configuration manual lantek expert cut

Cut module reference manual

www.lantek.es

Lantek Exp e r t Cut

Lantek Cutting module

Contents

1.1. General 11.2. Startup 61.3. Sheet Clamps 91.4. Work Chutes 161.5. Lift / Grip 181.6. Save options 231.7. Work zone 281.8. Reposition 301.9. Grid 351.10. From point 381.11. Sheets data 391.12. Upload / Download sheets 401.13. Sheets remnants 431.14. Configure machines: Properties of material thickness 48

1.14.1. Configure machines: Dependent data of material-thickness 491.14.1.1. Cutting parameters 491.14.1.2. Sheets data 511.14.1.3. Automatic technology 521.14.1.4. Lead-in / Lead-out values 551.14.1.5. Automatic Lead-in / Lead-out values 561.14.1.6. Micro joint values 611.14.1.7. Automatic micro joint values 621.14.1.8. Loop values 641.14.1.9. Chamfer values 651.14.1.10. Bridge values 67

1.15. Cutting parameters 691.16. Common Cutting parameters 771.17. Multitorch data 821.18. Automatic nesting 881.19. Automatic machining 92

1.19.1. Cut 921.19.2. Component removal 1081.19.3. Automatic cycles on leads-in 113

1.20. Lead-in / Lead-out values 1171.21. Automatic Lead-in / Lead-out values 1181.22. Micro joint values 1241.23. Automatic Micro-joint values 1251.24. Loop values 1271.25. Chamfer values 129


1.26. Bridge values 1311.27. Postprocessor 132

1.27.1. General 1331.27.2. Block numbering 1341.27.3. Free tape 1361.27.4. Specifics of cut (only cutting machines) 1361.27.5. Reserved 140

1.28. Tables of technology 1401.29. Time calculation 145

1.29.1. Cutting parameters 1461.29.2. Reposition / Extracts 1481.29.3. Accelerations 1491.29.4. Postprocessor words 1491.29.5. Upload / Download sheets 151

1.30. Cost calculation 1521.31. Annex A: Show on sheet the machining modifications made on parts 1571.31. Annex B: Ink-Jet 1591.31. Annex C: Manual Lead-in / Lead-out assignation 1621.31. Annex D: Manual micro-joint assignation 1651.31. Annex E: Manual Loop assignation 1671.31. Annex F: Manual bridge assignation 1691.31. Annex G: Laser parameters 1711.31. Annex H: Simple cycle 1741.31. Annex H1: Example of different number of sheets with multitorch 1751.31. Annex I: Assignation of the dimensions of the contour 1761.31. Annex J: Cut - Configure Execution of fixed cycle 1771.31. Annex K: Extractions - Configure carriage movement 1791.31. Annex L: Technology - Micro - joints 1821.31. Annex M: Main elements - Work Centers - Cutting Machine - Tools 1851.31. Annex N: Rapid movements 1901.31. Annex O: Button bar for tool selection 191


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The parameters that can be configured are divided in different sections. In order to configure theparameters of a particular section, double click on it or select the desired one and press the buttonConfigure. These sections are:

1.1. Configure machines: general

This option enables configuration of the parameters in the General section of the machine:

Linear & Angular tolerance

The system is going to make calculations with these values. The machine tolerance must be configuredin Postprocessor - General (see page 133).

Process the l ead - in / l ead -ou t , l oops and mic ro - jo in ts in the au tomat ic nes t ing

If this parameter is activated, the space needed for leads, loops and micro-joints will be considered inAutomatic Nesting. The space left between parts could be enough but the system is not going toguarentee the avoid of overlapping of parts with leads, loops or micro-joints unless this option is enabled.

Use the minimum rectangle of parts

If this parameter is enabled, the parts will be turned so that the rectangle formed by the corners (X-minimum, Y-minimum), (X-minimum, Y-maximum), (X-maximum, Y-minimum) and (X-maximum, Y-maximum) of the selected part has the minimum area. Where:


X-minimum is the smallest X level of all the points of the part.X-maximum is the greatest X level of all the points of the part.Y-minimum is the smallest Y level of all the points of the part.Y-maximum is the greatest Y level of all the points of the part.

With the minimum rectangle, the system will try to rotate the part and calculate the minimum area usedon the sheet by the part. The increments of angle to try is what Angle Step sets up. Then, in theAutomatic Nesting the program will place the part in the angles allowed (this can be configured onRotation Posibilities in the Automatic nesting -see page 88- dialog).

In some cases, activating this parameter, may produce Nesting with better usage of the sheet.

Calculate the part dimensions without the auxiliar geometry

Auxiliar geometries are those which are included with the part for the machining process: leads, loops,micro-joints. If this option is enabled, the system will use the real part dimension without these geometries.

R e s t r i c t r o ta t i o n s i n m a n u a l m o d e

If enabled, the system will not allow to placeparts rotated on the nesting manually if the anglehas not been allowed on the part. The rotationsfor each par t can be conf igured on theManufacturing Orders module, clicking with theright button over the part and choosing propertieswill show the part configuration, clicking on moremore button, the rotat ions and simmetriespossibilities will be shown:

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Prompt for data when ordering contours

The system automatically can assign cutting order to the contours in different steps of the program:

- When saving the part- When the nesting module is executed.

Both options can be configured in:

Utilities-Configure-Machine-Save options (see page 23)

When this option is enabled, the system will show the Contour Ordering dialog:

Here, the user can configure the contour order thatwill be applied to the parts.

Clicking on will show this dialog too. This is theway for configuring the contour ordering by default.

If the Prompt for data when ordering contour is disabled, the selected contour ordering will be applied automaticallyin any of the previous configured assignation (when saving part or when executing nesting module).

Name of the CNC = Order

If this parameter is enabled, the name of the CNC file will start with the name of the manufacturingorder.

Number of characters: the number of characters that will be added to the manufacture order's nameto indentify the CNC file.


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Allow large names: allows the CNC file to have names with more than 8 characters.

Parts template name

Name of the file that has the parameters to print the list of parts.

Sheets box name

Name of the file that has the parameters to print the list of the boxes.

Part time

The cut time which is going to be calculated in the Drawing module, this setting has no effect in thecalculation of the nesting module.


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Generate information for labels

If this option is checked, the system will create one label for each part and this information will be stored inthe database. If not, the system will not create any label, and in this case all the labels reports will be empty.

Work only with unitary parts (fast entry to nesting module)

If enabled, the system is going to suppose always that every part file contains only one part. With this,the entry to the nesting module is faster because the files are not checked. With this option enabled,it is important to work always in this way: one part file corresponds always to one part. If the user works

The system will calculate the time internally

The calculation will be done using a generic postprocessor

The calculation will be done using the postprocessor of the current machine. This optionis used in water machines where the speed changes frequently.


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Replace punch by cut

With this option enabled, the system will replace all the punching machining of the part by cuttingmachining. If enabled, the system allows to select, instead of cutting, marking machining and what typeof marking for replacing the punching machining.

Do in case of part change

Once the nesting has been done, if the user changes one part, the system will do:

The nest ing wi l l no include the changes made on part.

The part will be modified keeping the same position on the sheet. If thepart was machined, the following parameter will decide what to do:

Enabled, will keep the existing machining on the part. If disabled, the system will delete all the machiningon the part in the sheet.

See the Example of how this parameters works (see annex A)

The system will delete all the parts of the nesting where the modified partwas, and will execute an automatic nesting.

This option is powerful if the part dimensions are changed because if keeping the nesting, there willbe col l is ions. There are three parameters to conf igure how the new nest ing wi l l be done:

Enabled, after the nesting the system will execute the automatic machining process.

sometimes with more than one part for each f i le, i t is recommended to uncheck this option.


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If, because of modifications, all the previous nested parts doesn't fit on the sheet, the program will showa warning message if this parameter is enabled.

With this option enabled, the system will show a window allowing to configure the previous parametersin the case of entering in the nesting module after changing a nested part.

1.2 Configure machines: Startup

This option enables the configuration of parameters of the Initialization section of a machine. For this:

Prompt for this data when initializing

The machine initialization process must be done always before making any machine instruction. Withthis option enabled, the system will show the Startup dialog always when the initialization instructionis executed.

Initializing the machine:

In the nesting module can be done manually using the option Initialize...of the Machinning menu, or clicking on the Init ialize Button of theMachinning Toolbar.

If, because of modifications, all the previous nested parts doesn't fit on the sheet, the program will showa warning message if this parameter is enabled.


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Apply head up at the beginning of machinning

This option will appear only if Execute every rapid with head up is disabled. With this, the user configuresthe system for including one head up instruction always at the beginning of the machinning process.

The machine has Laser-eye

The Laser eye is one device of some laser machines which is used to detect and avoid possible collisionswith the head. If enabled, the system will use it.

Clicking on will show the dialog where the method for using the laser eye can be chosen:

Depending on the given coordinates, thelaser-eye will allign the sheet taking intoaccount two holes. For example: one retailsheet with two holes.

The laser-eye will look for point on X,second on Y and third point in X again foralligning the sheet.

In this case the optical eye will look forthree points, first on X, second on Y andthe third on Y too.

Don't use the optical eye for measuring the sheet.

The laser-eye will test sheet position in onepoint, and then other point for knowing if thesheet allignment is correct.

Execute every rapid with head up

Before any rapid movement there will be one instruction for the machine to rise the cutting head if thisparameter is enabled. This is used for safety, to prevent head damages.


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Speed Rates

In the following dialog, the different machine speeds can be configured:

CNC name = PartN

The CNC file will take the same name assigned to the PartNo., which is the internal name of the CNCf i les. The Par tNo. can be ass igned in d i f ferent ways through the fo l lowing parameters:

The Part No, will be assigned by default using the valueintroduced in the box:

The Part No. will take an automatic value that will increase forsubsequent CNCs. Two additional parameters will displayed:

Number of characters for the Part No.

The first characters of the Part No.


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1.3. Configure machines: Sheet Clamps

With this option you can configure the Clamps of the machine:

Number of clamps

The System will take into account the number of clamps of the machine. The position of each one canbe set up depending on the Positioning parameter:

·Positioning

Any: The clamps can be located in any position. This option is used for machines whose clamps mustbe placed manually with screws.

Fixed: When the clamps are placed into the linear turret, they take positions with fixed distance incrementsbetween them. In this case, the position of the clamps can be configured easily with the followingparameters:

Although the turret has fixed positions, the first clamp site can bein different position each time, then the rest of clamps will be placedfollowing it.

Total number of positions of the linear turret.

Distance between each turret position. The system will calculateevery clamp position adding to the first position the value givenhere.

The distance between the first clamp position and the referencepoint, from this first position the rest of the clamps will be placeddepending on the next two parameters:


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Position distance

Indicate the distance between different clamp positions.

If the clamp type is fixed, once these three fields have been specified, the Positions boxes will becomecombo boxes displaying only the different possibilities for clamp placement.

If the clamp type is any, these fields (First position, Number of positions and Distance between positions)will not appear and the Positions combo boxes will be able to contain any value (since all values willbe valid).

Reference point

The position of the clamps will be taken depending on this reference point:

For example:


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Place the clamps with the mouse

This is used frequently when the user is working with the whole sheet without using lower sheet margin.In this case, is normal to have parts or holes to avoid, and this is difficult if the clamp placement wasdone inserting distances with the keyboard. But if the placement is done with the mouse, the user canslide the clamps and place them in a correct position which allows to machinning the most part of thesheet. With this, the user can avoid reposition orders.

The system will prompt to place the clamps with the mouse when the Initialize order is selected:

Move interactively the from point

The work zone can be moved to desired place when the Initialize order is executed. This is like doingone reposition at the beginning.


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Pin 2

When working with small sheets, sometimes happens that if using the Pin 1 for placing it, the clampscan't take it properly. For this, more centered that the Pin 1 is the Pin 2. The effect is like moving thework zone, like making one reposition at the beginning of the machinning. The difference between thisparameter and the previous one is that here we can assign a fixed value for all the times, and in theprevious one, the value is prompted on every initializing.

The distance is fixed and must be configured clicking on the three points button, in the following dialogue:

Initial offset of the work zone

The system is going to perform a reposition with this value in X for moving the work zone at the beginningof the machining.

For example: here the work zone is placed at the left of the sheet and the value of the initial offset ofthe work zone paremeter is 0:


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The machine can't make all the machinning without performing a reposition, if we give 500 as an initialoffset of the work zone, the machine will perform a 500 mm reposition in X at the beginning on themachining:

Offset to avoid the clamps

This is the safety distance added to the clamp's work zone. The system is going to test it always forpreventing collisions.


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Allow collision test for clamps

Most of the machines makes a clamp verification depending on the loaded CNC code. If the clamps areplaced in a wrong location, the machine would take into account clamp position which are not the realsresulting in a serious error.

If enabled, the system will order to the machine to perform the test depending on the following parameter:

Apply clamp check

With the previous parameter, the system allows to make the test, but is not active until this parameteris enabled. One example of using these two parameters is to active the previous one, and then Promptfor this data when initializing. With this, when the Initialize option is used, the system will show thisc l amp con f i gu ra t i on w indow and t he use r can choose i f pe r f o rm t he t es t o r no t .

The clamps takes up turret positions

Some machines uses one linear turret where the clamps and the tools must be placed. If this happens,the clamps uses tools positions, and with this option enabled the system will take it into account.

Offset

Is the minimum distance where the clamp can be placed from the side ofthe sheet. For example, if the value is 70mm, and the clamp is going to beplaced at 40 mm, the system will place it at 70 mm.

I M P O RTA N T: T h e c l a m p m u s t h a v e s e n s o r f o r t e s t i n g t h i s .


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Clamp zone

When the machine is initialized, this is the clamp zone which the system will use before starting themachinning. In Cutting-Punching machines (combined), the clamp zone is configured by station andthe mos t impor tan t c l amp zone se t t i ngs mus t be done i n t he tu r re t con f i gu ra t i on .

Clamps size

The c lamps s ize can be set up here depending on the three parameters :

The machine initialization process must be done always before making any machine instruction. Withthis option enabled, the system will show the Clamps dialog always when the initialization instructionis executed.


In the nesting module can be done manually using the optionInitialize... of the Machinning menu, or clicking on the InitializeButton of the Machinning Toolbar.

These settings configures the real clamps size which will be used for the automatic repositions. Thesystem will test if the clamp is going to be placed in a hole because if this happens the clamp will nottake the sheet properly. For these calculations, the system will take into account the L, R and Uparameters.


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More button

With this button, the user can configure each clamp's properties like minimum and maximum allowedpositions and distances, if the clamp has sensor or the type of the clamp:

Simulation button

In the nesting/machinning module, the system will simulate the clamps size depending on the valuesgiven in the following dialogue:

1.4. Configure machines: Work Chutes

There a re th ree op t ions fo r remov ing cu t par ts : t raps , m ic ro - jo in ts and Stop codes .

Work chutes are only used for cutting machines with clamps to fix the sheet, because in these machinesthe sheet moves and the parts must be evacuated. If the cutting head is the only one which moves onthe sheet, there is no need to evacuate the parts and all the traps configuration is unnecessary.


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Number of traps

The user will configure here the number of traps of the machine. Depending on this number, the systemwill show the boxes needed to specify the respective coordinates:

All the distances are referred to the cutting/punching center. Theseare the coordinates for the lower le ft corner of the t rap.

Coordinates for the upper-right corner of the trap.

The machine makes one movement after receiving one trap openinstruction trying to center the part into the tramp. This incrementof movement is configured here.

The machine has an extraction hammer

If the machine has an extraction hammer, here must be configured. This hammer is used to hit thetramp to make sure it will be open properly. The hammer is defined by the coordinates and the radius:


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1.5. Configure machines: Lift / Grip

This option is specific for machines with Lift method built-in.

The machine has up/downloading by lift

The machine uses one lift system for up/downloading sheets and/or parts.

Number of suction cups

This parameter configures the number of suction cups of the lift system. This number should be multipleof 12. These suction cups are divided into 6 groups (maximum). Refer to macine manual to see howmany suction cups are available in the machine.

Cup Groups

Each group can manage 12 cups. For this, in this window the groups button will be enabled dependingon the number of suction cups specified.

