CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

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CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

CNC Programming Skills:

Program Entry and Editing on Fanuc Machines
by S. K. Sinha
Copyright 2014 S. K. Sinha
All Rights Reserved
No part of this book may be reproduced, copied, or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the
author
By the same author:
CNC Programming Using Fanuc Custom Macro B published by McGraw Hill, USA (Also available in
Chinese version through Science Press, Beijing)

Table of Contents
Preface
MDI panel
MOP panel
Soft keys
Entering a new program
Editing I executing an existing program
Deleting a program
Copying an entire program

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

Copving a part of a program

Moving a part of a program
I nserting a program into another program
Inserting a part of a program into another program
Searching and replacing a word(s) bv another word(s)
Editing of custom macros
Background editing
Edit lock function
Flash memory card (PCMCIA card) as an external memorv device
Displaying the directory of stored files on the memory card
Searching for a file stored in th e memorv card
Copying a file stored in the memory card using file number
Copying a file stored in the memory card using file name
Writing a file on the memory card
Deleting a file on the memorv card

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

Preface
This is the first book in the series CN C Programming Skills.
Do you know how to insert a part of a program into another program at the desired location? Background
editing?? Using PCMCIA card??? Or, maybe, a simple task such as replacing Go2 by G03 in the whole file????
When it comes to manual program entry on the machine, or searching I deleting I editing I copying I moving I
inserting an existing program residing in the control memory or the PCMCIA card, most people resort to trial and
error method. While they might be able to accomplish what they desire, the right approach would save a lot of their
precious time. If this is exactly what you want, this book is for you. The information contained herein is concise,
yet complete and exhaustive. The best part is that you can enjoy the convenience of having the wealth of useful
information on editing techniques even on your smart phone which is always with you! You would often need to
refer to it because it is not possible to memorize all the steps which are many a time too complex and devoid of
common logic, so as to make the correct guess.
The procedure for program entry I editing on a Fanuc oi control is explained after the definition of some key
words, which applies to all i-series control versions.
Happy editing...

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

MDI panel
The keyboard which is an integral part of the LCD screen is called MDI (manual data input) panel. This is
supplied by Fanuc and has a standard configuration for a particular control version I model. Fanuc oi standard MDI
has 24 address I numeric keys, 6 function keys (POS, PROG, OFSISET, SYSTEM, MESSAGE, and CSTMIGR keys),
3 edit keys (ALTER, INSERT and DELETE keys), one SHIFT key, one CAN key, one INPUT key, one HELP key, one
RESET key, 2 page change keys and four (left I right I up I down) arrow keys. The MDI panel is used for typing I
editing a program and also for entering data for changing the software settings (such as setting system parameters
for the overtravellimits, etc.) of the machine.
One can type a new program or edit an existing program directly on the MDI (Manual data input) panel of the
machine in the EDIT mode. The control saves whatever we type, the moment we press the INSERT key on the MDI
panel (except in background editing mode, described later). Similarly, if we delete a word(s) or a block(s), it is gone
forever. A deleted file also cannot be recovered. There is no undo key or a recycle bin. So, if the backup of the old
file is also desired, it has to be copied into a new file and then edited. The programs are executed in the automatic
(AUTO) mode which is also referred to as the memory (MEM) mode. Small programs, which need not be saved for
a future use, can also be executed in the manual data input (MDI) mode. Manual movement of the tool, say, for the
purpose of offset setting, can be done in JOG I Handle mode. EDIT mode is only for the purpose of editing.

