Mazak Mill: Control Panel Overview 250

alarm

An automatic warning from the control when a program or mechanical component is not functioning correctly. The alarm warning light comes on, and all alarms are displayed in the DIAGNOSIS menu.

alarm list

A listing of alarm codes that explain the corresponding system, programming, and control errors.

all home return

A button found on the machine controls section of some Matrix panels that automatically sends all axes to machine zero once the machine has been manually stopped.

alpha-numeric keypad

The second section of the Matrix control that is mainly used to input letter and number data into the control.

auxiliary function keys

Keys located on the control navigation section of the Matrix control that must both be pressed when overriding specific machine functions.

axis movement buttons

A series of keys on the machine controls section of the Matrix that are used to manually jog the spindle along a specific axis. Axis movement buttons are commonly called jog keys.

axis selector switch

A switch on the machine controls section of the Matrix control that determines which axis can be controlled by the manual pulse generator.

block

A single line of a part program.

cancel key

A key located on the keypad that is used to blank out data on certain display screens.

chapter left

Alternate name for the display select key. Chapter left can be used to return to the main menu.

chapter right

Alternate name for the menu select key. Chapter right can be used to cycle through menu options.

chip conveyor button

A button on the machine controls section of the Matrix that allows you to manually stop and start the chip conveyor.

clear key

A key located near the numeric keypad that cancels or deletes all the characters input into the data display area.

control navigation

The third section of the Matrix control that contains keys that are used to navigate through menus and enter different modes.

control power OFF button

A black button with an orange circle located on the Matrix display. Control power OFF is used to turn off the Matrix control.

control power ON button

A white button with a green line located on the Matrix display. Control power ON is used to turn on the Matrix control.

coolant menu key

A key on the lower left of the control navigation section of the Matrix control that calls up the coolant menu on the display screen.

coolant stop key

A key on the control navigation section that lets an operator manually stop the flow of coolant.

cutting feed override selector switch

A switch on the machine controls section of the Matrix that sets the rate at which the tool is manually fed into a workpiece.

cycle start

The control button used to begin a program or continue a program that has been previously stopped.

display

The top section of the Matrix that provides a visual interface. The display includes the ON/OFF buttons and menu keys.

display select key

Key on the lower left of the Matrix display that can be used to return to the main menu. Also may be called chapter left.

door unlock

A button on the standard controls section of the Matrix that can lock and unlock the front door of the mill.

EIA/ISO

A means of programming CNC machines that is standardized for use with various controllers.

emergency stop button

Used for emergencies only, the control button that automatically shuts down all machine functions.

end of block code

A CNC program code that signals the end of a program block. EOB is represented by a semicolon.

EOB key

A key located near the numeric keypad that enters an end of block code, or semicolon, into the data.

feed hold

The control button used to pause a program. Also known as cycle stop, feed hold pauses tool feed but does not stop spindle movement.

flash memory card

A small, portable memory card that can be used to store data, such as Matrix programs. Flash memory cards connect to the Matrix through a USB port.

floppy disk

A 3.5 inch plastic device that stores programs and computer information magnetically. Standard removable floppy disks hold only 1.44MB of data and have widely been replaced.

G code

A code that determines the type of operation performed on the machine. G codes select the type of motion, speed or feed mode, etc.

home key

A function key used to return a tool to machine zero.

IC memory slot

An interface found on many Matrix displays to which a IC memory card can be connected. IC memory cards were a common method of storing and transfering Mazatrol Fusion programs.

input key

A key located near the numeric keypad that allows you to enter data.

