Last updated 16-Nov-2016 MBL
Centroid CNC control sales, service, training and support
Centroid controls use Fanuc-style G codes. They are quite permissive regarding formatting details. In general, a Fanuc 0M post processor with basic functions will work fine.
There is no difference among the different model numbers of the Centroid M-Series controls. The same post processor will work for an M10, M15, M39, M40, M50, M400, or any other control in the series.
There have been minor differences with increasing software versions over the years. In general these changes have been to make the G code interpreter more permissive.
In the information which follows, "optional" means just that: permitted, but not required. Therefore if you are modifying an existing post processor, don't waste time and effort adding or removing such features.
Canned drilling, boring and tapping cycles (G73 - G89) are available. See the Manual for syntax details.
By default, when a canned cycle has been activated, the Centroid control will only drill (or bore or tap) a hole for each G code line which contains an axis coordinate other than Z. E.g. a coordinate for X, Y or a rotary axis.
Your postprocessor, then, should output at least one axis coordinate for the first hole location even if the axes are already positioned over the hole as a result of a previous G0 positioning move. Usually the simplest solution is to output all axis coordinates unconditionally when using canned cycles.
For example:
M6 T1
M3 S1200
M8
G0 X0 Y0 Z1 G43 H1
G81 X0 Y0 Z-.5 R.1 F12
X1 Y0
X1 Y1
X0 Y1
G80
M5
M9
M25
The chip-breaking (G73) and deep hole (G83) cycles do not provide variable peck amounts. Each cycle uses the Q value as a fixed peck amount, used throughout the cycle. If you require varying peck depth, you will have to output multiple cycles at the same location.
The pull-back amount for the chip-breaking (G73) cycle is set in Machine Parameter 73 in the control. The postprocessor can select a specific distance by setting Parameter 73 with the G10 code before calling the G73 cycle.
For example:
G0 X0 Y0 Z1 G43 H1
G10 P73 R0.02
G83 X0 Y0 Z-.5 R.1 Q0.1 F12
X1 Y0
X1 Y1
G80
If you do not set a new pull-back distance in Parameter 73, then the G73 cycle will use the previous value of the parameter, whatever it may be.
The rapid-down clearance amount for the deep hole (G83) cycle is set in Parameter 83, in the same manner as Parameter 73 for G73 above.
Arcs may be specified either by center (I, J, K values) or by radius (R value). Radius values are preferred if you will be using cutter radius compensation (G41/G42) as they are not affected by roundoff errors as much as center values are.
By default, the I, J and K values for the arc center are always incremental from the arc start point, regardless of the G90/G91 mode.
Optionally, a user can set Bit 0 of Machine Parameter 2 (i.e. add 1 to the parameter value) to have I/J/K arc centers be absolute coordinates in G90 mode, and incremental in G91 mode. However, this selection is rare, and as a post writer you should assume it is not selected.
Using arc centers (I/J/K) you can command up to 360° in a single move. An arc command which ends at the same arc-plane coordinates that it starts at will be a full circle.
When using radius (R), arcs must be less than 360°. If the end point is the same as the start point, then the control cannot locate the arc center.
R values, specifying arc radius, are signed. A positive R will yield an arc less than or equal to 180° (the short way). A negative R will yield an arc greater than or equal to 180° (the long way).
Helical arcs are supported. Any axis movement outside the arc plane (e.g. Z movement included with an arc in the G17 plane) will be interpolated linearly as the arc axes swing the arc.
In general, program storage capacity and memory space are not an issue on Centroid controls, so it is better to post out CNC programs long-hand rather than to use subprograms.
If you wish to include G code subprograms and calls in the program file, you must number the subprograms in the range 9100 - 9999, and you must include the subprogram definition (O9xxx through M99) prior to any call to that subprogram.
For example:
O9123
G90 G1 F10 Z-0.1
G91 F15 X1.5
Y1.5 X-1.5
Y-1.5
G90 G0 Z0.1
M99
M6 T1
M3 S1200
M8
G0 X0 Y0 Z.1 G43 H1
M98 P9123
G0 X4 Y0 Z.1
M98 P9123
G0 X8 Y0 Z.1
M98 P9123
M5
M9
M25
In general, Centroid controls do not require the traditional "safety block" at the beginning of a program. The following modes are automatically reset at the beginning of every program cycle:
The following codes do remain active (modal) between cycles:
Even so, these codes generally do not need to be reset in a safety block at the beginning of a program; just set to new values when needed.
For example, as long as you include G43 and the new H code at your tool change, it does not matter whether you previously cancelled any previous offset. The new offset will take effect when you call for it.
There should be no coordinate-setting codes (i.e. G92) in the CNC program. The operator will set the work coordinate system (fixture offsets) using the control's Part Setup screen before he starts the job running.
It is best to omit any coordinate system selection codes (e.g. G54, G55 ...) in any single-fixture program. The program should run in whatever WCS is presently selected, because that is most likely the one that the operator just set in the Part Setup screen.
Coordinate system selection codes should be included only in multiple-fixture programs: for example, one which cuts the same part in several vises.
The comment found on the first line of programs posted from Intercon, which specifies "ICN_PATH = somefilepath.ICN" is intended for Intercon, to help locate the conversational program file from which the G codes were generated. That comment need not, and should not, be duplicated in CAD/CAM post processors.
You can move the Z axis to a safe position (home or tool change level) using either M25 or G28. Centroid's own postprocessor for the Intercon conversational programming uses M25 because it is more concise and does not interfere with the G90/G91 selection. However, M25 is essentially equivalent to G91 G28 Z0: both codes will move the Z axis to whatever level is specified for Return Point #1 (G28), referenced in Machine Coordinates on the WCS Tables under Part Setup.
It is generally undesirable to include home return moves on other axes, but if that is required, G28 and/or G30 may be used. The operator can then set the exact machine location he wants in the WCS Tables.
It is not necessary to cancel tool length compensation (with G49 and/or H0) before moving Z to home.
No special M code or other character is required to mark the end of a CNC program. When the control reaches the end of the file, the program cycle ends.
You may optionally include an M30 code. Most controls are configured to simply ignore M30 (it is a valid code which does nothing). Some users will install a custom M30 which performs some housekeeping tasks.
M2 and M102 request automatic restart of the program cycle, and so should be avoided unless such continuous looping is specifically required.
Rotary axes are generally commanded in degrees, with feedrates in degrees/minute, regardless of the G20/G21 modal selection.
The rotary axes may be labeled A, B, C, U, V or W. The letter used should be selectable by the end user, if possible.
Feedrates for combined linear/rotary moves are interpolated and include both inch/mm and degrees components. See my rotary fourth axis writeup for distance and feedrate formulas and examples.
No post processor changes are strictly necessary in order to support machines with automatic tool changers. Just use M6 and a T code to change tools, as always.
On a machine with manual tool changing, the control will move Z home, stop the spindle and coolant, display a prompt ("Insert tool and press Cycle Start"), and wait for the Cycle Start key.
On a machine with automatic tool changing, the control will do whatever is required by the tool changer, as directed by its PLC and macro programming.
There are two features that can be helpful on ATC machines, even though neither is required:
Copyright © 2016 Marc Leonard
Last updated 16-Nov-2016 MBL