
4.16i/18i DATA SERVER FUNCTIONS IV. OPERATION B-63354EN/04
- -116
Buffer mode
In the buffer mode, an NC program that is larger than the capacity of
the data server board built-in hard disk can run more safely than in the
FTP mode. To be specific, if an NC program that is too large to fit on
the data server board built-in hard disk is to run in the buffer mode, the
NC program is previously divided to several files when it is on the host
computer (personal computer) built-in hard disk, and the resulting files
are listed. Each file is selected from the list and sent sequentially to the
data server board built-in hard disk for execution. In the FTP mode, a
communication failure can affect directly the machining controlled by
the CNC. In the buffer mode, to the contrary, the CNC operation can be
stopped between the files if a communication failure occurs, because
the data server board built-in hard disk functions as a buffer. When the
machine program is divided into several files, an operation such as tool
retracting can be inserted at the end of each of these files. Doing so
enables safer continuous operations.
See Subsection, 4.1.8, "Buffer Mode Specifications," for detailed
explanations about the buffer mode.
When an NC program is output in the buffer mode, the CNC behaves in
the same manner as in the storage mode.
NOTE
The Series 21i-A/B cannot use the buffer mode.