P2: Positioning axes
11.1
Product brief
Axes for auxiliary movements
In addition to axes for machining a workpiece, modern machine tools can also be equipped
with axes for auxiliary movements, e.g.:
● Axis for tool magazine
● Axis for tool turret
● Axis for workpiece transport
● Axis for pallet transport
● Axis for loader (also multi-axis)
● Axis for tool changer
● Axis for sleeve assembly / end support
The axes for the workpiece machining are called path axes. Within the channel they are guided
by the interpolator such that they start simultaneously, accelerate, reach the end point and
stop together.
Axes for auxiliary movements are traversed independently of the path axes at a separate, axis-
specific feedrate. In the past, many of these axes were moved hydraulically and started by an
auxiliary function in the part program. With the closed-loop axis control implemented in the
Extended Functions
Function Manual, 10/2015, 6FC5397-1BP40-5BA3
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