FANUC Series 0i-MODEL F Plus. CONNECTION MANUAL (FUNCTION)

8. MULTI-PATH CONTROL

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NOTE

1 If the setting of parameter No. 0981 is 0, that controlled axis will belong to the

first path.

2 Any path having no controlled axis cannot be set.

Spindle

The number of spindle which used throughout the entire system is specified with parameter No.0988.
You can specify which path each spindle is to be assigned, using parameter No. 0982.
You can assign each path to any controlled axis, provided that you follow the maximum allowable
number of spindles.
Example)

For a system with 2 paths and a total of 6 spindles:

Settings that cause the system to become a 2-path system with the first path consisting of 3 spindles
and the second consisting of 3 spindles

Parameter No. 0982

Setting value

Application

Logical, spindle 1

Path 1, spindle 1

Logical, spindle 2

Path 1, spindle 2

Logical, spindle 3

Path 1, spindle 3

Logical, spindle 4

Path 2, spindle 1

Logical, spindle 5

Path 2, spindle 2

Logical, spindle 6

Path 2, spindle 3

NOTE

If the setting of parameter No. 0982 is 0, that spindle will belong to the first path.

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Example

Example of a system configuration (2 path and loader path)

- Configuration example

Front
spindle

Rear spindle
1 linear axis +
1 rotation axis

1st turret
3 linear axes

2nd turret
3 linear axes

Loader

1 linear axis +
2 rotation axes

Machining Path 1

Machining Path 2

Loader Path

- Conceptual drawing of the configuration

CNC unit

Machine group 1

Machine group 2

Path 1

(Machining path 1)

Path 2

(Machining path 2)

Path 3

(Loader path 1)

Fig. 8.1 (b)

In the system configuration example shown in the example, Fig. 8.1 (a), paths 1 and 2 are of lathe systems,
path 3 is of a machining center system, and path 4 is the loader control path in a lathe system. The
machine control type is com

ｙ

ined system. The parameter settings that accomplish that system

configuration are as follows.

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Machine Group to Which

Each Path Is to Belong

(Parameter No. 0980)

Setting value

Path 1

Path 2

Path 3 (Loader control)

Number of the Path to Which Each Axis Is to

Belong

(Parameter No. 0981)

Number of the Path to Which Each Spindle Is

to Belong

(Parameter No. 0982)

Setting value

Logical, axis 1 (X

)

Logical, spindle 1 (S

)

Logical, axis 2 (Y

)

Logical, spindle 2 (S

)

Logical, axis 3 (Z

)

Logical, axis 4 (C

)

Logical, axis 5 (X

)

Logical, axis 6 (Y

)

Logical, axis 7 (Z

)

Logical, axis 8 (B

)

Logical, axis 9 (C

)

Logical, axis 10 (X

)

Logical, axis 11 (Y

)

Logical, axis 12 (Z

)

DI/DO

In a multi-path system, the interface signal address relations between the CNC and the PMCs are as
shown in the figure.
You can control all paths with a single PMC (Ladder program), or control each path with a PMC (Ladder
program), using the multi-path PMC function (option).

X0000~

Y0000~

CNC

PMC

I/O

device

for first

PMC

Path 1

Path 2

G0000~

F0000~

G1000~

F1000~

Signal

I/F

X0000~

Y0000~

First PMC

G0000~/F0000~

G1000~/F1000~

Second PMC

(optional)

G0000~/F0000~

G1000~/F1000~

I/O

device

for

second

PMC

Allocation with NC parameters

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NOTE

1 In a multi-path PCM system, each PMC has an independent signal area. The F,

G, X, and Y signal addresses of each PMC are allocated, starting with address
0. In contrast, the F and G signal addresses as seen from the CNC are fixed
addresses in the same order as that of the path numbers. The F and G signal
addresses programmed by each Ladder program differ from the F and G signal
addresses as seen from the CNC.

2 The signal addresses relations between the CNC and the PMCs of each path

can be set with CNC parameters Nos. 11920 to 11929. For details of how to do
this, refer to Chapter 1 of the PMC Programming Manual.

