Product category:
Control systems, DROs, etc, for machine tools
News Release from: Heidenhain (GB) | Subject: SmarT.NC operating mode and user interface
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 05 September 2005
Interface simplifies plain language
programming
A CNC operating mode and user interface further simplifies some of the more common programming tasks, so pocketing, hole patterns and drilling and tapping can be programmed much faster.
The use of plain language programming has been with us now for 25 years Its development by Heidenhain combined with its ease-of-use took programming out of the office and onto the shopfloor for the first time and created a level of flexibility never seen before in CNC machine operation
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 29 May 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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Now, with the introduction of smarT.NC, Heidenhain has taken this to another level and is looking to introduce a whole new generation to CNC programming, Heidenhain's smarT.NC is a completely new operating mode and user interface, which is designed to further simplify some of the more common programming tasks.
The result is that operations such as pocketing, hole patterns and drilling and tapping can now be programmed much faster both by the CNC beginner and the experienced user alike.
At the heart of the interface is a series of forms on which the programmer enters the required parameters.
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Help is at hand as the form-based interface guides the operator to the information required, eliminating uncertainty and reducing the time taken to reach certain decisions.
The simplicity of the forms used to create NC programs, though, does not imply that only simple programs can be created with smarT.NC.
For more complex procedures a series of units and forms allows further content and program complexity to be added.
Beyond that, those experienced in plain language programming can edit smarT.NC programs in their preferred format.
Described as an 'intuitive self-explaining interface' smarT.NC has been developed for use with Heidenhain's iTNC 530 control with those new to CNC programming in mind.
However, as any program created using smarT.NC can be seamlessly transferred to Heidenhain's plain language system more experienced programmers can also take advantage of the reduced time required to create certain machining cycles.
"Heidenhain has always developed products to be user-friendly," says TNC applications engineer, Martin Marlow.
"With the form-based interface that smarT.NC delivers we have taken that to a new level and further simplified what was already an easy-to-use programming language".
"The straightforwardness of this new operating mode is such that a complete novice could create simple programs quicker than could be achieved by an experienced programmer using plain language." Specific features within smarT.NC include a pattern generator, fast programming/editing, and creation, testing and execution of a program in one operating mode.
As the name suggests the pattern generator assists in the programming of a diverse range of machining patterns.
Patterns with single points, single rows, frames, full circles and circle segments are all easily defined using templates, and once programmed are shown on screen, where a zoom function allows examination of the finest detail.
Where non-standard patterns have to be machined individual machining positions within a standard pattern can be hidden, or deleted, to create these bespoke patterns.
Using the editing facility operators can further modify individual co-ordinates.
Programming times are also reduced thanks to the pre-configured, globally effective, machining parameters such as safety clearances, etc.
These are entered only once and the control adheres to them unless the programmer amends them using smarT.NC.
Any new iTNC530 controls supplied by Heidenhain can be fitted, as standard, with smarT.NC as a no-cost option.
"With the development of smarT.NC Heidenhain has taken plain language programming to the next level, providing an alternative solution to conversational programming, giving users a clear choice while maintaining the familiar functionality of Heidenhain's TNC control and making programming even easier," concludes Marlow. Request a free brochure from Heidenhain (GB) ...
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