Lantek Expert Punch: Punch Module Reference Manual

Lantek Punching module configuration
Lantek Expert Punch

Punch module reference manual
www.lantek.es
Contents
1.1 General ................................................................................................................. 1

1.2 Startup .................................................................................................................. 7
1.3 Sheet clamps ...................................................................................................... 10
1.4 Fixture ................................................................................................................. 17
1.5 Work chutes ......................................................................................................... 18
1.6 Lift / Grip ............................................................................................................. 19
1.7 Save Options ....................................................................................................... 25
1.8 Work Zone .......................................................................................................... 32
1.9 Reposition ........................................................................................................... 33
1.10 Sheet turn over .................................................................................................. 40
1.11 Grid ................................................................................................................... 42
1.12 From Point ........................................................................................................ 44
1.13 Sheet Data ........................................................................................................ 45
1.14 Upload / Download sheets ................................................................................ 47
1.15 Sheet Remnants ............................................................................................... 49
1.16 Configure machines: Properties of material thickness ..................................... 54
1.16.1 Configure machines: Dependent data of material - thickness ............. 55
1.16.1.1 Punching parameters .......................................................................... 56
1.16.1.2 Predefined tools.................................................................................... 57
1.16.1.3 Standard turrets................................................................................. 59
1.16.1.4 Pre-punching ...................................................................................... 59
1.16.1.5 Sheet parameters .............................................................................. 60
1.16.1.6 Clearance punch-die .......................................................................... 61
1.16.1.7 Shear .................................................................................................. 61
1.17 Shear ................................................................................................................. 63
1.18 Punching parameters.......................................................................................... 65
1.19 General machine options ................................................................................... 70
1.20 Automatic nesting ............................................................................................. 72
1.21 Automatic machining.......................................................................................... 83
1.21.1 Horizontal exterior punched .................................................................. 84
1.21.2 Vertical exterior punched....................................................................... 85
1.21.3 Edge punching....................................................................................... 86
1.21.4 Shearing ................................................................................................ 89
1.21.5 Part punch configuration ..................................................................... 107
1.21.6 Nested punch configuration................................................................. 115

1.21.7 Component removal ............................................................................ 132
1.22 Post processor ................................................................................................ 138
1.22.1 General............................................................................................... 138
1.22.2 Block numbering................................................................................. 140
1.22.3 Free tape ............................................................................................ 141
1.22.4 Reserved ............................................................................................ 141
1.23 Time calculation .............................................................................................. 141
1.23.1 Punching parameters .......................................................................... 142
1.23.2 Punches changes parameters.............................................................. 143
1.23.3 Reposition / Extracts ........................................................................... 144
1.23.4 Accelerations ....................................................................................... 145
1.23.5 Postprocessor words ........................................................................... 146
1.23.6 Shear ................................................................................................... 146
1.23.7 Upload / Download sheets .................................................................. 147
1.24 Cost calculation............................................................................................... 148
1.25 Ink-Jet ............................................................................................................. 150
1.26 Annex A: Show on sheet the machining modifications made on parts........... 153
1.26 Annex B: Automatic technology.................................................................... 154
1.26 Annex C: Part punch - One touch figures / pockets ....................................... 156
1.26 Annex D: Nested punch - Punch the sheet framework................................... 164
1.26 Annex E : Extraction - Configure carriage movement .................................. 165
1.26 Annex F: Control torch .................................................................................... 169
1.26 Annex G: Component removal ....................................................................... 169
1.26 Annex H: Tolerance in nibblings ..................................................................... 173
Introduction
Name: Lantek Cut Iso... (Punching machine)
To configure cutting machines, go to Work centers -> Action list -> Work center configuration ->
Machine option. You need to select punching machine in the table.
The parameters that can be configured are divided in different sections. In order to configure the
parameters of a particular section, double click on it or select the desired one and press the
button. Configure. These sections are:
1.1 General
This option enables configuration of the parameters in the General section of the machine:
Linear tolerance (e.g.0,01000 ) & Angular tolerance (e.g. 0,100 )
The system is going to make calculations with these values. The machine tolerance must be
configured in Postprocessor - General.(See page 138)
Process the lead-in/lead-out, loops and micro-joints in the automatic nesting
If this parameter is activated, the space needed for leads, loops and micro-joints will be
considered in Automatic Nesting. The space left between parts could be enough but the system is
not going to guarantee the avoid of overlapping of parts with leads, loops or micro-joints unless
this option is enabled.
Use the minimum rectangle of parts and Angle step (e.g. 1,000 )
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.
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With the minimum rectangle, the system will try to rotate the part and calculate the minimum area
used on the sheet by the part. The increments of angle to try is what Angle Step sets up. Then, in
the Automatic Nesting the program will place the part in the angles allowed (this can be
configured on Rotation Possibilities in the Automatic Nesting (See page 72) dialog).
In some cases, activating this parameter, may produce Nesting with better usage of the sheet.
Favorite position for minimal rectangle
With this parameter the user can define the “Favorite position for minimal rectangle”. Once the
minimum rectangle of a part has been calculated to perform the nesting or to rotate a part, the
user will be able to rotate it and will be able to leave it in horizontal and/or vertical depending on
this parameter. The minimum rectangle will have the same dimensions after the rotations
There are 3 possible operations to define the preferred position for the minimum rectangle:
Horizontal, vertical, any of them. If the last one is active, the system will work as it has been
working. The system will calculate a minimum rectangle and it does not care if it is vertical or
horizontal.
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.
Restrict rotations in manual mode
If enabled, the system will not allow to place parts rotated on the nesting manually if the angle
has not been allowed on the part. The rotations for each part can be configured on the
Manufacturing Orders module, clicking with the right button over the part and choosing properties
will show the part configuration, clicking on more button, the rotations and symmetries
possibilities 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: Work center -> Action list ->Work center configuration -> Save
options.(See page 25)
When this option is enabled, the system will show the Contour Ordering dialog. Here, the user
can configure the contour order (Clockwise or counter clockwise) that will be applied to the parts.
Clicking on button (i.e. ) will show this dialog too. This is the way for configuring the contour
ordering by default.
If the prompt for data when ordering contour option is disabled, the selected contour ordering will
be applied automatically in any of the previous configured assignation (when saving part or when
executing nesting module).
Name of the CNC = Order, Number of characters (e.g 3) and Allow large names
Name of the CNC = Order: If this parameter is enabled, the name of the CNC file will start with
the name of the manufacturing order.
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Number of characters: The number of characters that will be added to the manufacture order's
name to identify the CNC file.
Allow large names: Allows the CNC file to have names with more than 8 characters.
Prompt for CNC reference:
This option is used when a nesting module or nesting part is saved. There are four options:
No: The system will never ask for the CNC name.
Only if the sheet is new and the file already exists: In this option if the sheet is new and the CNC
name already exists in the default directory, the system will display a message to overwrite the
file or change the name and/or directory.
Only if the sheet is new: If the sheet is new, the system will ask the user , to specify new name
and the CNC directory.
Always: In this option when generating a new CNC, the system will browse a panel for the name
and directory.
In the first case, the directory where the CNC is going to be stored will be the default one. For this
case each time the machining is initialized and saved, a new CNC will be created.
For the other cases, the directory where the CNC is stored will be configured, the first time the
nesting is saved. For each sheet only one CNC will be generated unless the user change the
name (i.e. last case)
Parts template name (e.g. CAJPIE.CAJ )
Name of the file that has the parameters to print the list of parts.
Sheets box name (e.g. CAJCUT.CAJ )
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
the calculation of the nesting module. There are three options:
System: The system will calculate the time internally.
Time calculation: The calculation will be done using a generic postprocessor.
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Postprocessor: The calculation will be done using the postprocessor of the current machine. This
option is used in water machines where the speed changes frequently.
