Siemens SINUMERIK Series Function Manual page 929

Machining channel
A channel structure can be used to shorten idle times by means of parallel motion
sequences, e.g. moving a loading gantry simultaneously with machining. Here, a CNC
channel must be regarded as a separate CNC control system with decoding, block
preparation and interpolation.
Macro techniques
Grouping of a set of statements under a single identifier. The identifier represents the set of
consolidated statements in the program.
Main block
A block prefixed by ":" introductory block, containing all the parameters required to start
execution of a -> part program.
Main program
The term "main program" has its origins during the time when part programs were split
strictly into main and → subprograms. This strict division no longer exists with today's
SINUMERIK NC language. In principle, any part program in the channel can be selected and
started. It then runs through in → program level 0 (main program level). Further part
programs or → cycles as subprograms can be called up in the main program.
MDA
Control operating mode: Manual Data Automatic. In the MDA mode, individual program
blocks or block sequences with no reference to a main program or subprogram can be input
and executed immediately afterwards through actuation of the NC start key.
Messages
All messages programmed in the part program and → alarms detected by the system are
displayed on the operator panel in plain text with date and time and the corresponding
symbol for the cancel criterion. Alarms and messages are displayed separately.
Metric measuring system
Standardized system of units: For length, e.g. mm (millimeters), m (meters).
Mirroring
Mirroring reverses the signs of the coordinate values of a contour, with respect to an axis. It
is possible to mirror with respect to more than one axis at a time.
Extended Functions
Function Manual, 03/2013, 6FC5397-1BP40-3BA1
Glossary
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