7996-8000
June 1999
OPERATION
3.4 ABSOLUTE AND I NCREMENTAL P OSITIONING
Up to this point, we have dealt with a system of positioning the tool that is known as absolute programming. In
absolute, all coordinate points are given with regard to their relationship to the origin, a fixed zero point, or
considered as part zero. This is the most common type of positioning.
Another type of positioning is called incremental positioning. Incremental positioning concerns itself with
distance and direction. A new coordinate is entered in terms of its relationship to the previous position, and not
from a fixed zero or origin. In other words, after a block of information has been executed, the position that the
tool is now at is the new zero point for the next move to be made.
An example of the use of the incremental system is below. Note that to move from X 4.25 to X 2.025 on the
scale, an incremental move of X -2.225 was made, even though the move still places the tool on the plus side
of the scale. Therefore the move was determined from the last point, with no regard for the zero position. The +
and - signs are used in terms of direction, and not in regard to the position of zero.
Fig. 3-6 An example of an incremental move.
Keep in mind that when positioning in absolute, we are concerned with distance and direction from a fixed
zero reference point, and when positioning in incremental we are concerned with distance and direction from
the last position.
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