Generate information for labels
If this option is checked, the system will create one label for each part and this information will be
stored in the 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 sometimes with more than one part for each file, it is recommended to uncheck
this option.
Transform the geometry when transforming the machining
After machining a part, if the user wants to transform and/or modify the position, until this new
version the only option was move the machining but not the geometry, with version 23.50 the
geometry can be modified while moving or modifying the machining.
It is also possible to configure this parameter to be asked when using the "Transform machining"
option.
Check if there are remnants or parts that fall when verifying machining
If this parameter is ON, each time the part machining is verified, the system will check if following
the defined toolpath can produce any tip or any uncontrolled small remnant.
This parameter has two more option:

1. In part
2. In sheet
Replace punch by cut and Mark
With this option enabled, the system will replace all the punching machining of the part by cutting
machining. If enabled, the system allows to select, instead of cutting, marking machining and
what type of marking for replacing the punching machining.
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Do in case of part change
Once the nesting has been done, if the user changes one part, the system will do:
Nothing: The nesting will no include the changes made on part.
Keep the nesting: The part will be modified keeping the same position on the sheet. Enabling
Show on sheet the machining modifications made on parts option will keep the existing machining
on the part. If disabled, the system will delete all the machining on the part in the sheet. See the
Example of how this parameter works. (See page 153)
Remake the nesting: The system will delete all the parts of the nesting where the modified part
was, and will execute an automatic nesting. This option is useful in cases where part dimensions
are subject to change, to avoid collisions.
There are three parameters to configure how the new nesting will be done:
Machine every sheet automatically: Enabled, after nesting the system will execute the automatic
machining process.
Insert more parts if it is possible: Because of the changes made on the part, there may be more
space on sheet that the system can use for placing more parts. Enabling this parameter will make
the system to test this.
Warn in case that the parts don't fit on the nesting: If, because of modifications, all the previous
nested parts doesn't fit on the sheet, the program will show a warning message if this parameter
is enabled.
Prompt for this data: With this option enabled, the system will show a window allowing to
configure the previous parameters in the case of entering in the nesting module after changing a
nested part.
Punch/ Detect punch position automatically
If this parameter is active, when performing any manual option, which needs to know the relative
position of the punch referred to the geometry, the position will be calculated by the system
avoiding problems to the user.
If the system is not capable to calculate this relative position (open contours), the system will ask
to the user to enter this position (as if the parameter were OFF)
The options affected by this new parameter are:
CONTOUR: Manual contours.
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SIMPLE CYCLE: Centered on segment and on end of segment.
NIBBLINGS: Based on a geometry element.
MACROINSTRUCTIONS: Chamfered corner’s pocket, Circular nibbling with micro-joints, Linear

nibbling with micro-joints and Nibbling in terms of step.
Warn if there is interior geometry not machined when cutting
Using this option the user is warned when there is not machined geometry inside a contour. This
option will only be applied when using the automatic contours (“CAM / Nesting module /
Machining / Contours / Automatic contours” or when adding a lead in if the parameter “Work
centers / Action list /Work center configuration / Cutting Machine / Lead in/Lead out values / Cut
the contour” is on).
After the warning the system can be configured to cut or not cut the contour in automatic.
1.2 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.
With this option enabled, the system will show the Startup dialog always when the initialization
instruction is executed.
Initializing the machine: In the nesting module it can be done manually using the option
Machining->Initialize .
Execute every rapid with head up
Before any rapid movement there will be one instruction for the machine to rise the cutting head if
this parameter is enabled. This is used for safety, to prevent head damages.
Apply head up at the beginning of machining
This option will appear only if Execute every rapid with head up is disabled. With this, the user
configures the system for including one head up instruction always at the beginning of the
machining process.
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The machine has Laser-eye
The Laser eye is one device of some laser machines which is used to detect and avoid possible
collisions with the head. If enabled, the system will use it.
Clicking on ( ) button will show the dialog where the method for using the laser eye can be
chosen:
CNC name = PartNo
The CNC file will take the same name assigned to the PartNo. which is the internal name of the
CNC files. The PartNo. can be assigned in different ways through the following parameters:
Default: The Part No. will be assigned by default using the value introduced in the box PartNo
(e.g. 00000011).
Automatic: The Part No. will take an automatic value that will increase for subsequent CNCs. Six
additional parameters will be displayed:
Reset CNC counter: This option will reset the CNC's counter
Minimum: PartNo: Minimum number of character for the PartNo.
Maximum: PartNo: Maximum number of character for the PartNo.
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Step of the PartNo: The number of steps used for the PartNo.
Previous text (e.g. P): The first characters of the PartNo.
Pre-initialization:
The user can create the remnant line during the machining initialization. These are the following
parameters:
Explode modules: With this option the user can do machining pre-initialization. And allows to
explode all the modules before (and only before) the machining initialization.
Delete the machining totally outside of the sheet: This option will delete the machining done
outside of the sheet. It will be configurable if the parameter "Prompt for the data when initializing"
from 'Startup menu" is active, or when the user initializes the sheet.
Create the cutting line of the remnant automatically: By this option the remnant line will be
created automatically and with the shape configured by the user.
The following two parameters allow deleting the remnant and remnant line.
Delete existing remnants: By using this option the user can delete the existing remnants which
are created by the cutting line of the remnant automatically. If any remnant exists and there is no
configuration to delete them, will not be possible to delete the remnant line nor generate a new
one.
Delete existing remnants line: The user can use this option for the deletion of existing remnants
line. If any remnant line exists and there is no configuration to delete it, will not be possible to
create a new one.
Note: These data could be configured during initialization if in the configuration of "Startup" the
parameter "Prompt for this data when initializing" is active.
Generate geometric micro-joints in parts: When adding the microjoints during the pre-initialization,
there are necessary two parameters to define the "Minimum length of the exterior punches
(horizontal exterior and vertical exterior )", because the system needs to know at this moment
which punches are going to be used for the exterior machining to calculate the minimum distance
between microjoints. If the user configures these parameters to ‘-1.0’, the system will search the
Minimum length of the exterior punches.
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Speed Rates
The machine speeds can be configured in Speed Rates dialog box.
Feed rates
Cut speed 4000,000 mm./m.
Chamfered speed 4000,000 mm./m.
Powder mark speed 4000,000 mm./m.
Drill mark speed 4000,000 mm./m.
Pen mark speed 4000,000 mm./m.
Cut mark speed 4000,000 mm./m.
Rapid speed 4000,000 mm./m.
Note: The parameter Wheel tool speed will be activated if the configuration is for punching.
1.3 Sheet clamps
With this option you can configure the Clamps of the machine:
Number of clamps (e.g. 4)
The System will take into account the number of clamps of the machine. The position of each one
can be 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
must be placed manually with screws.
Fixed: When the clamps are placed into the linear turret, they take positions with fixed distance
increments between them. In this case, the position of the clamps can be configured easily with
the following parameters:
First position variable: Although the turret has fixed positions, the first clamp site can be in
different position each time, then the rest of clamps will be placed following it.
First position (e.g. -25,000): The distance between the first clamp position and the reference
point, from this first position the rest of the clamps will be placed depending on the next two
parameters:
Number of positions (e.g. 11): Total number of positions of the linear turret.
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Position distance (e.g. 130,000): Distance between each turret position. The system will calculate
every clamp position adding to the first position the value given here.
For example:
Position distance
Positions
Clamp 1 4-365
Clamp 2 8-885
Indicate the distance between different clamp positions.
If the clamp type is fixed, once these three fields have been specified, the Positions boxes will
become combo 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 will be valid).
Reference point
The position of the clamps will be taken depending on this reference point:
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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 was done inserting distances with the keyboard. But if the placement is done with the
mouse, the user can slide the clamps and place them in a correct position which allows to
machining the most part of the sheet. With this, the user can avoid reposition orders.
The system will prompt to place the clamps with the mouse when the Machining -> Initialize
order is selected.
