What causes Siemens SINUMERIK alarm 104231?

Part program contains an illegal or unsupported command for the current machine configuration. Parameter or machine data setting incompatible with the commanded operation. Required option or function not enabled on this SINUMERIK control. Incorrect axis assignment or configuration for the commanded function. Software version or compile cycle version mismatch.

How do I fix Siemens SINUMERIK alarm 104231?

1. Note the full alarm message including any parameter values shown (e.g., axis number, block number, channel). 2. Identify the program block or operation that triggered the alarm. 3. Review the SINUMERIK alarm manual for alarm 104231 to identify the specific cause and remedy. 4. Check the relevant machine data parameters referenced in the alarm. 5. If the alarm persists after correcting the program, contact Siemens technical support with the full alarm text and machine data backup.

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Siemens SINUMERIK Controller

Program/G-code · Intermediate · 30-120 minutes

Alarm 104231

Siemens 840D 104231 - Error on reading number of cutting edges

Alarm 104231 occurs when the control system cannot correctly read or interpret the number of cutting edges (COED) parameter for a tool. This is typically caused by invalid or missing tool data in the tool management system, incorrect NC program syntax when defining tool parameters, or corrupted tool offset data tables.

Siemens SINUMERIKProgram/G-codeIntermediate30-120 minutes

104231

Siemens 840D 104231 - Error on reading number of cutting edges

Error on reading number of cutting edges

Root Cause Summary

Alarm 104231 occurs when the control system cannot correctly read or interpret the number of cutting edges (COED) parameter for a tool. This is typically caused by invalid or missing tool data in the tool management system, incorrect NC program syntax when defining tool parameters, or corrupted tool offset data tables.

Safety

Refer to Siemens documentation
Ensure qualified technician performs repairs

Causes and Fixes

1
Access tool management on the HMI (Services > Tool Management or TOA key) and identify the tool number referenced in the NC program at the time of alarm.
2
Check the cutting edge parameter (COED or $TC_DP6) for the active tool - verify it contains a valid integer value (typically 1-99, not 0 or blank).
3
If missing or invalid, enter the correct number of cutting edges for the tool type (e.g., 1 for single-point tools, 2-4 for drills/mills, actual count for indexable inserts).
Ensure machine is in a safe state and NC program is stopped before modifying tool data.
4
Save the tool data changes, reset the alarm, and restart the NC program from a safe point.

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