z origin.
Start menu). Starting from the Windows [Start] Screen (or [Start] Menu) Windows 10 and 7 From the [Start] menu, click [All apps] (or [All Programs]), [VPanel for MDX-50], and then click [VPanel for MDX-50]. Windows 8.1 Click on the [Start] screen, and then from the Apps screen, click the [VPanel for MDX-50] icon under [VPanel for MDX-50].
VPanel Basic Operation VPanel Display in the Task Tray When the VPanel icon is displayed in the task tray, the status of the connected cutting machine is always monitored. The display of the VPanel icon changes depending on the status of the cutting machine. The meanings of the displays are shown below. Indicates that the cutting machine is on (is online).
Top Window Top Window The top window is used to display the status of the cutting machine, to set operations, and to manage jobs. Use the ma- chine's built-in panel for operations that are directly connected to the running of the machine such as moving tool burs and adjusting override values.
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Top Window Item Details This displays the connection and automatic correction statuses of the rotary axis unit. The Rotary axis unit color changes to gray (the base color) when the unit is not connected, to red when the unit is connected, and to blue when automatic correction is complete. This displays the connection status of the Z0 sensor.
3. Cutting (One Side Cutting) Performing an Emergency Stop on This Machine ... 12 Emergency Stop ..............12 Emergency Stop or Pause Due to Opening or Closing the Cover ..13 Emergency Stop Due to Opening or Closing the Cover ..13 Pause Due to Opening or Closing the Cover......14 Machine Statuses Indicated by Status Light Color ..15 What Is the Status Light?............15 1.
Performing an Emergency Stop on This Machine Emergency Stop When you press the emergency stop button, operation stops immediately. Canceling an Emergency Stop Procedure Switch off the power switch. Turn the button in the direction of the arrows. Switch on the power switch. 3.
Emergency Stop or Pause Due to Opening or Closing the Cover Emergency Stop Due to Opening or Closing the Cover To ensure safety, opening the front cover or the dust box cover during cutting or spindle rotation causes this machine to perform an emergency stop.
Emergency Stop or Pause Due to Opening or Closing the Cover Pause Due to Opening or Closing the Cover To ensure safety, opening the front cover or the dust box cover during standby, when operations are paused, or in other situations when the spindle is not rotating will cause the machine to pause its operations and display a message.
Machine Statuses Indicated by Status Light Color What Is the Status Light? Lights are installed inside this machine. The color of the lights changes depending on the status of the machine. You can also turn off the lights during cutting. "...
1. Checking the Cutting Area Cuttable Workpiece (Cutting Material) Size XY Directions 400 mm (15.75 in.) (X-axis operating range) Table Z Direction Workpiece Spindle head bot- tom surface 130 mm 100 mm (3.94 in.)* (5.12 in.) Table surface * Note that a distance exceeding 100 mm (3.94 in.) may lead to interference with the tool bur. * When using a scrap board, ensure that the distance from the table (including the thickness of the scrap board) is 100 mm (3.94 in.) or less.
Select a tool bur matched to the purpose. We recommend that you use the tool burs selectively to match different work processes (such as roughing and finishing). Contact your authorized Roland DG Corp. dealer or visit the Roland DG Corp.
3. Cutting WARNING Do not inadvertently touch the computer or the built-in panel while performing this task. Unintended operation of the machine may lead to you being caught in the machine. Step 1 : Preparing the Tool Bur Required Items Hexagonal screw- Tool bur Tool holder *...
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3. Cutting Load the tool bur. CAUT I ON If you load a tool bur with a length that is longer than that which can be used by this machine, an error will occur. When using the included table Pass the tool bur through the tool holder with the orientation shown in the following figure and ensure that the shank part is within the range indicated with "SHANK END."...
3. Cutting CAUT I O N When using the 3 mm, 4 mm (0.12 in., 0.16 in.) tool holder, insert the tool bur 10 mm (0.39 in.) or more from the bottom of the tool holder. 10 mm (0.39 in.) or more Use the hexagonal screwdriver to secure the mounting screw.
3. Cutting Check that there is no cutting waste or other debris in the stocker, and then load the tool bur. Firmly insert the tool bur as far as possible. Up to 6 tool burs can be loaded. M E M O If you register the tool bur information in VPanel, you can record the work time of the actually used tool burs and check the estimated replacement periods.
3. Cutting Step 4 : Setting the XY Origin Origin The origin is the starting point of the coordinates. It is the position where the X, Y, and Z coordinates are all "0." You can freely set the origin position. It is a good idea to match the origin with the position where you want to start cutting. However, you cannot set the origin when you select "Machine coordinate system"...