Move interactively the from point
The work zone can be moved to desired place when the Machining -> Initialize - > Move
interactively the from point order is executed. This is like doing one reposition at the beginning.
You can select one of these options: Right, Left, Center or Move it with mouse.
Maximum length of the sheet to enable the pin 2 automatically
With this option the user can specify maximum length of the sheet.
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Pin 2
When working with small sheets, sometimes happens that if using the Pin 1 for placing it, the
clamps can't take it properly. For this, more centered that the Pin 1 is the Pin 2. The effect is like
moving the work zone, like making one reposition at the beginning of the machining. The
difference between this parameter and the previous one is that here we can assign a fixed value
for all the times, and in the previous one, the value is prompted on every initializing.
The distance is fixed and must be configured clicking on the three points button ( ), and then
select one of these options:
- Center
- Left
- Right
Initial offset of the work zone (e.g. 500)
The system is going to perform a reposition with this value in X for moving the work zone at the
beginning of the machining.
For example: Here the work zone is placed at the left of the sheet and the value of the initial
offset of the work zone parameter is 0:
The machine can't make all the machining without performing a reposition, if we give 500 as an
initial offset of the work zone, the machine will perform a 500 mm reposition in X at the beginning
on the machining:
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Offset to avoid the clamps (e.g. 30,000)
This is the safety distance added to the clamp's work zone. The system is going to test it always
for preventing collisions.
Allow collision test for clamps
Most of the machines makes a clamp verification depending on the loaded CNC code. If the
clamps are placed in a wrong location, the machine would take clamp positions into account
which are not the real part of the sheet, resulting 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
parameter is enabled. One example of using these two parameters is to active the previous one,
and then Prompt for this data when initializing. With this, when the Initialize option is used, the
system will show this clamp configuration window and the user can choose if perform the test or
not.
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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 of the sheet. For example,
if the value is 70mm, and the clamp is going to be placed at 40 mm, the system will place it at 70
mm.
IMPORTANT: The clamp must have sensor for testing this.
Clamp zone
When the machine is initialized, this is the clamp zone which the system will use before starting
the machining. In Punching machines, the clamp zone is configured by station and the most
important clamp zone settings must be done in the turret configuration.
Clamps size
The clamps size can be set up here depending on the three parameters: L, R, and U.
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These settings configure the real clamps size, which will be used for the automatic repositions.
The system will test if the clamp is going to be placed in a hole because if this happens the clamp
will not take the sheet properly. For these calculations, the system will take into account the L, R
and U parameters.
With this option enabled, the system will show the Clamps dialog always when the initialization
Initializing the machine: In the nesting module can be done manually using the option Machining
-> Initialize .
More button
With this button, the user can configure each clamp's properties like minimum and maximum
allowed positions and distances, if the clamp has sensor or the type of the clamp.
Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum

Sensor Type
position position distance distance
Clamp -25,000 105,000 130,000 200,000 Fixed
Simulation button
In the nesting/machining module, the system will simulate the clamps size depending on the
values given in the following dialogue:
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1.4 Fixture
With this option you can configure the Clamps or the Fixed clamps of the machine:
Possibility to use Fixed clamps in cutting machines. The fixed clamps will work similar to the
clamps. The machine will only have clamps or fixed clamps, they will never be together in the
same machine. To configure the fixed clamps the clamps number must be 0 otherwise the “
Fixtures” option will not be displayed. If after configure the fixed clamps, the user modifies the
number of clamps bigger than 0, the fixed clamps parameters will be avoided.
During the machining initialization, will be possible to configure the fixed clamps with the
keyboard and with the mouse. The changes made during the initialization with the keyboard
(using the configuration panel) will be saved as standard in machine configuration parameters.
Position:
Number of fixtures: The clamps can be located in any position. This option is used for machines
whose clamps can be placed automatically.
Fixture zone
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When the machine is initialized, this is the clamp zone which the system will use before starting
the machining. In Punching machines, the clamp zone is configured by station and the most
important clamp zone settings must be done in the turret configuration.
Place the fixtures 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 was done inserting distances with the keyboard. But if the placement is done with the
mouse, the user can slide the clamps and place them in a correct position which allows to
machining the most part of the sheet. With this, the user can avoid reposition orders.
With this option enabled, the system will show the Clamps dialog always when the initialization
Initializing the machine: In the nesting module can be done manually using the option Machining -
> Initialize .
1.5 Work chutes
There are three options for removing cut parts: traps, micro-joints and Stop codes.
Work chutes are only used for cutting machines with clamps to fix the sheet, because in these
machines the sheet moves and the parts must be evacuated. If the cutting head is the only one
which moves on the sheet, there is no need to evacuate the parts and all the traps configuration
is unnecessary.
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Number of traps (e.g. 3)
The user will configure here the number of traps of the machine. Depending on this number, the
system will show the boxes needed to specify the respective coordinates:
Minimum X (e.g. -150,000) & Minimum Y (e.g. 47,000): All the distances are referred to the
cutting/punching center. These are the coordinates for the lower left corner of the trap.
Maximum X (e.g. 150,000) & Maximum Y (e.g. 400,000): Coordinates for the upper-right corner of
the trap.
Increment X & Increment Y: The machine makes one movement after receiving one trap open
instruction trying to center the part into the tramp. This increment of movement is configured
here.
Process traps after its implicit movement
If this parameter is active, the tramp will try to evacuate the part after making a movement defined
in “Increment” parameter. If the parameter is not active, the system will open the tramp first and
them it will make the movement. (Increment).
The machine has an extraction hammer
If the machine has an extraction hammer and extraction hammer2, these must be configured
here. This hammer is used to hit the tramp to make sure it will be open properly. The hammer is
defined by the coordinates X and Y and the radius.
Extraction hammer 2
With this option the user can evacuate by trap. By specifying the X, Y and radius parameters.
1.6 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.
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There are movable strips in the suction cups carriage
The system allows to define maximum of 5 movable strips with suctions cups to load/unload and
evacuate parts by lift. Each strip is movable in X and Y directions and it will be placed in a desired
position in the suction cup carriage. The system also allows to define the distance between the
steps to test correct evacuation positions in automatic.
When a evacuation is assigned in automatic, semiautomatic or manual, the user will be able to
drag and drop with the mouse.
The geometry of the suction cup carriage can be defined by the user using a MEC file.
The user can configure other parameters by selecting the three point button ( ), they are:
Movable in [X/Y]: Using this option the user can define a distance as "movable step",
Preferred step in [X/Y]: Using this option the user can define a strip distance as "preferred step",
this position will be preferred when evacuating in automatic if there are more than one with same
results during the testing.
Use distances between steps for manual mode: By enabling this option, when the user selects
interactively the carriage strips, he will only be able to select position which keeps the defined
distance.
Number of suction cups (e.g. 36)
This parameter configures the number of suction cups of the lift system. This number should be
multiple of 12. These suction cups are divided into 6 groups (maximum). Refer to machine
manual to see how many 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
depending on the number of suction cups specified.
Cup parameters must be configured here:
X Y Radius Type
Suction Cup 1 495,000 -320,000 35,000 Fastener
X and Y: Position of the cup respect to the lift zero point.
Radius: This value is only for simulation.
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Type: This suction cup type has to be checked on the reference manual of the machine
Auxiliar:
This is not for all lift systems. The program defines one main suction cups and some auxiliar
because the number can be so big to manage all of them independently. These suction cups will
be activate each time the main suction cup is active.
X Y Radius Main suction cup

495,00 -380,000 15,000 1
470,000 -380,000 15,000 1
445,000 -380,000 15,000 1
X, Y and Radius: The same as for main cups
Main suction cup: The main cup the auxiliar one is assigned to.
Note: There are 200 more suction cups. Now the system allows to configure 372 suction cups: 72
main cups and 300 auxiliaries.
