Gantry axes (G1)
6.2 "Gantry axes" function
6.2
"Gantry axes" function
Application
On large gantry-type milling machines, various axis units (e.g. gantry or crossbeam) are
moved by a number of drives, which are mutually independent. Each drive has its own
measuring system and thus constitutes a complete axis system. When these mechanically
rigidly-coupled axes are traversed, both drives must be operated in absolute synchronism in
order to prevent canting of mechanical components (resulting in power/torque transmission).
Figure 6-1
The purpose of the "gantry axes" function is to control and monitor machine axes which are
rigidly coupled in this way.
Terms
The following terms are frequently used in this functional description:
Gantry axes
Gantry axes comprise one pair of axes, the leading axis and the synchronized axis. As these
axes are mechanically coupled, they must always be traversed simultaneously by the NC.
The difference between the actual positions of the axes is monitored continuously. The axes
in a gantry grouping are either all linear axes or all rotary axes.
Gantry axis grouping
A total of one gantry connection can be defined. Each gantry grouping consists of one
leading axis and one synchronized axis.
The gantry axis grouping defines which synchronized axis is controlled by which leading
axis, based on machine data settings. The leading axis and synchronized axis cannot be
traversed separately.
86
Example: Gantry-type milling machine with a gantry axis grouping (X and X1)
Turning, Milling, Nibbling
Function Manual, 11/2012, 6FC5397-1CP10-5BA0