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Heidenhain Controller
Servo/Axis · Intermediate · 30-120 minutes
HEIDENHAIN 160-0142 - Axis positioning not possible
Alarm 160-0142 occurs when an auxiliary axis command is issued while the previous movement command for that axis is still executing or has not properly completed. This typically happens due to NC program timing issues, servo drive communication delays, or incomplete axis positioning feedback.
HEIDENHAIN 160-0142 - Axis positioning not possible
Axis positioning not possible
A secondary axis motion was commanded while the same axis was still finishing its prior move. The control cannot start a new positioning cycle until the previous one is done.
Root Cause Summary
Alarm 160-0142 occurs when an auxiliary axis command is issued while the previous movement command for that axis is still executing or has not properly completed. This typically happens due to NC program timing issues, servo drive communication delays, or incomplete axis positioning feedback.
Safety
Causes and Fixes
Check NC Program Block Sequence
Review the NC program around the alarm occurrence for rapid successive auxiliary axis commands (M-functions, spindle positioning, or rotary axis moves) without proper dwell times.
Look specifically for M19 spindle orient followed immediately by rotary axis movement
Insert G4 Dwell Commands
Add G4 P0.1 (100ms dwell) or G4 P0.2 after auxiliary axis positioning commands to ensure completion before next command execution.
Excessive dwell times will increase cycle time - start with minimal values
Verify Auxiliary Axis Parameters
Check machine parameters MP7500-MP7599 (auxiliary axis configuration) to ensure proper axis type definition and feedback settings match the physical setup.
Test Program Execution
Run the modified program in single block mode to verify each auxiliary axis command completes before the next command executes.
Call a technician if:
Prevention
Common Mistakes
Seeing Multiple Alarms?
Seeing another alarm with this one? Enter the code.
AxisMD logs alarms against your actual machines, tracks patterns, and gives AI context your manual doesn't have.
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