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3. Cutting Press the button corresponding to the axis whose origin you want to set. Check that is displayed next to the axis whose origin you want to set. * A can only be used when the (optional) rotary axis unit is attached. The axis whose mark is lit moves.
3. Cutting Step 5 : Setting the Z Origin (Using the Z0 Sensor) This function is useful when you want to set the Z origin on the upper surface of the workpiece. M E M O You can use not only the detection pin but also the tool bur to set the Z origin with the Z0 sensor.
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3. Cutting Place the Z0 sensor in the position where you want to set the Z origin. Orient the Z0 sensor so that its side without screw threads faces upward. The Z0 sensor is 15 mm (0.59 in.) thick. Workpiece Close the front cover.
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3. Cutting Turn the hand-wheel to select "Yes." Press [ENTER]. The tool bur slowly descends to touch the sensor. The tool bur then ascends. When it stops moving, the setting is complete. Can cel i ng th e de t e c t i on o pe r a t i on If you want to stop the tool bur while it is descending, press [ENTER].
3. Cutting Coordinate System in RML-1 Mode USER: User coordinate system Coordinate Systems in NC Code Mode G54 : Workpiece coordinate system 1 G57 : Workpiece coordinate system 4 EXOFS G55 : Workpiece coordinate system 2 ...
3. Cutting When the sending of the cutting data is complete, you can disconnect this machine from the PC. The machine can temporarily save in its internal memory the cutting data sent from the PC. Therefore, when the sending of the cutting data is complete, you can use the PC with the USB cable disconnected. CAUT I O N Do not disconnect the machine and the PC when is displayed on the built-in panel.
Maintenance Precautions Maintenance Precautions WARNING Never use a pneumatic blower. This machine is not compatible with pneumatic blowers. Cutting waste may get inside the machine and cause fire or electrical shock. WARNING Never use a solvent such as gasoline, alcohol, or thinner to perform cleaning. Doing so may cause fire.
Daily Maintenance Cleaning after Cutting Finishes After cutting finishes, clean the inside of the machine using a commercially available brush or dust collector. Also clean the tool bur. WARNING Do not inadvertently touch the computer or the operating panel while performing this task.
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Daily Maintenance Discard the cutting waste that has gathered in the dust box. Open the dust box cover, and then pull out the dust box. Clean the tool bur. Use the included cloth for care to wipe off any Area to clean dirt from the portion indicated in the figure.
Periodic Maintenance Situations Requiring Maintenance When installing the machine P. 34 "Spindle Run-in (Warm-up)" P. 35 "Correcting the Cutting Machine (Auto- matic Correction)" When replacing the spindle unit When the machine has not been used for a pro- longed period P.
Periodic Maintenance Spindle Run-in (Warm-up) Spindle run-in (warm-up) may be required to stabilize the rotation of the spindle. Situations Requiring This Work When installing the machine When replacing the spindle unit When the machine has not been used for a prolonged period ...
Periodic Maintenance Correcting the Cutting Machine (Automatic Correction) The accuracy of the cutting machine may change if it is used for a long period of time or the surrounding environment changes. Performing automatic correction will correct the ATC magazine and rotary axis positions. Situations Requiring This Work ...
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Periodic Maintenance Close the front cover. Press [ENTER]. Perform automatic correction. Display VPanel. " P. 7 "Displaying VPanel" Click , the [Correction] tab, and then click [Automatic correction]. The VPanel "Automatic correction" dialog box appears. Select the [Magazine] check box, and then click [Start Correction]. You can use the [Rotary axis unit] check box when you are using the optional rotary axis unit.
Periodic Maintenance Retightening the Collet Continuous cutting will cause the collet to become loose, making it easy for the tool bur to come off. Periodically retighten the collet. Recommended Interval for This Work Once a month, or when the working time of the spindle exceeds 200 hours since the previous retightening (with slight variation depending on the work situation).
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Periodic Maintenance Check that the work displayed on the screen is complete, and then click [OK]. The spindle unit will move, which will open the collet. When the window shown in the figure appears, click [OK]. Retighten the collet. Tighten the collet. Fit the wrench onto the collet.
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Periodic Maintenance Remove the detection pin and the wrench. Close the front cover. Press [ENTER]. Close the collet. Click [Close collet] in VPanel. When the window shown in the following figure appears, click [OK]. The spindle unit moves and closes the collet. When the window shown in the following figure appears, click [OK].