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

MOP panel
This panel (machine operator's panel), which does not have a standard configuration, is for selecting machine
modes (EDIT, AUTO, REMOTE, MDI, JOG, INC, HANDLE, REFERENCE and TECAH modes, all of which may not
be available on all the machines) and for hardware control of the machine such as coolant ON I OFF, spindle ON I
OFF, feed drives ON I OFF, tailstock forward I retract, tool change, various overrides, program execution start I
stop, feed hold, single block execution, block skip, optional stop, emergency stop etc. The panel also has some key
switches for edit lock, machine lock, auxiliary (MST) lock, external I internal chucking, emergency override etc.
Keeping in view the capability of a machine (all the control features are not implemented in all the machines), the
MOP panel is designed by the machine tool builder (MTB) who makes the hardware part of the machine and
installs on it the control supplied by Fanuc (or some other company). The control of the machine is a complete
package of the electronic parts as well as compatible servo motors I encoders with feedback circuits, servo
amplifiers, cables etc. It is interesting to note that the machine control unit (MCU), i.e., the box which houses all
the PCB's of the control is just about the size of a standard dictionary, irrespective of the size of the machine!

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

Soft keys
Just below the LCD screen, there are 7 buttons, which have conteA.'t based (as defined by the function keys on
the MDI panel and subsequent selection of soft keys) multiple functions . In a particular application, the meaning
of each button is displayed just above it. Since the functions of these bottoms vary and are software dependent,
these are called soft keys. The extreme left button ( -<1111 ) and the extreme right button (.,.. ) are for return menu and
next menu (remaining options which could not be displayed due to lack of space), respectively. In most cases,
OPRT (operation selection key) is indicated for the second button from the right. This button opens the menu for
the possible operations on the selection made by the remaining four buttons (which are called chapter selection or
context selection soft keys). In many cases, the chapter selection keys have a tree structure, i.e., selection of one
chapter may open up several chapters, some of which may again have several chapters, and so on.

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

Entering a new program

Assuming that the new program number is 1234, carry out the following steps:
Select the EDIT mode on the MOP panel.
Press the PROG key on the MDI panel.
Type 01234 and press the INSERT key on the MDI panel.
If a program with number 1234 already exists, an error message would come. In such a case, either delete the
old program or use an unused number. If no program with this number exists, then a blank program editing screen
will appear with 01234 displayed in the first line and % in the second (last) line. Start typing the program, using the
shift key, wherever required. Some of the keys, which are used for both characters and numbers, are context
sensitive, i.e., if a number is required to be entered, the keys will behave as number keys. In a different context,
these become character keys. For macro words, abbreviations can be used. For example, it is sufficient to type WH
instead of WHILE. The program will insert and display the complete word only.

After typing each complete word (e.g., N10o, Go1, Mo3, X12.5, S10oo etc.), press the INSERT key. At the end of
a block, press EOB (end of block) key, followed by INSERT key. This will insert a semicolon, after which typing
starts from the next line. Insert EOB after 01234 also, to change the line. Note that it is not necessary to start
typing the program from the second line, but it "looks" better that way. Insertion is done after the highlighted
word. It is permitted to insert multiple words in one step - just type them sequentially, and press INSERT after
typing the last word. In fact, multiple blocks (separated by EOB, i.e., semicolons) also can be inserted in one step, in
the same manner.
While specifying the distances along different axes, be careful that a parameter setting may cause the integer

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

values (i.e., distances in whole numbers) to be interpreted in the least input increment of the machine, i.e., as
multiples of one micron (in mm mode). For example, X1o may be interpreted as 10 microns along X-axis. So, it is a
safe practice to use X1o.o (or simply, X10.), if 10 mm is implied. The least input increment in inch mode is 0 .0001
inch. So, in inch mode, X1o may be interpreted as 0 .0010 inch. The least input increment is the mechanical
resolution of the machine - the minimum distance by which the tool can be made to move along an axis, from its
present position. In fact, a two dimensional (three dimensional on a 3-axis machine) uniform grid v.rith the grid
spacing equal to the least input increment can be thought to exist in the work envelope of the machine. The tool
can only move to the discrete grid points - it cannot stop at an intermediate position. This happens because the
control of the machine is digital, not analog.
For the purpose of editing or for simply displaying the desired blocks I words of the program, move the cursor
using left I right I up I down arrow keys and page up I page down keys, as needed. The position of the cursor is
indicated by highlighting the word at that position. The complete word is highlighted and the cursor moves word by
word (by left I right arrow keys). This means that any editing operation is possible only on complete words- you
cannot edit a part of a word; edit the whole word. In the discussion that follows, "bringing the cursor to a word" and
"highlighting a word" - both mean the same thing.
Use CAN (cancel) key to delete one character at a time (backwards) while typing. DELETE key deletes the
whole of the highlighted word. If a word is to be replaced by a new word, highlight the old word, type the new word
and press the ALTER key. The program number (0-word in the first line of the program) and the end of file
character(% character in the last line) cannot be deleted or altered.
For deleting a complete block (each line of a program is called a block in CNC language), place the cursor on
the first word of the block, press EOB, followed by DELETE keys. Instead of placing the cursor on the first word, if
it is placed on some other word, then all the words of that block except those lying to the left of the highlighted

