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FANUC Controller
Program/G-code · Intermediate · 5-30 minutes
Fanuc 278 - Rigid tapping synchronization error
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.
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
Causes and Fixes
Verify the tapping program line for correct format: G84 (or G74) Z__ R__ F__ (with spindle speed S__ active).
Calculate correct feedrate: F = Spindle Speed (S) × Thread Pitch. Example: S1000 with 1.5mm pitch requires F1500.
Check parameter 5200 (rigid tap mode) is set to 1 or appropriate value for your machine configuration.
Test with reduced spindle speed (50% of original) while maintaining correct F=S×pitch ratio to verify calculation.
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