System information

SECTION SIX - PARAMETRIC PROGRAMMING
Parametric programming is similar to macro programming in that equations can be used to
specify axis position rather than decimal numbers. The Centurion 6 does not restrict the use of
parametrics to subroutines or macros. They may be used anywhere throughout a program.
Parametric expressions may be used to specify M, G, F, and S functions. When a parametric
expression is used for an axis position, it will first be evaluated and then cutter compensation
will be applied. All the normal cutter compensation rules will apply to the evaluated point. When
using parametric expressions in a program, the parameters that are used are the 100 user
parameters discussed earlier on page 74, Section 2. Values generated by equations may be
displayed on user parameter screens. Other listed system parameters may be used as input data to
parametric equations, but under normal circumstances these parameters should not be changed.
Parametric reference
A parameter reference is specified by the letter "P" followed by a valid parameter number. When
a parameter reference is used for a coordinate position it must be contained in brackets.
Example: X [P10]
Y [-P145]
Z [P2]
Parametric assignment command
Assigning is the most basic command in the use of parameters. The assignment character is an
equal (=) sign.
Assignment statements replace the current value of a variable with a new value.
Example: P1 = 1.234
In this example the value 1.234 is assigned to parameter 1. Therefore both of the following
commands would move to the same coordinate position.
X1.234 or X[P1]
Note: If assigning parameters numbers greater than 499, the control needs to be in the data
mode (G10). See the APPENDIX for a list of parameter numbers and their descriptions.
PB byte parameter
Byte parameters generally hold values that are representative of the machine configuration. For
example, the spindle range parameter PB50 will hold a value of 1 for low range, 2 for medium,
and 3 for high. Byte parameter values cannot exceed 255.
Example: PB50=2
Note: Byte parameters are not written in the verify mode. See the APPENDIX for a list of byte
parameter numbers and their descriptions.
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