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

word would be deleted. It is also possible to delete multiple blocks, provided the last block to be deleted has a
sequence number (say, No10oo) - instead of EOB, type No10oo and press DELETE.
It is also possible to search a word (which consists of a letter address followed by data, e.g., S1200) by typing

it fully or typing its address only, and pressing the soft key SRH! or SRHt for forward I backward search. For
example S1200 cannot be searched by typing S1, but it can be searched by both S1200 and S. Also, leading zeroes at
the left of a data are not ignored in a search operation. For example, So10o cannot be searched by typing S10o. Type
either So10o or just S. Typing just the address is very convenient if, for example, you want to examine the spindle
speeds (S-word) specified in the whole program, one by one. For this, typeS and press SRH! repeatedly, till you
reach the end of the program where the search ends.
Comments, if any, must be enclosed between left and right parentheses, i.e., "("and")" characters which are
called control out and control in characters, respectively, and the INSERT key should be pressed after the end of
the complete comment.
If the MOP has a block skip switch, insert the slash character, I, in the beginning of a block to skip it optionally
(depending on the ON I OFF setting of the block skip switch on the MOP, at the time of reading the program),
during the execution of the program. For multiple block skip switches (if provided), insert 11, 12, 13 etc. (a
maximum of nine block skip switches may be available), corresponding to the respective switch numbers. Some
controls (including Fanuc oi) allow the slash symbol even in the middle of a block (mid block skip) for the purpose
of skipping the part of the block lying to the right of the slash, but it might cause confusion because the slash
character is also used for the division operation in a macro statement (i.e., a statement in terms of variables). If the
purpose is division, then it must be enclosed in square brackets. For example, in #101 = [#100I2], the slash means
division, but in #101 = #10012, the slash means mid block skip (if the block skip switch is ON), which sets #101 =
#100. However, it is better to use conditional (IF _ GOTO _ )or unconditional (GOTO _ )branching instead of

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

using block skip. Block skip was originally designed for machines not having macro programming option.
Use arrow keys and page up I page down keys to move the cursor wherever desired. The left I right arrows
move the cursor backward I forward, one word at a time. The up I down arrow keys move the cursor to the first
word of the previous I ne}.'t block Page up I page down keys move the cursor to the first word of the previous I next
page. In all cases, the movement will be continuous if you hold down the keys. The RESET key places the cursor on
the first word of the program.
The MDI panel usually has just one key for the left bracket and another one for the right bracket. While typing,
whether the bracket v.rill appear as a square bracket or a parenthesis, depends on a parameter setting. If the
machine has Fanuc oi or a similar control, set parameter 3204 #0 to o for a square bracket, and 1 for a parenthesis.
The first bit (from right) of an 8-bit parameter is referred to as bit #O (the eight bits are designated as # O through
#7, starting from the right). Obviously, it would not be possible to use square brackets as well as insert comments
both at the same time, with this parameter setting. If some comments are desired to be inserted in a macro
program, first type I edit the program using square brackets, wherever required. Then change the parameter setting
to get parentheses, for the purpose of inserting comments. After inserting comments, if again some corrections in
the program, involving square brackets, are needed, another change in parameter 3204 would be required.
There is, however, a way to use both types of brackets, v.rith the same parameter setting. For this, set parameter
3204#2 to 1 (3204#0 should remain o . Status of the other six bits of this parameter does not affect this feature) .
Such a parameter setting displays an e}.'tended character set, as soft keys, in the EDIT mode, displaying "(",")" and
"@". With this setting, if square brackets are needed, use the bracket keys on the MDI panel, and if parentheses are
needed, do the follov.ring (in EDIT mode):
Press PROG on MDI panel (Press PROG again if the current program is not displayed).

