Movement smaller than one encoder increment

What does 4224 mean?

The commanded distance for a group or axis to move is infinitesimally small, less than the physical resolution of one encoder increment or the axis's scaling factor. Although the system reports the axis as logically finished without active movement, this can indicate a precision issue in programming or an attempt to command motion below the system's physical capability.

• Commanded travel distance is below the physical resolution of the feedback system (encoder counts per revolution, gear ratio).
• Incorrect axis scaling factor (e.g., P4-10 'ScaleFactor') leading to an effective resolution higher than physical limits.
• Floating-point precision errors in the NC program or PLC logic when calculating very small movements.
• Units mismatch causing very small values in the configured units (e.g., requesting 0.0001 inches on a metric system).
• Internal calculation rounding in the NC when processing interpolated moves, resulting in sub-increment commands.

Click steps to track your progress.

1. 1

   1. Increase the commanded travel distance in the NC program or PLC logic to be greater than the axis's minimum programmable increment.

2. 2

   2. Verify the axis scaling factor P4-10 ('ScaleFactor' in units/increment) against the encoder resolution and mechanical transmission.

3. 3

   3. Check the encoder resolution parameter (e.g., P5-05 'EncoderCountsPerRev') to ensure it is correctly configured for the hardware.

4. 4

   4. Review the NC program for unintended calculations that result in extremely small motion commands (e.g., due to division).

5. 5

   5. Consider adjusting the axis's interpolation minimum distance parameter (if available, e.g., P6-20 'MinMoveDistance') to a slightly higher value.