To truly understand how Parameter 1860 works, you need to look at three key areas:
In the FANUC Series 30i, 31i, and 32i (as well as 16i, 18i, and 21i) CNC systems, Parameter 1860 (APZ) is a crucial bit-type parameter used to establish and indicate the Absolute Position for each axis when utilizing absolute pulse coders. Feature & Functionality
The primary feature of Parameter 1860 is to act as a status flag and setting for the Machine Zero (Home) Position. It works in conjunction with absolute encoders to ensure the machine knows its exact location without requiring a manual zero return every time it is powered on.
Establishing Reference Position: When setting up or "homing" a machine with absolute encoders, this parameter is changed from 0 to 1 to tell the CNC that the current physical position of the axis is the established reference (zero) point. Status Indication:
0: The reference position has not been established. The machine will usually display a "ZRN Needed" (Zero Return Needed) alarm.
1: The reference position is established. The control "remembers" this location even after power is cycled, provided the encoder battery remains healthy. Common Use Case: Grid Shift Adjustment
Parameter 1860 is most often used during maintenance or after a mechanical crash to reset the home position. A typical procedure involves: Moving the axis to the desired physical home position. Setting the APZ bit (Parameter 1860) to 0 for that axis. Powering the machine off and back on.
Setting the APZ bit back to 1 to lock in the new coordinate as the absolute zero. GE Fanuc Automation Series 30i/31i/32i Parameter Manual
Overview. This document serves as a comprehensive Parameter Manual for GE Fanuc Automation's advanced Computer Numerical Control (
Fanuc 21i-ta gridshift issues - CNC Machining - Practical Machinist
You cannot guess this number. You must look at the label on the Motor or the Linear Scale.
Parameter 1860 sets the "External Pulse Encoder Diameter" (or Linear Scale Pitch).
It tells the CNC control the physical distance the machine moves for every single pulse (signal) received from the position encoder (the glass scale or rotary encoder on the motor). If this number is wrong, the machine will move the wrong distance (e.g., you command 100mm, but the machine moves 98mm or 102mm).
If you’ve adjusted Parameter 1860 but rigid tapping is still problematic, check these:
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Action | |--------|--------------|--------| | Parameter 1860 value is very large (>5000) | Incorrect initial setting or bad encoder | Reset to machine builder’s default, then re-calibrate | | Orientation works but tapping fails | Bad acceleration/deceleration times | Check Parameters 1865 (acceleration speed) and 1870 (time constant) | | Intermittent sync alarm | Electrical noise or failing spindle encoder | Check shielded cables, replace encoder | | Value resets after power cycle | Memory battery low or parameter write-protect on | Replace battery, check hardware write-protect switch |
You typically only touch this parameter during:
Important: Always back up all CNC parameters before making changes. Use a memory card or RS-232 to save your current backup. This operation requires access level 3 (maintenance) or higher.
FANUC Parameter 1860 is a precise and powerful tool that bridges the digital command of the CNC with the analog reality of mechanical motion. While it may be overshadowed by more commonly discussed parameters, its correct configuration is the bedrock of accurate axis scaling, consistent homing, and safe operation. For any service engineer or machinist facing unexpected axis movement errors, verifying the value of Parameter 1860 against the specifications of the installed pulse coder is an essential diagnostic step. In the high-stakes world of precision machining, this single parameter ensures that a command to move one inch results in exactly one inch of movement—no more, no less.
Fanuc Parameter 1860 is a critical coordinate system setting that manages the relationship between the machine’s mechanical zero and its absolute position detection system. This parameter is specifically used on machines equipped with absolute pulse coders (APCs) to ensure the control always knows exactly where the tool is, even after a power cycle. Core Function and Purpose
Parameter 1860, along with its counterpart Parameter 1861, defines the reference position for each axis. When an absolute encoder is used, the CNC must know the offset between the encoder's "internal zero" and the physical machine zero. fanuc parameter 1860 work
Coordinate Alignment: It tells the CNC how to calculate the machine coordinate value from the pulse data provided by the absolute encoder.
