What Happens To Step and Repeat Commands When I Use The Graphical Display?
When the computer loads a new drill program it stores the “X” and “Y” coordinates for each hole in its memory. If the program contains step and repeat commands the computer calculates the exact location of each step and repeated hole and also stores it in its memory. The graphic display is then generated by drawing the appropriate size circles around each of the hole centers stored in memory. When you select holes to be drilled from the graphic display the computer generates a new drilling program from the hole centers stored in memory. The computer first outputs the M48 header. It then outputs a tool change command followed by the exact coordinates for each hole you selected. The program ends with an “M00” command which simply means “End of Program No Rewind”. The answer to your question about step and repeat commands is that they are no longer needed, nor used, if you drill from the graphic display. The same is true for route programs. Note: If you think you are having trouble drilli
