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Siemens SINUMERIK Controller
Servo/Axis · Intermediate · 10-20 minutes
Siemens 4023 - Axis container switch not allowed, axis container switch active
SINUMERIK alarm 4023 occurs when the NC program references an axis name that doesn't exist in the machine configuration or contains typographical errors. This alarm is triggered during program execution when the control system cannot resolve the axis identifier against the configured machine data parameters.
4023
Siemens 4023 - Axis container switch not allowed, axis container switch active
Axis container switch not allowed, axis container switch active
Only one axis container can be rotated at a time Control reaction: Interpreter stop NC Start disable in this channel. Interface signals are set. Alarm display. NC Stop on alarm.
Root Cause Summary
SINUMERIK alarm 4023 occurs when the NC program references an axis name that doesn't exist in the machine configuration or contains typographical errors. This alarm is triggered during program execution when the control system cannot resolve the axis identifier against the configured machine data parameters.
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
Review Active NC Program
Open HMI → Program → Editor and examine the line where alarm occurred. Check for misspelled axis names in movement commands (G01, G00, etc.).
- 2
Verify Axis Nomenclature
Navigate to HMI → Diagnostics → Service → Machine Data and check MD20080 $MC_AXCONF_MACHAX_USED to confirm valid axis names.
- 3
Correct Program Syntax
Edit the NC program to use correct axis identifiers. Ensure axis names match exactly with machine configuration (case-sensitive).
Use the axis name display in HMI → Machine → Actual Values to verify correct spelling.
Call a technician if:
- ·Machine data configuration changes required
- ·Hardware axis addition needed
- ·Complex kinematic transformation issues
Prevention
- Use axis name autocomplete in SINUMERIK editor
- Validate programs in simulation mode before execution
- Maintain consistent axis naming conventions
- Document machine configuration changes
Common Mistakes
- Assuming all machines have same axis configuration
- Not checking case sensitivity in axis names
- Forgetting to activate auxiliary axes after hardware installation
- Using transformed axis names without active transformation
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