
B–63523EN–1/03
4. REFERENCE POSITION ESTABLISHMENT
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It is possible to return the tool to the floating reference position by
commanding the G30.1.
The floating reference position is located on the machine and can be a
reference position for some sort of machine operation. It is not always a
fixed position and may vary in some cases. The floating reference
position can be set using the soft keys of MDI and can be memorized even
after power is turned off.
Generally, the position where the tools can be changed on machining
center or milling machine is at a set position, the tools cannot be replaced
at any just position. Normally the tool change position can be at any of
the No. 1 to No. 4 reference positions. The tool can be moved to these
positions easily by G28 or G30 command. However, depending on the
machine, the tools can be replaced at any position as long as it does not
contact the workpiece.
In lathes, the tool can generally be changed at any position unless it
touches the workpiece or tailstock.
For machinery such as these, in order to reduce the cycle time, it is
advantageous to replace tools at a position as close as possible to the
workpiece. For this purpose, change position should be moved for each
workpiece which this feature can be easily performed. The tool change
position which is suitable for workpieces can be memorized as the
floating reference position and it is possible to return to the tool change
position by commanding the G30.1.
When the G30.1 is commanded, the axis goes to the specified
intermediate position at first and then goes to the floating reference
position from the intermediate point. The positioning to the intermediate
position or to the floating reference position is performed at rapid traverse
for each axis (non–linear positioning). The floating reference position
return completion signal turns to “1” after completing the floating
reference position return.
4.6
FLOATING
REFERENCE
POSITION RETURN
General