Reference Return (Zero Return): Unlike incremental systems that require a physical trip to a limit switch (homing) every morning, systems using Parameter 1860 "remember" their position. This parameter stores the necessary data to maintain that reference. How Parameter 1860 Works in Practice
In most modern Fanuc controls (such as the 0i, 16i, 18i, and 21i series), the process of setting this parameter is often automated during a zero-point establishment procedure.
Detection System: For this parameter to be active, Parameter 1815 #5 (APC) must be set to 1 (indicating an absolute pulse coder is in use).
Home Position Setup: When you perform a manual zero return to set the home position, the CNC calculates the difference between the current encoder reading and the desired machine zero.
Automatic Update: Once the APZ (Parameter 1815 #4) bit is toggled to 1 following a restart, the CNC often updates 1860/1861 automatically to reflect the precise physical location of the axis. Troubleshooting and Maintenance
If your machine loses its home position (common after a battery failure or encoder replacement), you will likely see a 300 APC Alarm. To fix this:
Enable Parameter Writing: You must set PWE (Parameter Write Enable) to 1 on the SETTING screen to make changes.
Manual Adjustment: While usually updated by the system, technicians may manually adjust Parameter 1860 to "shift" the machine zero without physically moving the encoder or motor.
Scale Synchronization: On axes with separate linear scales that do not hold rotation data, Parameter 1815 #6 (NRT) determines if the reference position is updated when coordinates pass the value stored in 1860. Related Parameters for Work Offsets
While 1860 handles the machine's "foundation" coordinates, operators use different tools for daily job setups:
G54–G59: These work coordinate systems (WCS) are offsets relative to the machine zero established by 1860.
Parameter 1201–1202: Often used for manual absolute settings that affect how the absolute position display behaves during tool changes or G43 height compensations.
Master the Fanuc Zero Return Procedure in 5 Steps - CNCFixtech
Understanding FANUC Parameter 1860: Unlocking its Work and Applications
In the world of CNC machining, FANUC is a well-known and respected brand that provides high-performance control systems for a wide range of machine tools. One of the key features of FANUC controls is the use of parameters, which allow users to customize and optimize their machines for specific applications. In this article, we'll be focusing on FANUC parameter 1860 and its work, exploring what it does, how it works, and its practical applications.
What is FANUC Parameter 1860?
FANUC parameter 1860 is a specific setting within the FANUC control system that determines the scaling factor for the machine's position feedback. In essence, it adjusts the way the machine interprets position data from the feedback devices, such as encoders or resolvers. This parameter is usually used to fine-tune the machine's movement and positioning accuracy.
How Does FANUC Parameter 1860 Work?
When a FANUC control system is installed on a machine tool, it is typically set up with default parameters that provide a good starting point for most applications. However, to optimize the machine's performance, adjustments to these parameters may be necessary. Parameter 1860 comes into play when the machine's position feedback needs to be scaled.
The scaling factor set by parameter 1860 affects how the machine's control system interprets the position feedback data. A scaling factor of 1, for example, means that the machine will move exactly one unit (e.g., millimeter or inch) for every unit of feedback received. By adjusting this parameter, users can effectively change the machine's movement ratio, allowing for more precise control over the machining process.
Why is FANUC Parameter 1860 Important?
The correct setting of FANUC parameter 1860 is crucial for achieving accurate and precise machining results. Here are some reasons why:
Practical Applications of FANUC Parameter 1860
Here are some examples of how FANUC parameter 1860 is used in real-world applications:
How to Set FANUC Parameter 1860
Setting FANUC parameter 1860 requires a good understanding of the machine's mechanics, feedback devices, and the specific requirements of the application. Here are the general steps:
Conclusion
In conclusion, FANUC parameter 1860 plays a vital role in optimizing the performance of machine tools equipped with FANUC control systems. By understanding how this parameter works and its practical applications, users can unlock the full potential of their machines, achieving higher accuracy, precision, and productivity. Whether you're a CNC machining expert or a machine tool builder, knowledge of FANUC parameter 1860 is essential for delivering high-quality results.