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

Press OPRT soft key.

Press the next menu key ( ..,.. ) twice.
Press C-EXT soft key.
After this, soft keys for left parenthesis, right parenthesis and @ (which can be used in the comments inserted
in a program) will appear which can be used as and when required, for editing in EDIT mode. However, a change in
display screen will make these soft keys disappear. If these are again needed, the process to display these will have
to be repeated.

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

Editing f executing an existing program

Assuming that the existing program number is 1234, carry out the following steps:
Select the EDIT or AUTO mode on the MOP panel.
Press the PROG key on the MDI panel.
Type 01234 (or simply 1234) and press the 0 SRH (program number search) soft key. If 0 SRH
does not appear, press the return menu soft key ( ~ ).
Program number 1234 will appear in the program screen, and 01234 will be displayed at the top right corner of
the screen. If the specified program number does not exist, "DATA NOT FOUND" will be displayed. DIR soft key
v.rill display a list of defined programs. Note that though the program can be searched in EDIT as well as AUTO
mode, editing is possible only in EDIT mode, and execution (i.e., machining the workpiece) in AUTO mode.
Background editing (discussed later), however, is possible in AUTO mode also. For executing a program, i.e., for
starting the machining, first set the proper conditions for machining (such as offset setting, hydraulic ON, tailstock
EXTEND, releasing axis inhibit interlock etc.), bring the cursor to the first block of the program, and then press
CYCLE START on the MOP.

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

Deleting a program
Assuming that the existing program number 1234 is to be deleted, carry out the follov.ring steps:
Select the EDIT mode on the MOP panel.
Press the PROG key on the MDI panel.
Type 01234 ("O" has to be typed; simply 1234 will not do.) and press the DELETE key on the MDI
panel.
It is also possible to delete all programs v.rithin a defined range, in one step. For example, if all the programs

including and lying between program numbers 1000 and 2000 are to be deleted, then in the third step, type
010oo,02ooo and press the DELETE key. For deleting all the programs, type 0-9999 and press the DELETE key.

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

Copying an entire program

Assuming that the existing program number 1234 is to be copied to create a new program number 2345, carry
out the following steps:
Select the EDIT mode on the MOP panel.
Press the PROG key on the MDI panel.
Type 01234 (or simply 1234) and press the 0 SRH soft key.
Press the soft key OPRT. If OPRT does not appear, press the return menu soft key ( ~ ).
Press the next menu soft key( ..,. ).
Press the soft key EX-EDT (extended edit), followed by COPY and ALL soft keys.
Type 2345 and press INPUT on the MDI panel.
Press the soft key EXEC (execute).
After this operation, we will have two programs 01234 and 02345 with the same contents. One of these may
be selected for editing, and the other may be left unchanged.

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

Copying a part of a program

Assuming that a part of the existing program number 1234 is to be copied to create a new program number
2345, carry out the following steps:
Select the EDIT mode on the MOP panel.
Press the PROG key on the MDI panel.
Type 01234 (or simply 1234) and press the 0 SRH soft key.
Press the soft key OPRT. If OPRT does not appear, press the return menu soft key ( ~ ).
Press the next menu soft key( ..,.. ).
Press the soft key EX-EDT, followed by COPY.
Move the cursor to the start of the range to be copied and press the soft key CRSL~.
Move the cursor to the end of the range to be copied and press the soft key ~CRSL or ~ BTTM (in
the latter case, the program up to the end is copied, regardless of the position of the cursor).
Type 2345 and press INPUT on the MDI panel.
Press the soft key EXEC.
After this operation, program number 1234 will remain unaffected, and the new program number 2345 will
have the selected part of program number 1234.