X Displacement of the suction cups while uploading (e.g. -70,000)
This is the offset between the punching/cutting head and the cups carriage.
Y Displacement of the suction cups while uploading
This is the Y offset for the suction cups while loading the sheet.
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Minimum X position of the suction cups (e.g. -1000,000)
This is the minimum position in X where the carriage can physically arrive.
Minimum Y position of the suction cups
This is the minimum position in Y where the carriage can physically arrive.
Minimum X & Maximum X position while downloading (e.g. 10000,000)
Is the minimum X & maximum X position where the carriage can download a part. This value
should be checked in the manual, otherwise the NC control will send a warning message.
Minimum Y & Maximum Y position while downloading (e.g. 30,000)
This is the Minimum Y & maximum Y position where the carriage can download a part. As with X
position, this value should be checked in the manual. In the system this value is represented as a
horizontal line under the carriage simulation. This kind of machines have an arm to move suction
cups carriage and it should be 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.
The X and the Y are the positions where the sheet arrives so that the grip can pick and download
it.
More
Lift details: Clicking on this button will show specific parameters for configuring the lift system
properly:
Uploading section
All the parameters of this section are related to the sheet upload with the lift:
Speed (e.g. 100%) and Acceleration (e.g. 100%): The speed and the acceleration that the lift
system will apply for uploading the sheet.
Cycle of unstuck of sheets: Sometimes the lift gets two sheets instead of just one because of
suction. With this parameter enabled, the lift gets the sheet and makes up and down movements
trying to unstuck the sheets.
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Double sheet detection: Once the lift gets the sheet, there is one sensor which measures the
width, if is not correct, the machine executes again the Cycle of unstuck of sheets. Is one security
level more than enabling just the previous parameter.
Pressing position (e.g. 5.425,000): X position where the lift is going to pick the sheet.
Waiting position (e.g. 565,000): At the beginning, the lift goes to sheet pallet and gets one
carrying it to the machine. The second time, the sheet can't be located in the same place
because the previous one has not been machined yet, and for this, not evacuated from the
machine. In this case, the lift places the sheet in a wait position whose objective is making the
upload faster just when the previous sheet has been evacuated.
Transfer position (e.g. -111,000): X position where the sheet is going to be left
Downloading parts
The next parameters configures how the lift is going to get the parts.
Speed (e.g. 100%) and acceleration (e.g. 100%): The speed and the acceleration that the lift
system will apply for downloading the sheet.
Head up/down: If the head should be raised while removing the part for security questions.
Place on the table of the machine: This option allows to leave the part on the table instead of the
palleti>
Download with ejection: The lift will leave the part from a certain height specified in the following
parameter
Ejection height (e.g. 700,000): When the lift system goes to download parts on the pallet, if there
are few parts placed, the lift sometimes can't physically arrive to the surface of the pallet. In this
case, this parameter is the height from which the lift will leave the part to left to the pallet.
Pressing position (X) (e.g. -56,000): This is the X distance of the lift zero point where the lift is
going to pick the part. The parameter X displacement of the suction cups should be checked.
Downloading position (X) (e.g. 2.618,000): This is the X distance of the lift zero point where the lift
is going to leave the part.
Pressing position (Y): The Y distance of the zero point for getting the part. This parameter is for
lift systems which has movement in Y axis.
Downloading position (Y): The Y distance of the lift zero point. This parameter is for lift systems
with Y movement.
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Move the pressing point interactively
With this parameter the user can define. That is to say, this will be the zone where the suction
cups carriage can be moved avoiding collisions.
Copy nesting
Using this option the user can configure copy nesting during evacuation this option is protected.
If this parameter is disabled, the user will only be able to configure a fixed download position:
Copy nesting
Downloading position [X] 0,000
Downloading position [Y] 0,000
When enabling this parameter, the user will get
Copy nesting
Downloading position offset [X] 0,000
Downloading position offset [Y] 0,000
Scale factor [X] 1,000
Scale factor [Y] 1,000
Downloading position offset (X and Y): With this option it is possible for the user to define the
point from where the nesting copy will be performed.
Scale factor (X and Y): If the download zone is bigger than the working zone, a scale factor can
be defined (in X and/or Y) to get more distance between parts on the pallet.
Show pressing cylinders
when modifying the pressing point when evacuating by lift. When evacuating by lift, with the
parameter “Move the pressing point interactively” on, the system will visualize the cylinders
and/or the pressing head at the evacuation point.
All these parameters are set automatically if the installation comes with Wos Pallet.
This is the lift/grip configuration, but there are two places where the user must configure where to
use it:
Work Center - Configure Machines - Upload/Download Sheets (See page 47)
Work Center - Configure Machines - Automatic Machining - Component Removal (See page 169)
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1.7 Save Options
With this option you can configure parameters for the machine’s Saving data section. While
verifying the part to save, the user can request the system to show the window where he can
choose the types of contours where to put the points.
GENERAL
Delete duplicate punches
With this option the user can delete duplicate punches when saving parts and/or sheets.
Regenerate
This parameter regenerates the punches when saving the part or entering nesting and machining
modules.
SUBPROGRAMS
The different options in this section refers to the generation of subprograms for the
postprocessor. When there is one part nested many times in the sheet, the CNC code generated
for one of these parts can be used for all the other nested equal part. Using subprograms will
result in smaller CNC codes which is very 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 are organized. Some options may not be available in a specific postprocessor
although it is still possible to select the option here.
Generate subprograms: The system will try to generate subprograms.
Linear subprograms: If possible, the system will detect and apply linear subprograms in the CNC.
Subprogram rotation: If there is the possibility for using subprograms with rotations, the system
will apply them generating the proper CNC code.
Grid subprograms: The grid subprograms generation will be supported using this option.
Example:
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For recognizing if two parts are identical for applying subprograms, the system will look the
values of the 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
for generating the rest of the equal parts from the first one.
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The first point of the part that the machine is going to cut is the definition point.
Any of the four corners means that the definition point is one of the minimum
rectangle of the part, taking into account only the geometry. If Part is enabled, it will take only the
minimum rectangle corner, but if disabled it will take the machining corner.
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
and the objective is to execute each subprogram for each hole.
The system will generate subprograms for each different contour, and then will execute them in
the same order.
Only subprograms by reference
Enable this function in order to tell the system that all the subprograms belong to only one part.
This means that these subprograms will be automatically repeated when performing equal parts
and 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
once as a subprogram.
Transform simple punches of subprograms to grid structures
This option is only for punching machines. The program will check all the simple punches and if
they follow any pattern, the CNC orders will be converted into grid structures for making the CNC
program shorter and the machine process faster.
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PART SAVING
There are some options that can be executed automatically when the user saves the part. This is
a powerful feature for saving time. Part saving can happen when the user selects one of these
options in the drawing module: Edit -> Drawing ( ) or Parts -> Save ( )/Save As/Save by
parts/Save all ( ).
Every time the user saves one part, the system can verify it, order their contours, apply automatic
technology, loops or leads depending on the activation of the check boxes.
Verify parts: This option will verify the part immediately after saving the part. Is the same if we
choose Utilities -> Verify part from the menu in the drawing module.
Maximum length for small elements: This option allows the user to define the maximum length of
an element for it to be considered as small element.
This parameter can be defined in two ways:
- Cutter Radius / The maximum length is equal to the cutting radius (Only in cutting or combined
machines)
- Length / A length defined by the user.
From this parameter, we have the option of configuring the parameters requested to save the part
when this parameter is active. These parameters are discreet values, the values that define
whether to put points or not in open contours and the values that define the "Maximum length of
the elements to be considered small".
In addition, there is a parameter that determines whether all these data need to be provided while
verifying the part before saving it. This parameter was next to the "Verify Part" parameter and it
was called "Prompt for open contour types to put points".
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, or opening one existing sheet: Edit - > Nesting and Machining -> View -> Sheets
Mode -> Open.
