Haas NGC: Program Execution 221

5-axis machine

A multi-axis CNC machine that has two rotational axes and three linear axes. 5-axis CNC machines are the most common type of multi-axis machining center.

abnormal stops

An unplanned or emergency interruption in a cycle. Abnormal stops include errors, crashes, emergency stops, and alarm–caused stops.

active

The program that will begin running when the operator presses CYCLE START in MEMORY Mode. The active program has an asterisk next to it.

alarm-caused stops

An unplanned stop triggered by an alarm condition. Alarm–caused stops can be caused by damage or needed maintenance and must be cleared using the RESET key.

alphanumeric keys

The group of keys on the NGC panel that contain either letters or numbers. Alphanumeric keys are used to type code and other information into the NGC.

axes

An imaginary line that is used to measure the location of an object in three-dimensional space. Axes in the Cartesian coordinate system include linear and rotational axes.

Background Edit

A feature of the Haas NGC that allows an operator to edit a program in memory while another program is being run. Background Edit can be used to change active programs, but changes do not take affect during an active cycle.

basic searches

The simplest way to locate program values. Basic searches highlight the first match to a search term in an open program.

blocks

A single line of a part program. Blocks are composed of G code and end with a semicolon.

comments

A line in code that adds notes or explanations to a part program. Comments are placed in parentheses in part programs and are not recognized by the machine tool.

computer numerical control

CNC. A computerized system used to control a mill, lathe, or other type of machining tool. Computer numerical control machines are much more precise than their manual counterparts.

continue

The fourth step in a Run-Stop-Jog-Continue operation. Continue requires moving the cutting tool back to the starting location and pressing CYCLE START.

crash

An event when the cutting tool makes undesired contact with the workpiece or other machine components. Crashes can be caused by tool interference and program errors.

cursor arrow keys

A button on the NGC keypad that allows a machinist to move through various screens and fields in the machine control. The cursor arrow keys include arrows for navigating in the left, right, up, and down directions.

cycle

The time during which a machine works on a single part. Cycles are controlled by part programs.

device manager

A file organization system that displays directories and available part programs. The device manager on the NGC is opened by pressing LIST PROGRAM.

directories

A group of files on the NGC. Directories can contain part programs, documents, images, videos, and subdirectories.

Door Hold

A stop that occurs when the enclosure door of the machine is opened during machining. Door hold stops are normal stops that prevent machine movement.

Edit Mode

The control mode that allows an operator to make changes to a part program. Edit mode stores any changes to a part program in the machine.

feed

The rate at which the cutting tool advances through the workpiece per revolution or unit of time. Feed appears as a black line in Graphics Mode.

FEED HOLD

The control button used to pause a program in a normal stop. The FEED HOLD button pauses tool feed but not spindle movement.

Find and Replace

An advanced way to find and change program values. Find and Replace allows users to view, scroll, and edit multiple matches to a search term in an open program.

G code

A programming language that pairs address letters with numerical values to form commands. G code programming is used to direct CNC machine movements.

Graphics Mode

A function of the Haas control that allows an operator to view a part program 's toolpath before actual machining. Graphics Mode enables a visual dry run of the part program.

highlighting

The process of moving the cursor to a desired program, button, or tab. Highlighting makes program files appear orange in the device manager.

interface

The control panel and displays with which the operator interacts with the machine. The interface on the NGC closely resembles that of a personal computer.

jog

The third step in a Run-Stop-Jog-Continue operation. A jog is the controlled movement of the cutting tool along an axis using the HANDLE JOG and jog keys.

lathes

A machine tool commonly used to create cylindrical forms. A lathe holds a cylindrical workpiece on one or both ends while the cutting tool is gradually passed along the surface of the rotating part.

linear axes

An imaginary straight line that describes side-to-side, front-to-back, or up-and-down machine movements. Linear axes include the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis.

LIST PROGRAM

A mode key that allows operators to load and save part programs. Pressing LIST PROGRAM brings up the device manager, which includes a directory of loaded programs.

locator window

A small display beneath the bottom right corner of the main toolpath window in Graphics Mode. The locator window displays the entire work area, even when an operator has zoomed in on the main toolpath window.

M code

Code in the G code programming language. M codes are used to program machine functions, such as coolant or tool changes, and are often machine- or manufacturer-specific.

machine zero

The built-in origin on a CNC machine. Machine zero is set by the machine manufacturer during assembly.

machining centers

A sophisticated CNC machine that can perform multiple machining operations in the same setup with a variety of tools. Machining centers can perform milling, turning, and holemaking operations.

macros

A single computer command that executes a series of commands or actions. Macros are critical files on the NGC, and their file numbers begin with 09.

Manual Data Input

MDI. The mode that allows an operator to manually enter and execute blocks of programming code at the control panel. In manual data input mode, code is entered one block at a time, and each block deletes from the machine as soon as it is executed unless the program is saved as a new file.

MDI

Manual Data Input. The mode that allows an operator to manually enter and execute blocks of programming code at the control panel. In MDI Mode, code is entered one block at a time, and each block deletes from the machine as soon as it is executed unless the program is saved as a new file.

mills

A machine tool that performs cutting operations on flat, square, or rectangular workpieces. On a conventional mill, the cutting tool can move only linearly.

multi-axis machines

A machining center that has four or more linear and rotational axes. Multi-axis machines usually perform a range of turning, holemaking, or milling operations.

