Network file transfer

The NC integrated network card and the Windows® 7 Ultimate operating system allow for an easy introduction of the nC19™ control into the company network. All CAM engineering programs can be therefore directly stored into the NC hard disk. A USB port located on the NC front-end allow the execution of part-program even in case of network unavailability.

3D Graphic visualization

An optimized and even simultaneous visualization for displaying large and different format files enables a quick check of the milling path. Its main features as follows:

• visualization of the mathematical model laid upon the tool path;
• display of multiple paths marked with different colors;
• vertex coordinates measurements, distance between two points and angle formed by two segments for each loaded tool path;
• management of ISO - DXF - IGES - STL - VDA - FS - PRJ (HIMILL project) formats.

Parameters and procedures

Roto-translation, scale factors, axis change, change of origins, change of machine, movement release clearance etc., can be directly activated or modified by the operator on the NC without modifying the part-program created by the CAM. In addition to this, where changes are to be applied with a specific sequence on file parts or on several files, the programming through Procedures is provided allowing for an easy and maximum automation of part program sequences thus resulting in maximum efficiency.

Graphical environment

Data entry for milling or drilling programming is done with the aid of graphics and explanatory texts for an easier input of all necessary parameters so as to create the desired machining cycle. Each program block or work cycle is clearly displayed graphically in 2D or 3D view in order to expedite the operator in achieving the required processing. Cycles are planned specifically for the rectangular, circular or slot pocket machining for the rectangular or circular flattening, further to the several drilling cycles: for all of them a useful graphic help to programming is provided. The “help on line” function is also constantly available and this allows for a quick reference of the use and programming manual directly displayed on the NC screen.

ISOGRAPH™

For the machining of more complex components or to simplify the geometric definition of profiles, ISOGRAPH™ offers a wide range of functions and dedicated cycles. A powerful graphic editor allows to define straight lines, circles and points thus drawing profiles, placing fillets and chamfers, applying tool radius compensation and also inserting approaches. The above operations are performed simply by pressing the function keys and the matched dialog boxes: there is no need to remember any programming function and related syntax. The pocket working cycle allows for the management of complex geometrical profiles; for the rectangular pockets it enables several side wall inclinations and also different radius and fillet of pocket profiles and sections. The radius compensation through the ISOGRAPH™ dialog box grants an automatic approach and exit to and from the profile. It even enables the machining on open profiles by calculating several tool path levels. Furthermore it performs automatically the removal of any residual material. For drilling cycles, in addition to the definition of the points on grid and circumference, the definition of the points on a generic profile is provided.

DXF project management

Programming from a drawing can be a source of errors for a misinterpretation or simply for errors made in the writing process (e.g. to perform 100 holes, a hundred program lines have to be written). Direct reading of DXF files in ISOGRAPH™ environment helps avoiding such errors and it also simplifies the milling and drilling programming. The graphical interface enables the management of DXF files by selecting the items to be processed. To make an example, for the drilling operations it is possible to specify the diameter of th e required holes or to define the min/ max diameters and even exclude some specific items. Once the selection is over a fixed cycle has to be matched with the holes and the drilling program will be automatically generated. The same process can be used for profiles where the ISOGRAPH™ radius compensation will be applied to the selected profile. The DXF drawing can be shifted or rotated so as to position the origin at best for the processing to come.