The cup parameters must be configured here:

X and Y: Position of the cup respect to the lift zero point.Radius: This value is only for simulation.Type: This suction cup type has to be checked on the reference manual of the machine

This is not for all lift systems. The program defines one main suction cupsand some auxiliar because the number can be so big to manage all of themindependiently. These suction cups will be activate each time the main suctioncup is active.


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X, Y and Radius: The same as for main cups

Main suction cup: The main cup the auxiliar one is assigned to.

X Displacement of the suction cups while uploading

This is the offset between the punching/cutting head and the cups carriage.

Minimum X position of the suction cups

This is the minimum position in X where the carriage can physically arrive.


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Maximum X position while downloading

Is the maximum X position where the carriage can download a part. This value should be checked inthe manual, otherwise the NC control will send a Warning message.

Maximum Y position while downloading

This is the Y maximum position where the carriage can download a part. As with X position, this valueshould be checked in the manual. In the system this value is represented as a horizonal line under thecarriage simulation. This kind of machines have an arm to move the suction cups carriage and it shouldbe simulated because it can cause collisions with the head.

The machine has downloading by grip

If this parameter is enabled, the machine will download the parts using grip system instead of lift. TheX and the Y are the position where the sheet arrives so that the grip can pick and download it.

Lift details

Clicking on this button will show specific parameters for configuring the lift system properly:


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The speed and the acceleration that the lift system will apply foruploading the sheet.

Uploading section

All the parameters of this section are related to the sheet upload with the lift:

Downloading parts

The next parameters configures how the lift is going to get the parts.

X position where the sheet is going to be left.

Sometimes the lift gets two sheets instead of just one because ofsuction. With this parameter enabled, the lift gets the sheet andmakes up and down movements trying to unstucks the sheets.

Once the lift gets the sheet, there is one sensor which measuresthe width, if is not correct, the machine executes again the Cycleof unstuck of sheets. Is one security level more than enabling justthe previous parameter.

X position where the lift is going to pick the sheet.

At the beginning, the lift goes to sheet pallet and gets one carryingit to the machine. The second time, the sheet can't be located inthe same place because the previous one has not been machinedyet, and for this, not evacuated from the machine. In this case, thelift places the sheet in a wait position whose objective is makingthe upload faster just when the previous sheet has been evacuated.


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The speed and the acceleration that the lift system will apply fordownloading the sheet.

If the head should be raised while removing the part for securityquestions.

This option allows to leave the part on the table instead of the pallet.

The lift will leave the part from a certaing height specified in thefollowing parameter.

When the lift system goes to download parts on the pallet, if thereare few parts placed, the lift sometimes can't physically arrive tothe surface of the pallet. In this case, this parameter is the heightfrom which the l i f t wi l l leave the part to left to the pal let .

This is the X distance of the lift zero point where the lift is going topick the part. The parameter X displacement of the suction cupsshould be checked.

This is the X distance of the lift zero point where the lift is going toleave the part.

The Y distance of the lift zero point. This parameter is for lift systemswith Y movement.

A l l these parameters are set automat ica l ly i f the ins ta l la t ion comes wi th Wos Pal let .

This is the lift/grip configuration, but there are two places where the user must configure where to use it:

Work Center (see page 40) / Utilities (40) / Configure Machines (40) / Upload - Download Sheets (40)Work Center (see page 108) / Utilities (108) / Configure Machines (108) /

Automatic machinning (108) / Component Removal (108)


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1.6. Configure machines: Save options

With this option you can configure parameters for the machine’s Saving data section.

Subprograms

The different options in this section refers to the generation of subprograms for the postprocessor. Whenthere is one part nested many times in the sheet, the CNC code generated for one of these parts can beused for all the other nested equal part. Using subprograms will result in smaller CNC codes which isvery useful when the numeric control of the machine has limited memory.

This section also controls how the postprocessor generates the CNC code, and how subprograms areorganized. Some options may not be available in a specific postprocessor although it is still possible toselect the option here.

The system will try to generate subprograms.

If possible, the system will detect and apply linear subprograms inthe CNC.

The grid subprograms generation will be supported using this option.

If there is the possibility for using subprograms with rotations, thesystem will apply them generating the proper CNC code.

Example:


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For recognizing if two parts are identical for applying subprograms, the system will look the values ofthe linear and angular tolerances which delimits the possible done error:

Definition point

The definition point is the reference point taken by the subprogram. This reference will be used forgenerating the rest of the equal parts from the first one.

The first point of the part that the machine is goint to cut is thedefinition point.

All the subprograms are related to the 0.0 point of the sheet.

Subprograms by contours

Normally the subprograms are made by parts, but sometimes there are parts with different holes andthe objective is to execute each subprogram for each hole.

Any of the 4 corners means that the definition point is one of theminimum rectangle (see page 1) of the part, taking into accountonly the geometry.

If Part is enabled, will take only the minimum rectangle corner, but ifdisabled it will take the machinning corner (interesting for punching).


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The system will generate subprograms for each different contour, and then will executethem in the same order.

Only subprograms by reference

Enable this function in order to tell the system that all the subprograms belongs to only one part.This means that these subprograms will be automatically repeated when performing equal partsand will therefore only be generated once.

Delete subprograms which are executed once

Enable this function if you don’t want to consider a group of instructions which are only executed onceas a subprogram.

Part saving

There are some options that can be executed automatically when the user saves the part. This is apowerfull feature for saving time. Part saving can happen when the user selects one of this options inthe drawing module:


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Every time the user saves one part, the system can verify it, order their contours, apply automatictechnology, loops or leads depending on the activation of the checkboxes.

This option will verify the part immediately after saving the part. Isthe same if we choose Utilities - Verify part from the menu in thedrawing module.

Execution nesting module

Also, when the nesting module is executed, there are some options that can be applied automatically.The nesting module is executed when clicking on the icon, or selecting the option from the menu, oropening one existing sheet:

Common checkboxes for part saving and execution nesting module in cutting machines:

These checkboxes are common for both automatic executions. The user can choose when enablingthese options for improving the work:

Automatically, the system will apply the settings of Mainelements / Work Centers / Configure machine / AutomaticLead-in/Lead-out (See page 56), or if any configuration exists,of Main elements / Work Centers / Configure machine / General/ Material-Thickness dependent data / Automatic Lead-in/Lead-out values. (See page 56)


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It will order the contours depending on the parameters chosenin Main elements / Work Centers / Configure machine / General/ Ordering contour options. (See page 3)

Automatic technology wil l be applied depending on theconfiguration made in Main elements / Work Centers /Configure machine / Material-Thickness dependent data /Automatic Technology. (See page 52)

The settings of Main elements / Work Centers / Configuremachine / General / Loop values (See page 64) will be applied,or if any configuration exists, of Main elements / Work Centers/ Configure machine / General / Material-Thickness dependentdata / Loop values. (See page 64)

The system will apply automatically the settings of Mainelements / Work Centers / Configure machine / Loop values

(See page 64), or if any configuration exists, of Mainelements / Work Centers / Configure machine / Material-Thickness dependent data / Loop values to all the angles ofthe contours. (See page 64)

Checkbox when executing nesting module for cutting and punching machines:

When entering to the nesting module, the system will introducethe name of the part inside their geometry and will assignmarking technology. With this, the identifier for each part canbe automatically be marked into the part.

See the automatic mark options (annex B)


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Generate labels automatically

When machinning parts automatically or by parts, the system generates automatically one Begin labeland one End label for each part. Then verifies what is between the labels and if there are equal codes,one subprogram will be generated.

WARNING: If the user makes machinning of the part by contours, labels will not be generated and,because of this, no subprograms will be used for the CNC. Enabling this parameter will force the systemto verify the machinning code inserting labels between the beginning and the end of equal code. Thenwill generate subprograms for this codes although they are only for contours, no for whole parts.

Regenerate (only for punching/combination machines)

When saving the machining, the system will test if the CNC code can be optimized converting differentpunching orders into smaller and faster ones:

1.7. Configure machines: work zone

This option enables configuration of the parameters of the Work zone section of a machine:


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The machine has a work zone

This dialogue deals with the maximum size of the work zone without respositioning. In other words, themax imum area the mach ine i s ab le to p rocess w i thou t do ing any shee t repos i t i on .

Length and Width

Indicates the length and the width of the work zone.

Margins

These are additional amounts of travel that is allowed to enable the cut centre to travel a small distanceoutside of the nominal work zone. This is often known as an overtravel limit.

Position

This parameter is related to both the work zone and the sheet position.It is possible to place the work zone respect to the left, right, centreor the machine origin (0,0).

This configuration depends on how the coordinate system of them a c h i n e i s w o r k i n g a n d t h e p l a c e m e n t o f t h e c l a m ps .

NOTE: The From Point should be configured accordingly, it will nota u t o m a t i c a l l y c h a n g e i f t h e Wo r k L i m i t s a r e m o d i f i e d .

In the Center position, the X is the maximum distance allowed fromthe work zone corner to the sheet. Sometimes, if the sheet is very


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When a selected sheet is larger than the work limits, it will extend out of the working range to theopposite side of the reference, and sheet repositioning will be required in order to process whole sheet.

1.8. Configure machines: repositions

If the machine is working with a sheet which is longer that the work zone, the machine must performa reposition movement in order to process the machining of the parts placed outside the work zone.There are three types of repositions: with Pistons, using Head, or both. The parameters to configuredepends on the chosen type.

Type of reposition: Pistons

This type of reposition must be chosen if the machine have hold down cylinders for supporting the sheetduring repositioning of the clamps. There are some parameters to fill about pistons:

This value is the number of pistons of the machine.

The X and Y position of each piston, and the radiusvalues must be configured here. These value aremeasured from the cut/punch head center.

The X coordinate of the hold down position is calculated based on the amount of repositioning required,the Y position can be controlled in a number of different ways:

When doing a reposition, the pistons will be placedthe Y distance from the upper side of the sheet.For example: if the work zone has a limit of 1250mm, the pistons will be placed in Y=1250-100=1150.

If the center position has been selected, the systemwill place the pistons at the same Y coordinate as thecutting head position before the reposition movement.

small, may happen when centering in the work zone that the distancebetween the work zone corner to the sheet is very big and the machinecan't get the sheet with clamps. For this reason, the X Maximumparame te r a l l ows t o f i x t he max imum d i s tance a l l owed .


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The pistons will be placed in the Y position startingfrom the bottom side of the sheet in this case.Following with the example, now the Y coordinatef o r t h e p i s t o n s w i l l b e 0 + 1 5 0 = 1 5 0 m m .

All the previous values are only for Automatic Machinning.But if the reposition is added manually, the Y position willbe taken from here.

The system will check for an appropiate position of the Yaxis. It is important to hold the sheet strongly while theclamps are relocated, for this, the pistons must be incontact with the sheet and not placed over a previously

cut hole.

If the user configures upper and lower margin and an increment, the system will scan between theselimits for a valid position, altering the Y value each time by the stated until a suitable position is found:


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Type of reposition: Head

The head will go down to catch the sheet for performing the reposition.The system needs to know the head radius in the following parameter:

The Y position is configured like in the reposition by pistons.

Type of reposition: Both of them

In some machines, the reposition can be done with pistons and with head at the same time. The systemprovides management of this way. The parameters to configure are all of pistons, the head radius, andhow the Y position of pistons and of head will be controlled.

Retract value in Y

This is the back off distance in Y when opening the clamps. It is applied before the X carriage is movedproviding a clearance between the clamps and the edge of the sheet.

Advance value in Y

This is the value that the Y axis moves back after repositioning. Normally is the same as retract value,but sometimes is smaller to prevent the sheet being "nudged" by the work clamps if the edge of thesheet is uneven.

Speed in X

The feed rate in X of the machine when moving the sheet during repositioning.


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Speed in Y

The feed rate applied to the back off move.

Test sheet clamps in holes when repositioning

When doing repositions, sometimes the clamps are placed inside holes resulting in a bad sheet catch.With this parameter enabled, the system will test each clamp position before placing it on the sheet.The distance increment for testing must be set up here:

The system will not allow reposition movements if there is not a minimum number of clamps catchingthe sheet properly. This number is:

Once the reposition type and all the parameters are configured, the user can choose two repositionstrategies clicking on Strategy button:

Strategy

The system will perform machinning of all the work zone, and therest after the reposition.

The system will perform one small percent of the work zone, andthe rest after the reposition.

This strategy can be used in two ways:


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If there is any part in both the first and the second zone, the systemwill make the machinning of the part at most depending on the workzone (violet color):

The reposition is going to start after the situation of the figure.

In the example, there are three small parts and one larger part that is between the two zones. Thesystem will finish the three small parts because the work zone allows it, and is going to machine all thegeometries of the larger part that the work zone allow.

The system is going to machine all the geometries that are in thefirst zone, then make the reposition, and finish. It is not going totake care of the parts:


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In the figure, the reposition has just finish. The system will machine only the length of the zone 1, makethe reposition, and finish the sheet.

The offset parameter in both modes is the distance from the limit of the zone 1 that the system will takeas zone 1 for making the reposition. In other words: is the distance of the zone 2 which is going to bemachined before making the reposition:

1.9. Configure machines: Grid

This is used for cutting machines that have a work support grid, it is possible to specify the visualizationparameters for the support grid. It is not typically required for punching applications.

The machine has grid

First of all the user must check this option for enabling the rest of grid configuration parameters:

Visualize

The system will simulate the grid if this parameter is enabled. With this, the user can check interactivelyif the parts are going to fal l down the machine's table being able to modify their posit ions.

The parameters to configure are:


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- X and Y: the first point coordinates related to the from-point of the machine.- d1 and d2: the horizontal and vertical distances between points respectively.- n1 and n2: the number of horizontal and vertical points respectively.

Parameters for detroying holes

This option is for cutting or combination machines with grid. The system will execute a process fordestroying the holes on the sheet. The sheet is placed over the table's grid. Depending on the distanceof the grid's lines, sometimes when cutting a hole it may keep on the table instead of falling down thetable. If it keeps in horizontal position there is no problem, but if it inclines between two grid lines its h o u l d s ta n d o u t a n d t h e h e a d c a n c o l l i d e w i t h i t r e s u l t i n g i n a h e a d d a m a g e .

For preventing this, the system provides this way of cutting the holes into small parts to be surethey always fall down the grid.

The fo l lowing four parameters del imi ts the s ize of the holes which wi l l be destroyed:

The following example will explain how to use this option. In the nesting, there are some parts with bigholes, and also, in violet color the grid lines are visualized:

The hole of the upper-left part is bigger than the values given (X:150-450, Y:150-450), and the smallerholes are not between the defined lenghts and widths.

So, if we execute the order for destroying the holes from the CAM module before doing the machining:


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The system will ask for confirm previous entered data, and also the length and the width of the pieceof holes which will result:

The system wil l calculate and introduce the required machining orders which wil l destroy theproblematic holes:

The big hole of the part is too big and will stay over the grid without problems, and the other holes aretoo small and will fall into the table without problems.


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1.10. Configure machines: From point

This option enables configuration of the parameters of the From point section of a machine:

The from point defines the default values of the initial coordinates relative to the position of the cutting/ punching head.

This start point for cutting/punching can be any of the four corners:

Or one middle position specified by X and Y coordinates:


As for other parameters, the system can show this configuration window when the Initialization processis executed.


In the nesting module can be done manually using the option Initialize...of the Machinning menu, or clicking on the Initialize Button of theMachinning Toolbar.


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1.11. Configure machines: Sheets data

This option enables you to configure the parameters of the Sheets data section of a machine.

Sheets margins

This dialogue allows you to specify margins around the sheet. This ensures the machine is not goingto cut or punch out of the sheet and leave enough material to support the parts. In the example shown,the lower margin is larger to avoid the clamp zone.

The X and Y values are the coordinates that the system will take for the selected red point. Normallyth is point is the 0,0 because is the point where the torch wi l l be placed before cut t ing.

Remnant margin

When a remnant is generated from the current sheet, if there is any value here, the remnant will becreated with these margins.

Display sheet reference in status bar

If this parameter is activated, the reference of the sheet will be displayed in the status area whileworking on the Nesting.

Sheet state

Indicate the fold status of the sheet through one of the numbers in the list. (0 = completely flat, 9 = veryirregular). This parameter may be useful if the postprocessor uses it to calculate the distance that thehead must come down in order to cut/punch for trying to avoid collisions with sheet.


