Reference Manual

Turbo PMAC/PMAC2 Software Reference

Turbo PMAC Program Command Specification 458

This statement specifies the Z-component of the surface-normal vector used for three-dimensional cutter-

radius compensation. This value is used along with the X and Y-components specified by the

NX{data} and NY{data} statements, respectively, to compute the orientation of the vector.

The total magnitude of the surface-normal vector specified with these three components does not matter,

although typically a unit-magnitude vector is specified. The relative magnitudes (including signs) of the

three components are what determine the orientation of the vector. The vector must be defined from the

surface toward the tool. Generally, all three components be declared together on one line; if only one or

two components are declared, the others are left at their old values, possibly leading to unpredictable

results.

The surface-normal vector affects the compensation for the end-point of the move commanded on the

same line as the surface-normal vector. It also affects the compensation for subsequent moves until

another surface-normal vector is declared. In typical use, a new surface-normal vector is declared with

each move, so the vector only affects the move on the same line in this case.

Example:

X3.76 Y8.29 Z-4.83 A34.32 C-29.75 NX0.866 NY0 NZ-0.5