CNC Services Northwest

Centroid CNC control sales, service, training and support


Frequently Asked Questions

Operation

Q: How can I switch to Single Block mode while a job is running?

A: By pausing the job with Tool Check; switching to Single Block mode; then resuming the job.

On a mill control, when you press Tool Check, the tool will decelerate to a smooth stop, then move up to Z home.

On a lathe control, when you press Tool Check, the tool will decelerate to a smooth stop, then remain in place on the part.

When you press CYCLE START to resume, the cutter will move back to the beginning of the move where it was interrupted, then will resume cutting from there. If appropriate, you can jog the axes as close as you like to that starting position before you press CYCLE START. This can save some time, and also help avoid obstacles along the way.

Q: Why can't I switch to Single Block mode on the fly, without pausing the job?

A: Because of the control's standard high-speed contouring capability.

The Centroid control reads hundreds of lines ahead in the G codes, identifying places where the tool changes direction, stops, or reverses. It then pre-calculates the deceleration necessary to make each stop or direction change.

By the time a given line of G code actually runs, decelerations have been calculated and the raw code has long since been discarded. Therefore it is too late to change your mind and require additional full stops at the end of every line of code.


Frequently Asked Questions
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Copyright © 2008 Marc Leonard
Last updated 10-Jan-2008 MBL