TABLE OF CONTENTS Format Classification. The format classification sheet completely describes the format requirements of a control system and gives other important information required to program a particular control including: the type of machine, the format classification shorthand and format detail, a listing of specific letter address codes recognized by the system (for example, G-codes: G01, G02, G17, etc.) and the range of values the available codes may take (S range: 10 to 1800 rpm, for example), an explanation of any codes not specifically assigned by the Standard, and any other unique features of the system.
The format classification shorthand is a nine- or ten-digit code that gives the type of system, the number of motion and other words available, the type and format of dimensional data required by the system, the number of motion control channels, and the number of numerically controlled axes of the system. The format detail verysuccinctly summarizes details of the machine and control system. This NC shorthand gives the letter address words and word lengths that can be used to make up a block. The format detail defines the basic features of the control system and the type of machine tool to which it refers. For example, the format detail
specifies that the NC machine is a machining center (has X-, Y-, and Z-axes) and a tool changer with a four-digit tool selection code (T4); the three linear axes are programmed with two digits before the decimal point and four...