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

Moving a part of a program

It is similar to the previous case, except that the part which is copied to create a new program is deleted from

the original program:

Select the EDIT mode on the MOP panel.
Press the PROG key on the MDI panel.
Type 01234 (or simply 1234) and press the 0 SRH soft key.
Press the soft key OPRT. If OPRT does not appear, press the return menu soft key ( ~ ).
Press the next menu soft key( ..,. ).
Press the soft key EX-EDT, followed by MOVE.
Move the cursor to the start of the range to be moved and press the soft key CRSL~.
Move the cursor to the end of the range to be moved and press the soft key ~CRSL or ~ BITM (in
the latter case, the program up to the end is moved, regardless of the position of the cursor).
Type 2345 and press INPUT on the MDI panel.
Press the soft key EXEC.
After this operation, the new program number 2345 will contain the selected part of program number 1234,
and this part will be deleted from the original program number1234.
In all the copying and moving operations, if a program number is not input before pressing the EXEC soft key,

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

a new program number oooo is created. This program can be edited in the usual manner, but cannot be executed.

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

Inserting a program into another program

An existing program (say, program number 2345) can be inserted at an arbitrary position in the current
program (say, program number 1234):

Select the EDIT mode on the MOP panel.

Press the PROG key on the MDI panel.
Type 01234 (or simply 1234) and press the 0 SRH soft key.
Press the soft key OPRT. If OPRT does not appear, press the return menu soft key ( ~ ) .
Press the next menu soft key (..,.. ).
Press the soft key EX-EDT, followed by MERGE.
Move the cursor to the word, before which program number 2345 is to be inserted, and press the
soft key ~'CRSL or~ BTTM' (in the latter case, the insertion is done at the end of the current program,
regardless of the position of the cursor).
Type 2345 and press INPUT on the MDI panel.
Press the soft key EXEC.
After this operation, program number 2345 is inserted at the desired location in program number 1234,
creating a modified program number 1234. Program number 2345 remains unaffected.

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

Inserting a program into another program

An existing program (say, program number 2345) can be inserted at an arbitrary position in the current
program (say, program number 1234):

Select the EDIT mode on the MOP panel.

Press the PROG key on the MDI panel.
Type 01234 (or simply 1234) and press the 0 SRH soft key.
Press the soft key OPRT. If OPRT does not appear, press the return menu soft key ( ~ ) .
Press the next menu soft key (..,.. ).
Press the soft key EX-EDT, followed by MERGE.
Move the cursor to the word, before which program number 2345 is to be inserted, and press the
soft key ~'CRSL or~ BTTM' (in the latter case, the insertion is done at the end of the current program,
regardless of the position of the cursor).
Type 2345 and press INPUT on the MDI panel.
Press the soft key EXEC.
After this operation, program number 2345 is inserted at the desired location in program number 1234,
creating a modified program number 1234. Program number 2345 remains unaffected.

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

Searching and replacing a word(s) by another word(s)

Carry out the following steps to replace the words (say, X1oo Y2oo) by other words (say, X2oo Z1oo F6o) in
program number, say, 1234:
Select the EDIT mode on the MOP panel.
Press the PROG key on the MDI panel.
Type 01234 (or simply 1234) and press the 0 SRH soft key. If the program is already displayed,
press RESET to bring the cursor to the first word of the program, if the search operation from the
beginning of the program is desired; otherwise, searching will be done from the current position of the
cursor, till the end of the program. It is always downward search.
Press the soft key OPRT. If OPRT does not appear, press the return menu soft key ( ..... ).
Press the next menu soft key( ..,.. ).
Press the soft key EX-EDT, followed by CHANGE.
Type X1oo Y2oo and press the soft key BEFORE.
Type X2oo Z1oo F6o and press the soft key AFTER The first occurrence of X1oo Y2oo, at or after
the current position of the cursor, will be highlighted.
Press the soft key EXEC to do the replacement at all occurrences, starting from the highlighted
word, till the end of the file. Any occurrence(s) before the highlighted word will remain unaffected.
Press the soft key EX-SGL (execute single) to do the replacement at the highlighted word only. Thereafter,

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

the next occurrence is highlighted.

