Control Software For High Speed Machining Centers

Datron Dynamics has released version 8 of its Windows-based control software. The controller has been added for the company’s line of 60,000-rpm high speed machining centers.

A user administration function allows for the creation of users and groups. The specific rights defined for each user group can be applied to individual users, making it possible to restrict access to critical functions for certain users or groups. For example, a particular operator (or shift) could be allowed to load and execute macro programs but not modify them.

The software also offers a libraries function where operators can create their own libraries consisting of multiple macros. The libraries can be directly accessed via the menu bar, the main menu or by using shortcut keys. The library allows operators to use certain functions repeatedly without including them in their main program.

The updated software features a macro polygon function that allows engineers and operators to define a measuring zone that includes restricted areas. These areas are ignored during the probing or measuring process that allows for the surface scanning of complex shapes and odd-shaped parts. By avoiding areas with geometry, such as pockets and cavities, the time required for surface scanning and measurement can be reduced.

Two additional functions are geared to on-the-fly engineers, programmers and operators. There is a search and replace function in the macro editor, and math algorithms can be performed within each command line and input field, including conversions from millimeters to inches and vice versa.

The company says the software makes use of Ethernet, so communication has increased from 300 vectors per second to 2,800 vectors per second. With an optional second Ethernet port, the company is able to perform remote diagnostics so that service issues are solved more quickly and training can be conducted via the Internet. A start/end macro is able to run automatically before and after the execution of a program. For example, in projects that require vacuum workholding, the macro can ensure that the vacuum pressure is checked before the machining begins and turned off when the part is competed. In the updated version, tool-changing cycles have been optimized, and machine data is automatically backed up at the start and end of a program or whenever the program is altered.