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FANUC Controller
Spindle · Intermediate · 5-30 minutes
Fanuc 162 - Illegal spindle speed command
Alarm 162 occurs when the CNC control receives a spindle speed command (S-code) that is outside the allowable range, improperly formatted, or conflicts with machine parameters. This is typically caused by programming errors such as exceeding maximum spindle RPM limits, using decimal values where integers are required, or issuing spindle commands when spindle parameters are incorrectly configured.
Fanuc 162 - Illegal spindle speed command
ILLEGAL SPINDLE SPEED COMMAND
Fanuc PS program alarm 162: ILLEGAL SPINDLE SPEED COMMAND. This alarm is triggered by an illegal or incorrectly formatted command in the part program, or a programming condition that the Fanuc control cannot execute.
Root Cause Summary
Alarm 162 occurs when the CNC control receives a spindle speed command (S-code) that is outside the allowable range, improperly formatted, or conflicts with machine parameters. This is typically caused by programming errors such as exceeding maximum spindle RPM limits, using decimal values where integers are required, or issuing spindle commands when spindle parameters are incorrectly configured.
Safety
Causes and Fixes
Identify the S-code value in the program line where the alarm occurred (check program display or alarm history for line number).
Access parameters 3741 (max spindle speed for 1st gear), 3742 (2nd gear), 3743 (3rd gear), and 3744 (4th gear) to verify maximum allowable spindle speeds for each gear range.
Record original parameter values before making any changes. Incorrect parameter modification can damage the spindle.
Compare the commanded S-code value against the appropriate gear range maximum. If exceeded, reduce the S-code value in the program to within acceptable limits.
If the speed is legitimate for your spindle, verify parameter 3741-3744 settings with machine documentation and adjust if incorrectly set (requires proper authorization and OEM documentation).
Consult machine manufacturer specifications before increasing maximum spindle speed parameters to prevent spindle damage.
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