5. Built-in Panel Operation (Practical Use) Built-in Panel Functions ........41 Using Hand-wheel Operations to Move the Tool Bur (Hand-wheel Feed) .41 Quickly Moving to a Specific Position ........42 Changing the Coordinate System ..........43 Starting and Stopping Spindle Rotation .........44 Setting the Origin ..............44 Setting the Z Origin Using the Z0 Sensor ......44 Operation of the Tool Bur Replacement Function (Auto Tool Changer) ..45 How to Set Overrides .............46...
Built-in Panel Functions Using Hand-wheel Operations to Move the Tool Bur (Hand-wheel Feed) You can turn the hand-wheel to move the tool bur. Select the axis to move, and then move the axes one at a time. This opera- tion is not possible in the following cases. When the front cover or dust box cover is open During cutting operation WARNING...
Built-in Panel Functions Quickly Moving to a Specific Position Use this procedure to quickly move to the view position or to the origin. The tool bur is always kept in the highest position along the Z axis and only moves to the specified position along the X and Y axes. You cannot perform this operation during cutting or while cutting is paused.
Built-in Panel Functions G57-XY Cleaning - XY Workpiece coordinate This function is used for cleaning. The spindle system origin 4 and table move. G58-XY Rotation A Workpiece coordinate The rotary axis unit rotates. This can only be system origin 5 used when the (optional) rotary axis unit is attached.
Built-in Panel Functions Starting and Stopping Spindle Rotation You can start and stop spindle rotation as well as specify the spindle's rotation speed. You cannot perform this operation during cutting. WARNING This procedure makes the machine operate. Before you perform this procedure, check to make sure that operation of the machine will not create any hazard or danger.
Built-in Panel Functions Operation of the Tool Bur Replacement Function (Auto Tool Changer) You can use the built-in panel to switch tool burs. This operation is not possible in the following cases. When the front cover or dust box cover is open When cutting is paused and during cutting Procedure Press [MENU] several times to display the following screen.
Built-in Panel Functions How to Set Overrides You can set the spindle's feeding speed and rotation speed. Procedure Press [OVER RIDE]. XYZA : Spindle feeding speed S : Spindle rotation speed When the mark is lit, you can set the value. Turn the hand-wheel.
Built-in Panel Functions Pausing/Resuming/Canceling Cutting This procedure pauses the cutting operation. You can also resume cutting from the location where you paused it. Procedure Press [PAUSE/CANCEL]. This pauses the machine. ME MO You can set the tool bur operation when the machine is paused.
Built-in Panel Functions Recovering from Errors Recoverable errors can be cleared from the built-in panel. Check the message displayed on the panel. Eliminate the cause of the error by using P. 80 "An Error Message Appears" as a reference. When an Error That Has Options Occurs Procedure Turn the hand-wheel to select "Continue"...
Built-in Panel Functions Turning Off the Status Lights during Cutting Procedure Display the following screen. Press [MENU] several times to display the "Set" screen. Select "Lights during Cutting," and then press [ENTER]. Turn the hand-wheel to select "Off." Press [ENTER]. M E M O When the power is turned off, this returns to the default value ("On").
"Settings" Dialog Box Click on the top window to display the "Settings" dialog box. You can use this dialog box to configure the operation settings of the connected machine. When the machine is offline, you can only select the "Environment", "Maintenance", and "Notification"...
"Settings" Dialog Box Pause on return from out When this check box is selected, the machine will pause when it returns within of range the moveable range after performing a movement instruction outside of the moveable range. Initial setting: Cleared Run VPanel at PC When this check box is selected, VPanel will start automatically when Windows start-up...
"Settings" Dialog Box "Origin" Tab You can use this tab to set the origins. You can also use this screen to perform tool bur movement and similar operations that are necessary to set the origins. RML-1: "Machine coordinate system" or "User Select the coordinate system to dis- coordinate system"...
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"Settings" Dialog Box The spindle head moves to the left edge and the table moves to the frontmost position. This posi- View tion is called the "view position." Use this position when loading or removing the cutting tool or the cutting material.
"Settings" Dialog Box "Maintenance" Tab You can use this tab to perform operations related to maintenance such as making machine system reports and replacing the spindle. Report System report Display a system report. The "System report" dialog box appears. Open the collet. Use this button when performing collet maintenance Open collet (when retightening or replacing it).
"Settings" Dialog Box "Mail" Tab Settings in this tab can be configured so that a notification email is sent when cutting finishes, when an error occurs, or when maintenance is complete. Use mail notification Select this check box to enter each item. Enter the receiver's email address.
"Settings" Dialog Box "Operation" Tab This machine is equipped with an air blower. It activates automatically during tool burr replacement to clear away the cutting waste from the top of the magazine. You can also activate the air blower during cutting. However, the air blower is actived during cutting, cutting waste is more likely go outside of the machine.
