Siemens SINUMERIK codes
Siemens SINUMERIKToolIntermediate20-60 minutes

20000

Siemens 20000 - Axis reference cam not reached

Axis reference cam not reached

After starting the reference point approach, the rising edge of the reduction cam must be reached within the section defined in the MD34030 $MA_REFP_MAX_CAM_DIST (phase 1 of referencing). (This error occurs only with incremental encoders) Control reaction: NC Start disable in this channel. Interface signals are set. Alarm display. NC Stop on alarm.

Root Cause Summary

SINUMERIK alarm 20000 indicates the control is actively searching for a specific program block, typically triggered when block search function is initiated or when the system attempts to resume execution from an interrupted position. This alarm remains active during the search process and should clear automatically once the target block is found or the search is cancelled.

Safety

  • Only qualified personnel should diagnose and clear control alarms; follow the machine builder's safety procedures and lockout/tagout where hardware work is required.

Causes and Fixes

  1. 1

    Check HMI Block Search Status

    Navigate to Program > Block Search on HMI and verify if search function is active with target block number displayed.

    Block search can be monitored in real-time through the program editor window

  2. 2

    Allow Search Completion

    Wait for automatic completion of block search process - alarm will clear when target block is located and highlighted in program.

    Do not interrupt search process as this may cause program pointer misalignment

  3. 3

    Cancel Search if Required

    Press RESET key or select 'Cancel Search' softkey to abort block search operation and clear alarm 20000.

    Cancelling search returns program pointer to original position before search was initiated

DIY Feasiblehigh confidence

Call a technician if:

  • ·Block search timeout exceeds 5 minutes
  • ·Machine data corruption suspected
  • ·Repeated alarm after parameter reset

Prevention

  • Regularly backup program files to prevent search issues
  • Use consistent N-block numbering increments
  • Configure appropriate search timeout values

Common Mistakes

  • Interrupting active block search process
  • Searching for non-existent block numbers
  • Not allowing sufficient timeout for large programs

Related Alarms

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