Configuring Machine Axes; Axis Assignment - Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl Commissioning Manual

7.6

Configuring machine axes

7.6.1

Axis assignment

Introduction
Generally, a distinction is made between four types of axes:
● Machine axes
Machine axes are the motion units existing on a machine, which can also be designated as
linear or rotary axes, depending on their usable movement.
● Channel axes
The total of all machine, geometry and special axes assigned to a channel is designated as
channel axes. In this context, the geometry and special axes constitute the program-
technological part of the machining process, i.e. they are used for programming in the parts
program. The machine axes constitute the physical part of the machining process, i.e. they
carry out the programmed traversing movements on the machine.
● Geometry axes
The geometry axes constitute the rectangular Cartesian basic coordinate system of a
channel. Generally, (Cartesian arrangement of the machine axes) direct imaging of the
geometry axes to the machine axes is possible. If the arrangement of the machine axes,
however, is not Cartesian at right angles, the imaging is performed using a kinematic
transformation.
● Special axes
Special axes are all other channel axes that are not geometry axes. Unlike for geometry
axes (Cartesian coordinate system), no geometric context is defined for special axes,
neither between additional axes nor with respect to geometry axes.
Note
Geometry and special axes
A maximum of three channel axes can be declared as geometry axes. The geometry axes must
be assigned to the channel axes in ascending order without any gaps. All channel axes that are
not geometry axes are special axes.
CNC Commissioning: NC, PLC, Drive
Commissioning Manual, 12/2019, A5E48312804B AA
Communication between the NC and the drive
7.6 Configuring machine axes
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