HEIDENHAIN iTNC 530 315
10.4 Miscellaneous Functions for Contouring Behavior
Calculating the radius-compensated path in 
advance (LOOK AHEAD): M120
Standard behavior
If the tool radius is larger than the contour step that is to be machined 
with radius compensation, the TNC interrupts program run and 
generates an error message. M97 (see “Machining small contour 
steps: M97” on page 309) inhibits the error message, but this results 
in dwell marks and will also move the corner.
If the programmed contour contains undercut features, the tool may 
damage the contour. 
Behavior with M120
The TNC checks radius-compensated paths for contour undercuts and 
tool path intersections, and calculates the tool path in advance from 
the current block. Areas of the contour that might be damaged by the 
tool are not machined (dark areas in figure). You can also use M120 to 
calculate the radius compensation for digitized data or data created on 
an external programming system. This means that deviations from the 
theoretical tool radius can be compensated.
Use LA (Look Ahead) after M120 to define the number of blocks 
(maximum: 99) that you want the TNC to calculate in advance. Note 
that the larger the number of blocks you choose, the higher the block 
processing time will be.
Input
If you enter M120 in a positioning block, the TNC continues the dialog 
for this block by asking you the number of blocks LA that are to be 
calculated in advance. 
Effect
M120 must be located in an NC block that also contains radius 
compensation G41 or G42. M120 is then effective from this block until
 radius compensation is canceled with G40
 M120 LA0 is programmed, or
 M120 is programmed without LA, or
 another program is called with %
 the working plane is tilted with Cycle G80 or the PLANE function
M120 becomes effective at the start of block.