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Anti-scratch

This parameter's objetive is that the rapid movements are done at more higher distance for not scratchingthe sheet. When the movement is from one hole to another with the head down, instead of the normalheight, with this enabled it will go a little higher.

Maximum Length and Width

When getting one sheet from the database, the system will look in addition to material and thickness,if the sheet is not bigger that these measures.

1 . 1 2 . C o n f i g u r e m a c h i n e s : U p l o a d / D o w n l o a d s h e e ts

With this option you can configure parameters for a machine’s Sheet loading/unloading section.

Process the number of sheets automatically

The system needs information about the way the sheets are loaded onto the machine. If the loadingis automatic, the system will calculate the number of sheets and will order them to loader when needed..

Number of sheets

The user can choose the number of sheets which will be loaded into the machine instead of using theprevious parameter which loads the sheets on demand. The sheet loader will load the sheet, which ismachined and then unloaded so many times as the value of this parameter.


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Sheet is uploaded automatically

If the machine has an automatic loader, enabling this parameter will allow the system to use it, butevery t ime the user can choose i f the system is go ing to use i t or not depending on:

The system will not use the loader. The process must be done manually.

If the Automatic option is selected, the following parameters appear:

If the loader system allows it, it is possible to specify the stationfrom which the sheet will be get.

Sometimes, when loading a sheet, the loader gets two sheets insteadof just one. With this active, the loader will execute a cycle ofmovements to unstuck the sheets.

In some loader system there is one sensor for measuring the sheetwidth. This can detect if there are more than one sheet. If thishappen, the sheet peel ing cyc le wi l l be executed again.

If the machine is equipped with a lift system, the sheet upload canbe done with it:

The system will calculate which cups are the best for uploading thesheet.

For selecting them manually, the Suction cupsbutton will show the window for making it:


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Sheet is downloaded automatically

As with uploading, the sheet can be downloaded automatically enabling this option:

In Manual mode, the system can leave the sheet in one positionmaking easier the downloading task. This position is defined by Xand Y coordinates:

In Automatic mode, the system will download the sheet.

With this enabled, the system will know if the loader system canturn over the sheet.

The loader will perform a turn over when downloading the sheetautomatically if this parameter is enabled.

The sheet will be downloaded using the lift system of the machine.The X and Y are the coordinates which specify the place for leavingthe sheet:

The system will select automatically which cups are thebest for the downloading process.

But if the user wants to select manually the cups, thesuction cups button allows to make it:


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The machine initialization process must be done always before making any machine instruction. Withthis option enabled, the system will show the upload/download sheet dialog always when the initializationinstruction is executed.



1.13. Configure machines: Sheet remnants

With th is opt ion you can conf igure parameters for a machine ’s Remnant data sect ion.

When the machining for a sheet only takes up small part of the total area (normally this happens with thelast sheet of a nest), sometimes there is a piece of the sheet we are interested in keeping for future use,this is referred as a remnant. The system can automatically generate these remnants and manage themin the dabatase. This is very useful when the user want to use one of these remnants for another order.

The system can be configured to recognise these remnants and store them in the sheets databasewhen saving the nest.

Generate remnants when you save

Enabling this function, the system will automatically generate a remnant for the current sheet when saving.There are two ways to generate a remnant. The first one is to use the original sheet taking away the machinedareas. The second method adds one or more cut lines creating remnants for the remaining areas.

The sheet will be downloaded by the grip system of the machine.


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Generate remnants with the completed sheets

The system will keep on the database the whole sheet after cutting the parts. Sometimes this is usefulif the sheet has been machined with a few parts and is better not to cut it for remnants. The user can getthis sheet for nesting and machining more parts taking advantage of the remaining space of the sheet.

Generate the cutting line of the remnant automatically

This function allows to generate remnants following the options shown in the bitmaps. For example:

With this nesting:

Each option will generate different number of remnants (in blue) and different remnant shape (in green):


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In the remnant shape with "?" letter, is the system who decides what kind of remnant will createdepending on the area value

All the shapes and cutting lines depends on the values of the offset between the parts and the lines,the minimum width of hollows and the minimum area of the remnant:

Offset between the parts and the line

This value will determine the distance between the remnant's cutting line and every part nested on the sheet.


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Minimum width of hollows

The value of this parameter is the minimum allowed for using a little space of the sheet which is betweenparts in the limit of the remnant's cutting line.

Delete the remnant area around parts

With this parameter disabled, the system will use as remnant any area of the sheet including thosewhich are inside parts like holes. If the user doesn't want to use these areas, this parameter must beenabled.

Minimum area of remnants

The value of this parameter is going to be used for generating remnants always biggers that the givensquare meters.

Remnants can be rotated

The remnant will be generated as configured, but with this parameter enabled, the system will look forthe best position of the remnant for placing the cutting head (from-point) of the machine into the sheet.


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For example:

From the sheet of the right, the remnant of the left has been generated:

The from-point is on the upper-left side of the sheet, now if the remnant is placed in the same angle,it is going to be very difficult to place the head of the machine just in this point. It would be easier ifthe remnant is placed turned. If this is enabled, the system will look for the best position of the remnant:

This window can be updated in the nesting module for each sheet. From the Sheets menu, the Remnantsoption will show the Remnants Toolbar:

Prompt for references when generating remnants

The system generates a reference automatically for each remnant. But if this checkbox is enabled, atthe moment of generating a new remnant from the sheet, the system will ask for the reference.


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1.14. Configure machines: Propert ies of mater ial thickness

Obviously, the machinning process will not always be the same when using different materials andthickness. Therefore, some of the machining parameters will need to change when we choose differentmaterials or specify a different thickness.

Before configuring any parameter, the user must create pairs of material-thickness limits, and fromthere, all the changes made to the values of each section will be associated to that material betweenspecified thickness.

New button

Using this button, new associations between material-thickness will be created:

Modify button

The modify button allows to change the material or the thickness of one entry.

Delete button

The material-thickness association will be deleted together with all the values of each section for that association.

Copy button

The user can copy one material/thickness entry, and all the values for each section will be copied too.


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1.14.1. Configure machines: Dependent data of material-thickness

The system works associating the pair material-thickness with the respective values we assign to theparameters. For example, the cut speed can be changed depending if the material is more or lessthinner.

For the cutting machines, the user can configure the following sections:

1.14.1.1.- Cutting parameters1.14.1.2.- Sheets data1.14.1.3.- Automatic technology1.14.1.4.- Lead-in / lead-out values1.14.1.5.- Automatic Lead-in / lead-out values1.14.1.6.- Micro-joint values1.14.1.7.- Automatic micro-joint values1.14.1.8.- Loop values1.14.1.9.- Chamfer values1.14.1.10.- Bridge values

1.14.1.1.- Materials-thickness properties: Cutting parameters

With this option you can configure the following cutting parameters:

Import button

With this button, a previous configuration can be imported. The system will prompt for a .CTT file, thisfile is one Technological Table (CT).

Criteria button

For making easier the search of one concrete entry, the system provides this button which allows toshow on the screen just the entries corresponding to the selected criteria.


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Piercing radius

Here, the piercing radius can be configured properly. This value will be looked when the system checks themachining overlapping: if there is one lead inside part, the overlapping will be calculated including thepiercing radius (if the lead-int is 8mm, and piercing radius is 2mm, any part nearer to 10mm will be detected).

The system provides one option for verifying the machining of the whole sheet automatically when saving,this can be done on Utilities - Configure - Draw and Nest - Verify the machining of the sheets while saving:

Cut speed

This cut speed will be applied for any job done in the specified material between the thickness.

Chamfered speed

This speed will be applied for making chamfers for any job done in the specified material between theth ickness . Th is va lue w i l l be used on ly fo r mach ines w i th beve l cu t t ing poss ib i l i t ies .

Cutter radius

For the specified material between the given thickness, the system will use the value given here as theradius for the cutter.


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Corrector for holes

Some numeric control have different corrector for interiors or exteriors. Here, the user can configurethe cor rec tor number which the numer ic cont ro l i s go ing to use for in ter io r contours .

Corrector for exteriors

In this case, the numeric control will use this number of corrector for exterior contours. The numericcontrol corrector values must be programmed for using this properly.

1 . 1 4 . 1 . 2 . - M a t e r i a l s - t h i c k n e s s p r o p e r t i e s : S h e e ts d a ta

With this option you can configure the unusable sheet margins as well as sheet status. (for completec o n f i g u r a t i o n s e e M a c h i n e c o n f i g u r a t i o n : G e n e r a l - S h e e t pa r a m e t e r s - pa g e 3 9 - ) .

Sheet state

Indicate the fold status of the sheet through one of the numbers in the list. (0 = completely flat, 9 = veryirregular). This parameter may be useful if the postprocessor uses it to calculate the distance that thehead must come down in order to cut/punch for trying to avoid collisions with sheet.

Remnant margin

When a remnant is generated from the current sheet, if there is any value here, the remnant will becreated with these margins.


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Sheets margins

This dialogue allows you to specify margins around the sheet. This ensures the machine is not goingto cu t o r punch ou t o f t he shee t and leave enough mate r ia l t o suppor t t he pa r ts .

1.14.1.3.- Materials-thickness properties: Automatic technology

If the machine is using technological tables, there is an automatic way to assign cutting qualitiesdepending on material-thickness.

New button

This button will create a new entry on the cutting quality assignation table:

Minimum and maximum radius

The parts are classified here by area. The system calculates the area of a part, then generates internallythe circle with the same area. Minimum and maxium radius designate the areas of the circles thatcorresponds to the areas of the parts.

The area of a circle is Π r then, the radius is:


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Depending on the area (the radius of the circle with the same area), the system will assign a cuttingquality to the parts automatically.

This is only the definition of the associations, but we have to make them effective. There are threeautomatic ways:

We can use automatic option in the drawing module. Once we have the desired part, choose Technology- Cut technology and a new toolbar will appear. With this toolbar is possible to assign cutting qualitiesmanually, but if we click on the automatic button, the cutting quality settings will be applied automatically:

The second way has to be configured and will be applied when saving the part. In Utilities - Configure- Machine - Save options (see page 27), enable Automatic Technology checkbox. When saving thepart, the system will calculate the areas and assign, if any association exists, the correct cutting qualitysettings.

The third way is in the same window, but on Execution nesting module section, if the AutomaticTechnology checkbox is enabled, when entering on the nesting module, the system will automaticallyapply cutting qualities depending on the area.

Also, the user can assign a cutting quality to each contour manually using the second icon of the Cuttoolbar in the drawing module:


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Next step is clicking on the desired contours for applying the cutting quality. Expert will show them ina different color for making easier the identification of each cutting quality. There are two related thingswhich are important now:

1- When the user clicks on this Cut button of the toolbar, there is the possibility of accessing to thesettings of the chosen cutting quality, the button Modify:

This is very useful for reviewing the cutting quality configuration before applying it.

2- The color which will be used for each cutting quality can be configured too. The user can know exactlywhich cutting quality each contour has. The place of configuring this is on Utilities - Configure - Drawand Nest - Color:

Dot small contours

The system will assign a dot cycle to all the contours whose radius is below the minimum radius, butonly if the configured minimum radius is bigger than 0. The action to take on each dot cycle should beconf igured on Postprocessor - Spec i f ics o f cut - Dot cyc le by defau l t (see page 136)


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Mark small contours

If the minimum radius is bigger than 0, the mark technology chosen here (powder, drill, pen, cut) willbe applied automatically to all the contours whose radius is below the minimum ones. This option canbe used together with the dot small contours checkbox.

For example:

A dot cycle and a mark with drill will be applied to all the contourssmaller than the smallest radius.

The system will apply a powder mark of all the contours smallerthan the smallest minimum radius configured. But it will not applyany dot cycle.

1.14.1.4.- Materials-thickness properties: Lead-in/Lead-out values

With this option you can configure a machine’s approach parameters.

The user can assign manually leads for each part, this can be done with the leads toolbar which appearsif choosing the Technology - Lead in-Lead out option of the menu in both drawing and nesting module.

In the toolbar, there is one option rounded by red line, which will show the values for the parametersof the leads if the user assigns them manually.

See how to assign lead-in / lead-out manually (annex C)

The following options will be applied to any lead inserted manually for all the jobs of the specifiedmaterial between the thickness. All the parameters are related to the length and shape of the leads:

The leads can be very different. For this, depending on the leads that will be usedfor the part, each parameter have different meaning. For example, the D parametermeans the length of one upright lead (first diagram), but if the lead has some angle,the D distance is the height from the vertex (second diagram).


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The user can configure different distances depending if is lead in or lead out:

Circles angle

If the user wants to place the lead manually, sometimes happen that this lead can't be placed in theexact clicked point. The value of this parameter will help to system to decide where to put it. Themeaning is the angle step the system will use for placing the lead.

For example, with a 90 circles angle value, the lead will be placed in the nearest quadrant point toclicked one: 0, 90, 180, 270. If the system can't place on nearest position, will try on next 90 degreepoint.

For a value of 30, the system is going to try to put the lead on every 30 degrees from the clicked point:0, 30, 60, 90, 120.

Cut the contour

The system will machine the contour just after the lead is placed if this checkbox is enabled.

1.14.1.5.- Materials-thickness properties: Automatic lead-in / Lead-out values

I f the user selects to assign the leads automatical ly, some parameters must be configured.The system will try to insert lead-in/lead-out:

1- If the user configures it in the Save options section of the machines configuration (see page 27).In these dialogues, the user can choose if it will insert lead-in/lead-out automatically when savingthe part, or when entering on the nesting module.

2- In both drawing and nesting module, the user can get the Lead-in/Lead-out toolbar, and executeautomatic lead-in/lead-out assignation using the automatic button:


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There is also a way to modify the placed lead-in / lead-out (see annex C).

The position of the lead, the type of leads to use depending on the different contours, and all thedistances must be configured.

Management by qualities

If the cutting qualities are used for the job, the system allows to configure different values for the lead-in/lead-out when using the automatic assignation. With this checkbox enabled, the window will showt w e l v e ta b s w h i c h a r e r e l a t e d t o e a c h o f t h e t w e l v e a v a i l a b l e c u t t i n g q u a l i t i e s :

NOTE: From Material-thickness dependent data - Automatic Lead-in/Lead-out, the cutting qualitiescheckbox is not enabled. If the user wants to configure them depending on material-thickness, first theManagement by qualities checkbox must be enabled on Configure Machine - Cutting machine - AutomaticLead-in/Lead-out.

Zone

When using automatic leads, the user can choose the place where the system willtry first for placing the lead.

Is possible to select different position for exterior contours of parts and for holes.

If the selected zone is the one marked with "?", the system will decide which leadsposition is the best for cutting the part in the best conditions.


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There are different kind of contours which system can distinguish. In the following table, there are twoexamples for each contour type. All the geometries on red colour are those on which the selected lead-in/out type will be applied:

The system will try to insert the lead type choosen on the first number, if this is not possible,will try with second and last with third type. This is a way of configure different leads forirregular exteriors and let system place the best one in each case.

Modify button

For each contour type, one lead-in/lead-out type can be assigned. The first type will not assign anylead-in/lead-out to the contour:


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There are some values that defines each lead-in/lead-out dimensions:

Minimum length

This is the minimum length in which one lead can be placed. For example, if the system has beenconfigured for placing lead-in on the upper-right corner and in that corner there is a chamfer of 1mm,if the minimum length allowed is 5, the system tests the minimum length and doesn't place it, it will finda b e t t e r s e g m e n t o f t h e c o n t o u r f o r g e t t i n g b i g g e r l e n g t h f o r p l a c i n g t h e l e a d .

Minimum Radius

The meaning is the same as the previous parameter, is for security on placing leads on big enoughsegments. In this case, the system will look for the radius and if is not bigger than this value will lookfor another segment.

Maximum angle

If the lead is for a corner, if the two segments constitute an angle bigger than this value, the systemwill not place the lead and will try with different type of lead.


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Minimum angle

When the lead is for an interior contour, the system will test the angle between these segments andif is smaller than the value given here, will not place it.

Maximum angle

The same as previous one, if the angle of the interior contour's segments is bigger that the value ofthis parameter, the system will not place the lead.

