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FANUC Controller
Program/G-code · Intermediate · 5-30 minutes
Fanuc 269 - Retrace direction error
Alarm 269 RETRACE DIRECTION ERROR occurs when the control detects an invalid retract direction during a canned cycle or automatic tool retraction sequence. This is most commonly caused by attempting to retract in a direction that conflicts with the programmed approach vector, using incompatible G-code combinations with retract functions, or specifying an illegal initial level (R-point) that makes retraction impossible.
Fanuc 269 - Retrace direction error
RETRACE DIRECTION ERROR
Fanuc PS program alarm 269: RETRACE DIRECTION ERROR. 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 269 RETRACE DIRECTION ERROR occurs when the control detects an invalid retract direction during a canned cycle or automatic tool retraction sequence. This is most commonly caused by attempting to retract in a direction that conflicts with the programmed approach vector, using incompatible G-code combinations with retract functions, or specifying an illegal initial level (R-point) that makes retraction impossible.
Safety
Causes and Fixes
Identify the N-block number where alarm occurred and examine the canned cycle parameters (G73/G74/G76/G80-G89).
Verify that R-point value is above the Z-depth value (R > Z for vertical machining). Check that initial level allows proper clearance.
Confirm G98 (return to initial level) or G99 (return to R-point) is appropriate for the current tool position and workpiece setup.
Correct the R-point value to establish proper retract clearance above the Z-depth, typically R should be 2-5mm above the workpiece surface.
Always verify tool clearance after program modification to prevent collisions.
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