Machine Operations Keys

The Machine Operations console keys are needed to run part programs and control the machine during cutting. These keys are labeled under the Machine Mode, Spindle, Tool Changer, and Coolant groupings.

Machine Mode

The Machine Mode console keys have these functions:

  • Auto - allows you to run a part program automatically. See Auto Mode for more information.

  • Interrupt - halts machine operation during automatic execution of a program to allow manual functions, such as cleaning the work piece. See Stop Motion for more information.  Press Auto or Single to resume the part program and most cycles that were manually started by the operator (such as Chip Auger or Conveyor).

  • Single - provides access to the Single Cycle screen. In this mode, the machine stops the axes after each automatic operation. In Conversational Programming the machine halts (with the spindle running) after each hole operation, contour segment, or milling subroutine. For NC Programming, the machine halts with the spindle running after each data block is executed. Pressing the flashing Start Cycle button causes the automatic machining operation to resume. For information on the Single Cycle screen softkeys, see the Auto Mode section. The softkeys are the same on both screens.

  • Test - provides access to perform a program test run to identify potential problems before cutting the part. For more information, see Auto Mode.

  • Manual - provides access to manual machine operations that allow axis positioning with the jog unit. See Manual Safety Override Mode for more information.

Stop Motion

If you observe a problem during the cutting process or simply want to stop the machine to make some adjustments, you may press one of three buttons to stop motion:

  • Feed Hold—stops all axes movement (except a tapping operation in progress), when the tool is in the programmed feedrate region. Pressing the button a second time allows machine positioning to resume without loss of position, provided no other button or key has been pressed.

  • Interrupt Cycle—halts machine operation during automatic execution of a program to allow manual functions such as cleaning the work piece. Pressing the Interrupt button performs the following actions:

  1. Stops all motion except the spindle.

  2. Pulls the tool straight up and out of the part.

  3. Stops the spindle.

  4. Displays the manual screen on the console.

To restart the part program, press the Auto button followed by the Start Cycle button.

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If any key other than the Auto button is pressed to restart the program, the system cancels the execution of the part program.

  • Emergency Stop—all motion stops and power is shut off to the spindle, relay control, and servo systems. An emergency stop message with recovery instructions appears at the bottom of the text screen. To release an Emergency Stop button, twist the button in the direction indicated by the arrows and pull the button up. If Program End Shutdown is enabled under the Aux/Menu options, Emergency Stop begins a countdown to shut down the machine.

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After the last choice is selected, the following sequence occurs:

  1. A prompt is displayed to press the Start button while the console Start Cycle button flashes.

  2. When the Start Cycle button is pressed, the program begins running at the specified point of the Start Block.

  3. When the specified End Block is reached, the display indicates that Recovery Restart mode is complete and the Start Cycle button flashes again.

  4. If the Start Cycle button is pressed again, then the program will rerun using the same Start and End Blocks.

Spindle

  • On—activates the spindle if the machine is in manual mode. The Start Cycle button must also be pushed to start spindle rotation.

  • Off—stops spindle rotation during manual operation if the Spindle On button was previously pressed.

Tool Changer

  • Auto—activates the automatic tool changing function. When selected, all operator-initiated tool changes will be automatic.

  • Manual—activates the manual tool changing function. When selected, all tools must be manually inserted into or removed from the spindle; bypassing the automatic tool changer.

Coolant

  • Auto—activates the selected coolant to spray whenever the tool is below the Retract Clearance plane.  The coolant turns off when the tool moves above the Retract Clearance plane, or during a tool change. This key cannot be activated in Manual mode. Pressing this key a second time turns off the coolant operation.

  • Primary—functions only on machines equipped with a primary (i.e., flood) coolant system. Activates the primary coolant system when the machine is in Auto or Manual mode, and overrides an Coolant Auto operation. Pressing the Primary key a second time turns off this operation.

  • Secondary—functions only on machines equipped with a secondary coolant system (e.g., Coolant Through Spindle, CTS). Activates the secondary coolant system when the machine is in Auto or Manual mode and overrides Coolant Auto operation. Pressing the Secondary key a second time turns off this operation.