Convert 3X Drill to 5X Motion Instead of XY

In machines with a rotating (C-axis) table, when drilling along the Z-axis, it is often desired to rotate the table instead of (or in addition to) moving the head (or the table) along the linear axes. This is mostly useful when a set of holes needs to be drilled in a circle around the table center.

The goal is to minimize linear motion, as much as possible. In most cases, some linear motion along the XY plane will be necessary. The notable exception is a perfect circular array of holes around the table center.

Note that such a feature converts any 3-axes drill procedure into a 4-axes procedure, and requires a proper machine and post-processor.

The GPP2 system variable DRILL_3X_ROTATE has been defined to control the process. It must be set to a non-zero value in order to activate the feature.

Notes:

  • The flag will only have effect in simple drill positions where the table can be rotated to any angle without changing the drill orientation (simple Z-axis direction).

  • The feature works in both legacy drill and auto-drill.

  • The feature works in 3-axes as well as in 5-axes drill (or auto drill). In 5-axes, it only affects holes drilled along the Z-axis, where the table can be rotated to any angle.

Some functionality may be dependent on the product package. Contact your Reseller if you require a license.