Machine XYZ Limits

Every machine has limitations in the X, Y and Z axes. In most cases, these limits do not interfere with everyday operation. Users can check the extreme XYZ values calculated by GPP2 (variables X_MIN, X_MAX, etc.) and verify that the entire run is within limits.

However, some machines have severe position limitations (For example, X cannot go negative). It may happen that one 5X angle solution is within limits, while the other one violates the XYZ limits. For such cases, these limits must be predefined for GPP2, so that it can select a valid solution whenever possible.

The minimum and maximum XYZ limits are defined with the following variables:

X_MACH_MIN and X_MACH_MAX X axis range

Y_MACH_MIN and Y_MACH_MAX Y axis range

Z_MACH_MIN and Z_MACH_MAX Z axis range

These variables define the hard limitations of the machine (regardless of where the zero point is calibrated). Therefore, they must be defined with the following rules:

  • They are defined with respect to the MACH point (X_MACH, Y_MACH, Z_MACH) - not relative to the reference UCS.

  • They define the extreme limits for the machine spindle center point, not the tool tip (since different tools have different lengths).

  • All six numbers must be defined, even if the user is interested in a given axis only. One can always use out-of-range numbers (For example, set the allowed Z range between -999999 and 999999 if the Z axis is of no concern).

These numbers do not usually match the native machine coordinate system, where the (0,0,0) point may be anywhere (For example, on the ceiling or the floor). They are measured and defined with respect to the MACH point (the red point), which gives the relation between the REF coordinate system and the machine agreed-upon point.

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