Overlapping test

The lead-in/lead-out is placed out of the contours. Because of this, that new geometries can collidewith other geometries on the sheet: parts, other leads... the system provides three different ways fortesting if there is overlapping or not:

The lead-in/lead-out geometry will be shorten trying to avoid theover lapping. The value is the maximum shortening al lowed.

The lead-in/lead-out will be placed in other position, and system willtry as different positions as the number given on Number of attempts.

In this case, system will try changing the cuttingqual i ty of the lead-in/ lead-out. With this, theconfiguration for lead-in/lead-out will change gettingthe values configured of the new cutting quality.


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Also, the piercing radius can be lower when thereare overlappings.

On each position, the system is going to try to change the cuttingquality of the lead-in/lead-out, and if not, change position as manytimes as specified attempts.

For each position, the system will try changing thecutting quality, and shorten the lead-in/lead-outon each position, and if the problem persists,change position as many times as the value given.

First, the quality will be changed and if still there are overlappings,the lead-in/lead-out geometries will be shorten.

Copy button

Because there are 12 possible cutting qualities, the same parameter must be configured many times.For making the data entry easier, system provides this button which permit to copy the automatic lead-in/lead-out configuration from existing cutting quality values.

1.14.1.6. - Mater ials- thickness propert ies: Micro- joint values

This option permits the configuration of default micro-joint values.

The user can assign manually micro-joint for each part using the Microjoints Toolbar which will appears e l e c t i n g Te c h n o l o g y - m i c r o j o i n t s o p t i o n i n b o t h d r a w i n g a n d n e s t i n g m o d u l e .

With the red color rounded icon, the user can access to this micro-joints parameters configuration:


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R parameter: is the radius. Depending on the given value on lead-in and lead-out, the system will placethe micro-joint using these radiuses:

Circles angle

When the micro-joint is assigned manually, the system will try to put it in the exact clicked point, butthis is not always possible.

With this parameter, the system will decide where to put it. The value meaning is the angle step thesystem will use for placing the micro-joint in relation to clicked point.

For example, with a 90 circles angle value, the micro-joint will be placed in the nearest quadrant pointto clicked one: 0, 90, 180, 270. If the system can't place on nearest position, will try on next 90 degreepoint.

For a value of 30, the system is going to try to put the micro-joint on every 30 degrees from the clickedpoint: 0, 30, 60, 90, 120.

1.14.1.7.- Materials-thickness properties: Automatic micro-joint values

If the user selects to assign the micro-joints automatically, some parameters must be configured.

The system will try to insert micro-joints automatically if the user uses the automatic button from the M i c r o - j o i n t t o o l b a r ( s e e a n n e x L ) o n t h e n e s t i n g m o d u l e .


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If the cutting qualities are used for the job, the system allows to configure different values for themicro-joint when using the automatic assignation. With this checkbox enabled, the window will showt w e l v e t a b s w h i c h a r e r e l a t e d t o e a c h o f t h e t w e l v e a v a i l a b l e c u t t i n g q u a l i t i e s :

Micro-joint types

These are all the micro-joints the system supports automatically. For each one, there are some parametersto configure as shown on the graphs:

Circles angle

This value is used for system to test positions for placing micro-joints. The meaning is the angle step thesystem will use for placing the micro-joints near the clicked point. For example, if the value is 90, the systemwill try first the clicked point for placing micro-joint, then 0,90,180,270 degrees position from the first point.

Distance between micro-joints

This is the minimum distance, the system will not allow to place one micro-joint at a distance lower thanthis value.


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2- In the drawing module, the user can get the Loops toolbar, and execute automatic loops assignationusing the automatic button:

See how to assign loops manually (see annex E)

The system allows to use two techniques:

The R parameter has different meaning depending on the loop type as can be seen on the graph.

Automatic Loops

For automatic machining, the loops can be applied:

In automatic mode, the loops will be applied only to the chamfers ofthe contours.

1 . 1 4 . 1 . 8 . - M a t e r i a l s - t h i c k n e s s p r o p e r t i e s : L o o p v a l u e s

This option allows the user to configure the parameters of the Loop values section in a machine.The loops are used for improving the corner's quality of the parts.

The system will try to use loops for corners:

1- If the user configures it in the Save options section of the machine configuration (see page 27). Inthese dialogues, the user can choose if the system will insert loops automatically when saving the part,or when entering on the nesting module.

Copy button

Because there are 12 possible cutting qualities, the same parameter must be configured many times.For making the data entry easier, Expert provides this button which permit to copy the automatic micro-joint configuration from existing cutting quality values.


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Depending on the degrees, the angle will be rounded using the R value as shown in the figure:

There are four different kinds of contours where to apply the angle round, if none of them are choosedthe settings will not have effect:

Maximum angle

For the angle round process the system will look for these segments whose angle is not bigger thanthe value given here (for the two options on the right side).

1 .14 .1 .9 . - Mater ia ls - th ickness proper t ies : Chamfer va lues

This option allows the user to configure the parameters of the Chamfer values of the machines.

For making chamfers, the machine must have a rotation head which allows to cut in different angles.There are two values for give to the same parameters, one on the left and the others at right side of

The automatic loops will be applied just to angles.

Round angles

With this feature, the machine will use soft movement without hard trayectory changes on corners. Theresult is better part machinning.

The automatic machining will apply loops in chamfers and angles.


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Lower chamfer: for this kind of chamfer, the parameters to fill are di and ai. The left and right valuesmust be equal for fix chamfers, or differents for variable chamfers.

Double chamfer: the machine must have three heads: one for vertical cut, one for higher chamfer andthe third for lower chamfer. In this case all the values must be filled, and for variable chamfers thevalues must be different from left to right side.

The chamfers must be assigned manually to each part using one of the four kind of chamfers on theChamfers toolbar:

Once one kind is selected, the system prompts to choose the contour to apply the chamfer:

>>>>. This is for variable chamfers, the user can configure with what distance and angle the chamferwill start and at what distance and angle will finish.

There are three different kinds of chamfers that can be done depending on the parameters.

- Higher chamfer: it will be done on the upper side of the sheet. For this chamfers, only the ds and asparameter will be used, the rest value must be 0. If ds and as have the same values on the left andon the right side, the chamfer is fixed, not variable.


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The system changes the color of the contours on which the chamfer has been applied. This color canbe configured from main module:

1 .14 .1 .10 . - Ma te r ia ls - th ickness proper t i es : Br idge va lues

With this option you can configure a machine’s Bridge values parameters.

These options will be applied automatically using the Technology - Bridges, which will show the BridgesToolbar and using the automatic option:

See how to apply bridge manually from the nesting module (annex F)

The bridges are used for join various contours cut with less piercings. For example:


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In this example, there are placed the two kind of bridges. The first one,between the superior part and the middle one, the part is cut completely.

But in the second bridge, the parts remain joined by the bridge.

a distance

This is the length of the bridge between parts:

Maximum length

This value is the maximum distance allowed for creating one bridge between contours.

On corners

The bridges will be applied on part's corners. Inthe example, there are bridges on corners thatallows to make all the machining without raisingthe head.


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1.15. Configure machines: cutting parameters

There are different kind of cutting machines: oxicut, laser, plasma...

In this window all the parameters related to each machine type can be configured.

Cutter radius

This is the radius of the machine’s cutter in mm. This radius is equal to the kerf, is the radius of thecutting line.

Piercing radius

The piercing radius have relationship with the area around the piercing point where the system willkeep as not usable for security reasons. Normally, this distance is not workable material because ofthe piercing process, and the system will use the value given here as the radius of the circle aroundthe piercing point of non-usable sheet.

When testing the machining, the system will output a warning message if this area has been used byany geometry. For example, with two parts nested like on the figure:

It seems that the piercings have distance between enough for not having problems. But, making themachining and verifying it, the system looks for the piercing radius and test every piercing for collisions:


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1- Machining

The system detects the overlapping, the user should change the lead-in positions:

Type of cut

The cut technology of the machine can be selected here: Oxicut, Plasma, High definition plasma, Laserand Water. For laser machines, some parameters must be configured clicking on the button:

Laser parameters (annex G)

2- Verify the machining


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Texts angular tolerance

Some machines can´t mark text in any angle. With this parameter, we tell to the system at what angle themachine can mark text. The nesting module will orientate the text depending on the machine limitations.

If the previous checkbox is disabled, now the system will ask for destination points of the cycle:

But if the checkbox is enabled, a new dialog will emerge:

There are special cycles

This checkbox determines the way the drawing module will handle the cycles. When this option isdisabled, the special cycles options of the drawing module will be disabled too. For example, it will onlyprompt for destination point when picking Simple cycle tool (see annex M).

In the other way, if the checkbox is enabled, when selecting any cycles tool, there are many optionsthat can be used in the drawing module:


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They are the different ways of doing special cycles. If the numeric control allows it, the postprocessorwill read these values for making the CNC program.

Deal with number of sheets in the system

If the installed machine can use more than one sheet at once, here can be configured the number ofsheets, the space between them and the total l imi t between the f i rst and the last sheet:

The following schema will explain this:


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Test collision in the margins of the sheet

The system doesn't check by default if any part coliisions with the margins of the sheet. Enabling thischeckbox, the system will detect a situation like the figure below when verifying the machining:

Now, with the checkbox enabled, if we do the machinning, and then choose Utilities – View SystemStatus… - Verify the machinning, the system will notice us about the collision with a warning like this:

And the place where the collision is:

The machine must be multitorch to use this options, and the number of sheets that we want to use mustcoincide with the number of torchs. The way to check this is going to Utilities – Configure – Machines– Multitorch data.

see the example of how to use different number of sheets with multitorch (annex H)


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Automatic control of the focal distance

If the machine supports it, here the system will use the automatic control of the focal distance featureof the machine. This focal distance is referred as the position of the laser beam focus in relation to thetop of the plate to be cut.

Table height offset

The cutting head must respect this offset for working on a higher height. Sometimes the sheet is notplaced directly over the table because, for example, an special support is placed in between. In thiscase, the system should know the height for avoid collisions directly over the sheet. This height isconfigured here.

Ignore non cut contours

The system allows to use non-cut technology. This can be assigned to geometries which the user doesn'twant to machine like auxiliar geometries, explanations. The way of doing this is selecting the Technology- Cut technology, and from the Cut toolbar, the non-cut option:

The meaning of this parameter is for nesting module. If is enabled, the nesting will be done withoutusing the non-cut contours getting only the rest of the geometries. But if is disabled and some non-cutcontours are included, the nesting will be done using these contours too although they are not goingto be machined. For example, if the non-cut contours are in blue color, the space of these two rectangleswill be respected on nesting if the parameter is disabled:


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Compensation mode

The user can use two ways for making the compensation: by system or by Numeric Control. In thesecond, the parameters must be configured on the Numeric Control of the machine, but in the compensationby system is the system who will manage it. The three drawings that appears below are a visualrepresentation of each compensation mode. Choosing one of them will determine how the system willapply the compensation:

Contour attributes

The postprocessor gets from the system all the needed information and makes with it the CNC program.For that, there are some parameters that only will be used by the postprocessor, and won’t have anychanges on how the system does the nesting-machinning process. These parameters can be asociatedto elements of the parts, to piercings, or, like here, to contours. So, the object of all the variables ofthis dialog is to asociate values to contours, then these values will be readed by the postprocessor fordoing the properly actions.

The value will be assigned to all the corners of the contour

The value will be applied at contours microjoint if exists. Thereis the possibility of filter what microjoints are going to bevalued depending on quality.

These values will be applied to all the contours. Establishing thesevalues from here will apply them to all the contours of parts in automaticmode.


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The system will show in the screen what attributes are assigned to each contour with the given value:

In the part, there are corner, user01 and user02 attributes applied for all the contours, also the valuesof each attribute are printed in the screen. The postprocessor will read these values if they are necessaryfor build the CNC Program.

There’s other way for assign contour attributes with values, is the manually way. In the nesting module,with the Technology – Cut technology option, the system prompts for the base contour and then, theContour Attributes dialog will appear. The attributes selected here and the given values will be applieddepending on the options chosen in the next window:

The seven top options are used to filter the contours which will receive the contour attributes dependingon the part, technology, and quality.

The last three options al lows to choose to what parts wil l be applied the contour attr ibutes.


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The machine initialization process must be done always before making any machine instruction. Withthis option enabled, the system will show the Cutting Parameters dialog always when the initializationinstruction is executed:



1.16. Configure machines: Common cutting Parameters

There are different options to set up if the user wants to use common cut.

This configures how the common cut is going to be done:

When this option is selected, a new button will appear for configuringthe lead in/out values for the common cut:

The common cut will be done between more than two parts, if possible.


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If the system is cutting parts together sometimes happensthat already cut parts should move or incline a little which isdangerous for the head because of collision.

In the example, the red parts are already cut, but the blue not. If this parameter is 0, the cutting headwill go back to the intersection to start cutting blue parts, but that point is very dangerous because thered part may be moved or inclined:

For avoid this kind of situations, the system provides to enter a security value which is the distance ofthe common cut joined part which is going to be cut:

If enabled, the system will reverse the contour sense of cutif is better for the process


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Factor for insignificant length

The given value for this factor is the maximum distance the system will leave without cutting when usingthe common cut feature. This prevents a situation like the figure, where the machining starts from thesmaller parts, and once they are cut, the machine cuts the small segment between the two parts:

With a small factor value, the system will leave it without cut.

Nesting for common cut

All the next options changes the nesting process for allowing automatic common place of the parts onthe sheet. For working automatically properly, the user should configure the same settings on nestingfor common cut and on common cut, and then, use automatic nesting and machinning. The other wayis to place the parts manually on the sheet and, if the common cut is enabled, the user can make theautomatic machining allowing the system to try to apply the common cut to the manual nesting.

The nesting will be optimized for placing parts together two by two.

The system will try to use the common cut at most possible parts.


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Minimum length

The value given here is the minimum length that the contours must have to apply the common cut.

Only between same length elements

The common cut only will be applied if the common contours have the same length.

Only place on nesting direction

If enabled, the nesting will be done optimizing the common cut instead of lower sheet usage.

For example:

In the sheet of the left, the system tries to use the sheet at most placing the two right parts down onthe sheet. But on the sheet of the right, the system detects that the common cut is better and placesthe part properly.


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System compensation

The compensation can be treated by the program or by the numeric control. When using common cut,we can determine if the compensation is not going to be used, if it is going to be used only in the maincontour of the common cut parts, or in all the contours. When using any of the system compensationmode, be sure that the machinning is configured to use system compensation: Utilities – Configure –Machines – Automatic Machinning – Cut - System compensation.

The compensation will be applied to the common cut main contour.

All the contours will use the system compensation.

Islets

Because of the use of common cut, some holes between parts may appear. The system provides twodifferent treatments for them.

The blue holes are examples of islets using common cut:


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If the island is big enough, it may contain another part nested inside,with this enabled, the system will cut first these parts before cuttingthe island.

The machining will start always for cutting all the islands, and thenthe part's contours.

Number of torches

Shows and allows to configure the number of torches of the machine. The system supports to use upto 20 torches at the same time.

1.17. Configure machines: Multitorch data

The configuration of the multitorch of the selected machine appears in the present window.

Torch capabilities

Each torch may have different capabilities for cut, mark or for machine chamfers or notches. In thisdialogue, the use can choose the capabilities of each torch:

In the example, the first can be used for all kinds of machine, but the second or the third will only beused for normal cut.

Torches on axis Y

Depending on each machine, the torches can be placed on X axis (by default), or in Y axis. It is importantto specify to system which kind of torches placement the machine uses.


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Control torch

Establishes which is the reference torch. The CNC program will be built for this torch, the rest will followhis movements.

The axis configured on the previous parameter will display the options properly here:

Minimal distance between torches

This is the minimum distance allowed for the torches to be placed one near other.

Clicking on this button will show a torch placement dialogue with the following parameters:

The reference torch is the one with motor, the rest of them depends on this. This number sets the indexof this master torch.

The reference torch is placed fixed in the carriage, can't be moved along it. The system should knowthe position of this reference torch with this value.


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The rest of the torches can be placed along the carriage but with limits. The nearest to the referencetorch must be placed at least at the distance given here. The distance is referred to the zero point ofthe torch.

The maximal position along the carriage where the farther torch to the reference torch can be placed.The distance is referred to the zero point of the torch.

The carriage can be placed in different positions always between a physical limits. This value is themax imum length wh ich the zero o f the car r iage can be moved to negat ive d i rec t ion .