Common check boxes for part saving and execution nesting module in cutting machines:
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These check boxes are common for both automatic executions. The user can choose when
enabling these options for improving the work:
Contour ordering: It will order the contours depending on the parameters chosen in Main
elements - Work centers - Configure machine - General - Ordering contour options (See page 1)
Automatic technology: Automatic technology will be applied depending on the configuration made
in Main elements - Work centers - Configure machine - Material/Thickness dependent data -
Automatic Technology. (See page 154)
Automatic loops: The settings of Main elements - Work centers - Configure machine - General -
Loop values will be applied, or if any configuration exists, of Main elements - Work centers -
Configure machine - General - Material/Thickness dependent data - Loop values
Automatic lead-in/Lead -out: Automatically, the system will apply the settings of Main elements -
Work centers - Configure machine - Automatic Lead-in/Lead-out, or if any configuration exists, of
Main elements - Work centers - Configure machine - General - Material/Thickness dependent
data - Automatic Lead-in/Lead-out values.
Automatic round angles: The system will apply automatically the settings of Main elements - Work
centers - Configure machine - Loop values, or if any configuration exists, of Main elements - Work
centers - Configure machine - Material/Thickness dependent data - Loop values to all the angles
of the contours.
Checkbox when executing nesting module for cutting and punching machines:
Automatic mark: When entering to the nesting module, the system will introduce the name of the
part inside their geometry and will assign marking technology. With this, the identifier for each
part can be automatically be marked into the part.
See the automatic mark options
Automatic Micro-joints: Automatically, the system will apply the settings of Main elements - Work
centers - Configure machine - Automatic Micro-joints values or if any configuration exists, of Main
elements - Work centers - Configure machine - General - Material/Thickness dependent data -
Automatic Micro-joints values.
Also the system allows the user to automatically assign a micro-joint attribute to the contours with
cut technology depending on the size of these contours (small, medium or large). In order to
define the different sizes, the user must specify the maximum dimensions of a small contour and
the minimum dimensions of a large contour.
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The micro-joint values will be taken from the values specified in the automatic microjoints
depending on material and thickness or taking a fixed value. With this the user can define the part
limits for small contours and big contours where the microjoints will be placed:
-Maximum length
-Maximum width
-Minimum length
-Minimum width
If the part is longer than the minimum length and shorter than the maximum length, or if the part
is more width than the minimum width and more narrow than the maximum width the system will
add microjoints only if the previous parameter is active.
The other option are:
Delete existent machining: With this option the user can delete any existent machining. When this
parameter is enabled the user can select different option by selecting the three point button. They
are;
- Machining:
- Auxiliary geometry:
- Technology:
- No cut technology: With this parameter user can delete the No cut technology of any part when
entering to nesting module.
Change micro-joints into micro-joints with leads-in:
Redefine leads in/outs depending on machine configuration and Redefine Micro-joints depending
on machine configuration: This option allows redefining the lead ins and/or microjoints defined in
parts when entering to nesting module. The new lead in/microjoints values or types will be read
from the machine configuration
Only for punching machines:
When executing the nesting module, the user can choose the Default technology and Technology
in already punched outside elements which will be applied:
Default technology: The available options to assign this technology are:
No: None of the cutting technologies will be applied
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Non-common punching: The cut technology will not be assigned as common-punch.
Common punching: The contours will be optimized for using common-punching technology
Shearing: The system will apply shearing technology to the parts as default.
Automatic: Depending on the machine configuration, the system will apply the proper technology.
Technology in already punched outside elements: The available options to assign this technology
are:
The Corresponding one: The system will assign automatically to all the punched elements the
same technology assigned to part. If the part does not have assigned technology, the system will
assign to these elements any depending on the punched segments.
None:
No cut:
To assign technology to a punched element, it is necessary to have a "Minimum length

percentage of the already punched segments to apply the technology".
Generate labels automatically
When machining parts automatically or by parts, the system generates automatically one Begin
label and 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 machining 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
system to verify the machining code inserting labels between the beginning and the end of equal
code. Then will generate subprograms for this codes although they are only for contours, no for
whole parts.
This option allows to delete duplicate punches when saving parts and/or sheets.
Regenerate (only for punching/combination machines)
When saving the machining, the system will test if the CNC code can be optimized converting
different punching orders into smaller and faster ones:
Simple punching operations => Linear patterns
Linear patterns => Linear nibble cycle
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Linear Patterns => Grid patterns
Patterns of only two points => Simple punching operations
1.8 Work Zone
This option enables configuration of the parameters of the Work zone section of a machine:
The machine has a work zone
This dialogue deals with the maximum size of the work zone without repositioning. In other words,
the maximum area the machine is able to process without doing any sheet reposition.
Length (e.g. 2.000,000) and Width (e.g. 1.000,000)
Indicates the length and the width of the work zone.
Margins
These are additional amounts of travel that is allowed to enable the cut center to travel a small
distance outside the nominal work zone. This is often known as over-travel limit. Enter Upper
(e.g. 90,010), Lower (e.g. 90,010), Left (e.g. 90,010) and Right (e.g. 90,010) margins here.
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, center or the machine origin (0,0).
This configuration depends on how the coordinate system of the machine is working and the
placement of the clamps.
Note: The From point should be configured accordingly, it will not automatically change if the
Work limits are modified.
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In the Center position, the X is the maximum distance allowed from the work zone corner to the
sheet. Sometimes, if the sheet is very small, may happen when centering the work zone that the
distance between the work zone corner to the sheet is very big and the machine can not get the
sheet with clamps. For this reason, the X Maximum parameter allows to fix the maximum
distance allowed.
When a selected sheet is larger than the work limits, it will extend out of the working range to the
opposite side of the reference, and sheet repositioning will be required in order to process whole
sheet.
With this option the user used to select the centered adjust and if the sheet was bigger than the
working zone, the system automatically adjust the sheet to the left border. Now it is possible to
define by this option:
Whether the sheet must be automatically adjust to the left or right positions.
1.9 Reposition
If the machine is working with a sheet which is longer that the work zone, the machine must
perform a 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
configure depends 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
sheet during repositioning of the clamps. There are some parameters to fill about pistons:
Number of pistons (e.g. 2): This value is the number of pistons of the machine.
Piston coordinates: The X and Y position of each piston, and the radius values must be
configured here. These value are measured from the cut/punch head center.
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Coordinates
X Y Radius
Piston 1 -320,000 -15,000 20,000
Piston 2 320,000 -15,000 20,000
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 placed the Y distance from the upper
side of the sheet. For example: if the work zone has a limit of 1250 mm, the pistons will be
placed in Y=1250-100=1150.
If the center position has been selected, the system will place the pistons at the
same Y coordinate as the cutting head position before the reposition movement.
The pistons will be placed in the Y position starting from the bottom side of the
sheet in this case. Following with the example, now the Y coordinate for the pistons will be
0+150=150mm.
Y position of reposition is fixed / Y (e.g. 300,000): All the previous values are only for Automatic
Machining. But if the reposition is added manually, the Y position will be taken from here.
Look for a correct Y position of reposition: The system will check for an appropriate position of the
Y axis. It is important to hold the sheet strongly while the clamps are relocated, for this, the
pistons must be in contact 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
these limits for a valid position, altering the Y value each time by the stated until a suitable
position is found.
The following three options are only for punching machines:
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Punch reposition taking into consideration the shear work zone: When executing punching
machining in the case of doing repositions, when doing the last one the system will consider the
shear work zone optimizing the reposition.
Lower the pistons with the shear & Y minimum position: When executing the reposition, the shear
can go down and trap the sheet. With this option enabled, the system will lower the pistons for
catching the sheet too.
Lower the shear with the pistons: When executing a reposition, the machine can lower the shear
for helping in the sheet
catch.
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 (e.g. 100,000).
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
system provides management of this way. The parameters to configure are all of pistons, the
head radius, and how the Y position of pistons and of head will be controlled.
