Cutter Compensation Variables

$DCOMP

Current diameter compensation type (–1:LEFT, 1:RIGHT, 0:OFF) Type: Numeric, Read/Write

This variable contains the current tool diameter compensation type specified by the CUTCOM command.

$DCOMPM

Diameter compensation method Type: Numeric, Read-only

This variable identifies the current tool diameter compensation method in use. This information is used by Virtual Machine when it applies diameter compensation. Valid values for $DCOMPM are as follows:

0:

Inactive

1:

2D planar compensation to the left or right

2:

Reserved for future use

3:

3D compensation normal to surface

4:

PQR vector compensation

$DCORNER

Diameter compensation corner method (0:auto, 1:sharp, 2:arc) Type: Numeric, Read/Write

This variable identifies the current tool diameter compensation cornering method in use. This information is used by Virtual Machine when it applies diameter compensation. Valid values for $DCORNER are as follows:

0:

Use corner angle to choose between sharp or arc, based QUEST angle setting

1:

Use sharp corners

2:

Interpolate corners using an arc motion

$DYNFIX

Dynamic fixture compensation status ($TRUE or $FALSE) Type: Logical, Read/Write

This variable will be set $TRUE when dynamic fixture compensation is activated (via the CUTCOM/TABLE,ON post-processor command) and $FALSE when dynamic fixture compensation is deactivated (CUTCOM/TABLE,OFF). The $DYNFIX variable can be set from within a macro to change the mode but when doing so the enable/disable NC codes will not be output.

$LIMADJ

Fixture (workpiece) compensation xyz values Type: Sequence, Read-only

This sequence variable contains the current fixture (workpiece) compensation xyz amounts as defined by a LIMIT/ADJUST command.

$LIMLEN

Fixture (workpiece) compensation xyz values Type: Sequence, Read-only

This sequence variable contains the current tool length compensation xyz amounts as defined by a LIMIT/LENGTH command.

$TCD	Programmed tool diameter compensation offset (<1:?) Type: Numeric, Read/Write

This variable contains the programmed tool diameter compensation offset number. If diameter compensation is not available, then the value will be zero (0). If the value is less than one (1) then the current offset number is unknown. This variable can be assigned a value only if the machine supports diameter compensation.

$TCDM

Current tool diameter compensation offset (–1:OFF, n:offset) Type: Numeric, Read-only

This variable contains the current tool diameter compensation offset number. If diameter compensation is not available or not active then the value will be –1, otherwise the value will be the diameter compensation offset number in effect.

$TCF	Programmed fixture compensation offset (<1:?) Type: Numeric, Read/Write

This variable contains the programmed fixture compensation offset number. If fixture compensation is not available, then the value will be zero (0). If the value is less than one (1) then the current offset number is unknown. This variable can be assigned a value only if the machine supports fixture compensation.

$TCFM

Current fixture compensation offset (–1:OFF, n:offset) Type: Numeric, Read-only

This variable contains the current fixture compensation offset number. If fixture compensation is not available or not active, then the value will be –1, otherwise the value will be the fixture compensation offset number in effect.

$TCF{XYZ}

Current axis fixture compensation offset (<1:?) Type: Numeric, Read/Write

These variables contain the current fixture compensation offset number for the X, Y and Z axes. These variables can only be utilized if the machine supports per/axis fixture compensation.

$TCL	Programmed tool length compensation offset (<1:?) Type: Numeric, Read/Write

This variable contains the programmed tool length compensation offset number. If length compensation is not available, then the value will be zero (0). If the value is less than one (1), the current offset number is unknown. This variable can be assigned a value only if the machine supports length compensation.

$TCLDIR

Current length compensation axis Type: Numeric, Read/Write

This variable identifies the current tool length compensation axis direction. This information is used by Virtual Machine when it applies length compensation. Valid values for $TCLDIR are as follows:

0:

Compensate along the tool axis

1-3:

Compensate along positive 1:X, 2:Y, 3:Z

4-6:

Compensate along negative 4:X, 5:Y, 6:Z

$TCLM

Current tool length compensation offset (–1:OFF, n:offset) Type: Numeric, Read-only

This variable contains the current tool length compensation offset number. If length compensation is not available or not active then the value will be –1, otherwise the value will be the length compensation offset number in effect.

$TCLSET

Tool length compensation type (1-4) Type: Numeric, Read/Write

This variable indicates and can set the tool length compensation type on machines where there are multiple length compensation types defined (QUEST Control Description / Tool and Fixture Compensation / Length comp questions #114, #115 and #116). It defines the tool length compensation type to be used if not explicitly set on the CUTCOM/LENGTH post-processor command (see “Length Compensation”). Type 1 is the standard length compensation supported by all machines. Types 2 through 4 are defined by the post-processor developer and include various RTCP settings.