CNC Controls: Mazak

Mazak Mill: Program Storage 310

This class describes common methods for transferring and storing part programs on the Mazak Mazatrol Matrix mill control.

  • Difficulty Advanced

  • Format Online

  • Number of Lessons 17

  • Language English

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Course Outline
  • Objectives
  • Program Storage and Transfer
  • Storing Programs on the Mazak Mill
  • The Data I/O Display
  • Entering a Program Manually
  • The Basic Mazatrol Programming Units
  • Optional Programming Units
  • Selecting a Directory
  • Loading a Program Using USB
  • Saving a Program Using USB
  • Loading a Program Using an IC Memory Card
  • Saving a Program Using an IC Memory Card
  • Loading and Saving a Program Using the Hard Disk
  • Network Transfer from a Host PC to the Control
  • Copying a Program from the Hard Disk to a Memory Card
  • HD Operation Mode
  • Summary
Objectives
  • Identify factors that determine program storage methods.
  • Describe program storage methods.
  • Identify areas of the data I/O display.
  • List the steps for manually entering a program.
  • Describe the basic Mazatrol programming units.
  • Describe the optional programming units.
  • Define a directory.
  • List the steps for loading a program using USB.
  • List the steps for saving a program using USB.
  • List the steps for loading a program using an IC memory card.
  • List the steps for saving a program using an IC memory card.
  • Describe program transfer using the hard disk.
  • List the steps for network transfer from a host PC.
  • List the steps for copying a program from the hard disk to a memory card.
  • Describe HD operation mode.
Glossary
Vocabulary Term
Definition

all erase menu key

A key used to delete all program data from a storage device.

auxiliary coordinates unit

The first of four additional and optional units used to create a Mazatrol program. The auxiliary coordinates unit, or offset unit, allows you to set auxiliary coordinates to temporarily offset the WPC.

basic coordinates unit

The second of four Mazatrol programming units. The basic coordinates unit defines workpiece or program zero.

card menu key

A menu key that enables program transfer to and from a IC memory card slot. The card menu key is visible from the main data I/O display.

common unit

The first of four Mazatrol programming units. The common unit defines the workpiece material, the number of parts, etc.

conversational programming

A programming method that allows an operator to create a program by responding to a series of questions and prompts. Conversational programming does not reveal the actual program codes.

creating mode

The mode of the Mazatrol control in which programs are created and edited.

data cancellation key

A key used to delete program data.

data I/O display

The screen interface used to transfer programs and other data to and from the Matrix control.

direct numerical control

DNC. The direct control of CNC machines by a central host computer. With DNC, the program is run directly from the memory of a host computer and is not stored in the memory of the machine's own control.

directory

An entity in a computer file system which contains a group of program files. Directories list files in numeric or alphabetical order.

directory delete menu key

A menu key that allows you to delete an entire directory, and all programs stored within it.

directory select menu key

A menu key that allows you to specify the saved location of a program.

display select key

A key on the lower left of the Matrix display that toggles between available displays and their particular menu keys. The display select key is sometimes called the chapter left key.

DNC

Direct numerical control. The direct control of CNC machines by a central host computer. With DNC, the program is run directly from the memory of a host computer and is not stored in the Matrix's memory.

drip feeding

The process of sending and executing a large CNC program from a host computer to the control line-by-line.

drop-down menu

A Windows menu feature that contains choices of tasks to select from. Menu options "drop down" when you click on a menu.

end unit

The last of four Mazatrol programming units. The end unit specifies whether the program is to be repeated, how many times it is repeated, the type of rapid movement to the tool change position, where the tool should stop, and the work number of the program to be executed next. If the program is not repeated, the end unit can execute a machine stop sequence for the end of the program.

ethernet

A common local area network (LAN) standard capable of transferring data at 10 megabits per second (Mbps).

floppy disk

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

floppy disk drive

A computer peripheral that reads and writes magnetic data to and from a floppy disk.

gigabyte

A measure of computer data storage capacity equal to 1024 megabytes, or roughly one billion bytes. The Matrix hard drive has 20 GB of storage.

hard disk

A rigid non-removable disk that stores data, including the data that runs all essential components and functions of a computer. Hard disk is also sometimes called a hard drive.

hard disk menu key

A menu key that enables program transfer to and from the hard disk. The hard disk menu key is visible from the main data I/O display.

hard drive

A rigid non-removable disk that stores data, including the data that runs all essential components and functions of a computer. Hard drive is also sometimes called a hard disk.