Specific Setting Example for the Previous Example

X0000 ~

Y0000 ~

CNC

PMC

I/O

device

for 1st PMC

Path 1

Path 2

1st PMC

2nd PMC
(optional)

G0000 ~

F0000 ~

G1000 ~

F1000 ~

G2000 ~

F2000 ~

Signal

I/F

Path 3

X0000 ~

Y0000 ~

Machine

group

Machine

group

I/O

device

for 2nd PMC

G0000~/F0000~
G1000~/F1000~
G2000~/F2000~
G3000~/F3000~
G4000~/F4000~
G5000~/F5000~
G6000~/F6000~
G7000~/F7000~
G8000~/F8000~
G9000~/F9000~

G0000~/F0000~
G1000~/F1000~
G2000~/F2000~
G3000~/F3000~
G4000~/F4000~

G5000~/F5000~
G6000~/F6000~
G7000~/F7000~
G8000~/F8000~
G9000~/F9000~

Fig. 8.1 (c)

NOTE

As with the loader control function of the Series 16

/18

/21

, if the PMC (Ladder

program) specifically for loaders is used, assign a single PMC path as the loader
path, using the multi-path PMC function as in the Fig. 8.1 (c).

Setting Examples for the Interface Between the NC and the PMCs

Parameter No.

Setting value

Application

11920

100

F0000 to F0767/G0000 to G0767 of the 1st PMC

11921

101

F1000 to F1767/G1000 to G1767 of the 1st PMC

11922

102

F2000 to F2767/G2000 to G2767 of the 1st PMC

11923

200

F0000 to F0767/G0000 to G0767 of the 2nd PMC

11924

11925

11926

11927

11928

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Parameter No.

Setting value

Application

11929

In general, the address for each path as seen from the NC section is assigned as in the table below.

Signal Address for Each Path

Signal address

Description

G0000 to G0767

Signal for path 1 (PMC

→

CNC)

F0000 to F0767

Signal for path 1 (CNC

→

PMC)

G1000 to G1767

Signal for path 2 (PMC

→

CNC)

F1000 to F1767

Signal for path 2 (CNC

→

PMC)

The following signals follow separate settings from the above:
-

Signals common to paths. (There are those arranged on path 1.)

Signals for each controlled axis and for each spindle

Signals for each group in PMC axis control

Signals common to paths

These signals are common to paths.

Path select

Path select signal

HEAD<G0063.0>

Auto screen clear function

Auto screen clear invalidation signal

*CRTOF<G0062.1>

Screen hard copy function

Hard copy cancellation request signal

HCABT<G0067.6>

Hard copy cancellation request acceptance signal

HCAB2<F0061.2>

Hard copy execution request signal

HCREQ<G0067.7>

Hard copy under execution signal

HCEXE<F0061.3>

External key input function

External key input mode select signal

ENBKY<G0066.1>

Key code read signal

EKSET<G0066.7>

Key code signal

EKC0 to EKC7<G0098.0to G0098.7>

Program screen display in progress signal

PRGDPL<F0053.1>

Key code read completion signal

EKENB<F0053.7>

Key input nullification signal

INHKY<F0053.0>

NOTE

The signal area is common to paths. Key input is made on the currently selected
screen.

Memory protection function

Memory protection signal

KEY1 to KEY4<G0046.3 to G0046.6>

Memory protect signal

KEYO<F0075.6>

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8.1.1

CNC Data Display, Setup, and Input/Output

There are offsets and custom macro variables for each path. For the path selected from the display unit,
you can perform data display, setup, and input/output using a medium such as a memory card.
As for custom macro variables, you can change some or all of common variables into those for common
use by paths, through appropriate parameter settings.
As for offsets, you can change them into those for common use by paths, through appropriate parameter
settings.
As for input/output, you can rename the files to be input and output for each path, through appropriate
parameter settings.

8.1.2

Multi-path Functions

The functions specific to multi-path control are as listed below.

Waiting M codes
Path interference check
Balance cutting
Synchronous/Composite control
Superimposed control
Path spindle control
Memory common to paths
Path single block check function
Path selection/arbitrary path name display

NOTE

The functions waiting M code, memory common to paths, and path
selection/arbitrary path name display are valid for all machine groups. For
example, waiting can be performed across machine groups 1 and 2. The other
functions are valid only within the same machine group. For example,
synchronous control cannot be performed across machine groups 1 and 2.

The following provides an outline of each of the functions.

Waiting M codes

You use an M code if you want to achieve synchronization in the middle of the machining program for a
path.
By specifying a waiting M code in the machining program for each of multiple paths, you can
synchronize these paths. If, during automatic operation, a waiting M code is specified for one path, the
program waits for the same M code to be specified for another path, then starts executing the next block.
You must specify the range of M codes that can be used as waiting M codes in advance, using an
appropriate parameter.
For details, see Section, "WAITING M CODES".

Path interference check

If you machine a single workpiece on two tool posts at the same time, the portions of these tool posts may
come close to each other exceedingly. If these two tool posts come into contact due to a program error or
other setting error, this will cause grave consequences such as the damage of the tool or the damage of the
machine itself.
The "Interference check for each path" refers to the function whereby if a command that will cause two
tool posts to interfere with each other as described above is specified, these two tool posts are both
decelerated to a stop before they actually come into contact.
For details, see Section, "INTERFERENCE CHECK FOR EACH PATH".

