FANUC codes
FANUCProgram/G-codeIntermediate5-30 minutes

278

Fanuc 278 - Rigid tapping synchronization error

RIGID TAPPING SYNCHRONIZATION ERROR

Fanuc PS program alarm 278: RIGID TAPPING SYNCHRONIZATION 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 278 occurs when the spindle and Z-axis lose synchronization during a rigid tapping cycle (G84/G74). This typically results from incorrect programming parameters, improper spindle/servo configuration, or mechanical binding that prevents the axes from maintaining the precise positional relationship required for rigid tapping.

Safety

  • Verify corrected program or parameters before resuming machining

Causes and Fixes

  1. 1

    Verify the tapping program line for correct format: G84 (or G74) Z__ R__ F__ (with spindle speed S__ active).

  2. 2

    Calculate correct feedrate: F = Spindle Speed (S) × Thread Pitch. Example: S1000 with 1.5mm pitch requires F1500.

  3. 3

    Check parameter 5200 (rigid tap mode) is set to 1 or appropriate value for your machine configuration.

  4. 4

    Test with reduced spindle speed (50% of original) while maintaining correct F=S×pitch ratio to verify calculation.

Service Recommended confidence

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