Format Motion Axis Change

This command can be added by right-clicking on the Linear Motion. heading inside “Commands” tab.

“Axis Change” is a special mode in MANUSpost. It is automatically activated during post processing. It is activated in 3 different ways:

1- In simultaneous milling operations, when the first rotary axis (Rotary Axis 1) exceeds the limit, this command allows the cutting tool to retract to machine home point and then positions Rotary Axis 1 and 2 to the alternative positions.

This happens on all type of 5 axis CNCs.

For example, let’s say we have Mazak Variaxis machine, at a particular moment the A axis (Rotary Axis 1) is at 29 degrees, and C axis (Rotary Axis 2) is at 120 degrees. And let’s say the next motion point is A31 C120. This motion is not possible on Mazak Variaxis machines, since the plus side rotation of A axis is limited to 30 degrees. At this moment while our machine is at A29 C120, “Axis Change” mode is automatically activated in MANUSpost. The cutting tool retracts to machine reference point, and the rotary axes are rotated to A-31 C240 (alternative position of A31 C120). And in this alternative position, the movement continues without the risk of exceeding the limit.

2- In simultaneous milling operations, when the first rotary axis (Rotary Axis 2) exceeds the limit, this command allows the cutting tool to retract to machine home point and then positions Rotary Axis 1 and 2 to the alternative positions.

This happens on head-head type (gantry type) 5 axis CNCs, where both rotary axes are on the head. On 5 axis gantry machines, C axis usually has limited rotation capability.

For example, let’s say we have 5 axis gantry machine, at a particular moment the A axis (Rotary Axis 1) is at 15 degrees, and C axis (Rotary Axis 2) is at 279 degrees. And let’s say the next motion point is A15 C281. And let’s also say the C axis motion is limited between -280 to 280 degrees. Therefore rotating C axis to 281 degrees is not possible on this machine, since the plus side rotation of A axis is limited to 280 degrees. At this moment while our machine is at A15 C279, “Axis Change” mode is automatically activated in MANUSpost. The cutting tool retracts to machine reference point, and the rotary axes are rotated to A-15 C101 (alternative position of A15 C281). And in this alternative position, the movement continues without the risk of exceeding the limit.

3- Lastly, this mode is also automatically activated, when the Rotary Axis 1 change amount is greater than the limit defined in “Rotary Axis 1 Change Amount” parameter. This parameter is set in Kinematics settings.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Normally this command should not be added in the post processors. It should only be added, if something special wants to be defined for axis change motions. Without this command, MANUSpost automatically generates axis change motions when the rotary axis limit occurs.

IMPORTANT NOTE2: If this command is added to the post processor and left as empty (without adding any motions inside the command), the post processor will no longer automaticaly generate axis change motions, and thus the post processor starts to work incorrectly. Therefore, it is best not to add this command to the post processor unless nothing special is needed.