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Heidenhain Controller
Servo/Axis · Intermediate · 30-120 minutes
HEIDENHAIN 280-0835 - Infeed direction not defined
HEIDENHAIN alarm 280-0835 occurs when the TNC cannot determine the infeed direction for a machining cycle because the start and end positions are identical, or no previous command established a valid infeed vector. This typically happens with incomplete cycle definitions or missing approach movements in cycles like CYCL DEF 22 (rough-out) or CYCL DEF 25 (contour train).
HEIDENHAIN 280-0835 - Infeed direction not defined
Infeed direction not defined
The infeed direction is undefined because start and end positions are identical.
Root Cause Summary
HEIDENHAIN alarm 280-0835 occurs when the TNC cannot determine the infeed direction for a machining cycle because the start and end positions are identical, or no previous command established a valid infeed vector. This typically happens with incomplete cycle definitions or missing approach movements in cycles like CYCL DEF 22 (rough-out) or CYCL DEF 25 (contour train).
Safety
Causes and Fixes
Check cycle definition coordinates
Review the active CYCL DEF parameters, particularly Q values for start/end positions. Verify Q1 (start) and Q2 (end) coordinates are different.
Use the cycle parameter overview in MOD function to quickly compare all Q values
Verify approach movement
Ensure there's a valid positioning move (G0 or G1) before the cycle call that establishes the tool position relative to the workpiece.
Never start a cycle without proper tool positioning
Check workpiece coordinate system
Verify the active coordinate system (G54-G59) is correctly set and the cycle coordinates reference the intended workpiece datum.
Simulate cycle execution
Use TNC simulation mode to visualize the cycle path and confirm the infeed direction is geometrically valid.
Call a technician if:
Prevention
Common Mistakes
Seeing Multiple Alarms?
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