Press the soft key SKIP to skip the replacement at the current occurrence and search for the next
occurrence. This option can be repeatedly used to look for the occurrence at a desired location. At the
proper location, press the soft key EX-SGL for replacement. Any combination of EX-SGL and SKIP,
followed by EXEC (if replacement at all the subsequent occurrences is desired) can be used.

Restriction: Not more than 15 characters can be specified for old or new words.

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

Editing of custom macros

The methods are the same as those used for ordinary programs, except that the use of abbreviations (first two
characters or more) is permitted for macros. For example, if WHILE is to be typed, for searching or inserting, it is
permissible to type only WH or WHI etc. The program displays and searches complete words even if abbreviations
are used while typing. Set parameter 3204 appropriately to be able to use both square brackets as well as
parentheses, as explained earlier.

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

Background editing
Editing a program while executing another program is called background editing. The methods of editing are
the same as those for ordinary editing (which is called foreground editing), discussed earlier. Though a program
cannot be executed in EDIT mode, it is permissible to change to EDIT mode once the program starts executing.
Assume that while program number 1234 is executing, program number 2345 is to be edited in the background.
The following steps are needed:
Select the EDIT or AUTO mode on the MOP panel.
Press the PROG key on the MDI panel.
Type 01234 (or simply 1234) and press the 0 SRH soft key.
Change to AUTO mode and press CYCLE START on the MOP, after setting proper conditions for
machining. The program will start executing (Do take all the standard precautions for executing a
program.).
Press the PROG key on the MDI panel.
Press the soft key OPRT. If OPRT does not appear, press the return menu soft key ( ~ ).
Press the soft key BG-EDT (background editing). The background editing screen will appear,
displaying PROGRAM (BG-EDIT) at the top left corner of the screen.
Type 02345 (or simply 2345) and press the 0 SRH soft key.
Now edit the program in the usual manner. After the background editing is complete, press the
soft key OPRT (if BG-END does not appear), followed by BG-END (background editing end).

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

Restriction: In background editing, no attempt should be made to make any change in the program being
executed. Also, the program being executed cannot call (as a subprogram) the program being edited in the
background. Note that alarms of foreground operation (execution, in this case) do not affect the background
operation, and similarly, alarms of the background operation do not affect the foreground operation. To
differentiate between the two categories of alarms, the term P/S alarm (position I setting alarm) is used for the
foreground alarm, and BP/S alarm is used for the background alarm.

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

Edit lock function

The MOP has a key switch which can be activated to disable any editing operation on all the programs. Even
without using this switch, it is possible to disable deletion or editing of program numbers 8ooo to 8999 through a
parameter setting. Another parameter disables deletion or editing of program numbers 9000 to 9999. Additionally,
it is also possible to password protect program numbers 9000 to 9999, which has an overriding effect on the
parameter setting for this group of programs (in fact, the parameter cannot be changed to allow editing, if password
protection is in effect). The password is set in a system parameter. With this protection enabled (i.e., a password
provided), it is not possible to edit or delete these programs without providing the correct password (which is called
key word), in another system parameter. Usually, edit lock function is used for protecting tested custom macros in
which no change is needed, and which must be protected from inadvertent editing / deletion. However, care must
be taken in using this feature, because if you forget the password (the password setting parameter does not display
the set password), editing would be possible only after memory all clear operation! Finally, if memory all clear is
really required then press RESET and DELETE simultaneously during power ON.