Retract value in Y (e.g. 2,000)
This is the back off distance in Y when opening the clamps. It is applied before the X carriage is
moved providing a clearance between the clamps and the edge of the sheet.
Advance value in Y (e.g. 1,000)
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 the sheet is uneven.
Speed in X (e.g. 20000,000 mm./m.)
The feed rate in X of the machine when moving the sheet during repositioning.
Speed in Y (e.g. 20000,000 mm./m.)
The feed rate applied to the back off move.
35
Fixed value of repositions and value
With this option enabled, the user can specify the distance to move in a reposition. If this value is
bigger than the work zone, the system will not do any reposition.
X position of reposition
Using this parameter the user is allowed to define the sheet fixture point during the automatic
repositions. It is only valid when the sheet is fixed by the head or the pistons.
This parameter has two options, they are
- Fit to the edge of active work zone.
- Sheet center
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 in Increment of search of correct
position option (e.g. 5,000).
The system will not allow reposition movements if there is not a Minimum number of clamps
catching the sheet properly.
Maximum number of reposition (e.g. 100) & Maximum increment of reposition (e.g.
99999.999)
The user can specify the number repositions to do while machining and the maximum length for
any reposition
The machining will be stopped after reaching the number in maximum number of reposition
instead of making more repositions.
Once the reposition type and all the parameters are configured, the user can choose two
reposition strategies clicking on Strategy button.
Sheet hold mode when displacing movable clamps
Using this option the user can fix the sheet with the turret head or with the pistons while moving
clamps.
36
This option consists of three parameters, they are: No hold, Pistons, Head.
REPOSITION STRATEGY
Mode
This option consists of three different reposition types:
Normal: Standard one for the machine.
Home: This method will perform the repositions as the standard way but at the end of the
machining the machine will make another reposition to go back to the home position.
First: This method is the opposite of the standard method. it will make the reposition at the
beginning, cut the small side first.
Strategy
Normal: The system will perform machining of all the work zone, and the rest after the reposition.
37
Maximum rigidity: The system will perform one small percent of the work zone, and the rest after
the reposition.
This strategy can be used in two ways:
By parts & Offset: If there is any part in both the first and the second zone, the system will make
the machining of the part at most depending on the work zone (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.
The system will finish the three small parts because the work zone allows it, and is going to
machine all the geometries of the larger part that the work zone allow.
By length & Offset: The system is going to machine all the geometries that are in the first zone,
then make the reposition, and finish. It is not going to take care of the parts:
38
In the figure, the reposition has just finish. The system will machine only the length of the zone 1,
make the 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 take as zone 1 for making the reposition. In other words: is the distance of the zone 2 which is
going to be machined before making the reposition:
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1.10 Sheet turn over
This option enables configuration of the parameters in the Sheet turn over section of the machine:
Center of rotation
With this parameter the user can configure the distance in X and Y direction
Rotation sense
This parameter has three option
1. Clock wise
2. Counter clock wise.
3. Both of them.
Turn over type
This parameter has four option:
1. Request
2. Manual rotation of 1800
3. Manual symmetry
4. Automatic rotation of 1800
Rotation sense
This parameter has three more option:
1. Request
2. Clock wise
3. Counter clock wise
Pressing Position
This parameter has three more option:
1. Request
2. Fixed: With this option the user can specify the X and Y direction
3. Sheet center
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Sheet rotation point
This parameter has four more option:
1. Request:
2. Fixed: With this the user can specify the Fixed point in X and Y direction
3. Equal to pressing point: With this the user can specify the Displacements in X and Y
direction.
4. Avoiding collisions with clamps: With this the user can specify the Security distance
Previous position point to turn over
The options affected by this new parameter are:
1. Request:
2. Fixed point on the sheet: With this the user can specify the Fixed point in X and Y
direction
3. From point: With this the user can specify the Displacements in X and Y direction.
4. Lower left corner of the sheet: With this the user can specify the Displacements in X
and Y direction.
5. Lower right corner of the sheet: With this the user can specify the Displacements in X
and Y direction.
6. Upper left corner of the sheet: With this the user can specify the Displacements in X
and Y direction.
7. Upper right corner of the sheet: With this the user can specify the Displacements in X
and Y direction.
8. Sheet center: With this the user can specify the Displacements in X and Y direction.
Cancel reposition when executing the turn over
Using this option the user can cancel reposition. If there were any reposition before the turnover
of a sheet, after making the turnover, all the reposition will be cancelled keeping the working zone
as it was at the beginning.
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1.11 Grid
This is used for cutting machines that have a work support grid, it is possible to specify the
visualization parameters 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
interactively if the parts are going to fall down the machine's table being able to modify their
positions.
The parameters to configure are Points and Lines.
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.
The other parameter to configure is File, with this user can define this parameter MEC file with
grid geometry: With this option the user will be able to define his own grid to be simulated while
machining. The grid will be a MEC file with the desired geometry.
Parameters for destroying holes
This option is for cutting or combination machines with grid. The system will execute a process for
destroying the holes on the sheet. The sheet is placed over the table's grid. Depending on the
distance of the grid's lines, sometimes when cutting a hole it may keep on the table instead of
falling down the table. If it keeps in horizontal position there is no problem, but if it inclines
between two grid lines it should stand out and the head can collide with it resulting in a head
damage.
For preventing this, the system provides this way of cutting the holes into small parts to be sure
they always fall down the grid.
42
The following four parameters delimit the size of the holes which will be destroyed:
Maximum length of the hole (e.g. 450,000)
Minimum length of the hole (e.g. 150,000)
Maximum width of the hole (e.g. 450,000)
Minimum width of the hole (e.g. 150,000)
The following example will explain how to use this option. In the nesting, there are some parts
with big holes, 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
smaller holes are not between the defined lengths and widths.
So, if we execute the order for destroying the holes from the CAM module before doing the
machining in Machining -> Contours -> Destroy sheet holes.
It will also ask for confirmation of previously entered data, and also the length and the width of the
piece of holes.
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The system will calculate and introduce the required machining orders which will destroy the
problematic holes:
The big hole of the part is too big and will stay over the grid without problems, and the other holes
are too small and will fall into the table without problems.
1.12 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.
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This start point for cutting/punching can be any of the four corners.
Or one middle position specified by X and Y coordinates:
Zero point of the CNC equal to the From Point
Select this option to enable the zero point of the CNC as the From Point.
With this option the user can assign to the CNC zero point the loading point after machining
initializing. If the parameter is on, after the machining initialization, the zero point of the CNC and
the loading point will be the same.
As for other parameters, the system can show this configuration window when the Initialization
process is executed.
Initializing the machine: In the nesting module can be done manually using the option Machining-
>Initialize or by clicking on the Initialize Button of the Machining Toolbar.
1.13 Sheet Data
This option enables you to configure the Sheets parameters for a machine.
Sheets margins
This dialogue allows you to specify margins around the sheet. This ensures the machine is not
going to 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.
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The X and Y values are the coordinates that the system will take for the selected red point.
Normally this point is the 0,0 because it is the point where the torch will be placed before cutting.
Remnant margin (e.g. 10,000)
When a remnant is generated from the current sheet, if there is any value here, the remnant will
be created 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 while
working on the Nesting.
Sheet state (e.g. 1)
Indicate the fold status of the sheet through one of the numbers in the list. (0 = completely flat, 9
= very irregular). This parameter may be useful if the postprocessor uses it to calculate the
distance that the head must come down in order to cut/punch for trying to avoid collisions with
sheet.
Anti-scratch
This parameter's objective is that the rapid movements are done at more higher distance for not
scratching the sheet. When the movement is from one hole to another with the head down,
instead of the normal height, with this enabled it will go a little higher.
Maximum Length (e.g. 99999,999) and Width (e.g. 99999,999)
When getting one sheet from the database, the system will look in addition to material and
thickness, if the sheet is not bigger than these measures.
