Coordinate Systems

There are three different coordinate system (CS) types:

• Machine (MCS)
• Axes (ACS)
• Product/Program (PCS)

Figure 8-1: Examples of CS types on a machine and part.

Many coordinated moves may be done in a choice of coordinate systems. The differences between the types are offsets and possibly transformational algorithms to convert between the different systems, which ultimately control the actual axes on a piece of machinery.

For example, the X-axis of a Machine CS is meant to command a pair of Axes CS axes (X1 and X2) which together form a gantry. The relative movement of the MCS X axis would be added to both ACS axes. The two ACS axes can also be commanded independently for minor alignment adjustments.

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• The Product Coordinate System is often rotated and/or offset from the Machine Coordinate System.