Fanuc 6M Options?

[cncwhiz]

I have a verticle machine that I am trying to do a X and Z arc move. We are getting an 021 alarm? I don't know which option needs to be turned on. I have the list of options but I have not been around a 6M control in so long I forgot where they are listed and what to do once I get to the IPL page?

[Al_The_Man]

Did you set Z-X plane (G18). I don't remember if the set Plane G codes work on the 6M.
G17 = X-Y, G18 = Z-X, and G19 = Y-Z.
Al

[cncwhiz]

Al,
From what I am being told that is also an option. I did not see it in the list but it is supposed to be there. I think that the controller needs to have three axis milling turned on?

[CAMCRASH]

I work with several 6M controls at work and have been around them for years
Like you stated many options can be turned off, but I have never herd of a fanuc 6M not to have the standard option of the G17, G18, G19 codes
but it is possibel
A lot of the Fanuc 6M controls are set for 2.5D milling, however a arc in the X/Z axis is a 2D move set on a secondary plane.
One way you can tell right away is to right a short program somthing like this

START CODES
SEND SPINDLE TO MISC HIGHT WITH A H CODE DEFINED
FROM THERE TELL THE MACHINE TO DO THE BELOW
G1X1.0Y1.0Z1.0F2.0
This will tell you right away if the machine is set for 3D
Even if it is not set to mill 3D you still should be able to Change to a G18
and use a G18 / G19 To alter the constant machining plane
So insted of the machine seeing that X/Y are the feed axis it will see the X/Z or Y/Z as the feed axis
If you could post your program of what you have with a small description of the part or print, we can look things over and see the possible options.

[gbowne1]

I hate to ask this question, never have operated a 6M or 6M-B control before.. but is the Spindle Speed (RPM) displayed anywhere on the control? How does one get to that function? Can spindle speed be software controlled, or is it always only manual or hardware controlled??

I have heard that it is, but I am not sure, so I could be wrong.. so I wanted to ask. I have seen other lathe controls before that have the spindle speed displayed somewhere on the control's CRT or display.

Greg

[cncwhiz]

There is a "program check" on the control that will show you the spindle speed among other things. Its been a while I don't recall which switch it is? As for controlling spindle speed from hardware of software, I don't understand what you are saying? You can program spindle speed into the program, you can "mdi" in a spindle and on some machines you can use a spindle speed override switch. Most lathes I ran or programmed in the past I used constant surface speed in which the feed and speed are controlled by the surface speed, so the speed and feed change all the time?

[gbowne1]

CNCWhiz, thanks for the comments.

I meant Software being G-code programming, and Hardware meaning the CNC machine control panel.

Some of the machines I'd seen had a seperate spindle speed control handwheel, on a seperate control panel.. much like a large Jog control wheel.

Since I'll be using a 6M control, I'd at least like to be able to see the spindle speed.

On a side note and kinda O/T, I'm picking up the FANUC control from a defunct CNC turret press.

Anyhow, I'd like to learn more about this, can you do some research and tell me how to get to this "program check"?

Greg