pass variables to mazatrol sub

[kendo]

SQT200msy lathes, Fusion 640T controls

the machines at my new job are half-full of programs they call "top-cut"
these machines are bar-fed, and the top cut programs only serve to cut the rough end off each new bar

Most of the time the only difference is the Z-zero (which could be made the same for most parts), X start dia., feedrates, and "next prog" - which sends it back to the main program.

The former programmer tells me theres no way to cut down the # of "top cut" progs by using one generic sub, and passing variables to it. BUT I've proven him wrong on a few things already that he says are impossible.

I haven't begun to look into this yet, but if someone can tell me it's possible, and maybe point me in the right direction, I'll dive in there.

Thanks,

Kenny

[jimiscnc]

should be able to "pass variables" by using macro register #500 to #531.

your "insert macro values in to top cut program" should be in eia. and the top cut should also be in eia.

MAIN "feeder" program, abbreviated:

...
...
#500=1.25 (put number in macro register #500)
....
....
....


Top cut program, also abbreviated
........
G0 X[#500]
........

The "top cut" program is tied into the "check for end of bar for conditional branch to top cut program" M69 by parameter. This is usually program # 9999, by parameter setting. The user macro variable will allow you to write one generic top cut program and feed it values by a continuously changing "feeder" program.

Lastly, your EIA Top cut program must use the M198/199 with a few words at the end of the program, (or M998/999 for matrix) which is the EIA version of the truly great mazatrol end unit.

M198 P1234 Q1

The above would run continuously (M199 is branch and stop), branch to Program 1234 and Q1 would use the parts counter in mazatrol. This should be used instead of the normal M30, program end and rewind. This is in section 13-5 "end Processing" section of the fusion T EIA programming manual.

WHAT YOU CANNOT DO is use macro variables in a mazatrol program, EVER!

Generally, most use the exact same Z offset for the main program and the top cut program.

Hope this helps.

Jim