There are three basic ways to integrate a 4axis etc.
One is complete integration allowing the control to see the 4th axis and control by °command, even interpolated axis moves with the axis.
This requires the highest cost as in the case of the Mazak should be done by Mazak or possibly a Mitsubishi integrator.
The second method is to use a 4th axis that has its own programmable controller and is communicated to by the control by a simple M code command and the controller will issue a finish signal when done.
This is positional only, no interpolation, if needed.
This also requires some integration unless spare M codes are available on the machine.
The third is no communication to the programmable 4th axis, the CNC control will simply have M0 codes inserted at the appropriate point , when the machine stops the screen message will indicate for him to push the index controller button to position the 4th axis.
He will then push the Machine cycle start and continue.
The first two methodes needs no intervention, the third does.
Many Mazak users and others use the last option, SMW is one maker of stand alone axis indexers.
Al.
CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design
“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
Albert E.