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Siemens SINUMERIK Controller
Program/G-code · Intermediate · 30-120 minutes
Siemens 61179 - Block : character does not exist, no.:
Alarm 61179 fires when the NCK interpreter encounters a character in an engraving text string that does not exist in the active character set or font definition loaded in the SINUMERIK control. This typically occurs during G-code execution of engraving cycles (e.g., CYCLE71, CYCLE72) when special characters, extended ASCII codes, or unsupported Unicode characters are referenced that lack corresponding tool path definitions in the character library.
61179
Siemens 61179 - Block : character does not exist, no.:
Block: character does not exist, no.
The character entered in the text for engraving cannot be milled Control reaction: Interpreter stop NC Start disable in this channel. Interface signals are set. Alarm display.
Root Cause Summary
Alarm 61179 fires when the NCK interpreter encounters a character in an engraving text string that does not exist in the active character set or font definition loaded in the SINUMERIK control. This typically occurs during G-code execution of engraving cycles (e.g., CYCLE71, CYCLE72) when special characters, extended ASCII codes, or unsupported Unicode characters are referenced that lack corresponding tool path definitions in the character library.
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
Verify the active character set file in the ShopMill/ShopTurn interface or via HMI menu: Maintenance > System Information > Character Sets. Note the loaded font name and file path.
- 2
Identify the problematic character from the alarm block number (%2) and character code (%4). Cross-reference this character against the character set definition file (typically .fnt or .chr files located in /user/engraving/ or /system/engraving/).
Parameter MD11000 (ENGRAVING_FONT_DIR) defines the search path for font files on the control.
- 3
Load a different character set that includes the required character via Maintenance > Engraving Fonts, or add the missing character definition to the current font file using the font editor utility (siemens_font_editor.exe on engineering station).
- 4
Re-execute the engraving cycle (CYCLE71/CYCLE72) and confirm alarm 61179 no longer appears. Verify tool path generation by executing a DRY RUN with graphical path display enabled.
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