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

Flash memory card (PCMCIA card) as an external

memory device
Fanuc oi control uses a compact flash memory card as an external memory device for storing part programs
and CNC set up information. It is also referred to as PCMCIA card because it is connected to the PCMCIA port of
the MCU. PCMCIA port for a computer has been standardized by Personal Computer Memory Card I nternational
Association. Interestingly, the lengthy acronym gave rise to the humorous expansion, "People Cannot Memorize
Computer Industry Acronyms." PCMCL'\ card, which is now commonly called PC card, is about the size of a credit
card. The memory capacity typically varies from 32 MB to 8 GB. There are three different sizes, varying in
thickness: Type I is 3-3 mm thick, Type II is s.o mm thick and Type III is 10.5 mm thick. Recently, Toshiba
introduced Type IV of 16 mm thickness, but this has not been officially standardized or sanctioned by the PCMCIA
All types are 85.6 mm long and 54.0 mm wide, along with the adapter for the PCMCIA port. An adapter is needed to
connect the so pin memory card to the 68 pin PCMCIA port. Handle carefully so as to protect the pins. Also, do not
apply any pressure at the centre of the memory card. Hold it by its edges.
Fanuc oi accepts Type I flash memory card. By setting parameter number 0020 to 4, files on the memory card,
inserted into the PCMCIA slot which is located at the left of the LCD screen, can be accessed. Alternatively, press
the OFS/ SET key on the MDI twice (or press OFS/ SET followed by SETING soft key), and edit to make I/ 0
CHANNEL4.
All the files stored on the memory card have sequential .file numbers and specific.file names. Though file
numbers are always numeric (e.g., 0012), file names can have text characters also (e.g., 01234, TESTPROG etc.).
File numbers, starting from 1 and in an increment of 1, are automatically assigned to every new file saved on the
memory card. If a file on the card is deleted, the subsequent files numbers are updated (such that new file number

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

= old file number + 1) to fill the created gap. Some possible operations on a memory card are described ne.'t.

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

Displaying the directory of stored files on the memory

card
Select the EDIT mode on the MOP panel.
Press the PROG key on the MDI panel.
Press the next menu soft key( ..,. ).
Press the soft key CARD. The directory will appear on the screen, with the heading DIRECTORY
(M-CARD). The first two columns show file numbers and file names, respectively. Use page up/ page
dovm keys to see additional pages, if any. Comments, if any, in the first block of the files can be seen by
pressing DIR+ soft key. For example, if the first block of the program is
01234 (TENSILE SPECIMEN);
then (TENSILE SPECIMEN) will appear in the COMMENT column of the card directory.

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

Searching for a file stored in the memory card

Files can be searched by the assigned .file numbers. So, you must know which file number contains which file.
For example, file number 12 may contain program number 1234. Carry out the following steps to search for file
number 12:
Select the EDIT mode on the MOP panel.
Press the PROG key on the MDI panel.
Press the ne:\.'t menu soft key (..,.. )
Press the soft key CARD.
Press the soft key OPRT.
Press the soft key F SRH.
Type 12 and press the soft key F SET.
Press the soft key EXEC.
The file number 12, if found, will be displayed at the top of the directory.

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

Copying a file stored in the memory card using file

number
The following operation will read file number 12 from the memory card and will save it as program number
1234 in the CNC memory:
Select the EDIT mode on the MOP panel.
Press the PROG key on the MDI panel.
Press the next menu soft key( ..,.. ).
Press the soft key CARD.
Press the soft key OPRT.
Press the soft key FREAD (file read).
Type 12 and press the soft key F SET.
Type 1234 and press the soft key 0 SET.
If this step is skipped, the saved program number would be 0001, and if a program with this number already
exists then an alarm would come and copying will not be done.

Press the soft key EXEC.

While the program is being copied, the character string INPUT blinks at the lower right corner of the screen.
Copying may take several seconds, depending on the size of the file.

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

Note that file number 12 need not be a part program file. It can be, for example, a parameter file, which will be
saved in a format similar to a notepad file, as program number 1234. If program number 1234 already exists in the
memory of the CNC, then it may or may not be ovenvritten depending on a parameter setting. While working with
the memory card, if it is required to see I edit I delete the directory I programs saved in the control memory, press
PRGRM soft key. If PRGRM is not displayed, press the return menu soft key (..,.. ). For coming back to the card
directory, repeat the initial steps (PROG next menu CARD). Repeat the last three steps to copy more files.

