Practice report U3P1.

Absolute and Incremental coordinates

Pichardo Torres, Luis Enrique Polytechnic University of Aguascalientes

Abstract This report contains different ways to represent a figure determined by coordinates. In this case we have worked with Absolute and Incremental positioning in a Cartesian plane. We have defined a unique shape to implement both coordinates systems and observe the differences between them and to understand the advantages and disadvantages they have against each other. It also includes information and pictures about these systems to properly understand how they work. I. INTRODUCTION The role of coordinates in CNC programming is quite simply to establish the position of the cutting tools in relation to the workpiece so that the proper dimensions can be produced. The CNC programmer will have to plan and program the individual trajectories or locations and toolpaths before the workpiece can be produced. Therefore, the coordinate system must be established prior to any programming and prior to any machining. Furthermore, the shape of any workpiece can be described as a collection of geometrical features that will form the boundaries of the workpiece. As methods to command displacements of the each axis based on the specified coordinate system, there are two modes, Absolute programming mode and Incremental programming mode. When Absolute mode is used, the end position of each axis is programmed. When Incremental mode is used, the relative displacement of each axis is programmed. II. MATERIALS CncSimulator Software

III. THEORETICAL SUPPORT A. Absolute positioning Tool locations (coordinates) are given from a reference point called the origin or zero point. The origin is the point where the x, y, and z coordinates all are zero (0, 0, 0). The location of the origin is determined by the programmer. The origin is often located at the corner of a part or the center of a hole. To repeat, absolute positioning always directs the control where the tool locations are relative to the origin (program zero point). The preparatory command G90 selected for absolute mode remains modal until the incremental command G91 is programmed. In the absolute mode, there will be no motion for any axis that is omitted in the program. The main advantage of absolute programming is the ease of modification by the programmer or by the CNC operator. A change of one dimension does not affect any other dimensions in the program. The next picture (Fig. 1.1) shows the Absolute dimensioning.

Fig 1.1 Absolute dimensioning

B. Incremental positioning In the incremental mode of programming, also called a relative mode, all program dimensions are measured as departure distances into a specified direction (equivalent to the distance to go on the control system). The actual motion of the machine is the specified amount along each axis, with the direction indicated as positive or negative. The signs + or specify direction of the tool motion, not the quadrant of rectangular coordinates. Plus sign for positive values does not have to be written, but minus sign must be used. All zero input values, such as X0, Y0 or Z0 mean there will be no tool motion along that axis, and do not have to be written at all. If zero axis value is programmed in incremental mode, it will be ignored. The preparatory command for incremental mode is G91 and remains modal until absolute command is programmed. There will be no motion for any axis omitted in the program block. The main advantage of incremental programs is their portability between individual sections of a program. An incremental program can be called at different locations of the part, even in different programs. It is mostly used when developing subprograms or repeating an equal distance. The next picture (Fig. 1.2) shows the Incremental dimensioning.

IV. DEVELOPMENT Draw an L shape with the nearest corner to the origin on (1, 1), the base lengths 3 units, the height lengths 5 units and the width lengths 1 unit. Calculate both, Absolute and Incremental coordinates of the corners going CCW. First we have to draw the base of 3 units. The starting point of the form is found in (1,1). The following image shows the first step (Fig. 1.3).

Fig. 1.3 Drawing the base

Now we have to draw the line of 5 units representing the height of the "L". The following image shows the second step (Fig. 1.4).

Fig. 1.4 Drawing the height

Finally we have to complete the form with the data width that is given us in the statement. The following image shows the last step (Fig. 1.5).

Fig. 1.2 Incremental dimensioning

Fig. 1.5 Drawing the width

According to the previous steps, the "L" is located as follows on the Cartesian plane (Fig. 1.6).

Fig. 1.8 Incremental coordinates from the base

Remember that the development is in a CCW sense. The following image (Fig. 1.9) shows the incremental coordinates that define the L.
Fig. 1.6 L shape

After drawing the "L" with the characteristics given, it is necessary to name the corners using absolute coordinates that define the shape. Remember that the beginning of our form is given by the point (1,1) and the development is CCW. The following image (Fig. 1.7) shows the absolute coordinates that define the "L".

Fig. 1.9 Incremental coordinates from the shape

Fig. 1.7 Absolute coordinates from the shape

Alternately, with the help of CncSimulator we can see the layout of the form "L" in a different way and with the application of programming codes. The following code represents the information needed to draw the figure in absolute coordinates. In this report are not discussed with the creation of codes but will serve to place the form in space (not for the primary purpose).
% N10 G21 G90 N20 M06 T03 N30 M03 S1200 N40 G17 G40 N50 G00 X1 Y1 Z.5 N60 G01 Z-0.125 F4 N70 X4 N80 Y2 N90 X2 N100 Y6 N110 X1 N120 Y1 N130 Z.5 N140 M05 N150 M30 %

Now it is necessary to represent an "L" with incremental coordinates. On the first reference value point A (1,1) trace the base, which measures 3 units. We are now at the point B that has a value (3.0) representing the increase in X and Y with respect to point A, repeat the process to complete the whole form (Fig. 1.8).

V. RESULTS To express each coordinate we chose to name each of the corners (Fig. 1.10). The following table (Fig. 1.11) displays all the information acquired from the two exercises.

In the following images (Fig. 1.13) we can observe the work piece and the form it was programmed, two different perspectives.

Fig. 1.10 Final result

Fig. 1.11 Table of coordinates

Fig. 1.13 Perspectives from the simulation

The following images were acquired from the simulation. The first image (Fig. 1.12) shows a yellow line representing the working tool and a line in blue which represents the cut made (trace).

The following figure (Fig. 1.14) represents the graph obtained from the simulation.

Fig. 1.12 3D representation of the trace Fig. 1.14 Graph from the simulation

VI. OBSERVATIONS Personally, during this practice I learn how to use the incremental coordinates to define a regular shape. If we go directly to the scheme in which incremental coordinates were added to the figure, it can be confusing for people unfamiliar with the system. The absolute coordinates are most common for other people. VII. CONCLUSION I can conclude that this practice helped me to understand the importance of define the coordinate system before try to get a product from a machining (planning). The use of both coordinates systems resulted simpler, because I had already worked with them. Also the use of CncSimulator helped me to get a different perspective of the same result. This is the first occasion that I use this software and it was friendly and easily adaptable. VIII. REFERENCES
1.

Smid Peter (2003). Cnc Programming Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Practical Cnc Programming. Industrial Press Inc. New York.