The distance the zero of the carriage can be moved to positive direction.

This value is the distance between the zero point of the seet and the zero point of the carriage. If thereference torch is placed in the middle of the carriage, and the sheet is placed in the work zone, thisis the distance between the reference torch and the zero point of the sheet.

System will decide depending on the carriage limits which torches touse for machining problematic contours.

The part will be machined always with the same torch (interior andexterior contours).

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See the example of working with these parameters (annex I)

View configuration in "Do all"

The multitorch configuration can be shown each time the user clicks on "Do All" option in the nestingmodule, which makes the nesting and machining process automatically for all jobs depending on theconfigurations of Automatic Nesting and Automatic Machining. This dialogue can be shown using Sheets- Multitorch too.

In the dialogue the l ist of torches along with the capabil i t ies and distances of each one:

The capabilities of each torch is shown with icons:

Also, from here the number of actived torches to use should be configured. If the icon near the number iswith red color , the system will use that torch. The user can inactive torches clicking on this icon knowingthat the reference torch can't be disabled, then the icon will change appearing on black color:

Automatic distances

If enabled, the system will calculate the optimal distances between torches for the related nesting, then,in the report will output them.

Disabled, the user can manually enter the distances. For making it easier, and if the distance is fixedbetween torches, the Equal distances button can be pressed after input one value, resulting onautomatically filled the rest of values:


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Work with fixed number of torches

With this checkbox active, the system will make the nesting trying to use always all the active torchesat the same time.

For example, if the system is configured with three torches and using automatic distances, the nestingand machinin will be different depending on the configuration of this parameter:

In the first case, the system finds the optimization of the multitorch feature, it works always with all theactived torches, in this case with the three torches. The bigger part doesn’t appear because the quantityis only two, not three as the torches.

The second case explains the possibility of doing a nesting using the multitorch feature as far aspossible, and then the machine will stop for disabling any torch. It uses first the three torchs, then twotorchs, and if there were any other part, only one torch also will be used.

With other example the possibilities of this feature will be explained.

Now the quantity of the smaller part is very high, but we don’t want only to use the sheet for that part,we want to use the sheet to cut the two bigger parts.

The multitorch is configured with three torches, and working with the fixed number of torches. Whendoing the automatic nesting, we obtain this:


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Now, we increase the quantity of the bigger part in two more, and disable one of the torches. With theDelete tool, we clear the right middle of the sheet:

Disabling one of the torches, and clicking on "Do all" again, here is the result:


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1.18. Configure machines: Automatic nesting

With this option you can configure the following automatic nesting parameters.

The configuration made here will be applied when the user makes the nesting process automatically,this is on nesting module using one of the automatic options:

Also, this dialogue can be shown from the Nesting module allowing the user change the configurationand make tests faster:

Precision

The Precision bar fits the exactness of the nesting. Also if the Precision x 10 checkbox is enabled, theprecision will be very high but this is not recommended because it requires a lot of processor time. The74% is a standard value that works right in most cases.


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Regularity

When doing the nesting, the system tries part combinations for taking good advantage of the space. Ifthe bar is placed with high values, the system will try more part combinations and will use those onwhich the space profit is better.

Allow mirroring

With this parameter actived, the parts will be placed with symmetries if this is better for the nesting.There are some cases that this should not be actived, for example when using plated sheets on whichone side of the part must be always the same.

For each part, the user can choose what rotations and simmetries are allowed or not. In the mainmodule, clicking with the right button over the part and choosing properties will show the part configuration,c l i c k i ng on more bu t t on , t he ro ta t i ons and s immet r i es poss ib i l i t i es w i l l be shown :


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Although the symmetrics are allowed for each part, if the Allow mirroring option is disabled, no symmetricswill be applied on nesting.

Rectangular mode is allowed

For improving the speed on the nesting calculations, with this parameter enabled, the system willtreat the almost rectangular parts as rectangular. Those parts are not totally rectangular becausethey have small irregularity (maybe rounded corner or chamfer), and the not-rectangular space isnot usable for nesting, if the system takes them as totally rectangular, the nesting will be faster.

In the example, the green space will not be used for placing any geometry because the part will beconsidered as totally rectangled.

Corner

The nesting process will start from this corner to the opposite direction.

Optimize remnant of the last sheet

The parts will be placed using the minimum X or Y for trying to generate the best remnant possible.Normally, when there is a big job which includes more than one sheet, this optimization will be appliedto the last sheet of the job.


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Optimize remnant of the last sheet

The parts will be placed using the minimum X or Y for trying to generate the best remnant possible.Normally, when there is a big job which includes more than one sheet, this optimization will be appliedto the last sheet of the job.

Exact nesting

Once the nesting has been done, if this parameter is enabled, the system will go part by part checkingthe space between parts and making small movements until this space is exact. This makes the nestingmuch slower and is not recommended.

Fit every part to one corner of the sheet

Depending on the point chosen on the corner parameter, the system will try to place all the parts fromthat sheet corner without taking into account the sheet margin. This can be used for saving one cutusing the side of the sheet. But this is dangerous when there are remnants on the nesting or it hasbeen made between clamps.

Space between parts

The minimum distance allowed between parts is the meaning of this parameter.

Rotation posibilities

This is the angle step for system to try to place the part on the sheet. For example, with 15 degreesvalue, the system gets the part and makes tests for placing the part on every 15 degrees position, in


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this case 24 tries (24 x 15 = 360 degrees).

Minimum usable area to insert parts in apertures

The system is going to use holes for placing parts inside if the area is big enough. With this parameter,the system will not test the holes smaller that the given value for placing parts inside.

Number of nesting methods

The system uses internally different ways for making the nesting. The number of nesting methods totry should be configured here. Once all the methods have been tried, the system will use that on whichthe sheet usage is better.

1.19. Configure machines: Automatic machining

With this option you can configure the following automatic machining parameters:

1.19.1. Cut1.19.2. Component removal1.19.3. Automatic cycles on leads

1.19.1. Automatic machining: Cut

Establishes values when performing any automatic machining.

The automatic machining process can be executed on two cases, al l f rom nesting module:

1- Using the "Automatic machining" option. This can be chosen from the Machining menu, or using thebutton of the toolbar. This opt ion executes the automatic machining to the current sheet.

2- Using the "Do All" option . This can be chosen from the Nesting menu, or using the button of thetoolbar This option will execute both automatic nesting and machining on all the jobs of the order.


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Finish parts

The machine will finish machining first the part's holes and then the exterior contour of the part beforemoving to another part.

Cut holes first

This option will only be shown if Finish parts is disabled. The reason is that if the previous parameteris enabled, the machine will cut all the part before going to another one, and if cut holes first is enabled,the system wil l cut al l the part 's holes of the sheet f irst and then al l the exterior contours.

Only cut holes

From all the sheet, only the interior contours of the part will be cut.

This is an example of different configurations for the same nesting. The figure of the left is one nestingwith two different parts nested. There are 20 different contours between holes and exteriors. The numberof each figure of the right means the machining order which will be the result of the different configurations:


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Cut the remnant line

When a remnant has been generated, this options allows to system to insert the CNC code that willseparate the remnant from the sheet. For this option to work it is important to have a remnant lineinserted, this can be configured automatically on Configure machine - Sheet remants (see page 43)or made manually from nesting module using the option of the menu.

Apply lead in/outs on automatic in nesting

If the parts are placed on the sheet and the lead in/outs have not been placed yet, the system will checkit and insert them depending on the Configure machine - automatic lead in / out (see page 56)configuration.


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Apply lead in/outs on automatic in part

When the automatic machining option is executed on drawing module, the system will insert lead in/outautomatically if this parameter is enabled. The lead in/out will be placed depending on the configurationmade on Configure machine - automatic lead in / out (see page 56).

Position for lead-in/lead-out

The lead-in/lead-out will be placed depending on the configurationmade on Configure machine - automatic lead in / out (see page 56).

The lead-in/lead-out will be placed looking at automatic machiningprocess. For this, the leads position will be changed for tryingthe head not to pass over cut holes which can be dangerous forthe head.

Test of parts inside others

The system will test if there are nested parts inside other part's holes. If this happens it is very importantto machine them first. For example:

Put in order by qualities

The system provides a way for ordering the machining. One criteria is ordering depending on theassigned cutting quality to each contour.


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The machine will cut first all the contours whose cutting quality coincideswith the chosen list.

The selected order on the dialogue will be followed for each part. Whenone part has been finished, the machine will go to order the qualites ofanother part.

In both by sheet and by part, clicking on the three points button will show one dialogue with two lists.The left one contains the available cutting qualities, and moving them to the right list will build a listwhich will be followed for the selected order type:

In the next example, there are two equal parts with two cut qualities assigned, dependig on the option,the order will be as written at the right side:

Cut the sheet framework

When the cutting process has finalized, the system provides solutions for the sheet leavings. The Cutthe sheet framework option makes the machine to cut the scraps in horizontal and vertical cuts. Thethree points button will show the following dialogue:


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- Maximum length in X and Y: determines the maximum rectangle that will be generated as scrap.

- Offset in the parts: is the minimum distance between the cut and the parts

- Offset in the edge of the sheet: configures the distance between the cut and the edge of the sheet

- Cut in ho les : th is checkbox w i l l de termine i f the ho les are go ing to be cu t o r no t

- Start in the middle: instead of cutting the framework lines from up to down, the segments will be cutf rom the middle to one s ide, then i t wi l l go to the center again and to the other s ide.

- At the beginning or at the end of the machining: depending on each option, the operation will be doneat the beginning or at the end of the machine process.


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Only when the remnant line is cut

This option enabled will force the scrapt to be cut always after the remnants have been cut.

Show progress bar

When doing the automatic machining, the system must perform very complicated internal calculationswhich may take some time. The user can know what is the system doing on every moment with theprogress bar:

After the automatic machining is over, the system can keep the progress window for a while. This iswhat the following parameters sets:


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CN compensation

Most numer ic non t ro ls have au tomat ica l l y p rocedures o f app ly ing the compensa t ion .

If the CN compensation checkbox is enabled, the system will leave all the related settings to the numericcontrol. There are two index for the numeric control that can be configured from here: Holes and Partsindex.

System compensation

Enabled, is system who is going to manage all the compensation settings. There are some options ofthe systems that have to be properly configured for obtaining a good compensation configuration. InConfigure Machines - Cutting parameters (see page 69) there are two values which determines howthe compensation will be done: Cutter radius (see page 69) and Compensation mode (see page 75).If there is any material-thickness related configuration, the system will take the cutter radius from there.

The system gives the option of assign compensation manually too, in the nesting module, choosingTechnology – CN compensation or System compensation. They have almost the same configure dialog.CN compensation will prompt for the compensation index, and System compensation requires the cutterradius:

Selecting the contours will assign to them the chosen compensation mode and settings.


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Dwell time of cycles

When there is a cycle, the value given here is the time in seconds the cycle will keep on.

Also, the type of the cycle is configured here:

If this option is selected, the system will use the configured type of cycle on Configuremachines - Postprocessor - Specifics of cut - Dot Cycle by default

All the cycles applied on automatic machining will be drill cycles.

All the cycles on automatic machining will be switch on/off cycles.

See also the Configure machine - Cutting parameters - There are special cycles (see page 71) option

Re-order machining sequence at part level

On drawing module, the system can optimize the machining process trying to improve speed andmovements. This option will make the automatic machining better when executing it in a part on drawingmodule.

Re-order machining sequence at part level

If the machine has special cycles (should be configured on Configure machine - Cutting parameters - There arespecial cycles -see page 71-) the system can use them automatically.

See how to configure execution of fixed cycles (annex J)

Type of cycle


Use cut cycles in automatic

When the part which is going to be machined has a big number of holes, the system may take somecalculation time for making the automatic machining. Activating this checkbox will make the system touse cut cycles for enhancing the process speed. But if the area of the contour is very big, is no convenientto use macros. The next parameter al lows to l imit the maximum size for applying macros:

Head raising test

Clicking on this button the system will show a configuration dialog where the user can adjust the headmanagement.

This indicates that the system will have special care with machine head, if disabled, the automaticmachining process will not manage the head movement.

When saving the machining, the system will make several tests for avoid head collisions. This optioncan be enabled although the first one is not. In this case, the treatment will be done only when saving,not when doing the automatic machining.

The system will make the test even if the system has been configured for making all the rapid movementswith the head up.

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When moving over a hole, the head may result damaged. The distance have different values dependingon the chosen option:

- Maximum hollow: is the maximum distance inside the hole that the system will allow the head to pass over- Offset: is the maximum distance between the hole and the head movement.

This is the maximum trajectory in mm described by the head when is down.

The system will try the given number of tracts to avoid holes. For understanding what are the tracts,the following figure of the right is a rapid movement with three tracts, and the left ones is the same withfive tracts:

Selecting one option from here will allow the system to change the situation of leads iin/outs to optimizethe head management of the machining process.


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Leads will be repositionated for avoiding cut parts in the rapids movement.

The objective with this configuration is not encounter any cut hole on therapid movements.

In this first example, there are two head up inserted for avoiding cut

In the second example, the leads have been modified and between parts there is not any movementover cut holes:

In the last example, the best lead placement has been obtained: rapid movements are the shortest, andall the cut holes are evaded:


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If this parameter is enabled and there are lead-in/lead-out already assigned to the part, the system willno try to change them.

When the machining process of a part has been done, the system will send an order to the machinefor lifting the head.

The special case of common cut elements is what this option configures. When a common cut elementhas been finalized, the head will go up.

More options for configuring the head movements are:

Configure machines - Startup - Execute every rapid with head up (see page 7)Configure machines - Startup - Apply head up at the beginning of machining (see page 7)

Machining order

Once cutting parameters, remnants settings, compensation mode, type of cycles and management ofh e a d s a r e c o n f i g u r e d , i s t h e t i m e t o d e t e r m i n e t h e a u t o m a t i c M a c h i n n i n g O r d e r .

Just pushing the Machinning order button, all the options will be shown in a new dialog where themachining order can be determined with different criteria, but it is important to understand someparameters:

Depending on the selected starting corner, the machining will goin the selected direction, going back if cut in zig-zag is enabled. Inthe following table there are all the combinations between directionsand zig-zag for one corner:


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The system will divide the sheet in zones. If this option is enabled, the system needs the followingvalues:

X and Y are the number of zones on which the sheet is going to bedivided. The offset is the percent of the nearby zones area that wouldenter into one zone. All the parts with geometry inside of the zone willbe included on it.

Also, the visualize option makes that on nesting module the sheet willappear splitted on zones.

Enabled, the selected side of the sheet will be the last machined one.

This in an example with the parameters configured like on the figures:


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When machining, the right part will enter into the first zone because there is a geometry

This checkbox will be used only for by zones criteria. The system will distribute the cut zones with theobjective of not cut the same area consecutively. All the zones will be collated like in the figure below,where the numbers are the machining order:

In this way, the cut process resulting heat will be dispersed.

Using this option, the system will start the machining from the chosen point on corner and will followthe selected direction. It works like the by zones criteria, but now the torch will cut all the parts foundin the specified direction instead of the parts that are included in each zone.

For example, this machining has been done with the upper right start point and vertical direction:


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In th is case, b igger par ts w i l l be cut before smal le rs . Fo l lowing wi th the example :

This is the opposi te of the previous opt ion: f i rs t the smal ler parts, and then biggers:

Note that in the size criteria, the selected direction and corner point won't have any action for thesystem.


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1.19.2. Configure machines: Component removal

Allows to assign evacuators to all sheet parts.

The system provides two different configurations for evacuations depending if they are parts or holes,each options will be shown in two tabs. All the parameters are the same but they will be applied forparts or for holes dependin on which tab the user configured them.

There are four methods for evacuating the parts: by lift, using traps, using micro-joints keeping themo n t h e s h e e t o r s i m p l y s t o p p i n g t h e m a c h i n e f o r m a k i n g e v a c u a t i o n m a n u a l l y.

Extract by lift

If the machine has a lift system, it should be used for evacuations. If this option is selected, the followingpa r a m e t e r s m u s t b e c o n f i g u r e d c l i c k i n g o n t h e t h r e e p o i n ts b u t t o n o f t h e r i g h t :

This is the minimum number of suction cups that the lift should use for extracting the part, if the numberof cups is smaller, then it will not be evacuated by lift.