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

Copying a file stored in the memory card using file

name
The following operation will read the file with name TESTPROG from the memory card and will save it as
program number 1234 in the CNC memory:
Select the EDIT mode on the MOP panel.
Press the PROG key on the MDI panel.
Press the next menu soft key( ..,.. ).
Press the soft key CARD.
Press the soft key OPRT.
Press the soft key N READ (name read).
Type TESTPROG and press the soft key F NAME.
The complete file name along with extension, if any, is required to be typed.
Type 1234 and press the soft key 0 SET.
Press the soft key EXEC.
Repeat the last three steps to copy more files. Finally, press the CAN soft key to cancel the current mode and
go to the previous menu.

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

Writing a file on the memory card

The following operation will save program number 1234 in the memory card, with the name TESTPRO:
Select the EDIT mode on the MOP panel.
Press the PROG key on the MDI panel.
Press the ne:\.'t menu soft key( ..,.. ).
Press the soft key CARD.
Press the soft key OPRT.
Press the soft key PUNCH.
Type 1234 and press the soft key 0 SET.
Type TESTPROG and press the soft key F NAME.
Press the soft key EXEC.
While the file is being copied on the memory card, the character string OUTPUT blinks at the lower right
corner of the screen. Copying may take several seconds, depending on the size of the file being copied.
If a file v.rith file name TESTPROG already exists in the memory card, it may be overwritten unconditionally or
a message confirming the overwriting may be displayed, depending on a parameter setting. In case of such a
warning message, press the EXEC soft key to overwrite, and CAN soft key to cancel writing. However, system
information such as PMC ladder is always overwritten unconditionally. The copied file is automatically assigned
the highest existing file number plus one. The comment, if any, with the 0-word (i.e., in the first block of the

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

program) will be displayed in the COMMENT column of the card directory.

To write all programs, type -9999 as the program number. In this case, if file name is not specified, all the
programs are saved in file name PROGRAM.ALL on the memory card. A file name can have up to 8 characters, and
an extension up to 3 characters (XXXXXXXX.XXX). Repeat the last three steps to copy more files. Finally, press the
CAN soft key, to cancel the copying mode and go to the previous menu.

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

Deleting a file on the memory card

Carry out the following steps to delete file number 12 (say) on the memory card:
Select the EDIT mode on the MOP panel.
Press the PROG key on the MDI panel.
Press the next menu soft key( ..,.. ).
Press the soft key CARD.
Press the soft key OPRT.
Press the soft key DELETE.
Type 12 and press the soft key F SET.
Press the soft key EXEC.
If more files are to be deleted, repeat the last two steps. Finally, press the CAN soft key to end the delete mode
and go to the previous menu.

When file number 12 is deleted, this file number is assigned to the next file, and all the subsequent files are
renumbered (new file number= old file number- 1). The numbers of the first 11 files (in this case) remain
unchanged. Files on a memory card can only be deleted by file numbers; file names cannot be used.

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

Disclaimer: Though every care has been taken to ensure that the descriptions given in the text are error free
and work as intended, the author does not assume any responsibility for any inadvertent error that might have
crept in. Any unexpected result as well as suggestions for further improvement / next book in this series would be
gratefully acknowledged. These can be sent to the author at sinha_ [email protected].
Author's personal request: If you enjoyed reading this book and would like to recommend it to other CNC
users, please go back to the Amazon's site and post your review. This would encourage the author to bring out
another book in this series.

CNC PROGRAMMING SKILLS: PROGRAM ENTRY AND EDITING ON FANUC MACHINES

Author's profile:

Dr. S. K Sinha is a Mechanical Engineering graduate of Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (India). He
obtained Master's degree and Doctorate also from the same institute. He has published a book on basic CNC
programming as well as another one on macro programming, among several of his publications. Presently, he is a
Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology, Varanasi (India).