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Balance cutting

If turning a thin workpiece, you can machine it from both of its sides at the same time by using a cutting
tool, thereby preventing the workpiece from deflection, which can occur if it is machined from a single
side only, and achieving higher precision. Unless the movements of the two tools are synchronized with
each other well, the workpiece will vibrate, making correct machining impossible. By using this function,
you can easily synchronize the movements of the tool posts and execute machining.
For details, see Section, "BALANCE CUTTING" in this chapter.

Synchronous/Composite control

Usually, in 2-path control, the tool moves along the axes (X1, Z1, and C1) belonging to tool post 1 in
accordance with the move commands for tool post 1 and along the axes (X2, Z2, and C2) belonging to
tool post 2 in accordance with the move commands for tool post 2 (independent control for each tool
post). The synchronous/composite control function allows you to move the tool along any of the axes of
one tool post in synchronization with any of the axes of the other tool post (synchronous control). The
function also allows you to replace the move command for any of the axes of one tool post and that for
anys of the axes of the other tool post with other to move the tool along these axes with these commands
(composite control).

For details, see Section, "SYNCHRONOUS/COMPOSITE CONTROL" in this chapter.

Superimposed control

For details, see Section, "SUPERIMPOSED CONTROL" in this chapter.

Path spindle control

This function allows the spindle belonging to one path to follow the spindle command of another specific
path.
It allows you to specify that a path is to incorporate the position coder feedback data for any of the
spindles belonging to any path. This achieves control using a spindle of another path, for example,
threading or feed per revolution in path 1, using a spindle belonging to path 2.

For details, see Section, "PATH SPINDLE CONTROL".

Memory common to paths

In a machine with multiple paths, this function allows you to make common the independent custom
macro common variables and tool compensation memory of a path, through appropriate parameter
settings.

Custom macro common variables

Part or all of common variables #100 to #149 and #500 and #531 of custom macros can be made into
those for common use by paths (variables that permit reading or writing by either of both paths).

Tool compensation memory

The tool compensation memory of path 1 can be accessed by path 2 as well, for data reference and
setting.
The requirement is that the settings for tool compensation (such as the number of sets, the number of
digits, and the unit system) must be the same in both paths 1 and 2.

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For details, see Section, "MEMORY COMMON TO PATHS" in this chapter.

Path single block check function

If one path enters the single block stop state, this function allows another path to enter the feedhold stop
state, enabling single block operation with the path machining programs being nearly synchronized.
For details, see the Section, "PATH SINGLE BLOCK CHECK FUNCTION".

Path selection/arbitrary path name display

Path selection/arbitrary path name display
This function is used to select a path targeted for an operation that is performed for a specified path, for
example, displaying and setting various types of data (tool compensation or the like) for each path,
inputting the command program in MDI mode, or editing the machining program in program memory.
In addition, the name of each path can be changed by setting the parameter.
For details, see Section, "PATH SELECTION/ARBITRARY PATH NAME DISPLAY" in this chapter.

8.1.3

Cautions on Multi-path Control

Parameter

WARNING

If you attempt to change parameters in MDI mode in a certain path, it is probable
that other paths are in MEM or other modes even if that path is in MDI mode.
Before changing parameters, check to see if this will not affect the operations in
the other paths.

During axial movement, in particular, use great caution not to change those
parameters related to axes and spindles.

MDI reset key

CAUTION

Only a single LCD/MDI set is provided for all paths. You use the path selection
signal to specify which path the operations and displays on the LCD/MDI are for.

The

key on the MDI panel is, however, effective to all paths, regardless of

the path selection signal.

Note, however, that you can make the key effective to the path selected with the
path selection signal or the machine group, by appropriately setting bit 0 (RST)
of parameter No. 8100 or bit 0 (MGR) of parameter No. 8106).

Alarms during automatic operation

CAUTION

If, during automatic operation, an alarm occurs in a certain path, all paths in that
machine group will enter the feedhold state and stop.

You can let them continue to operate, disregarding the alarm, by appropriately
setting bit 1 (IAL) of parameter No. 8100.

Assignment of signals

CAUTION

1 When there are four or more paths

Input signals by the X address for each path are assigned to up to three paths.
Therefore, when there are four or more paths, the signals must be assigned by
bit 2 (XSG) of parameter No. 3008.

FANUC Series 0i-MODEL F Plus. CONNECTION MANUAL (FUNCTION) - page 164