Those are the minimum length and width that the part or hole should have for executing an evacuationby the lift system.

The system calculates the part's centre of gravity and the cups will be placed as nearest as possiblefrom this point. The value given here is the maximum distance allowed from the centre of gravity to thesuction cups of the lift system.


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The system will enable the suction cups nearest to the centre of gravity of the part, and then the restif this parameter is actived. If not, the system will use the most number of suction cups possible.

There are some lift machines whose suction cups can move from the lifting carriage for getting someparts or holes better.

see how to configure suction cups carriage movement (annex K)

The machine will use the traps for evacuations. This option will no appear if the tramps of the machinehas not been configured on Main Elements - Work Centers - Machine - Configure - Work Chutes (seepage 16).

The trap number which is going to be used can be selected:

The system will calculate which trap is better to use depending on the coordinates of the part.

The user can configure to use always the same tramp for evacuating the parts.

Clicking on the three point buttons of the right will show more parameters:


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The machine will move the sheet with the objective of centering the part on the tramp if this checkboxis enabled.

Sometimes the part can't fall into the trap completely. With this parameter enabled, the machine willmake smal l movements for making the par t fa l l in to the t rap after i t has been opened.

If the machine has vacumm or hammer system, the system will order to the machine to use them afteropening the trap for making the part evacuation effective. Here, the user should configure whichmechanism to use.

The trap will not be open if the part is not placed over it the percent given here. 100% means that allthe part must be over the trap before opening it.

Number of box

From each tramp, depending on the opening way, the parts can go to a different box. Here, the numberof box where the parts are going to be evacuated can be configured.

Put an stop

After every evacuation movement, the machine can be stopped if this option is enabled. Also, there aresome parameters to configure if this option has been selected:


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The system will try to move the lead in/out for improving the manual part removal, trying to leave thehead in the best position.

The user can choose the place for setting always the lead-in/out, or ifchoosing "?", it will calculate the best position for each part the numbergiven on number of attempts.

If the part has lead-in/lead-out assigned previously and this option is enabled, the system will use them.If this checkbox is disabled, the system will erase them and look for the best position for making easierthe manual part removal.

Enabled, the system will use always the lift system as evacuation method if possible.

If the part or hole to evacuate is smaller than this minimum radius, the system will not removal itfrom the sheet.

Micro-joints

The system will apply automatically micro-joints as evacuation method depending on the valuegiven on the following parameters:

The previous parameter is the maximum distance allowed to part contours without micro-joints.


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Also, the width of the automatically inserted micro-joints depends on:

If the width of the micro-joint is going to be fix, this parameter should be disabled and the valuewhich is going to use always is the specified on Width value of micro-joint.

But if the previous checkbox is enabled, then there are two values to configure:

In this case, the system will calculate the width of the microjoint multiplying the value given here andthe thickness of the sheet.

Removal speed

This parameter allows to configure the lift system's removal speed.

Dwell time

This is the delay time for closing the tramp. Sometimes the tramp closes early and the part can'tgo into the box, this value adjusts the time the tramp remains open.


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1.19.3. Configure machines: Automatic cycles in leads-in

The machine must support special cycles for using this option. The system will allow to configure thefollowing parameters if the There are special cycles checkbox of Utilities - Configure machine - Cuttingparameters (see page 69) section is enabled.

On thick sheets the lead-in may be difficult if doing with the cut head. If the machine supports it, thesystem can insert one cycle on each lead-in saving the head to perform this lead-in process and allowingto start cutting directly.

Cycle type

Depending on the machine type, the system can manage different types of cycle, and clicking on morebutton of each one will show all the parameters to configure

- %D (L=%D): This is the length of the cycle refer to the lead-in length. In the example, the 50% meansthat if the lead-in length is 10 mm, the cycle will be of 5 mm.

- Displacements X and Y: These are the coordinates on which the cycle will be done moving from thecenter of the lead-in.

- Dwell t ime: This is the t ime the machine wil l apply to the cycle before and after doing i t .

NOTE: Depending on the machine and the postprocessor, the applied cycle may be different that theconfigured here. This is because the postprocessor calls to a different cycle type of the machine.


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The system will order to put a punching cycle on each lead-in.

- L, A, r : These are the hole dimensions as shown on the figure.

- Type: This is the punch type which wi l l be used for the cyc le : Cut, Press or Shape

- Station: The cycle will be done using he punch placed on the number of station configured here. Also, it is important to configure if that station is autoindex one or not.

- Dwell t ime: Before and after the cycle the system will use the seconds given here as dwell.


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In this case, the drill has a breaking of shaving feature:

- p1, r: configures the shaving breaking. This is used when at the moment of doing the holes it appearsa long shaving which can be break for making easier the work.

- The rest of parameters are the same as simple drill cycle.

When the hole is going to be done deep, the drill should go up occasionally for taking out the shaving,if this shaving is not taken out the drill could be damaged.

Work in automatic mode

Automatically, the system will use cycles on those sheets whose thickness is between the values specified:

In the values given on the example, the cycles will be applied only for these sheets whose thicknessis higher than 8 mm.

Enabled, the machining will be done finishing each part before going to cut other. The machine willapply the cycle on the part's lead-in, then will cut it and will go to apply the cycle on the next part.


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Torch place after cycle

This parameters configures where the cut torch is going to start the work after the cycle has been doneon lead-in. With the first option, the system will place the lead-in in the center of the cycle, and thesecond option allows to place it just on the cycle limits.

For example, in the following hole there is one cycle inserted on lead-in:

Depending on the configuration made on this parameter, the cut head will start cutting from the blue point:

In the first case, the head will be placed just in the center of the cycle. There is the possibility, in thiscase, that the head will no encounter sheet (it has been holed by the cycle), and the height sensor mayhave errors. It is normal in this case that the machine worker has to move the head to the sheet borderfor making the heat to start cutting.

In the second case, the head will go just to the border of the cycle where there is sheet for making heatand cut from the beginning.

If disabled, the machine will execute first all the cycles on every lead-in, and then will follow with themachining.


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1.20. Configure machines: Lead-in / Lead-out values

With this option you can configure a machine’s approach parameters.

The user can assign manually leads for each part, this can be done with the leads toolbar which appearsif choosing the Technology - Lead in-Lead out option of the menu in both drawing and nesting module.

In the toolbar, there is one option rounded by red line, which will show the values for the parametersof the leads if the user assigns them manually.

The following options will be applied to any lead inserted manually for all the jobs of the specifiedmaterial between the thickness. All the parameters are related to the length and shape of the leads:

See how to assign lead-in / lead-out manually (see annex C)

The leads can be very different. For this, depending on the leads that will be used forthe part, each parameter have different meaning. For example, the D parameter meansthe length of one upright lead (first diagram), but if the lead has some angle, the Ddistance is the height from the vertex (second diagram).

The user can configure different distances depending if is lead in or lead out:

Circles angle

If the user wants to place the lead manually, sometimes happen that this lead can't be placed in theexact clicked point. The value of this parameter will help to system to decide where to put it. Themeaning is the angle step the system will use for placing the lead.


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For example, with a 90 circles angle value, the lead will be placed in the nearest quadrant point to clickedone: 0, 90, 180, 270. If the system can't place on nearest position, will try on next 90 degree point.

For a value of 30, the system is going to try to put the lead on every 30 degrees from the clicked point:0, 30, 60, 90, 120.

Cut the contour

The system will machine the contour just after the lead is placed if this checkbox is enabled.

1.21. Configure machines: Automatic Lead-in / Lead-out values

I f the user selects to assign the leads automatical ly, some parameters must be configured.

The system will try to insert lead-in/lead-out:

1- If the user configures it in the Save options section of the machine configuration (see page 27) . Inthese dialogues, the user can choose if it will insert lead-in/lead-out automatically when saving the part,or when entering on the nesting module.

2- In both drawing and nesting module, the user can get the Lead-in/Lead-out toolbar, and executeautomatic lead-in/lead-out assignation using the automatic button:

There is also a way to modify the placed lead-in / lead-out (see annex C).

The position of the lead, the type of leads to use depending on the different contours, and all thedistances must be configured.


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If the cutting qualities are used for the job, the system allows to configure different values for the lead-in/lead-out when using the automatic assignation. With this checkbox enabled, the window will showt w e l v e ta b s w h i c h a r e r e l a t e d t o e a c h o f t h e t w e l v e a v a i l a b l e c u t t i n g q u a l i t i e s :

NOTE: From Material-thickness dependent data - Automatic Lead-in/Lead-out, the cutting qualitiescheckbox is not enabled. If the user wants to configure them depending on material-thickness, first theManagement by qualities checkbox must be enabled on Configure Machine - Cutting machine - AutomaticLead-in/Lead-out.

When using automatic leads, the user can choose the place where the system will tryfirst for placing the lead.

Is possible to select different position for exterior contours of parts and for holes.

If the selected zone is the one marked with "?", the system will decide which leadsposition is the best for cutting the part in the best conditions.

There are different kind of contours which system can distinguish. In the following table, there are twoexamples for each contour type. All the geometries on red colour are those on which the selected lead-in/out type will be applied:

Zone


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The system will try to insert the lead type choosen on the first number, if this is not possible,will try with second and last with third type. This is a way of configure different leads forirregular exteriors and let system place the best one in each case.

Modify button

For each contour type, one lead-in/lead-out type can be assigned. The first type will not assign anylead-in/lead-out to the contour:


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There are some values that defines each lead-in/lead-out dimensions:

Minimum length

This is the minimum length in which one lead can be placed. For example, if the system has beenconfigured for placing lead-in on the upper-right corner and in that corner there is a chamfer of 1mm,if the minimum length allowed is 5, the system tests the minimum length and doesn't place it, it will finda b e t t e r s e g m e n t o f t h e c o n t o u r f o r g e t t i n g b i g g e r l e n g t h f o r p l a c i n g t h e l e a d .

Minimum Radius

The meaning is the same as the previous parameter, is for security on placing leads on big enoughsegments. In this case, the system will look for the radius and if is not bigger than this value will lookfor another segment.

Maximum angle

If the lead is for a corner, if the two segments constitute an angle bigger than this value, the systemwill not place the lead and will try with different type of lead.


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Minimum angle

When the lead is for an interior contour, the system will test the angle between these segments and ifis smaller than the value given here, will not place it.

Maximum angle

The same as previous one, if the angle of the interior contour's segments is bigger that the value ofthis parameter, the system will not place the lead.

Overlapping test

The lead-in/lead-out is placed out of the contours. Because of this, that new geometries can collidewith other geometries on the sheet: parts, other leads... the system provides three different ways fortesting if there is overlapping or not:

The lead-in/lead-out geometry will be shorten trying to avoid theover lapping. The value is the maximum shortening al lowed.

The lead-in/lead-out will be placed in other position, and system willtry as different positions as the number given on Number of attempts.

This solution is a combination of the previous. Thesystem will try on each position to short the lead-in/lead-out geometries and if this not solved theoverlapping, will change the position.


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In this case, system will try changing the cutting qualityof the lead-in/lead-out. With this, the configurationfor lead-in/lead-out will change getting the valuesconfigured of the new cutting quality.

Also, the piercing radius can be lower when there areoverlappings.

On each position, the system is going to try to change the cuttingquality of the lead-in/lead-out, and if not, change position as manytimes as specified attempts.

For each position, the system will try changing thecutting quality, and shorten the lead-in/lead-out oneach position, and if the problem persists, changeposi t ion as many t imes as the value given.

First, the quality will be changed and if still there are overlappings,the lead-in/lead-out geometries will be shorten.

Copy button

Because there are 12 possible cutting qualities, the same parameter must be configured many times.For making the data entry easier, system provides this button which permit to copy the automatic lead-in/lead-out configuration from existing cutting quality values.

1.22. Configure machines: Micro-joint values

This option permits the configuration of default micro-joint values.

The user can assign manually micro-joint for each part using the Microjoints Toolbar which will appears e l e c t i n g Te c h n o l o g y - m i c r o j o i n t s o p t i o n i n b o t h d r a w i n g a n d n e s t i n g m o d u l e .


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See how to assign micro-joints manually (annex D)

With the red color rounded icon, the user can access to this micro-joints parameters configuration:

R parameter: is the radius. Depending on the given value on lead-in and lead-out, the system will placethe micro-joint using these radiuses:

Circles angle

When the micro-joint is assigned manually, the system will try to put it in the exact clicked point, butthis is not always possible.

With this parameter, the system will decide where to put it. The value meaning is the angle step thesystem will use for placing the micro-joint in relation to clicked point.


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For example, with a 90 circles angle value, the micro-joint will be placed in the nearest quadrant pointto clicked one: 0, 90, 180, 270. If the system can't place on nearest position, will try on next 90 degreepoint.

For a value of 30, the system is going to try to put the micro-joint on every 30 degrees from the clickedpoint: 0, 30, 60, 90, 120.

1.23. Configure machines: Automatic micro-joint values

If the user selects to assign the micro-joints automatically, some parameters must be configured.

The system will try to insert micro-joints automatically if the user uses the automatic button from theMicro-joint toolbar (see annex L) on the nesting module.


If the cutting qualities are used for the job, the system allows to configure different values for the micro-joint when using the automatic assignation. With this checkbox enabled, the window will show twelvetabs which are related to each of the twelve available cutting qualities:

Micro-joint types

These are all the micro-joints the system supports automatically. For each one, there are some parametersto configure as shown on the graphs:


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Circles angle

This value is used for system to test positions for placing micro-joints. The meaning is the angle stepthe system will use for placing the micro-joints near the clicked point. For example, if the value is 90,the system will try first the clicked point for placing micro-joint, then 0,90,180,270 degrees position fromthe first point.

Distance between micro-joints

This is the minimum distance, the system will not allow to place one micro-joint at a distance lower thanthis value.

Copy button

Because there are 12 possible cutting qualities, the same parameter must be configured many times.For making the data entry easier, Expert provides this button which permit to copy the automatic micro-joint configuration from existing cutting quality values.


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1.24. Configure machines: Loop values

This option allows the user to configure the parameters of the Loop values section in a machine.

The loops are used for improving the corner's quality of the parts.

The system will try to use loops for corners:

1- If the user configures it in the Save options section of the machine configuration (see page 27). Inthese dialogues, the user can choose if the system will insert loops automatically when saving the part,or when entering on the nesting module.

2- In the drawing module, the user can get the Loops toolbar, and execute automatic loops assignationusing the automatic button:

See how to assign loops manually (annex E)

The system allows to use two techniques:

The R parameter has different meaning depending on the loop type as can be seen on the graph.

Automatic Loops

For automatic machining, the loops can be applied:


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In automatic mode, the loops will be applied only to the chamfersof the contours.

The automatic loops will be applied just to angles.

The automatic machining will apply loops in chamfers and angles.

Round angles

With this feature, the machine will use soft movement without hard trayectory changes on corners. Theresult is better part machinning.

Depending on the degrees, the angle will be rounded using the R value as shown in the figure:

There are four different kinds of contours where to apply the angle round, if none of them are choosedthe settings will not have effect:

Maximum angle

For the angle round process the system will look for these segments whose angle is not bigger thanthe value given here (for the two options on the right side).


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1.25. Configure machines: Chamfer values

This option allows the user to configure the parameters of the Chamfer values of the machines.

For making chamfers, the machine must have a rotation head which allows to cut in different angles.

There are two values for give to the same parameters, one on the left and the others at right side of>>>>. This is for variable chamfers, the user can configure with what distance and angle the chamferwill start and at what distance and angle will finish.

There are three different kinds of chamfers that can be done depending on the parameters.

- Higher chamfer: it will be done on the upper side of the sheet. For this chamfers, only the ds and asparameter will be used, the rest value must be 0. If ds and as have the same values on the left andon the right side, the chamfer is fixed, not variable.

- Lower chamfer: for this kind of chamfer, the parameters to fill are di and ai. The left and right valuesmust be equal for fix chamfers, or differents for variable chamfers.

- Double chamfer: the machine must have three heads: one for vertical cut, one for higher chamfer andthe third for lower chamfer. In this case all the values must be filled, and for variable chamfers thevalues must be different from left to right side.


