HEIDENHAIN MANUALplus 4110 - Manual (Page 26)

26 1 Introduction and Fundamentals
1
.4 Axis Designations and Coor
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Absolute coordinates
If the coordinates of a position are referenced to the workpiece zero
point, they are referred to as absolute coordinates. Each position on a
workpiece is clearly defined by its absolute coordinates (see figure at
upper right).
Incremental coordinates
Incremental coordinates are always referenced to the last
programmed position. They specify the distance from the last active
position and the subsequent position. Each position on a workpiece is
clearly defined by its incremental coordinates (see figure at center
right).
Polar coordinates
Positions located on the face or lateral surface can either be entered
in Cartesian coordinates or polar coordinates.
When programming with polar coordinates, a position on the
workpiece is clearly defined by the entries for diameter and angle (see
figure at bottom right).