M19 CNC Code: Beginner’s Guide to Accurate Spindle Orientation

Welcome to our simple guide on the M19 CNC code. Whether you are new to CNC programming or an experienced machinist, understanding the M19 code is essential.

This guide will explain everything you need to know about this unit mode command—what it is, when to use it, and why it matters.

(Step-by-step.)

Key Takeaways

  • The M19 command controls spindle orientation, stopping the spindle to re-orient to a specified parameter, essential for accurate spindle control.
  • The M19 command requires a quadrature encoder with an index to sense spindle shaft position and direction of rotation for proper functioning.
  • The M19 command orients the spindle to a predefined position, which can be defined directly using SPOS[2]=position value, or by setting the Spindle Index with the P parameter word.
  • Correct configuration of the spindle encoder, HAL pins, and INI settings is necessary for the M19 command to function properly, ensuring accurate spindle orientation.
  • The M19 command plays a key role in achieving accurate spindle control, optimizing the manufacturing process, reducing errors, and increasing productivity in CNC machining.

Program Control Commands

Frequently, CNC machining relies on Program Control Commands to efficiently manage the workflow of a manufacturing process.

You’ll use these commands to control the spindle’s orientation and position. The M19 command, specifically, is used for spindle orientation.

It’s essential to understand how to use this command to Orient your spindle correctly. When you issue the M19 command, the spindle will stop and re-orient to the specified parameter.

This spindle orient cycle is vital in ensuring accurate manufacturing.

By mastering Program Control Commands, you’ll be able to optimize your manufacturing process, reduce errors, and increase productivity.

Remember to set the correct spindle position and orientation to achieve the desired outcome.

Spindle and Tool Control Codes

You’ll now focus on spindle and tool control G codes, which enable precise control over your CNC machine’s spindle and tooling.

Specifically, you’ll examine spindle orientation, a critical aspect of machining that requires accurate control to achieve desired results.

The M19 command, with its specific parameters, plays a key role in achieving this control.

Spindle Orientation

When working with CNC G-code, spindle orientation is a critical aspect of spindle and tool control.

It’s essential to define the spindle position correctly using the axis-specific parameter SD43240 in SettingParameter.

The M19 command orients the spindle to a predefined position, which can be defined directly using SPOS[2]=position value.

Without a spindle index, the M19 command is related to the MasterSpindle. However, you can use it with a spindle index in square brackets (e.g., M2=19).

To avoid issues, guarantee correct parameter settings in the Sinumerik 840D Control system.

You’ll find the axis-specific data settings in Misc > Axis specific Data.

M19 Command Parameters

The M19 command takes three essential parameters – R, Q, and P – to precisely control spindle orientation, allowing you to define the spindle’s position, waiting time, and rotation direction. These parameters work together to guarantee accurate spindle control.

Parameter Description Valid Range
R Position to rotate to 0-360 degrees
Q Waiting time until orient completes seconds
P Direction of rotation 0 (smallest angular movement), 1 (clockwise), 2 (counterclockwise)

You can set the R parameter value with a decimal point, and the direction of rotation is determined by the P parameter. Bear in mind that the M19 command requires a quadrature encoder with an index to sense spindle shaft position and direction of rotation.

Coolant Control and Output

In conjunction with precise machining operations, coolant control and output play a vital role in optimizing CNC performance.

You’ll use G-codes M7, M8, and M9 to control coolants, with M7 turning mist coolant on, M8 turning flood coolant on, and M9 turning both off. These codes can be used to turn on any output via G-code, but you’ll need to connect the coolant control pins in HAL and configure them in the HAL file for LinuxCNC.

Digital and Analog Output Control

You’ve mastered coolant control and output, now it’s time to harness the power of digital and analog output control.

With M19, you can precisely control your CNC machine’s outputs. The M19 P parameter word sets the Spindle Index, allowing you to rotate for the smallest angular movement.

The M19 R word, on the other hand, determines the orientation, which requires a quadrature to set the Direction to rotate.

For digital outputs, use M62 P- to turn on synchronized with motion, M63 P- to turn off, M64 P- to turn on immediately, and M65 P- to turn off immediately.

For analog outputs, M67 E- Q- sets the output synchronized with motion, while M68 E- Q- sets it immediately.

With these commands, you can achieve precise control over your CNC machine’s digital and analog outputs.

Modal State Control and Commands

You’re now moving on to investigate the commands that control modal state in your CNC program.

Specifically, you’ll examine the M19 command parameters, which define the spindle orientation, as well as the M60 pallet shuttle exchange, which controls the exchange of pallets.

M19 Command Parameters

Three essential parameters – R, Q, and P – make up the M19 command, controlling modal state and commands in CNC G-code.

You’ll set R to specify the position to rotate to from 0, with a valid range of 0-360 degrees. Q specifies the number of seconds to wait until orient completes, allowing you to set a specific time in seconds.

