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Siemens SINUMERIK Controller
Servo/Axis · Intermediate · 30-120 minutes
Siemens 61915 - Cutter radius too small
Alarm 61915 fires during CYCLE73/74/75 pocket or cavity operations when the programmed approach or retract motion path intersects or violates the active contour boundary. This occurs in the NCK when the interpolated tool path during approach/retract phases penetrates the defined workpiece contour, typically due to incorrect cycle parameters, contour definition misalignment, or aggressive feed rates during positioning.
61915
Siemens 61915 - Cutter radius too small
Cutter radius too small
Control reaction: Interpreter stop NC Start disable in this channel. Interface signals are set. Alarm display.
Root Cause Summary
Alarm 61915 fires during CYCLE73/74/75 pocket or cavity operations when the programmed approach or retract motion path intersects or violates the active contour boundary. This occurs in the NCK when the interpolated tool path during approach/retract phases penetrates the defined workpiece contour, typically due to incorrect cycle parameters, contour definition misalignment, or aggressive feed rates during positioning.
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
In the Part Program Editor, review the active CYCLE73/74/75 call block %2. Check the AP (approach distance) and ABST (clearance height) parameter values against the actual contour geometry dimensions.
Do not assume carryover parameters from previous jobs are valid.
- 2
Verify the contour entry point Z-coordinate aligns with ABST clearance height. Use Diagnostics > Trace to log the calculated approach vector in the NCK coordinate system (MD parameter: 20110 - Clearance height).
- 3
Recalculate AP and ABST based on workpiece stock dimensions. For CYCLE73, ensure AP does not exceed the pocket depth tolerance; for CYCLE74/75, validate ABST against surrounding boss geometry.
- 4
Re-execute the cycle block in DRY RUN mode (Test Run, no spindle) to confirm the servo path no longer violates contour before running in Auto mode.
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