Visualize the sheet rotation
With this option the user can visualize the sheet rotated 900, 1800, and 2700. It also allows to
make a sheet symmetry around the X or Y axis. Internally this option rotates the axis, f.i. if the
user rotates 1800 the sign of X and Y will change (X will be positive to the left and Y will be
positive down)
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This parameter is not configurable through the system yet. You can configure it modifying the
parameter A266 of the selected machine CT file.
1.14 Upload / Download sheets
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
loading is automatic, the system will calculate the number of sheets and will order them to loader
when needed.
Number of sheets (e.g. 10)
The user can choose the number of sheets which will be loaded into the machine instead of using
the previous parameter which loads the sheets on demand. The sheet loader will load the sheet,
which is machined and then unloaded so many times as the value of this parameter.
Sheet is uploaded automatically
If the machine has an automatic loader, enabling this parameter will allow the system to use it,
but every time the user can choose if the system is going to use it or not depending on:
Sheet uploading = Manual: The system will not use the loader. The process must be done
manually.
Sheet uploading = Automatic: If the Automatic option is selected, the following parameters
appear:
Store Station ( e.g. 3): If the loader system allows it, it is possible to specify the station from which
the sheet will be get.
Sheet peeling: Sometimes, when loading a sheet, the loader gets two sheets instead of just one.
With this active, the loader will execute a cycle of movements to unstuck the sheets.
Double sheet detection: In some loader system there is one sensor for measuring the sheet
width. This can detect if there are more than one sheet. If this happen, the sheet peeling cycle will
be executed again.
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Sheet uploading = Lift: If the machine is equipped with a lift system, the sheet upload can be
done with it.
Suction cups are selected automatically: The system will calculate which cups are the best for
uploading the sheet. For selecting them manually, the Suction cups button will show the window
for making it active.
Sheet is downloaded automatically
As with uploading, the sheet can be downloaded automatically enabling this option:
Sheet downloading = Manual: In Manual mode, the system can leave the sheet in one position
making easier the downloading task. This position is defined by X and Y coordinates.
Sheet downloading = Automatic: In Automatic mode, the system will download the sheet. Select
the option Enable support if applicable.
There is sheet turn over: With this enabled, the system will know if the loader system can turn
over the sheet.
Turn over the sheet: The loader will perform a turn over when downloading the sheet
automatically if this parameter is enabled.
Sheet downloading = Lift: The sheet will be downloaded using the lift system of the machine. The
X and Y are the coordinates which specify the place for leaving the sheet.
Suction cups are selected automatically: The system will select automatically which cups are the
best for the downloading process.
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But if the user wants to select manually , the Suction cups button will show the window for making
it active.
Sheet downloading = Grip: The sheet will be downloaded by the grip system of the machine
With this option enabled, the system will show the upload/download sheet dialog always when the
initialization instruction is executed.
Initializing the machine: In the nesting module can be done manually using the option Machining-
>Initialize or clicking on the Initialize Button of the Machining toolbar
1.15 Sheet Remnants
With this option you can configure parameters for a machine’s Remnant data section.
When the machining for a sheet only takes up small part of the total area (normally this happens
with the last 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
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remnants and manage them in the database. This is very useful when the user want to use one of
these remnants for another order.
The system can be configured to recognize these remnants and store them in the sheets
database when 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 machined areas. The second method adds one or more cut lines creating
remnants for the remaining areas.
Generate remnants with the completed sheets
The system will keep on the database the whole sheet after cutting the parts. Sometimes this is
useful if the sheet has been machined with a few parts and is better not to cut it for remnants. The
user can get this sheet for nesting and machining more parts taking advantage of the remaining
space of the sheet.
Create 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.
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Each option will generate different number of remnants (in blue) and different remnant shape (in
green).
In the remnant shape with "?" letter, is the system who decides what kind of remnant will create
depending 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.
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Using "Remnants / Automatic edge" option, user is allowed to generate an automatic remnant line
using the notches defined in Y-axis. This option allows optimizing the sheet to be used as
remnant.
Minimum X and Minimum Y: The system will not create a smaller remnant than the configure
values for X and Y. If the remnant is smaller, the system will use these values to create the
remnant. This option is only valid for the 6 firsts options on the menu.
Offset between the parts and the line (e.g. 10,000)
This value will determine the distance between the remnant's cutting line and every part nested
on the sheet.
Minimum width of hollows (e.g. 10,000)
The value of this parameter is the minimum allowed for using a little space of the sheet which is
between parts in the limit of the remnant's cutting line.
Round the remnant line and radius
With this option the user can round the remnant line automatically when it is generated. The first
parameter allows to active this option and the second one asks the value for the round radius.
This option is also available for combined machines.
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Delete the remnant area around parts
With this parameter disabled, the system will use as remnant any area of the sheet including
those which are inside parts like holes. If the user doesn't want to use these areas, this parameter
must be enabled.
Minimum area of remnants (e.g. 0,500m2)
The value of this parameter is going to be used for generating remnants always biggers that the
given square meters.
Remnants can be rotated
The remnant will be generated as configured, but with this parameter enabled, the system will
look for the best position of the remnant for placing the cutting head (from-point) of the machine
into the sheet.
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 if the remnant is placed turned. If this is enabled, the system will look for the best position
of the remnant.
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This window can be updated in the nesting module for each sheet with Sheets -> Remnants ->
Scraps.
Prompt for references when generating remnants
The system generates a reference automatically for each remnant. But if this checkbox is
enabled, at the moment of generating a new remnant from the sheet, the system will ask for the
reference.
1.16 Configure machines: Properties of material thickness

Obviously, the machining process will not always be the same when using different materials and
thickness. Therefore, some of the machining parameters will need to change when we choose
different materials or specify a different thickness.
Before configuring any parameter, the user must create pairs of material-thickness limits, and
from there, all the changes made to the values of each section will be associated to that material
between specified thickness.
New button
Using this button, new material-thickness data will be created.
Material X5CRNI
Thickness 1 0,0000 Thickness 2 0,8
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.
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Copy button
The user can copy one material/thickness entry, and all the values for each section will be copied
too.
Import button
With this button, a previous configuration can be imported. The system will prompt for a .CTT file,
this file is one Technological Table (CT).
Criteria button
For making easier the search of one concrete entry, the system provides this button which allows
to show on the screen just the entries corresponding to the selected criteria.
1.16.1 Configure machines: Dependent data of material -

thickness
The system works associating the pair material-thickness with the respective values we assign to
the parameters. For example, the cut speed can be changed depending if the material is more or
less thinner.
For the cutting machines, the user can configure the following sections:
1.16.1.1. Punching parameters
1.16.1.2. Predefined tools
1.16.1.3. Standard turret
1.16.1.4. Pre-punching
1.16.1.5. Sheets data
1.16.1.6. Clearance punch-die
1.16.1.7. Shear
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1.16.1.1 Punching parameters

In this window, the user can associate the different values for punching parameters to the current
material-thickness relationship.
The punching parameters to configure are:
Nibbling tolerance (e.g. 0,30000)
This is the machine precision when doing nibblings. In this case the value depends on material
and thickness, and will be taken always from here. But there is the option of changing it from the
nesting module using the Technology -> Toler in nibbling (See page 173) option of the menu:
Framework between grids (e.g. 10,000)
This is the distance between different kind of parts.
Framework of non common cut (e.g. 10,000)
The distance between parts when the used technology is not common cut.
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Width of horizontal exterior cut (e.g. 5,000)
For all the horizontal exteriors, Expert will use a 5mm width tool by default. If the used technology
for the exterior contours is common-cut, the distance between two equal parts when doing the
automatic nesting will be the width of the configured tool.
Width of vertical exterior cut (e.g. 5,000)
A 5mm width tool will be used for all the vertical exteriors by default. If the used technology for the
exterior contours is common-cut, the distance between two equal parts when doing the automatic
nesting will be the width of the configured tool.