HD area menu key

A menu key that allows programs to be transferred to and from the MC_Direct Mode Programs Folder.

HD operation mode

An internal DNC function allowing a program to be read and acted upon directly from the hard drive without using any program memory from the control. You must press the tape key to use HD operation mode.

IC memory card

A device that uses an integrated circuit to store data. IC memory cards have high capacity and fast read and write capabilities.

IC memory card drive

An interface on the Matrix display where an IC memory card is connected. IC memory cards are used to store and transfer part programs.

indexing table

A machining center option that adds 4th axis capability. The indexing table is capable of rotating, or indexing, in small increments for the purpose of machining complex parts.

initial Z-axis position

The origin for the tool along the Z-axis, as defined by program zero.

listing mode

The mode of the Mazatrol control in which programs are listed for viewing only. Programs cannot be created or edited while in listing mode.

M code

A code used to signal an action from a miscellaneous group of commands. M codes change cutting tools, turn on or turn off the coolant, spindle, or workpiece clamps, etc.

machining unit

The third of four Mazatrol programming units. The machining unit is the most time-consuming programming unit and involves specifying the details of the actual tools and the machining processes.

manual program mode unit

The third of four additonal and optional units used to create a Mazatrol program. The manual program mode unit establishes a corresponding EIA/ISO program.

megabyte

A measure of computer data storage capacity equal to 1024 kilobytes, or roughly one million bytes. The Matrix has 2 MB of memory available to run programs.

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.

MMS unit

The last of four additional and optional units used to create a Mazatrol program. The MMS unit specifies automatic measurement of the basic coordinates system using a probe.

NC<-CARD LOAD menu key

A menu key that specifies program transfer from an IC memory card to the Mazatrol control.

NC<-HD LOAD menu key

A menu key that specifies program transfer from the hard drive to the Mazatrol control.

NC<-USB LOAD menu key

A menu key that specifies program transfer from a USB device to the Mazatrol control.

NC->CARD SAVE menu key

A menu key that allows you to copy program data from the hard disk to an IC memory card.

NC->CARD SAVE menu key

A menu key that specifies program transfer from the Mazatrol control to an IC memory card.

NC->HD SAVE menu key

A menu key that specifies program transfer from the Mazatrol control to the hard disk.

NC->USB SAVE menu key

A menu key that specifies program transfer from the Mazatrol control to a device connected to a USB port.

offset unit

The first of four additional and optional units used to create a Mazatrol program. The offset unit, or auxiliary coordinates unit, allows you to set auxiliary coordinates to temporarily offset the WPC.

pallet

An automatic moveable table that supports a workpiece and slides or pivots into and out of the machining center. Multiple pallets allow an operator to set up a part while another is being machined.

part program

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

program complete menu key

A menu key that signals the completion of entering a program manually.

program edit menu key

A menu key that allows you to edit program information.

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.

program menu key

A menu key that allows you to access program information.

safely remove hardware

An icon located in the lower right hand corner of the MS Windows display. The safely remove hardware icon allows you to remove a peripheral device without harming stored data.

special mode unit

The second of four additional and optional units used to create a Mazatrol program. The special mode unit specifies M code processing, subprogram execution, pallet changing, and the angle of an indexing table.

start menu key

A menu key that begins data transfer. During transfer, the start menu key is highlighted.

subprogram

A program separate from the main program that executes a series of operations that occurs multiple times during the machining cycle. Subprograms shorten and simplify manual programming.

tape key

A key in the control navigation section that allows the control to run programs from an external source. Tape mode is used when running a program from a device such as a flash memory card.

Universal Series Bus

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

USB drive select menu key

A menu key used to select the correct directory in order to complete a program transfer.

USB flash drive

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

USB menu key

A menu key that enables program transfer to and from a USB port. The USB menu key is visible from the main data I/O display.

work number

The unique identifying number for a Mazatrol program. Work numbers may consist of any combination up to 32 alphanumeric characters and certain symbols.

work number menu key

A menu key that lists existing work numbers in listing mode.

workpiece zero point

The origin of both the workpiece coordinates system and the part program for a particular workpiece. Workpiece zero, commonly called program zero, is unique to each workpiece design and is selected by a part programmer.

WPC

Workpiece coordinates. A set of values used to define workpiece zero. These basic coordinates are specified after the common unit in Mazatrol programming.