Siemens SINUMERIK 840D Function Manual page 186

P2: Positioning axes
6.1 Brief description
the axis can be addressed by name in the part program and its actual position displayed on the
screen.
Note
"Positioning axis/Auxiliary spindle" option
Axes for auxiliary movements must not be interpolating ("full-value") NC axes. Auxiliary
movements may also be carried out using special axes, which can be obtained using the
"Positioning axis/Auxiliary spindle" option.
Functional restrictions
Optional positioning axes/auxiliary spindles have fewer functions. The following functions
are not possible:
● Using the axis as a path axis, geometry axis, or special path axis
● Incorporating the axis into the geometry axis grouping (GEOAX)
● Rigid thread cutting and tapping
Commissioning
As standard, axes are defined as interpolating axes:
MD30460 $MA_BASE_FUNCTION_MASK bit 8 = 0
If an axis is to be operated as a positioning axis/auxiliary spindle with reduced functionality, the
value for bit 8 must be set to "1":
MD30460 $MA_BASE_FUNCTION_MASK bit 8 = 1
Function
The "positioning axes" function makes it easier to integrate axes for auxiliary movement into the
control system:
● during programming:
The axes are programmed together with the axes for workpiece machining in the same part
program, without having to sacrifice valuable machining time.
There are special (POS, POSA) traversing instructions.
● during program testing/start-up:
Program testing and start-up are performed simultaneously for all axes.
● during operation:
Operation and monitoring of the machining process commence simultaneously for all axes.
● during PLC configuring/commissioning:
No allowance has to be made on PLC or external computers (PCs) for synchronization
between axes for machining and axes for auxiliary movements.
● during system configuring:
A second channel is not required.
186
Axes and spindles
Function Manual, 06/2019, A5E47437747B AA