Channels
The Channels folder enables you to define and manage the channels that are present in your multichannel machine.
For a CNC-Machine having several turrets with tools, each one has a channel controlling it.
For some CNC-Controllers, each channel may require GCode in a separate file. For other controllers, the GCode can be written in just one file, where certain commands specify how the instructions are distributed for each of the channels.
Channels can only be defined if there are at least two Submachines in the Machine Definition.
Using the right-click menu of the Channels folder, Channels can be added manually or automatically.
To add Channels automatically, right-click the Channels folder in the Machine tree and choose Auto-generate channels (by Turrets) from the menu.
Channel Main Parameters
The main parameters of the Channel definition are as follows:
Name |
Displays the Channel name. |
ID No. |
Displays the Channel identification number. |
Max Number of Linear Axes |
Displays maximum number of linear axes controlled by channel. |
Max Number of Rotary Axes |
Displays maximum number of rotary axes controlled by channel. |
Submachine |
Displays the name of submachine included in the channel. |
A Channel can include any number of Submachines, according to your machine configuration.
When adding Channels manually, you have to specify the Submachine(s) you want to include in the Channel definition. To include Submachines, right-click anywhere in the right pane of the Channel and choose Add Submachine from the menu.
Click the Value field and select the Submachine from the list.
Axes Distribution
Axes Distribution is a feature on multi-channel machines that enables the exchanging of axes on the respective channel.
The Axes Distribution is defined by the following parameters:
Default |
Enter initial channel state of controlled axes. |
YES, NO |
Channel Name |
Choose whether or not axis can be controlled by channel. |
Allowed, Forbidden |
All axes must be assigned to the proper Channel and have its initial state defined. Initial state of axes for two or more Channels cannot have the same definition. The asterisk symbol indicates the initial state of axes for each Channel in Axes Distribution.
The illustration below represents the correct Axes Distribution for each of the Channels in the example VMID above.
The Axes Distribution settings directly affect the exchanging of axes in Channel Synchronization.