Additional Tips and Best Practices
Here are some additional tips and best practices to keep in mind when working with FANUC parameter 1860:
By following these guidelines and best practices, users can ensure that their FANUC control system is optimized for maximum performance, accuracy, and productivity.
In FANUC CNC systems, Parameter 1860 specifically used to define the current absolute position of an axis when using an absolute pulse coder
. It is not typically referred to as a "work" parameter in a general sense, but rather a "reference position" or "absolute position" setting. Key Details of Parameter 1860 It stores the absolute position of each axis. Relationship with APC: APC (Absolute Position Coder)
bit in Parameter 1815 is set to 1, the system uses Parameter 1860 to track where the machine is, even after power is turned off.
You generally do not manually edit this parameter under normal "work" conditions. Instead, it is automatically updated by the CNC after a successful Reference Point Return or home position setting procedure. When You Might Use It
If you are seeing a "review" or discussion about "Parameter 1860 work," it likely refers to one of the following maintenance tasks: Setting Home Position:
After replacing an absolute encoder battery or a motor, you must "zero" the machine. Setting the APZ bit (in Parameter 1815) often triggers an update to the value stored in 1860. Synchronizing Positions: To truly understand how Parameter 1860 works, you
If there is a mismatch between the physical position of the tool and what the screen shows, technicians may verify the value in 1860 to ensure the absolute pulse coder is communicating correctly. Troubleshooting Alarms: Alarms like APC Alarm 300
(Request for Reference Position Return) often involve verifying that the system is correctly writing data to Parameter 1860. MRO Electric Important Related Parameters Parameter 1815:
Used to enable absolute position detection (APC bit) and confirm that the zero point has been set (APZ bit). Parameter 1850: Sets the reference point offset. Parameter 1241:
Defines the coordinate value of the second reference point (often used for tool changes). MRO Electric Enable Parameter Write (PWE)
and back up your current settings before attempting to modify axis position data. Machine Metrics Are you currently facing a specific alarm code or trying to reset the home position on a machine? How to Enable Parameter Write Enable (PWE) on a Fanuc CNC
Fanuc parameter 1860 (also labeled as POSCNT) is a critical axis-specific setting used to define the position feedback pulse count for the spindle encoder. It essentially tells the CNC system how many pulses are generated for each revolution of the spindle, allowing for precise speed and position control. ⚙️ How Parameter 1860 Works
Feedback Link: It synchronizes the mechanical rotation of the spindle with the electrical pulses sent to the CNC.
Axis-Specific: Like many servo and spindle parameters, it is set individually for each axis or spindle defined in the system.
Scaling: It works in tandem with other gear ratio and detector parameters to ensure that if you command 1000 RPM, the machine accurately maintains exactly that speed. 🌟 Why It’s a "Good Feature"
This parameter is vital for high-precision operations that require the CNC to know the exact orientation of the spindle:
Rigid Tapping: Essential for syncing the feedrate of the Z-axis with the spindle's rotation to cut threads without a floating tap holder.
Spindle Orientation: Allows the machine to stop the spindle at a specific angle (e.g., for a tool change in an ATC).
Threading/Canned Cycles: Ensures the tool enters the part at the exact same angular position on every pass, which is necessary for multi-pass threading.
Speed Stability: Provides the feedback needed for the control to compensate for load changes, keeping the cutting speed constant. ⚠️ Pro-Tips for Setting
Backup First: Always back up your parameters before changing 1860, as an incorrect value can cause spindle alarms or "jittery" rotation.
PWE Mode: To edit it, you must be in MDI mode and have Parameter Write Enable (PWE) set to 1.
Consult Manuals: The exact value depends on your encoder's hardware (e.g., 1024, 4096, or 10000 pulses). Check your machine tool builder's documentation for the specific hardware rating.
If you're having trouble with a specific operation, let me know: Are you getting a spindle alarm? Is your rigid tapping failing or breaking taps? What model is your Fanuc control (e.g., 0i-MD, 31i)? PARAMETER MANUAL