Review, Edit And Simulation

Manufacturing engineers must inspect and verify NC data before they are released to the shop for production. Every GrayTech NC module includes the powerful, graphical tool path review and edit capability to inspect and verify NC data.

TOOL MOTION REVIEW AND ANIMATION

Features: A powerful animation function is provided to help you understand cutter motion along part geometry. The tool and holder move across the screen dynamically, stopping at each tool motion position. While the tool is moving on the screen, numerical position data are display for inspection. The tool motion can be advanced or reversed for repeated review of small details. Several options allow modification of tool positions, editing of postprocessor commands, execution of special NC macros and deletion or insertion of NC commands.

Benefits: Manufacturing productivity and reliability on the shop floor are increased because NC data are verified graphically and numerically before production begins.

SPECIAL TOOL MOTION VIEWING FUNCTIONS

Features: Color cueing is used to depict cutter feed rate changes and solid color fill shows the width of individual cut vectors. As an additional aid, special functions allow only certain portions of a complex tool path to be viewed to reduce screen clutter. During tool motion display and review, NC commands are scrolled through a text window. The window can be resized and positioned on the onscreen to minimize conflict with the graphics. As the tool is animated across the part, accumulated cutting times are shown on the screen.

Benefits: Color cueing gives instant feedback on proper feed rates and the width of cut. The readout of accumulated cutting time allows you to test different feed rates, thereby optimizing production run times.

DELETE AND MERGE NC DATA

Features: The unique NC environment allows you to change tool path information interactively. You can insert or delete ranges of NC commands anywhere within an NC tool path. You can cut out a series of command lines or merge NC commands from external files or other tool paths already produced. New tool path segments can be added in the middle of an old tool path by simply advancing to the appropriate location and generating any new tool motion with any NC cutting option. You have modification control which allows you to make substantial engineering changes without having to reprogram your commands.

Benefits: You save time implementing changes and reduce common manual errors because previous work is retained.

PARAMETERIZED NC MACROS FOR CUSTOMIZED PROCESSING

Features: You can add a series of specific commands to any tool path by executing a customized NC macro. The tool path review and edit functions allow you to insert NC macros at any location within the cutting sequence. During execution, the NC macro extracts information such as default feed rates, current tool location, NC system parameters and predefined variables. This information is used to generate specialized tool motion and activate machine functions. NC macros allow you to generate command sequences automatically to activate nearly an type of NC machine function.

Benefits: Use of NC macros enhances your overall manufacturing productivity by saving time and sustaining standards throughout the organization.