“Hidden” CNC Control Functions Simplify Procedures (Part 2)

Here in Part 2 of this blog series I’ll continue my discussion about advanced functions on Okuma’s OSP CNC controls. (In case you missed it, you can read Part 1 here.) These functions tend to be “best kept secrets” because people don’t use them as often, but if you’re missing them you might be missing out! Take a look at this next suggestion and see if it might be helpful in your shop (usage can vary depending on your particular machining processes).

MODIN/MODOUT

The MODIN/MODOUT function can be used to create custom cycles. This is handy when you want to tweak a certain type of cycle so it suits your needs more specifically. Let’s say you want to create a pattern that repeats and you want to minimize the code (and also make it easier to change or edit the program). Or perhaps you want to create custom drill cycle (such as changing the feedrate or depth of cut within the cycle). To give you an idea of what this would look like, the sample program below shows how to cut a keyhole slot. This could also be applied to a back counterbore.

T10M06 [Slotting cutter]

G15H1

G56HA

S50M3

G0X0.Y0.

Z.5

MODIN O1 [This is the call statement]

X-1. [The pattern is repeated at the locations called out within the MODIN/MODOUT statements]

X1.

MODOUT [End of the cycle]

G00 Z500.

M30

(***********)

O1 [MODIN subroutine]

G01 Z-.75 F50.

G91

G41 DA X0. Y.375

G03 X-.375 Y-.375 R.375

G01 X.095 Y-.750

G03 X.560 Y0. R.280

G01 X.095 Y0.750

G03 X-.375 Y.375 R.375

G40 G01 Y-.375

G90

Z.2

RTS [End of subroutine]

(***********)

Do Whatever You Imagine

There are many ways MODIN/MODOUT can be used; above is just an example. This is also a good demonstration of what we mean when we say that Okuma machine tools offer “open possibilities.” There are no restrictions in the technology itself – you can do whatever you want. Because of the open nature of our OSP control, you’re free to do whatever you imagine.

How would you put MODIN/MODOUT to use? Please feel free to comment below and share your ideas. If you have specific questions about how to access or use this function please contact us, or your local distributor.

Paul Russell is Applications Engineer, Okuma America Corporation.

More: Check out Part 1 of this series, where I share two more examples of advanced functions.

You can read about Okuma’s new OSP functions in Matt Roux’s blog post NEW CNC Control Functions for Lathes.