Problem- DX-32 G17, G18, and G19 Modal?

[md63825]

I have a Torq-Cut 22 with DX-32 controller. I am having issues with plane designation in my programs and I am not sure it is with the CAM software I am using to program with or the machine controller. When machine performs a CW arc move in the XZ plane, machine does fine because line command is G18G02... The next CW arc move, which is supposed to be in that same XZ plane, is done in the XY plane instead. That command line only has G02... called out though. Here's my question: is G18 and G19 Modal on the DX-32 controller? If yes, then it seems I have a problem with my controller. If no, then it must have something to do with the post processor with the CAM software not inputing G18 on each line with an arc move in the XZ plane.

[Roadrunner]

G17, 18 and 19 is modal. On machine start up, it is in the G17 mode; as well as if you were to reset the program. How about submitting the code for me to look at, if you are still having the issue.

[md63825]

Hey Roadrunner,

Thanks for the reply. Hardinge called me a few minutes ago and told me that G17, G18, and G19 are all non-modal on the DX-32 controller. They said if I wanted to do arc moves on any line of code that I would have to insert G17, G18, or G19 and then either G02 or G03.

I attached the code if you want to look at it. Sequence N3950 is where it begins. This line has G18 called followed by G02. Then later on line N3958, it calls the CW interpolation move but does not call G18 first. What confuses me is Hardinge says G17, G18, and G19 are all non-Modal but they must mean G18, and G19 are non-modal because on line N3958, it moves in an arc on the XY plane, which is G17, instead of the XZ plane.

[Roadrunner]

I will look at my documents to see what gives.
I am mobile today and tomorrow, but can look on Wednesday. Remind me.

[Roadrunner]

Here is some notes we had for teaching classes.

XZ plane circular interpolation
G18G2X__Z__I__K__ or G18G3X__Z__I__K__
where X__Z__ is the endpoint of the arc and I__K__ is the absolute XZ arc center
YZ plane circular interpolation
G19G2Y__Z__J__K__ or G19G3Y__Z__J__K__
where Y__Z__ is the endpoint of the arc and J__K__ is the absolute YZ arc center
Notes:
The G18 and G19 codes are modal and only need to be in the first line of a series of moves. It is good practice to always return the system to G17 as soon as all the G18 or G19 section is completed.
A ball endmill is usually used to create XZ or YZ arcs. With careful planning a bull nose endmill can create an XZ or YZ arc by applying an offset to the X or Y axis. However, this is limited to one quadrant of motion.
Cutter compensation does not apply to the G18 or G19 planes.

[Roadrunner]

Here is a blurb from the programming manual.

G17, G18, G19 — PLANE SWITCHING
Circular interpolation is effective in the XY, YZ or ZX planes by preparatory codes as follows:
G17 = XY Plane
G18 = ZX Plane
G19 = YZ Plane
NOTE
1. G18 or G19, if used, must be programmed before the direction of circular interpolation.
2. The feedrate word F__ defines the constant vector velocity required of the tool. Feedrate is modal and may have
been defined in an earlier block of data.
3. Neither Polar Coordinates nor Cutter Compensation may be used in the XZ (G18) or YZ(G19) planes.
The clockwise and counterclockwise directions for the XY, ZX, YZ planes are shown in Figure 3-4. (Always look in the
minus direction of the axis not in use.)

I was thinking that you might do the G18/G19 in a line prior to the arc moves. You can try it. Your problem could be that a rule is being violated.

[md63825]

Hey Roadrunner,

Thanks for the information. I finally got the issue resolved. My post processor for my CAM software had to be modified. On this older controller, G17, 18, and 19 are non-modal. The software tech support altered my post processor to input these into each line with an arc move. They also had to set the arc command to output arc centers in absolute instead of incremental. This has resolved the issue. Thank you very much for your assistance.

[Roadrunner]

You said that is was a DX-32...What actual machine is it?

[md63825]

Bridgeport Torq-Cut 22 Discovery

[Roadrunner]

That is indeed a DX-32 control. I think that something else is amiss. The codes should have been modal. I am glad that you got it running though.