"Settings" Dialog Box "NC code setting" Dialog Box - [Cutting Machine] tab - [NC code] [NC code] Tab Tool-diameter offset type Select the tool diameter correction type. You can select "A" or "B." Initial value: A Values with decimal point Select how to interpret real numbers.
"Settings" Dialog Box "Attach/detach tool" Dialog Box - [Cutting Machine] tab - [Attach/detach tool] Select the ATC magazine stocker number of the tool bur to grasp. The name Stocker No. of the tool bur whose number is selected is displayed in the box on the right. Obtain the tool bur from the ATC magazine.
"Settings" Dialog Box "Spindle maintenance" Dialog Box - [Maintenance] tab - [Spindle maintenance] Move Move the spindle to the replacement position. Total work time This displays the total working time of the spindle. You cannot enter the value. Reset After replacing the spindle unit, click [Reset] to reset the value to 0. Start Start spindle run-in.
"Settings" Dialog Box "Manual correction" Dialog Box - [Correction] tab - [Manual correction] Set the distance correction values. Distance X, Y, Z Set the correction value (scaling) for each axis. Detect the rotary axis and correct its position and orientation. This is only enabled when the (optional) rotary axis unit is attached.
"Settings" Dialog Box "Move to user specified location" Dialog Box - [Origin] tab - [Move] Select the coordinate system to use when specifying coordinate values. This is disabled when "Amount of relative movement" is selected. Select one of the following options. Coordinate system "Machine coordinate system"...
"Cutter management" Dialog Box Click on the top window to display the "Cutter management" dialog box. "Cutter management" Dialog Box By using this dialog box to select tool burs to be used, the work time of the selected tool burs will be recorded automatically. In addition, when the bur reaches the preset replacement time, a warning message will be displayed.
"Cutter management" Dialog Box "Cutter registration" Dialog Box You can change a tool bur's registration information in order to change the work time or the replacement time. - [Cutter registration] Displays the names, work times, and replacement times of the registered tool burs. Tool bur list Cutter name Displays the tool bur name.
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"Cutter management" Dialog Box Registering Tool Bur Information If you register the tool bur information in VPanel, you can record the work time of the actually used tool burs and check the estimated replacement periods. For tool burs used with CAM, you also have to configure the settings on the CAM side. Procedure Click and then [Cutter registration].
"Cut" Dialog Box Click on the top window to display the "Cut" dialog box. "Cut" Dialog Box Use this dialog box to output cutting data to the machine. Output file This displays a list of the output files. The files are output in order starting from the list top of the list.
"Cut" Dialog Box "Test cut" Dialog Box Use this dialog box to perform test cutting for the specified NC code. - [Test] This displays a list of the files and the test progress. The file currently being tested is File highlighted and is displayed to the left of the file name.
7. Troubleshooting Machine/VPanel Problems .........69 The Power Does Not Turn On ..........69 Initial Operations Are Not Performed or Fail ......69 VPanel Doesn't Start Correctly ..........69 Operations Are Ignored............70 Detection with the Z0 Sensor Fails ........70 Automatic Correction Fails .............71 Abnormal Cutting Is Performed ..........71 When the Machine Stops with the Tool Bur Inserted in the Workpiece ..71 No Data Can Be Output to the Machine or the Machine Does Not Operate Even Though Data Is Being Output ......72...
Machine/VPanel Problems The Power Does Not Turn On If the emergency stop button has been pressed, the power will not turn on. Release the emergency stop button. Has the emergency stop button been pressed? P. 13 "Emergency Stop or Pause Due to Opening or Closing the Cover"...
Machine/VPanel Problems Operations Are Ignored Connect the cable securely. Is the cable connected? "Setup Guide" ("Connecting the Cables") Simply switching on the main power switch does not enable Was the machine started according to operation. Start the machine using the correct procedure. the correct procedure? "Setup Guide"...
Machine/VPanel Problems Automatic Correction Fails Clean away any grime on the detection pin and the ATC maga- zine. Fouling due to buildup of cutting waste or the like on this Is the detection pin or ATC magazine item may impede correct sensor operation, making detection dirty? impossible.
Machine/VPanel Problems When the following screen is displayed, use the dial to select "Yes," and then press [ENTER]. The tool bur is released in its current position. Open the cover, and then remove the tool bur. When "Please hit [ENTER] key." is displayed on the built-in panel, press [ENTER]. No Data Can Be Output to the Machine or the Machine Does Not Operate Even Though Data Is Being Output Check that the origins have been set correctly.