M640 Fusion

The previous generation of Mazatrol control. Fusion programs are compatible with the Matrix control.

machine controls

The fourth section of the Matrix control that contains buttons that allow the operator to manually manipulate the machine and its tools without the use of programming.

machine menu keys

Keys located on the control navigation section of the Matrix control that call up the machine menu on the display screen. The keys are labelled (1) and (2) and have a wrench icon.

machine setup switch

A lockable switch on the standard controls section of the Matrix that, when enabled, allows the operator to move the turret inside the machine.

machine zero

The position located at the farthest possible distance in a positive direction along the machine axes. Machine zero is permanently set for each particular CNC machine.

manual pulse generator

A circular handwheel on a CNC machine that can move a tool incrementally along an axis. On some machines it is known simply as the "handle."

manual pulse generator feed keys

Key located on the control navigation section of the Matrix control that set the value of each click of the manual pulse generator.

Matrix

The sixth, and most recent, version of Mazatrol CNC.

Mazak voice advisor

A safety feature unique to the Matrix control that provides verbal confirmation of the buttons that have been pressed.

Mazatrol

A computer numerical control developed by Mazak that features conversational programming.

MDI key

A key on the control navigation section that lets an operator manually enter and execute program data without storing the data on the control.

memory key

A key on the control navigation section of the Matrix control that enters the control into automatic menu mode.

menu keys

Keys located directly below the display screen that correspond to the menu option above them.

menu select key

Key on the lower right of the Matrix display that can be used to cycle through menu options. Also may be called chapter right.

mouse

Any device used to manipulate a pointer on a computer display screen. A mouse usually has two buttons to select items on which the pointer lands.

navigation keys

Two sets of keys on the control navigation section of the Matrix control. The upper set page up and down and the lower set move the cursor any direction in smaller incriments.

network

A system in which two or more linked devices use a set of protocols to communicate with each other.

numerical input pad

A set of number keys 0-9 as well as the hyphen (-) and period (.) keys.

overtravel

A condition where the machine tool moves beyond safe limits, leading to a crash.

part program

A series of instructions used by a CNC machine to perform the necessary sequence of operations to machine a specific workpiece.

pointer device

A directional joystick-like device on the control navigation section of the Matrix control. The pointer device works like a mouse, allowing you to navigate a pointer through Windows menus.

power up

The act of turning on the machine.

program edit switch

A lockable switch on the standard controls section of the Matrix that, when enabled, allows the operator to make changes to the current program.

QWERTY keyboard

A standard full character keypad arrangement such as you would find on a computer.

rapid feed key

A function key used to select rapid feed mode. The RAPID key is used with axis movement buttons.

rapid feed override selector switch

A switch on the machine controls section of the Matrix that sets the rate at which the axis movement buttons jog the spindle.

rapid traverse

The movement of machine components at the fastest possible rate of travel. Rapid traverse motion merely requires an endpoint for the movement.

reset key

A key located on the keypad that stops all machine motion and places the program cursor at the top of the current program.

selection keys

The two buttons below the pointer device on the control navigation section of the Matrix control. They are used to select items on which the pointer rests.

single block key

A key that activates the single block feature on the Matrix control. The single block function runs the program one block at a time to prove out the program.

soft key

A blank key whose function changes based on the active menus on the display screen above the keys.

spindle control buttons

A series of buttons on the machine controls section of the Matrix used to manually stop, start, reverse, and jog the spindle.

standard controls

The fifth section of the Matrix control that mainly contains safety features.

status light

One of four indicator lamps on the alpha-numerical keypad that lets the operator know the status of different processes.

tab key

A key on the alpha-numerical keypad that is used to jump the cursor from one section to the next.

tape key

A key in the control navigation section that allows the control to run programs from an external source.

tool offset

A stored value that compensates for variations in tool length and diameter. Each tool requires an offset.

USB

Universal Serial Bus. A connection port on computers that is compatible with many different types of devices, such as flash memory cards and printers.

velocity feed control key

A key located on alpha-numerical keypad that sets and saves feed and speed rate adjustments.

Windows XP

An computer operating system introduced in 2001 by Microsoft.

work offset

An offset used to adjust the location of every tool loaded in the machine. On the mill, the work offset changes the position of the spindle in both the X- and Y-axes, and often the Z-axis as well.

zero point return

The machine zero point of a tool axis.