Programming and Operating Manual (Milling)
6FC5398-4DP10-0BA1, 01/2014
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Machine coordinate system (MCS)
The orientation of the coordinate system relative to the machine depends on the respective machine types. It can be rotated
in different positions.
The directions of the axes follow the "3-finger rule" of the right hand. Seen from the front of the machine, the middle finger of
the right hand points in the opposite direction to the infeed of the spindle.
The origin of this coordinate system is the machine zero.
This point is only a reference point which is defined by the machine manufacturer. It does not have to be approachable.
The traversing range of the machine axes can be in the negative range.
Workpiece coordinate system (WCS)
To describe the geometry of a workpiece in the workpiece program, a right-handed, right-angled coordinate system is also
used.
The workpiece zero can be freely selected by the programmer in the Z axis.
The figure below shows an example of the workpiece coordinate system.