Glossary   
 
  Basic logic functions: Appendix 
26  Function Manual, 11/2006, 6FC5397-0BP10-2BA0 
Look Ahead 
The Look Ahead function is used to achieve an optimal machining speed by looking ahead 
over an assignable number of traversing blocks. 
Machine axes 
Physically existent axes on the machine tool. 
Machine control panel 
An operator panel on a machine tool with operating elements such as keys, rotary switches, 
etc., and simple indicators such as LEDs. It is used to directly influence the machine tool via 
the PLC. 
Machine coordinate system 
A coordinate system, which is related to the axes of the machine tool. 
Machine zero 
Fixed point of the machine tool to which all (derived) measuring systems can be traced back. 
Machining channel 
A channel structure can be used to shorten idle times by means of parallel motion 
sequences, e.g., moving a loading gantry simultaneously with machining. Here, a CNC 
channel must be regarded as a separate CNC control system with decoding, block 
preparation and interpolation. 
Macro techniques 
Grouping of a set of instructions under a single identifier. The identifier represents the set of 
consolidated instructions in the program. 
Main block 
A block prefixed by ":" introductory block, containing all the parameters required to start 
execution of a -> parts program. 
Main program 
The → part program designated by a number or an identifer in which additional main 
programs, subroutines, or → cycles can be called.