VERICUT Users' Forum

m74uk

Senior Member

Registered: 2005-09-18

Posts: 25

M71 & Nikken Indexer

We currently use a Nikken Indexer retro-fitted to various Machining Centres (both Vertical & Horizontal).

We control the Indexer with a M71 code which sends a signal from the NC to the Nikken which executes its own internal program which consists only of angles.

A typical NC program could look like:

M71 (A30.0)
M71 (A45.0)
M71 (A65.0)

We bracket the angle so the operator has a reference size to compare to the Indexer to ensure sync.

Can Vericut be configured to convert to M71 into the angle within the brackets?

Currently we bracket the M71 and remove them from the A value

eg

(M71) A30.0
(M71) A45.0
(M71) A65.0

But as this involves edits AFTER a successful Vericut it could lead to potential disasters.

Thanks

M74UK (Scotland)

DaveF

Senior Member

From: Valencia, CA

Registered: 2005-08-20

Posts: 304

Re: M71 & Nikken Indexer

Create a word called INDEXER_ANGLE=

Add axismotion macro to Register

Than add a substitution to alter  (INDEXER_ANGLE=A=30.0) and return A=30.0

Sounds like you allready have A setup right

Make you operator comments look like this

M71 (INDEXER_ANGLE=A30.0)
M71 (INDEXER_ANGLE=A45.0)
M71 (INDEXER_ANGLE=A65.0)

I don't know what your control file looks like, but msg words ()
may need to be addressed. This should get you close

Here are some screen shots of something similar I do
If the pics are not there, my friends have not uploaded them yet

---

Dave Frank
Aerospace Dynamics International, PCC
Valencia Ca
"Where else can you have this much fun,.......and get paid???."

SergeV

Senior Member

From: Irvine, CA

Registered: 2004-10-08

Posts: 507

Website

Re: M71 & Nikken Indexer

From your post, it seems that the M71 indexes 15 degrees every time it is called. If it is the case:

Set M71 to call AAxisIncreMotion with an override value of 15

So every time M71 is called, it will increment the rotary 15 degrees.

m74uk

Senior Member

Registered: 2005-09-18

Posts: 25

Re: M71 & Nikken Indexer

Sorry SergeV, those were just figures that I made-up. It could be almost any angle.

I've followed the advice of DaveF and with minor tweaks to suit myself have got it working a treat.

I was almost there but I never knew anything about the 'Substitue' function. It's exactly what I was needing.

Thanks for the help, both of you.

M74UK (Scotland)