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The chamfers must be assigned manually to each part using one of the four kind of chamfers on theChamfers toolbar:

Once one kind is selected, the system prompts to choose the contour to apply the chamfer:

The system changes the color of the contours on which the chamfer has been applied. This color canbe configured from main module:


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1.26. Configure machines: Bridge values

With this option you can configure a machine’s Bridge values parameters.

These options will be applied automatically using the Technology - Bridges, which will show the BridgesToolbar and using the automatic option:

see how to apply bridge manually from the nesting module (annex F)

The bridges are used for join various contours cut with less piercings. For example:

In this example, there are placed the two kind of bridges. The firstone, between the superior part and the middle one, the part is cutcompletely.

But in the second bridge, the parts remain joined by the bridge.

A distance

This is the length of the bridge between parts:


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Maximum length

This value is the maximum distance allowed for creating one bridge between contours.

On corners

The bridges will be applied on part's corners. In the example, there are bridges on corners that allowsto make all the machining without raising the head.

1.27. Configure machines: Postprocessor

1.27.1. General1.27.2. Block numbering1.27.3. Free tape1.27.4. Specifics of cut1.27.5. Reserved


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1.27.1. Configure machines: Postprocessor, general

Machine tolerance

This is the precision of decimal numbers which the machine supports. It is important to configure thisparameter properly because if the system is sending coordinates with different precision, the machinemay not work correctly.

Directory of CNC files

All the CNC codefiles will be stored in the directory configured here.

Specific file of postprocessor

This is the name of the specific postprocessor file. Manipulate this file will result in CNC code generationway changes.

File of technological tables

This is the name where the tecnological tables values will be stored.


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File of time calculation

This file will contain time calculation parameters, here the name of the file can be configured.

File of cost calculation

The cost calculation parameters will be stored in this file, here the name can be set up.

1.27.2. Configure machines: Postprocessor, numeration of blocks

Block number text

Each CNC block will start with the character given here. Then, the number of block can be configuredwith the following parameters:

Number of characters allowed for block number

This is the digits which the block number will have. For example, if the text of block number is N:

N00001..N00002..N00003..

...


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Strip leading zero's

Enabling this checkbox will delete the zeros of the CNC block numeration. Following with the previousexample:

N1..N2..N3.....

First block number

The number of the first block can be set up here. In the example, the first number will be the 2.

Step between block numbers

The line for each block of the CNC code will start with the text of of block numbers and the first blocknumber for the first block, and the rest of lines will increase the number the value given here on thisparameter.

Looking the configuration of all the parameters of this window:

N2..N3..N4.....


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1.27.3. Configure machines: Postprocessor, free tape

NOTE: This options are only for machines whose communication method is with free tapes.

Number of null characters at beginning

Indicates the number of null characters at the beginning of the file for synchronization.

Number of null characters at end

This is the number of null characters at the end of the CNC code which will be output from system.

ASCII code of null character

The ASCII code of the character will be used as null ones.

1.27.4. Configure machines: Postprocessor, specifics of cut

Default technology

This is the technology which will be applied to the geometry since it has been generated. Normally thedefault value is cut.


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Dot cycle by default

The postprocessor is going to apply this default dot cycle if there is not any specific cycle applied fromthe Machining - Cycles option of the menu.

And for all the dots drawn on the drawing module, the system will introduce the cycle type chosen here.

Technological index by default

Also, depending on the default tecnology chosen by default, the index given here will be applied to thegeometry from the moment it has been generated. Clicking on the three points button will show a dialoguewith all the cutting qualities.

Circles in one movement only

Some Numeric Control needs just one specific instruction for generating one circle. Normally, the systemdivides the circle into two arcs which executes two instructions. For making these Numeric Controlsworks properly, this option may be enabled.

Modify the center of the circles

When the tolerance of the machine is small, the system changes the center of the circles for makingthat points recognizables for the machine.


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Arcs in one movement only

When there is any micro-joint inserted in a circle, the resultant arc is below 360 degrees and, normally,is divided into two arcs. With this checkbox enabled, the system will generate this arc in just oneinstruction.

Type of leading in circles

- No: the postprocessor is going to use the configuration made in automatic lead-in/out on circles.

- Linear: independently of the configuration made in automatic lead-in/out on circles, the CNC code willbe generated placing a lineal lead-in whose length will be specified on the following parameter:

Circular: as the previous one, the postprocessor will not look the configuration made on the system,and it is going to place a circular lead-in on circles whose length will be taken from the previousLength of leading in circles parameter.

Linear tolerance

This value is the linear tolerance for calculations of the system. It should be the same as the valueconf igured on Ut i l i t ies - Conf igure machines - General - L inear to lerance (see page 1) .


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Angular tolerance

The system will use this angular tolerance value for calculations. It should be the same as the valueg iven on Ut i l i t ies - Conf igure mach ines - Genera l - Angu lar To lerance (see page 1) .

Minimum length of arc

If there are arc geometries smaller than the machine tolerance, the system will decompose them intoone or more segments whose length wi l l be the conf igured on the fo l lowing parameter :

This option will prevent the situation where the lead-in and lead-out coordinates are the same. If thisoption is not used, the system will introduce a circle instead of an arc.

Process micro-joints like micro-weldings

This option can be only used for those machines which support micro-weldings technology. If is enabled,the system will order the machine to use micro-welding instead of micro-joint instructions.

Centre the multitorch

When the machine is multitorch, there is one which is the Control Torch (see page 83) . All the torches willfollow the control torch movement. If this control torch is not placed on corners, the system must know whichtorch will be the control torch. Enabling this parameter, if the number of torches is odd, the


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system will take the torch of the center. If the number of torches is par, it will take the most centeredone nearest to the position of the control torch (Up/Down or Left/Right).

1.27.5. Configure machines: Postprocessor, reserved

WARNING !Do not modify these parameters without consulting a skilledtechnician, they are internal parameters and may cause machine

damage if they are changed without knowledge.

1.28. Configure machines: Tables of thechnology

With all the information recovered on the Nesting - Machining process, the system generates a CNCprogram. There are some parameters related to machining which can be configured and assigned tothe different contours of the parts. All of these kind of parameters which have effect only for CNCprogram are grouped into cutting qualities. Depending on the cutting quality, each contour will be cutwith different settings.

By default, all the contours have a cutting quality assigned. The number of default cutting quality canbe changed on Utilities - Configure Machines - Postprocessor - Specifics of cut - Technological indexby default (see page 137).

All the values will be stored in a Technological Tables file which should be configured on Utilities -Configure - Machine - Postprocessor - General (see page 133).

The Tables of Technology are structured in different parameters categories which depends on theconfiguration made on the filter parameters:


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The filter parameters may be different depending on the postprocessor configuration, and the parameterscontained into the categories are different for each postprocessor.

The system will test if the contours have assigned any cutting quality, if so, it will go to this table anddepending on the material, thickness, lens, gas and power which is currently used in the machiningorder, will apply the values configured in the different categories.

There are two different ways for assigning a cutting quality to a contour:

1- Using the automatic technology option of material/thickness dependent data configuration window(see page 52).2- Using the second icon of the Cut toolbar in the drawing module and clicking on the desired contours:

Clicking on this button will create a new entry on the filter parameters:

For example, with the values written in the figure, all the parameters which will be configured in the differentcategories will only be used if the material is RST37-2 with thickness between 5 and 6 mm, using any focaldistance of the lens, Nitrogen as reference gas and with the default nominal power of the machine.

New button


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Leaving zero values or < > on he dialogs means that any of the existing values wil l be used.

When doing manual cutting qualities asignation, the system has information about the sheet materialand the thickness. From here, it is easy to determine the configuration for that sheet or, at least,configure the cutting qualities for all the sheets between the thickness we are working with. If not, thecutting cualities can't be set up.

A general filter to use can be:

Knowing the reference gas, the focal distance of the lens and the nominal power of the machine of thecurrent order is important for making the cutting qualities filters work properly. This can be check onUtilities - Machines - Cutting parameters - Laser parameters (see annex G).

NOTE: If there are filter parameters which works with different focal distance of the lens, reference gasor nominal power of the machine, the user must take care with the configuration made on Utilities -Configure - Machines - Cutting parameters - Laser parameters, because if the configuration made thereis fix, it will only works if there is a related entry on the technological tables.

Once the filter parameters has been set, the user should configure the parameter of each category:

There are many parameters on each option that can be changed. All theseparameters and their values composes the Tables of Technology. Internally,the tables of technology are pairs of parameters-values that are stored inthe Technological Tables File (.tt file), and will be read by the postprocessorto make the proper CNC program.

Depending on the category, there are distinctions between cutting qualities. For knowing exactly whichvalues will be used for each contour, the user must know:

1- The material and thickness on which the part is going to be cut.2- Depending on the postprocessor configuration, the focal distance of the lens, the reference gas andthe nominal power of the machine.


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With these values, the system goes to the correct row on the table:

Then, for knowing which values the system should get:

3- The cutting quality assigned to the contour:


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There are some categories which are not divided into cutting qualities, in this case, the values will beapplied to all the contours which coincides with the material/thickness, gas, lens and power.

The system has a very powerful feature for working automatically with cutting qualities. After all thevalues has been configured for the parameters of the technological tables, then it is recommended touse the automatic technology option of the material / thickness dependent data (see page 52) configuringthe automatic assignation to the contours depending on the size. The result is that system will assignthe cutting qualities to each contour automatically depending on the material/thickness and size of thecontour, and then it will use the correct parameters configured on the technological tables whichcorresponds to that material, thickness and cuttinq quality.

Modify button

This button allows to change the filter parameters of the current technological table row.

Delete button

If this button is pressed, the current row and all the given values for the parameters will be deleted.

Copy button

The current row will be duplicated allowing to make the configuration faster.

Import button

With this button, the system provides the possibility of importing a previous backup of the technologicaltables configuration.


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Criteria button

Clicking on this button will make the system to show a window where the user can choose which rowswill be shown on the screen for making the finding process faster and easier.

1.29. Configure machines: Time calculation

Expert will make a time estimation of the Manufacturing process making calculations for each order. Forthis, the user should introduce the different times the machine takes to perform any different mechanicalmovement:

1.29.1.- Cutting parameters1.29.2.- Reposition / Extracts1.29.3.- Accelerations1.29.4.- Postprocessor words1.29.5.- Upload / Download sheets

The user can see the results of time and cost estimation after making the machining process in thenesting module using the Utilities - Time and cost... option of the menu:

NOTE: The rows which not appear after using this option are not deleted, just hidden.. For showingthem again, the find criteria should be changed properly taking into account that <> means "any".


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1.29.1. Configure machines: Time calculation, cutting parameters

In this section, there are listed the different times the machine takes to make the main cut movements:

Piercing time

This is the time the machine takes to perform a piercing. There are three possibilities:

Expert will add 1 second each time the machine executed apiercing.

The system will add 0,5 seconds for each mm of the thickness.For example: with a 12mm sheet, each piercing will take 6seconds.

The value will be get from the Tables of Technology

Cut and Mark speed

These are the speeds for making time calculations.

Active means that Expert will make the time estimation with the currentactive speed. This speed will be taken from Material / thicknessdependent data - cutting parameters (see page 50) or if there is notany match configuration, from Startup - Feed rates (see page 8), bothop t i ons can be shown f r om the mach ine con f i gu ra t i on .

The speed will be taken from the Tables of technology (see page 140).


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Cancellation time

This is the time the machine takes to stop everything after the machining process.

Times of technology changes

These are the times the machine takes for changing the current technology. For example, from the stopposition to start cutting, or from cutting to marking... Normally, they are very short times:

In the example table, from the stop position to start cutting it takes 0,3 seconds, or from marking tocutting 0,7 seconds.

Time of quality change

When using different cutting qualities, the time for changing between each one should be set pressingthis button and filling in rows in the table.


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1.29.2. Configure machines: Time calculation, reposition / extracts

Reposition and components removal time should be filled in this form.

Reposition

In this section, the time the machine takes for performing a reposition can be specified. It has beendivided into three sections: head, pistons and auxiliar time:

Those are the times to lower and raise the head when doing a reposition

The time the pistons takes for making down and up movements.

The auxiliar time will be add to reposition estimation time, it depends on the way each machine performthe repositions.

Component Removal

This second section refers to the time the evacuation system will take for getting a component from the sheet.


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When using a lift system, this is the time the suction cups takes to get the component from the sheet.

The time the evacuation by trap will take can be set up depending on the trap and the movement itmakes. For example:

1.29.3. Configure machines: Time calculation, accelerations

In this window, the user configures the speeds and accelerations of the machine:

1.29.4. Configure machines: Time calculation, postprocessor words

This window allows to set up the time Expert will add to estimation when one of these postprocessorwords is going to be executed. They are divided into sections:


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Time to make both types of stops.

Long the refrigeration system of the machine takes to work.

When a Head-Up or Head-Down word is found in the CNC code, Expert will use those times.

The time the clamps take to block, go up and make down movement.

The Clamps operation cancellation times.

The Clamps opening and closing times.


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1.29.5. Configure machines: Time calculation, upload / download sheets

Expert will take the values given here as the times it takes to upload and download the sheet:

Times for uploading a sheet

Depending on the uploading method, the different time they take.

The time for clamp testing, and an auxiliar time which should be filled if there is other movement whichhas not been specified here.

Times for downloading a sheet

The time depending if the sheet is downloaded manually or with an automatic system.

This time will be add everytime there is a download sheet operation. It can be configured for anymovement which has not been specified here.


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1.30. Configure machines: Cost calculation

Expert will perform a sheet or a job cost calculation if the values given here are configured properly.They will give a different cost to each different entity which is part of the sheet/job machining.

The user can see the results of time and cost estimation after making the machining process in thenesting module using the Utilities - Time and cost... option of the menu:

New

First of all, the user should fill in the table with the different materials and thickness:

Then, using the Configuration button the different parameters for making the cost calculation will appear.

Modify

When a configuration has been made for a material between the specified thicknesses it remains storedin the database for future uses. With this option, the user can change the material, the thickness orboth of them but the configuration of the assigned parameters will be kept.


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Copy

This option is very useful when the configuration of different materials and/or thickness are similar.Using it, the user can copy all the cost configuration parameters into new material/thickness assignation.

Configuration

With this option the user can access to the table where the cost parameters for all the machiningoperations can be set up. There are four parameters which will determine how the calculation will bemade. The way of doing it is using the new button:

The operation selected here will be included into the cost calculation each time the machining executesit. The different operations will be different depending on the machine type.

The way the system will use for making this calculations depends on the next three parameters:

The mode determines how the cost given in the value parameter will be added into the calculation:

Depending on the operation, the system will show the different modes:


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The value will be added each time the operation is executed in the machining process.

The value x mm of current sheet's thickness will be added. This option is for piercing operation.

The calculation consists in the value x second that the operation continues.

For each milimeter of perforation the machine will spend the value volume of the chosen consumable.The price of the volume unit of consumable should be defined in the main menu

The value x mm of cutting distance.

Resulting cost is the value x m2 of cut area

The consumables can be defined together with the price of volume unit in the Main elements - RawMaterials option of the system.


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This parameter will increase the total expense of the machining process depending on the calculationmode.

For example, with this configuration:

With each millimeter of piercing, the machine will spend 0,03 l of nitrogen. The price of the litre ofnitrogen should be defined in Main elements - Raw Materials. The total cost of piercings will be:

0,03 x Pr ice o f l i t re x numbers o f p ie rc ing in the mach in ing x mi l imeters per fo ra ted

With this other example:

For each second of cut the system will add a 0,02 waste of oxigen. The price of the litre of oxigenshould be defined in Main elements - Raw Materials. The total cost of the cutting operation will becalculated in this way:

0,02 x Price of litre of oxygen x seconds cutting

Criteria

The list of material and thickness can be filtered using this button. The system will show only the rangeconfigured in this window. The "< >" character means any material.


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Annex


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Annex A: Show on sheet the machining modifications made on parts

This example teachs how this option works. Let's start from one sheet with one part which is placedfour times on the sheet and is machined propertly:

Now we are going to modify the part because it is not completed:

1- Right-click on the part in the Parts List and choose Open:

2- Edit the part and draw one more hole. Then, mechanize it:

3-When going back to the Nesting Module, depending on the value of the parameter Show on the sheetthe machining modifications made on parts two things may happen:

·


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a) Enabled:

b) Disabled:


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Annex B: Ink-Jet

This window wi l l conf igure how the ident i f ier of the par ts wi l l be marked into the par t .

