Relevant macros must be defined within
the Code Generator, otherwise the corresponding command will not be available
during an EdgeCAM machining worksession using it.
This is used to direct the Code Generator and machining
programs as to what function is being defined.
|
|
The macro number falls into four groups:
|
1-50 |
Executive macros whose number relates to a predefined list of machining functions (see relevant module chapters) and may produce cutter motions on the graphics screen, e.g. toolchange, profile, rapid, feed etc. These macros are defined within the Code Generator. |
|
51-100 |
Non executive macros whose number relates to a predefined list of non-machining functions. Others in this group are contained within the Code Generator (for example, START, END, CLW, CCLW, SUBSTART, RESET and so on). They control the start and end of CNC programs and other special requirements such as subroutines. They do not form part of any menus offered to the user during machining and are referred to by name rather than number within the Code Generator although they do have numbers which can be accessed by the NEXTMACRO system variable. |
|
101-150 |
User-defined macros which allow control of M code type CNC operations or special customer requirements (for example, probing, part changer), including PDIs. These macros will have no graphical effect on the tool path graphics when invoked. User defined macros become additional commands within EdgeCAM and are automatically merged into the M-Functions menu, when the machine tool file is selected for a machining sequence. We advise that M-Functions should use macros from 101 upwards and PDIs should use macros from 150 downwards. |
|
151-199 |
Reserved exclusively for use when writing a C Axis Code Generator. |
|
200 |
Reserved for use in connection with PDIs. Allows PDIs to define tooling. |
Note that macros with numbers greater
than 200 are not permitted.