Next Generation Control

NGC. The latest Haas Automation, Inc.® CNC control. The Next Generation Control was released in 2016.

NGC

Next Generation Control. The latest Haas Automation, Inc.® CNC control. The NGC ontrol was released in 2016.

normal stops

A planned or non-emergency interruption in a cycle. Normal stops include programmable stops, FEED HOLD stops, and Door Hold stops.

O number

A file number that begins with an O followed by five digits. O numbers are used by the machine to distinguish between part programs.

optional stop

A code that pauses the program if the appropriate switch is selected on the machine. An optional stop is typically indicated by the M01 command.

part programs

Instructions used by a CNC machine to perform the necessary sequence of operations to machine a specific workpiece. Part programs are composed of G and M code.

Program Restart

A setting on the Haas control that allows an operator to start a program from the middle of a tool sequence while recognizing the preceding lines of a part program. Program Restart, or Setting 36, minimizes the risk of crashes upon restart when it is turned on.

program zero

The position that acts as the origin for the part program of a particular workpiece. This position is unique to each workpiece design, and it is selected by the part programmer.

programmable stops

A normal stop that is indicated in the part program. Programmable stops include a number of M codes and the command #3006.

rapid moves

The fastest possible rate of travel for a machine component. Rapid moves display as green lines in Graphics Mode.

Remote Jog Handle

A detachable device that allows CNC operators to manually control machine axis motions while away from the machine. The remote jog handle, or RJH-Touch, on the NGC includes some other basic features, such as CYCLE START and FEED HOLD.

Replace All

An operation in the Find and Replace Menu that changes all matches to a search term at once. Replace All cannot be undone.

Reset Program Pointer

A setting that, when activated, causes the RESET key to send the cursor back to the beginning of a part program after an abnormal stop. Reset Program Pointer, or Setting 31, can be turned off in the Settings Menu.

RJH-Touch

A detachable device that allows CNC operators to manually control machine axis motions while away from the machine. The RJH-Touch, or Remote Jog Handle, on the NGC includes some other basic features, such as CYCLE START and FEED HOLD.

rotational axes

An axis that describes turning or rotation around the linear axes. The rotational axes are designated as the A, B, and C axes.

run

The first step in a Run-Stop-Jog-Continue operation. Run begins after pressing CYCLE START.

Run-Stop-Jog-Continue

A feature of the NGC that allows operators to move the cutting tool away from a part between starting and stopping a part program. Run-Stop-Jog-Continue can be executed from the main control or the RJH-Touch accessory.

Safe Run Mode

An operating state that makes the machine more sensitive to errors and crashes. Safe Run Mode can increase cycle time, so it is best for executing new or recently edited programs.

selecting

The process of marking one or more files to be run or changed. Selecting a program places a checkmark in the box in the far-left column in the device manager.

SETTING

A display key that allows operators to adjust user settings on the control. The SETTING key brings up a tabbed menu that also includes Network, Rotary, and User Positions settings.

Setting 31

A setting that, when activated, causes the RESET key to send the cursor back to the beginning of a part program after an abnormal stop. Setting 31, or Reset Program Pointer, can be turned off in the Settings Menu.

Setting 36

A setting on the Haas control that allows an operator to start a program from the middle of a tool sequence while recognizing the preceding lines of a part program. Setting 36, or Program Restart, minimizes the risk of crashes upon restart when it is turned on.

Settings

A CNC machine control function that an operator can activate, deactivate, or change to suit specific machining conditions. Settings can be turned on and off using the SETTING key.

setup

The position of tooling and fixturing for a machining operation. The setup of a machine for manufacturing will affect part program execution.

simulates

Recreate as a computerized model. Graphics Mode simulates part programs on the NGC.

software version 100.19.000.1300

A recent NGC software update that enables some Haas machines to use and execute certain features. Software version 100.19.000.1300 or newer is required to use features like Safe Run Mode and error search.

stop

The second step in a Run-Stop-Jog-Continue operation. Stop occurs after pressing FEED HOLD.

toolpath window

The main body of the Graphics Mode window that displays movement of a tool during a machining operation. The toolpath window displays the action of the machine during simulations.

wireless networks

A network that sends and receives signals through the air instead of using cable. Wireless networks can be used to send and receive files on the NGC.

work offsets

An automatic adjustment of machine components that moves the machine spindle to the part zero location. Work offsets change the position of the spindle to adjust the location of every tool when in use.

workholding devices

A component used to secure, support, and locate a workpiece during a manufacturing operation. Common workholding devices include chucks, collets, vises, and fixtures.

workpiece

A part that is being machined. Workpieces may be subject to cutting, turning, or holemaking on a CNC machine.

zipped folder

A folder that compresses multiple files to a more manageable size. Zipped folders are easier to store on and transfer between the NGC and external devices.

zoom options

A feature on the NGC that increases or decreases the size of the content on the screen in Graphics Mode. Zoom options are displayed in the key help area below the toolpath window.