Automatic

The system will introduce the Ink-jet text introduced here on every part of the sheet.

Punch

This is the tool which is going to be used for delimit the texts. These limits are not going to be punched,it is just for delimit them in the nesting.

TextThe text given here will be marked into the part. Using the "#" symbol followed by a number will makethe system to insert the identifier. Depending on the number: #0: Part reference, #1: Customer, #2:Order number, #3:Plan number. And the "\" character will f inish the line and insert a new one.

All of them are prompted when the part has been introduced into the system in the part properties, forexample, from the CAM module:


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In the example the user writes: P #1 #2, if #1 is Lantek (Cusomter) and #2 is 195/70 (Order number),the line which is going to be marked is:

P Lantek 195/70

Making the nesting and a zoom to one part:

Length of one character

This is the length of one character.

Height of one character

This is the height of the text which will be marked.

Horizontal separation between characters

The ink-jet will mark the specified text giving the separation between characters specified here.

Vertical separation between characters

The value given here is the vertical separation between lines of the same text.


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Correct position

The values of the offset will determinet the distance between the external contour of the part and themarked text:

But if there is any hole where the marked text should be, the user can configure the distance fromthe initial to try each time.

In the example, Expert will test every 5 mm if the position for the text is good or not.

Rotate the text with the part

The text will be marked in the part always in the same position as the part is placed in the nesting. Thismeans, if the part is placed at 0 and 90 degrees, then, the text will be placed in 0º in the first case,and in 90º degrees in the second one.


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Annex C: Manual Lead-in / Lead-out assignation

From both the drawing and nesting module, the lead-in/lead-out can be assigned easily in three steps:

1- From the Lead-in/Lead-out toolbar choose the desired lead-in/lead-out type:

2- The system will wait for the user to choose the base contour where the lead will be placed:

3- Once the contour has been chosen, the system needs the position from this base contour for placingthe lead-in/lead-out. It is important to check the position is the correct, because it may be inside thepart.

The system will insert the lead-in and the lead-out depending on the chosen type and the valuesconfigured for the parameters:


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For interior contours, the process is the same:

If the result is no good, the user can change it using the last four options of the toolbar. They providefour different methods for adjusting the lead-in/lead.out. For explaining how to use them, let's useone example part with the leads already inserted:

Manually, the user can move the point of the lead-in or lead-out.

The way of moving the lead position is just clicking on the button, and then selecting the lead-in/lead-out point to modify and move it to the new position, the lead-in/lead-out is the hole ones:


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Also, the system provides the possibility of changing the lead-out for placingit in the same direction as the lead-in.

Using the option of the toolbar, and then selecting the lead-out will make this:

When the lead-in/lead-out has been placed on corner, this option allows tomodify them placing on the intersection at 45 degrees:

If the lead-in is an arc, the system allows to transform it into two segments.This is necessary for some machines:

For deleting the lead-in/lead-out, use the delete option of the cut toolbar:

And then selecting the contour where the lead-in/lead-out has been placed.


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Annex D: Manual micro-joint assignation

From both the drawing and nesting module, micro-joints can be easily assigned in three steps:1- From the micro-joint toolbar choose the desired microjoint type:

2- The system will wait for the user to choose the base contour where the micro-joint will be placed:

3- Once the contour has been chosen, the system needs the position from this base contour for placingthe lead-in/lead-out. It is important to check the position is the correct, because it may be inside the part.

The system will insert the micro-joint depending on the chosen type and the values configured for theparameters:

The same micro-joint type will be applied on each clicked contour of the part, for example adding threemicro-joints more:


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For deleting the micro-joint, use the delete option of the toolbar:

And then selecting the contour where the micro-joint has been placed.


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Annex E: Manual Loop assignation

Once the user has the part on drawing module, it is easy to apply loops on the corners:

1- From the loops oolbar choose the desired loop type:

2- The system will wait for the user to choose the contour near a corner for applying the selected looptype:

The system will look for the nearest corner to the clicked point of the contour, and will apply the loopon it:

The loops can be applied to all the clicked corners:

The system changes the color of the loops for showing to which contours are applied. This color canbe configured from main module:


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For deleting the loops, use the delete option of the loops toolbar:

And then selecting the corner where the loops has been placed.

Also, the user can round corners from here, using the round angles option of the toolbar. Doing this,the system will round the angles of the part:


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Annex F: Manual bridge assignation

The bridges should be applied between two parts, and for this only can be done from nesting module.There are two kind of bridges to use from the Bridge toolbar:

From the bridges toolbar choose the desired bridge:

The system will wait for the user to choose the contour of the first part, and then the second one:

The system will insert a bridge between those parts, so that the part will be machined together withoutraising the head. With a zoom we can see the assigned bridge:

The contours where the bridge has been applied will be shown on the screen with a different color thatthe normal geometries. This color can be configured on:


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Only one bridge can be placed between the same two parts, so if the user wants to place a differentbridge, first of all he must delete it using the delete option of the toolbar:

And then selecting the bridge geometry from the part's contours.


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Annex G: Laser parameters

These values configures the physical parameters of the laser. They will determine the way the laserwill work internally.

Focal distance of the lens

Certain laser machines are able to adjust the focal distance of the lens. If this function is enabled, thepostprocessor will read the value and configure all properly.

For using Tables of Technology, see the note below (see page 172).

Reference gas:

The gas that is going to be used in the laser machine can be selected here. Possible gases are Nitrogen,Compressed air or Oxygen. Like in the rest of the system, the < > symbol indicates any of the elements.

For using Tables of Technology, see the note below (see page 172).

Nominal power of machine

The power of the machine in Watts is the value that must be written here to set up properly themachine.

For using Tables of Technology, see the note below (page 172).


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Values when using Technological Tables

If there are values on these parameters, Expert will use them always. But Expert provides the TechnologicalTables for adapt the machining job to proper cutting configuration.

On these tables there are entries that coincide with values for material, thickness, focal distance of thelens, gas and power. But if the user wants to use the values from the Technological Tables, the valuesconfigured here must be as they are given on the image: Focal distance of the lens: 0, Reference Gas:<>, and Nominal power of machine: 0.

This is one entry of the Technological Table, if the job will be done using the values from the left, Expertwill take the configuration of the parameters of the right:

Corner refrigeration

Some machines can use an special treatment for refrigeration on corners making an stop and executinga refrigeration cycle. When this checkbox is enabled, the postprocessor will determine how theserefrigerations are going to be handled. Also, the system allows to determine a filter of what corners willreceive the treatment depending on the corner 's angle (between minimum and maximum).

NOTE: This is onlyused for somelaser machines

Cut SPRINTLASER and Mark SPRINTLASER

Sprintlaser is a technology for some laser machines. When wanted to use this technology, enable thedesired checkbox.

NOTE: This is only used for somelaser machines


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Film Burning

Sometimes the sheets are covered by a protection film. The machine will burn this film before burningthe sheet.

In the piercing: film burning will be done only in piercings.

The whole contour: machine will burn always the whole contour’s filmbefore the contour itself.


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Annex H: Simple cycle

With this option the user can insert center punch machining at a point. The operation which will beexecuted when a cycle is found depends on the configuration made in Cutting parameters - There arespecial cycles (see page 71) checkbox. If enabled, then the system will show different operationsdepending on the configured tools (see annex N) which can be done in the cl icked points:

Select the point and the machining will be inserted. The option will remain active until you choose a newoption or push the ESC key. There will be rapid movements (see annex O) between inserted machining:


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Annex H1: Example of different number of sheets with multitorch

With the following parameter's values:

The machine is going to be configured with three torches for working with the three sheets at once.This will be done on Configure machines - Multitorch data:

The Control Torch option gives the control to one torch, the CNC program will be done for this torch,the rest will follow his movements. The Chamfering, Cut, Mark and Notches specifies the abilities ofeach torch.

Torches on axis Y confirms the placement on Y axis of the torches, also there is a minimal distancebetween torches. chekbox.

If available, the nesting module will show three sheets in the same screen. It’s important to check thenumber of sheets, if we want to use multitorch with three torchs and three sheets and we only havetwo sheets, logically, the system allows to use these two only:


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Annex I: Assignation of the dimensions of the contour

Having a nesting like this:

For making the vertical parts machining, there is no problem because the torches can move physicallyto the correct position and the parts can be machined with three torches arriving each one to each partwithout problems.

But when going to perform the machining of the horizontal placed part, the system is going to cut it withthe first torch, in this case the one placed on the lower side of the carriage. Maybe it can arrive to theinterior contour, but not to exterior ones. What will Expert do?, depending on the chose option:

The system will use the torch number one for the interior, and other for the exterior (the number two,for example).

The system will perform a test for knowing if the torch number one can cut all the part (interior and exteriorcontours). Because this is not possible, it will make a test with the torch number two. If is possible, thenExper t wil l order to the machine to cut the whole part with the same torch, the number two.


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Annex J: Cut - Configure Execution of fixed cycle

T h i s w i n d o w m a k e s t h e c o n f i g u r a t i o n o f t h e a u t o m a t i c f i x e d c y c l e s e x e c u t i o n .

First of all, for using this option, the system should know which kind of tools the machine have. Thisshould be configured on

Main elements - Work Centers - Cutting machine - Tools (see annex M)

Once the machine has assigned the tools, then in this window the user can define the different parametersof each cycle type on the right side:

And in the left side of the window, the user can configure when the different cycles are going to beassigned automatically to the different contours:


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For understanding how it works, let's assume that the machine has four kind of tools already configured:CSINK-24, DRILL-25, REAM-18, TAP-25.

If there is any 25mm hole with cutting quality 9, the system will apply a drill cycle with the DRILL-25tool. If there is a 25mm hole with cutting quality 10, it will execute a tap cycle with the TAP-25 tool. Inthis case, it is important to order the machining by qualities because the drill cycle (quality 9) shouldbe executed before the tap ones (quality 10).

18 mm holes with cutting quality 11 will be done with the REAM-18 tool and 24mm holes with cuttingquality 12 with the CSINK-24 tool.


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Annex K: Extractions - Configure carriage movement

There are different lift systems. All the options of this window are for those which can move over thesheet for getting the parts.

The lift movement can be on X axis, or Y, or in both, the configuration of the following parameters shouldbe consistent with this movement limitations.

Number of steps in X and distance between them

From the starting position, the system is going to test which is the best position for the lift for removingthe element from the sheet. The steps in X are the number of tries to make and which distance isbetween tries is the other value. For example:

In the example, there are only four steps, and at the end the position on which the three cups can beactived because they are over the part is the last one. The system will always use the position on whichthere is the possibility of enable the most number of cups.

NOTE: I f the l i f t system has only movement on Y ax is , these two values should be 0.

Number of steps in Y and distance between them

With Y movement, the system is going to test every Y position from the starting point to increments ofdistance given in distance between steps in Y parameter as many times as the given steps number.

If the Lift system has movements only in Y the fol lowing example explains the working way:


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NOTE: If the system has only movement on X axis, these values should be 0.

But if the carriage can move on X and Y axis, the system will test every X possible on each Y position.In the next example there are three steps to try in X axis, and three steps in Y:


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In this case, the last is the best position because the lift can use four cups.

Collision: head 1

These parameters will determine the minimum and maximum X and Y values on which the lift can move.The system wil l never al low to pass these coordinates for avoiding col l ision with the head.

Collision: head 2

In combination machines there are two heads and the lift system must take care of not collision withnone of them. These coordinates configures the distances where the lift can't go on for security with

Collision: absolute pressing

Besides the collision with heads, the lift movement can cause collision on some physical elements ofthe mach ine l i ke the c lamps. These va lues w i l l de termine the l i f t movement 's l im i ts .


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Annex L: Technology - Micro - joints

This option allows the user to enter a micro-joint geometry, which can be very useful to keep the partsfixed to the sheet once they are machined, by means of the defined clamping. The clamping geometrycan be selected from the following:

Two joined elements are required. The microjoint should be placed on the linking pointclosest to the selected area.

Selecting the element and defining the position where the microjoint will be placed isenough.

Depending on the clicked point and the option selected here, the micro-joint will beinserted in different section of the contour. For example, with the following part usingthe clicked point:

The result will be different depending on the selection:

Using the configuration made on Automatic Micro-joint (see page 125) section, thesystem will insert microjoints on the nested parts.

This change can be done in more than just the clicked part depending on the option chosen in Make on.

For example, with the following group of parts, if clicking in the signed one:


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Depending on the chosen option, the change will be applied to the pointed parts:

Using this option, the user can change the lead in/out point of the microjoint. For example,the next figure is a part with microjoints:

Changing that point is easy:

This option enables the user to delete the defined micro-joint, with the assistance of elementselection buttons bar.

In order to define the geometry of the micro-joint, select this button so that the clampingvalues. are established.

From here the automatic micro-joint configuration dialogue can be shown.


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The micro-joint have special treatment which can cause problems in some machining operationslike the repositions. This option will include the assigned micro-joint into the part contours forbeing treated in the future as a geometry allowing to solve the possible problems:

See how to assign microjoints manually example (annex D)


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Annex M: Main elements - Work Centers - Cutting Machine - Tools

If the cutting machine has any kind of tools which will execute cycles, here should be configured.

In the tools window there are two possibilities:

Tool definition

In the new window the defined tools are listed depending on the options given on Criteria:


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In the Criteria window which tools will be shown on the list can be changed. This is only for showingtools, it doesn't delete any defined tool.

NOTE: Sometimes it seems that a defined tool is not in the list, it is important to check the Criteriaconfiguration to know exactly which tools are on the list. In the example there are all the tools of theLantek Cut Iso machine.

Create tool

This button will create a new tool of any of the four available types: drill cycle, tap cycle, ream cycle,C. sink cycle. Each type have specific parameters:

Dryll cycle:

Tap cycle:


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C. sink cycle:

Ream cycle:

Depending on the type of the cycle, different speeds can be associated to different materials. This isw i th the Mater ia l Da ta bu t ton p laced on each type parameter con f igura t ion w indow:

Then, using the new button will make new speed assignment depending on material and/or thickness.

For drill cycles:


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For the material RST37-2, the simple drill will be used with a rotation and feed speed of 10 (UPM speed)for thickness lowers than 5.

The user can make all the desired associations like this.

For tap cycle:

The speed will be 10 if using the material ST-42. For each material, different speed can be set up.

For ream cycle:

With UPM speed for rotation and feed with a value of 10 the ream cycle will be done for RST37-2material.

For C. sink cycle:

The C. sink cycles in ST-42 material will be done at speed of 10 (UPM speed).

Making different associations will result in a better relationship between material and thickness and thecycle.


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Assign tools to machine

Once all the tools has been defined on the system, with this button the user can assign which toolswill use each machine. For this, there are two list. The one of the left will show all the defined toolswhich are not assigned to any machine, and the list of the right will show all the tools assigned to thecurrent machine. The way of changing this is just using the arrow buttons placed on the middle of bothlists:


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Annex N: Rapid movements

A Rapid movement is a displacement of the head without cutting. Using this option, the user can inserta rapid movement from the current machining coordinates to the desired point (clicking with the mouseor using the keyboard for giving the coordinates):

The system will go inserting rapid movements to the prompted points until the ESC key is pressed.


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Annex O: Button bar for tool selection

Different program options and operations requires elements selection.

To select elements, the button bar with different selection options appears. The options on this barchanges according to the actions which can be applied at each moment.

The most common selection button bar is the following:

Selection of elements by clicking the mouse on them (or deselection if they are already selected).

Selection of elements with a rectangular window. The same effect as clicking the left mousebutton in an area in which there are no elements.

Selection of elements by means of an area generated in the polyline style. All the elementstrapped inside this area will be selected.

The elements whose ends coincide with the last element selected are selected. The same effectcan be produced by clicking the middle mouse button.

Selects all the drawing elements.

Selects all the drawing points.

Selects all the drawing segments.

Selects all the drawing arcs.

Selects all the drawing circumferences.

Selects all the drawing lines.

Validates the selection. The same effect can be achieved by clicking the right mouse button orpressing the <INTRO> key.

configuration manual lantek expert cut

Documents

annex e

bridge values

loop values

annex o

annex d

annex c

annex h1

annex f