Polar Coordinates - Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl Programming Manual

1.1.3

Polar coordinates

Polar coordinates can be used instead of Cartesian coordinates to describe workpiece
positions. This is useful when a workpiece or part of a workpiece has been dimensioned with
radius and angle. The point from which the dimensioning starts is called the "pole".
Position specifications in the form of polar coordinates
Polar coordinates are made up of the polar radius and the polar angle.
The polar radius is the distance between the pole and the position.
The polar angle is the angle between the polar radius and the horizontal axis of the working
plane. Negative polar angles are in the clockwise direction, positive polar angles in the
counterclockwise direction.
Example
Points P1 and P2 can then be described – with reference to the pole – as follows:
Position
P1
P2
RP: Polar radius
AP: Polar angle
Fundamentals
Programming Manual, 09/2011, 6FC5398-1BP40-2BA0
Polar coordinates
RP=100 AP=30
RP=60 AP=75
Fundamental Geometrical Principles
1.1 Workpiece positions
17