
8.MULTI-PATH CONTROL B-63943EN-1/02
- 976 -
8.11 LOADER CONTROL FUNCTION
Overview
The loader control function is part of the multipath control function,
and is used to control the target of a non-machining operation
(peripheral device such as a loader). To use loader control, specify
the path subject to loader control, using a parameter. The path
specified for loader control is restricted in terms of usable functions.
(In the subsequent explanation, the path specified for loader control is
called the loader path, while other paths are called normal paths.)
The loader path is handled in the same way as normal paths except
that it is restricted in terms of usable functions. General items,
therefore, conform to the specifications of the multifunction control
function unless otherwise specified.
This section describes the difference between normal and loader paths,
as well as the difference from the loader control of the
Series16i/18i/21i.
Explanation
- Number of controlled axes and number of controlled paths
The table gives the maximum allowable number of loader paths and
the maximum number of controlled servo axes with loader paths.
Maximum allowable number of loader paths 8
Maximum allowable number of controlled servo axes 4
NOTE
The maximum allowable numbers are subject to
restriction depending on the option configuration.
- Loader path specification
Any path except the first path can be specified as a loader path.
Using LCP, bit 0 of parameter No. 984, specify whether to use each
path as a loader path. If the number of paths specified as loader
paths with the parameter bit LCP does not match the number of loader
paths of the system being used, or if the first path is specified as a
loader path, alarm PW004 is generated.
- Machine control type
The machine control type of a loader path is the same as that of a
normal path.
If, for example, a lathe system is specified as the machine control type,
the G code system of the loader path is the same as that of the lathe
system.
If, however, a complex system is specified as the machine control type,
it is possible to select between lathe and machining systems, using
parameter No. 0983 for loader paths as well as for normal paths.