Siemens 4010 - Invalid identifier used in machine data [ ]
SINUMERIK alarm 4010 occurs when the NC kernel attempts to execute a new motion command while the axis state machine still indicates ACTIVE status from a previous move. This protection mechanism prevents overlapping motion commands that could cause mechanical damage or position loss in the SINUMERIK control system.
Siemens SINUMERIKServo/AxisBasic5-10 minutes
4010
Siemens 4010 - Invalid identifier used in machine data [ ]
Invalid identifier used in machine data
When determining a name in the NCK tables (arrays) for: machine axes, Euler angles, direction vectors, normal vectors, interpolation parameters and intermediate point coordinates, one of the following syntax rules for the identifier to be entered has been violated: - The identifier must be an NC address letter (A, B, C, I, J, K, Q, U, V, W, X, Y, Z), possibly with a numerical extension (840D: 1-99) - The identifier must begin with any 2 capital letters but not with $ (reserved for system variables). - The identifier must not be a keyword of the NC language (e.g. POSA) Control reaction: NC not ready. Mode group not ready, also effective for single axes. NC Start disable in this channel. Interface signals are set. Alarm display. NC Stop on alarm.
Root Cause Summary
SINUMERIK alarm 4010 occurs when the NC kernel attempts to execute a new motion command while the axis state machine still indicates ACTIVE status from a previous move. This protection mechanism prevents overlapping motion commands that could cause mechanical damage or position loss in the SINUMERIK control system.
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
Check Axis State in Diagnostics
Navigate to Diagnostics > Service > Axis States and verify current axis status shows STOPPED before next motion command.
Use MD32410 (AXIS_MOVEMENT_STATE) to monitor real-time axis state transitions
2
Insert G4 Dwell Commands
Add G4 P100 (100ms dwell) between rapid motion changes, especially after G0 positioning moves before G1 interpolation.
Start with 50-100ms dwell and adjust based on machine dynamics
3
Verify Motion Completion Settings
Check MD32200 (POSCTRL_GAIN) and MD32810 (STANDSTILL_DELAY_TIME) for proper axis settling parameters.
Incorrect positioning gain can cause oscillation and delayed motion completion
1
Review NC Program Block Structure
Examine the NC program around the alarm occurrence for consecutive motion blocks without proper synchronization points.
Use M0 or M1 stops to isolate problematic motion sequences during debugging
2
Check Interpolation Buffer Settings
Verify MD10220 (LOOKAH_BUFF_SIZE) and MD20732 (LOOKAH_MODE) for proper lookahead buffer configuration.
Reduce buffer size temporarily to isolate timing issues
3
Insert Synchronization Commands
Add M116 (wait for axis standstill) or M117 (wait for spindle standstill) before critical motion sequences.
M116 will stop all axis motion - use selectively to avoid cycle time impact
1
Check DRIVE-CLiQ Diagnostics
Navigate to Diagnostics > Hardware > DRIVE-CLiQ and verify all drive connections show green status with no communication errors.
Look for intermittent yellow warnings that indicate timing issues
2
Verify Servo Cycle Times
Check MD10050 (SYSCLOCK_CYCLE_TIME) matches the actual servo update rate, typically 125μs or 250μs for SINUMERIK systems.
Incorrect cycle time settings can cause severe servo instability
3
Monitor Real-Time Diagnostics
Use Service > Real-time diagnostics to observe servo communication timing and identify delayed status updates from drives.
Enable trace recording during alarm occurrence to capture timing relationships
1
Verify Reference Point Status
Check Diagnostics > Machine > Reference Points to ensure all axes show valid reference status before motion commands.
Green checkmarks indicate valid reference; red X requires re-referencing
2
Execute Manual Reference Return
Perform manual reference point return via Machine > Reference Point > Start for affected axes using G74 reference cycle.
Ensure safe machine position before initiating reference return to avoid collisions
3
Check Reference Point Parameters
Verify MD34200 (REFP_SET_POS) and MD34210 (REFP_MOVE_DIST_POS) are correctly configured for each axis reference sequence.
Backup machine data before modifying reference point parameters
DIY Feasiblehigh confidence
Call a technician if:
·DRIVE-CLiQ hardware errors persist
·Servo parameters require modification
·Mechanical binding suspected
Prevention
Use M116 synchronization before critical moves
Implement proper G4 dwell times in rapid motion sequences
Regular DRIVE-CLiQ connection inspection
Monitor axis reference status in daily startup routine
Common Mistakes
Removing all dwell commands to reduce cycle time
Ignoring intermittent reference point warnings
Modifying servo timing without understanding system impact