Perfectly Written?

The capability to record a part number and/or a serial number on a machined component can be accomplished using a variety of methods – you might be using a marker pen, or perhaps a number and letter punch set, or maybe the component goes to a different machine for laser marking. Whichever method is used requires additional component handling and this of course results in additional costs – so if the part could be machined and marked in a single setup that has to be beneficial.

The process is of course engraving and whilst not new by any means, it is not widely employed due to the need for generating a detailed tool path for the individual characters and hence the easier option is to reach for the pen or punch set, this is even more pressing when the parts are required to have a serial number with characters changing from one component to the next. Haas software engineer’s recognised this and in December 1995 released the G47 engraving function.

Initially using a separate file for the characters which was stored as program O9876, the software was later enhanced to have the code for the characters within the control and hence no requirement for this separate program. Additional enhancements have included angled text and the all important facility to produce serialised engraving with each cycle generating a uniquely engraved component.

The basic format is below;

G47 Text Engraving (Group 00)

During a G47 command the control switches to G91 (Incremental mode) while engraving and then switches back to G90 (Absolute mode), when finished. To have the control stay in incremental mode, Setting 29 (G91 Non-Modal) and Setting 73 (G68 Incremental Angle) must be off.

E Plunge feed rate (units/min)

F Engraving feedrate (units/min)

I Angle of rotation (-360. to +360.); default is 0

J Height of text

P 0 for literal string engraving, 1 for sequential serial number engraving 32-126 for ASCII characters

R Return plane

X X start of engraving

Y Y start of engraving

Z Depth of cut