P determines the direction to rotate to position, with three possible values: 0 for the smallest angular movement, 1 for clockwise, and 2 for counterclockwise spindle orientation.

You’ll need to configure your spindle encoder, HAL pins, and INI settings correctly for the M19 command to function properly. Additionally, be aware that M3, M4, or M5 commands will clear the M19 command, controlling the spindle’s rotation and orientation.

M60 Pallet Shuttle Exchange

In CNC machining, a crucial aspect of efficient production is the ability to exchange pallet shuttles during a running program.

You can achieve this using the M60 command, which temporarily pauses the program, allowing you to change pallets. When you input M60, the program will stop and wait for you to press Cycle Start before resuming.

This modal state control command is part of the Group 1: Program Control commands and doesn’t require a specific stop switch setting, giving you flexibility in program control.

Once you’ve exchanged the pallet shuttles, simply press Cycle Start to resume the program at the next line.

The M60 command provides a convenient way to exchange pallets without affecting the spindle’s operation or index value.

M2 Program Restart

The M2 program restart command is a crucial modal state control instruction that enables you to restart a program from the beginning, providing a fresh start after an interruption or error.

This command is especially useful when you need to recover from a mid-program stop or reset the machine to its initial state.

  1. Spindle orientation: The spindle will always rotate clockwise when you issue an M2 command, ensuring a consistent startup sequence.
  2. Tool Change: If a Tool Change is in progress, the M2 command will cancel it and restart the program.
  3. Spindle-locked: The spindle will remain locked until the orient complete pin is engaged, indicating that the spindle-is-oriented and ready for operation.
  4. Program restart: The M2 command will restart the program from the beginning, ignoring any previous instructions or errors.

M19 Spindle Orient Configuration

While configuring your CNC machine, you’ll need to set up the spindle orientation to guarantee precise cutting operations.

The M19 command is used to orient the spindle to a specific shaft position and direction, certifying accurate cutting. When you issue the M19 command, the spindle is oriented to the specified position, and the spindle-locked state is maintained.

The M19 P parameter specifies the desired spindle orientation, and the spindle rotation mode is set accordingly. By configuring the spindle orientation correctly, you can verify that your CNC machine operates efficiently and accurately.

Spindle Encoder Schematic and Setup

You’ll need a spindle encoder to accurately track the spindle’s rotational position, and its setup is crucial for precise CNC machining operations.

A quadrature encoder is typically used, which provides two output signals that are 90 degrees out of phase, allowing the spindle’s rotational direction and position to be determined.

To set up the spindle encoder, follow these steps:

  1. Connect the encoder to the CNC controller, guaranteeing proper wiring and signal alignment.
  2. Configure the spindle encoder settings in the CNC controller, specifying the encoder type, resolution, and other parameters.
  3. Perform an orient cycle to initialize the spindle encoder, which sets the spindle’s rotational position to a known state.
  4. Verify the spindle-is-oriented and spindle-locked status to certify the encoder is functioning correctly and the spindle is properly aligned, avoiding spindle-orient-fault conditions.

M19 Command Parameters and Execution

One crucial G-code command for precise CNC machining operations is M19, which controls the spindle’s rotational position and direction.

When you use M19, you’ll need to specify three parameters: R, Q, and P. The R parameter sets the position to rotate to, ranging from 0 to 360 degrees. The Q parameter specifies the wait time in seconds until the orient completes.

The P parameter determines the direction to rotate to the position, with options for smallest angular movement (0), clockwise (1), or counterclockwise (2). Remember, M19 requires a quadrature encoder with an index to sense the spindle shaft position and direction of rotation.

INI Settings and HAL Pins Configuration

You’ve defined the M19 command parameters and execution, now it’s time to configure the CNC machine to work with this command.

To do this, you need to set up the INI settings and HAL pins.

In the [RS274NGC] section of your INI file, set the ‘ORIENT_OFFSET’ parameter to specify a fixed offset in degrees added to the M19 R word.

Configure the following HAL pins:

  1. ‘motion.spindle-orient-angle’ to specify the desired spindle orientation for the M19 command.
  2. ‘motion.spindle-orient-mode’ to reflect the M19 P parameter, which determines the direction of rotation to the specified position.
  3. ‘motion.spindle-is-oriented’ to acknowledge the ‘motion.spindle-orient’ pin and complete the orient cycle.
  4. ‘motion.spindle-orient-fault’ to abort the orient cycle if not zero.

CNC Codes Similar to M19

Code
Mode
M07 Mist Coolant On
M10 Pallet Clamp On
M11 Unclamp
M29 Rigid Tapping
M30 Program End and Rewind
M40 Spindle gear Range Neutral
M98 Subprogram Call
M99 End Subprogram

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