4th and 5th axis indexing in the post

For 4th-axis indexing, the axis to wrap around is usually fixed in the post, and must match the index specified in FeatureCAM.

5th-axis indexing enables you to perform 2.5D and 3D toolpaths from many orientations.

When using 4th- or 5th-axis indexing:

• Always add indexing commands to the Program Start, Segment Start, and Tool Change formats.
• Do not add indexing commands to feed move formats (for example, Circular or Macro) because indexing takes place only between operations.

You activate indexing in FeatureCAM on the Indexing tab of the Stock Properties dialog.

The logical reserved word <INDEXING> indicates that indexing (either 4th- or 5th-axis) has been activated. This reserved word is valid in the Program Start, Segment Start, and Tool Change formats, and is TRUE for the whole document. That is, it is TRUE even if the current operation is not using any indexing at all.

A different logical reserved word <INDEX> is TRUE only if indexing is enabled in FeatureCAM and the machine tool is performing the actual indexing move. In other words, it is TRUE on any move where ROT1 has changed. It is also TRUE if ROT2 has changed for 5-axis parts. This includes Linear, Rapid, Canned Move, and Segment Start formats. In addition, <INDEX> is TRUE for Program Start and Tool Change if 4- or 5-axis indexing is enabled.