Lock Axis (LockY)


The expression that needs to be written inside Fusion 360, using “Manual NC” operation is:

LOCKY

After adding this statement in Fusion360, this expression will be added to the generated APT file as follows.

GOTO/46.009998, 35.18, 15.
OPERATION/END
PPRINT/’LOCKY’
START/’OPERATION’
MODE/ MILL
TPRINT/a2

The Type of UDE:

It is a standard type UDE. In standard usage, there is no need for an extra definition within MANUSpost Developer to activate this UDE. However, if desired, a UDE definition can be made for this UDE in the CAM settings section within MANUSpost Developer (can also be defined as Custom UDE). In this case, the user can make additional customizations on this UDE, create events, scripts and commands that are linked to this UDE, and use them.

What is it used for?

This UDE is used to activate the Polar Mode, and when activated, one of the linear axes (usually Y axis) is locked and the machining is performed using the other linear axis (X axis) and the rotary table C axis.

The polar mode is a special mode used only for 3-axis milling operations.

When the CNC machine’s movement limits on the X and/or Y axes prevent machining of a workpiece, this mode is activated.

The polar mode is a commonly used mode in mill-turn CNC machines.

When this mode is activated :

  • The Y axis is automatically disabled on mill-turn CNCs, and the part is machined by continuously rotating the workpiece on the C axis and using the +X axis instead of the Y axis. There is usually a command to activate this mode on mill-turn machines (G12.1 / G112 / TRANSMIT, etc.)

  • Although there is no specific command to activate this mode on milling machines, the polar mode can still be used on 5-axis milling machines. By using TCPC code in the NC controller, or by using the special structure called “Parametric Polar Mode” in MANUSpost Developer, you can also apply the polar mode on your multi-axis milling machines. When using it on milling machines, you have the option to lock the X axis or a diagonal axis rather than the Y axis. However, when you activate the polar mode on milling machines, you need to make the appropriate adjustments to your post processor .

In 5-axis milling machines, the locked axis is chosen as the axis with limited movement capability, which means the axis which axis limit problem occurs while machining the workpiece.

In 5-axis milling machines, if both the X and Y axes have limited movement capability, you have the flexibility to activate any diagonal axis using scripts and variables in MANUSpost Developer.

Since the workpiece zero is often not at the center of the table on 5-axis milling machines, your CNC machine must have the TCPC feature to perform this operation. For machines without the TCPC function, a special structure in MANUSpost developer, named as “Parametric Polar Mode” must be used. To learn more about “Parametrik Polar Mode” watch the related videos in Tutorial.

Some mill-turn CNC machines may not have Polar codes (G12.1 / G112 / TRANSMIT), or their usage may cause problems. In such cases, you can again use the special “Parametric Polar Mode” of MANUSpost Developer.

For detailed information on the use of polar mode and parametric polar mode in milling and mill-turn machines, you can watch the related videos in Tutorial.”

How to deactivate it?

When this UDE is activated, it affects all subsequent operations. You can use the following UDE to deactivate it.

UNLOCKY

“Unlocky” should be defined just above the operation for which the “Locky” UDE is to be cancelled.

What Does it Affect/Change Inside MANUSpost Developer?

When this UDE is activated, the variable “VAR.State.OpPolar” becomes active (True), and the “OpPolar” operation type should be added to the operation tree to define the kinematics and commands to be executed for this operation type.