Axis Preference

With 5X machines, there are often two angle solutions for the same tool orientation. Typically, one is positive and the other is negative (or else they differ by 180 degrees).

In some machines, one solution is more desirable than the other. For instance, in some table-table machines, one solution rotates the parts towards the operator, while the other solution rotates the part away from the operator, where the part is practically hidden by the table. Preferably, the operator would like to see the part being machined.

GPP2 allows the developer to define the preference for each axis, with the use of the following variables: M5_A_PREF for the alpha axis, and M5_B_PREF for the beta axis.

Each variable should set assigned one of the following predefined GPP2 constants:

• PREF_NONE            No preference

• PREF_POSITIVE        Prefer positive angles

• PREF_NEGATIVE        Prefer negative angles