Quality Problems The Cutting Results Are Not Attractive The optimal cutting conditions are determined by the balance between factors such as the workpiece hardness, the feeding speed, the spindle rotating speed, the cutting-in depth, and the Are the cutting conditions optimal? tool bur capability.
Log on to Windows as the computer's administrator (or as an "Administrators" account). Insert the Roland DG Software Package CD into the CD-ROM drive of the computer. When the automatic playback window appears, click [Run menu.exe]. If a "User Account Control" window appears, click [Allow] or [Yes], and then continue with the installation.
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Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the installation. When the installation is complete, remove the Roland DG Software Package CD from the computer. Turn on the power to the machine. Connect the machine to the computer using the USB cable.
Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the installation. When the installation is complete, remove the Roland DG Software Package CD from the computer. With this machine, you can also install the driver, software, and electronic-format manuals all at once. For the method to use in installing all these items at once, see the "...
Installation Problems Driver Installation Is Impossible If installation quits partway through or if VPanel does not recognize the machine, the driver may not have been installed correctly. In such cases, perform the following procedures. (If procedure A does not solve your problem, perform procedure B.) Windows 10 and 8.1 (Procedure A) 1.
D: \Drivers\WINX86 (32-bit version) If you're not using the Roland DG Software Package CD, go to the Roland DG Corporation website (http://www.rolanddg. com/) and download the driver for the machine you want to remove, and then specify the folder where you want to extract the downloaded file.
D: \Drivers\WINX86 (32-bit version) If you're not using the Roland DG Software Package CD, go to the Roland DG Corporation website (http://www.rolanddg. com/) and download the driver for the machine you want to remove, and then specify the folder where you want to extract the downloaded file.
This section describes the error messages that may appear on the machine’s display screen, and how to take action to remedy the problem. If the action described here does not correct the problem or if an error message not described here appears, contact your authorized Roland DG Corp. dealer. Continue/Abort...
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Restart the machine. The chucking sen- 1018-0000 If the error occurs again after perform the above operations sor was not found. Contact your authorized Roland DG Corp. dealer. The chucking sen- sor is in an incorrect 1019-0000 status. The chucking motor...
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An Error Message Appears Error message Error num- Action/procedure Cause (built-in panel) Procedure Select "OK" on the built-in panel, and then The cutting conditions press [ENTER]. This will clear the error. may be excessively strict. Review the CAM settings and the shape The #% cutter chuck- specified in the CAD data.
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An Error Message Appears Error message Error num- Action/procedure Cause (built-in panel) [Cutting data] The number of the parameters is incor- 1023-0000 rect. Continue / Cancel Job Procedure [Cutting data] Select "Canceled" on the built-in panel, and The parameter is out then press [ENTER].
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Restart the machine. A communication If the error occurs again after perform the above operations error occurred be- 1036-**** tween the spindle Contact your authorized Roland DG Corp. dealer. control circuit and the MAIN firmware. 7. Troubleshooting...
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If the error occurs again after perform the above operations control board synchroni- the control board. zation. Contact your authorized Roland DG Corp. dealer. The combination of firmware version The combination of main 1046-**** of the main board board and sub board firm- Update the firmware to its latest version.
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1047-**** nal memory cannot be accessed. If the error occurs again after perform the above operations Contact your authorized Roland DG Corp. dealer Check the status of the device connected to Detected an emer- expansion port 2. gency stop signal "Setup Guide"...
8. NC Code Specifications NC Code Specifications ........88 List of Settings Related to NC Codes ........88 Interpretations When NC Codes Are Omitted ......89 List of Words Supported by This Machine ......90...
NC Code Specifications List of Settings Related to NC Codes This section lists the settings that can be performed from this machine among the settings related to NC code interpretation and execution. Perform all other settings from the NC program. "...
NC Code Specifications Items Related to the Machine's Mechanical Specifications This section describes the NC codes that are dependent on the machine's mechanical specifications. " "NC Code Reference Manual" (electronic-format manual) Setting Setting method Dimension word Among dimension words X, Y, Z, and A, only X, Y, and Z are supported as standard. A is supported when the rotary axis unit is attached.
Return to R point level G43 / G49 (tool length correction) is not supported. The case of the MDX-50, the tool length correction is performed using the tool length was automatically measured by the tool sensor at the time of tool exchange.
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NC Code Specifications Miscellaneous Functions (M Functions)/Feed Function (F Function)/Spindle Function (S Function) Word Function Function start Function continuation At the same time After the comple- Retained until can- Valid only within as the operation tion of the opera- celled or changed the instructed instructed with the tion instructed with...