Striker speed
With this option the user can limit the striker speed. This value is material/thickness dependent
and will be a percentage and the system will calculate the real speed.
Width value of middle micro-joints and Width value of corner micro-joints
This parameter con configure material and thickness dependant.
The width of micro-joints is a thickness factor
With this option it is possible to define the micro-joints depending on the material and thickness.
And it is possible to define if the width of micro-joint is a thickness factor.
In this case, when this option is enabled the user has to consider two options, they are:
1. Factor of thickness for the corner micro-joints.
2. Factor of thickness for the middle micro-joints.
1.16.1.2 Predefined tools
In this window, the user can configure the system to use one concrete tool for machining
depending on the type and length of the contours.
The configuration made here will be applied when using any of the automatic machining options
of the system.
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There are six different kind of contours:
- Inside circles
- Horizontal segments
- Vertical segments
- Inclined segments
- Inside arcs
- Outside arcs
For each of these parameters, you need to specify minimum and maximum thickness properties
and the punch type.
Inside Circle
Horizontal segments Vertical segments Inclined segments Inside arcs outside arcs
Minimum Maximum Punch
0,000 34,000 RD-12x3
34,000 55,000 RD-20x3
55,100 70,000 RD-35x4
70,100 9999,000 RD-40x5
0,000 0,000 <>
In the example, the RE-12x3 punch will be used for the current material and thickness entry in all
the horizontal segments between 0 and 34 mm.
Another example of configuration for inside circles:
Horizontal segments Vertical segments Inclined segments Inside arcs outside arcs
Inside Circle
Minimum Maximum Punch
0,000 20,000 RD-8
20,100 30,000 RD-12
30,100 50,000 RD-20
50,100 9999,000 RD-30
0,000 0,000 <>
In the window, the RD-12 tool will be used for all the inside circular holes whose radius is
between 20,100 and 30 mm.
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1.16.1.3 Standard turrets
One Standard Turret is a tool configuration that the user needs for making certain jobs. The user
can configure as many different standard turrets as wanted. Then, when doing the automatic
machining, the system can be configured to ask with which turret the process will be made.
Create
With this button, the user can give a reference to a new turret configuration. Sometimes the new
turret is similar to the active one but with small changes. The system allows to copy exactly the
configuration of the active turret into this new one clicking on the Copy active turret button.
The test button will verify if the punches are correctly loaded into the turret. It will test parameters
like the minimum and maximum diameters or keyways, etc.
For example, if a station has been configured with 0º and 90º keyways and there is one punch
loaded at 45º, when doing the test it will detect it:
Modify
Selecting one standard station from the list and clicking on this button will make the system to
show the configuration allowing to change it.
Copy
With this button, the user can duplicate the configuration of the selected standard turret giving a
new reference. This is specially used when two standard turrets are similar.
1.16.1.4 Pre-punching
Depending on the material and thickness the user can define the pre-punch tool.
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1.16.1.5 Sheet parameters
This option enables you to configure the Sheets parameters for a machine.
Sheets margins
This dialogue allows you to specify margins around the sheet. This ensures the machine is not
going to 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.
Normally this point is the 0,0 because it is the point where the torch will be placed before cutting.
Remnant margin (e.g. 10,000)
When a remnant is generated from the current sheet, if there is any value here, the remnant will
be created 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 while
working on the Nesting.
Sheet state (e.g. 1)
Indicate the fold status of the sheet through one of the numbers in the list. (0 = completely flat, 9
= very irregular). This parameter may be useful if the postprocessor uses it to calculate the
distance that the head must come down in order to cut/punch for trying to avoid collisions with
sheet.
Anti-scratch
This parameter's objective is that the rapid movements are done at more higher distance for not
scratching the sheet. When the movement is from one hole to another with the head down,
instead of the normal height, with this enabled it will go a little higher.
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Maximum Length (e.g. 99999,999) and Width (e.g. 99999,999)
When getting one sheet from the database, the system will look in addition to material and
thickness, if the sheet is not bigger than these measures.
Visualize the sheet rotation
With this option the user can visualize the sheet rotated 900, 1800, and 2700. It also allows to
make a sheet symmetry around the X or Y axis. Internally this option rotates the axis, f.i. if the
user rotates 1800 the sign of X and Y will change (X will be positive to the left and Y will be
positive down)
This parameter is not configurable through the system yet. You can configure it modifying the
parameter A266 of the selected machine CT file.
1.16.1.6 Clearance punch-die
Depending on the configured material and thickness the minimum and maximum allowed
clearances can be set up here.
Minimum 0,150 Maximum 0,250
For punching the material/thickness configured thickness, the machine needs a die between
these values.
1.16.1.7 Shear
The shear properties which depends on the chosen material between the specified thickness can
be configured here:
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Clearance for the shear (e.g. 0,200)
The clearance of the shear should be different depending on which material and thickness is
going to cut. Here the clearance can be set up and it will be always applied when using the
current material/thickness.
Minimum length of shearing
Expert will not execute any shearing machining in contours smaller than the value given here.
The meaning of giving here a 0 value is that the shear can cut any length.
Overlap between parts
Normally the shear can't make a clean-cut, so for this when cutting a part, the length is not
exactly as specified because of this inclined cut. For example, the following part length should be
300 (side view):
But the result is:
With the overlap between parts, the system will adjust the nesting placing the parts overlapped
with a small value to prevent this problem.
Offset concerning punching
The shear has an standard offset respect to the head (see Configure punching machine - Shear -
Offsets (See also 63)). But depending on the thickness of the sheet, sometimes there is a little
difference between the punched and the sheared, and for this the punches have a small
displacement respect to the shear. With this parameter these unadjusted distances can be
solved.
Shearing is allowed
From a specified thickness the shear can't be used. Here the user can select if the shear can be
used for that material and thickness.
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1.17 Shear
With this window you can configure the machine shear:
The machine has shear
Enabling this checkbox will make the system to show all the shear configuration parameters.
Shear lengths
X and Y are the physical lengths of the shear.
Xs is the length of the shear hit when the length to shear in X is bigger than the maximum X
length of the shear. For example, if the part to shear has 980 mm in X, the shear can't machine it
with one hit because the maximum X of the shear is 800. In this case, the shear should hit 500
mm and then a second hit of 480 mm. If the part has 1600 mm in X, the shear should give three
500 mm hits and the last one of 100mm.
Distances to the center of head
Those are the distances in X and Y from the center of the cut head to the center of the shear.
Clamp zone
The clamps zone the shear has to know for not hitting the clamps.
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Shear type
This is the shear type. Normally, the shear uses the first option, but there are some shears which
are built into the machining in the other position.
Sheet catchers
When the shear goes to hit there are a sheet catchers which descends before. Those are the
parameters which defines their positions.
There are intelligent pushing
With this option it is possible to configure up to 5 intelligent pushing numbers for each position:
Horizontal exterior, vertical exterior, horizontal inside and vertical inside in Minimum Y and
Maximum Y directions.
Clearance for the shear
This is the standard clearance for the shear. Normally it depends on the material and the
thickness of the current job.
Minimum Y of uploading of the shear (e.g. -100000,000)
This is the minimum Y coordinate where is allowed to use the shear. The shear may need space
for being used, and there may be problems if it hits near the clamps. The value given in the
example is -100000, this means that the shear can go in any position in this case.
Maximum thickness (e.g. 100,000)
Expert will not use the shear for cutting thickness bigger than the value given in this parameter.
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Punch shear reference
Enabling this checkbox will make the system to show all the punches, angles and offset.
• Punch: With this option it is possible to configure all the punching tools.
• Angles: Using this option user can define the angle for different punching tools assigned
in punch column.
• Offset: With this option the user can define an offset when punching shear reference with
negative value. This parameter will allows introducing a displacement from the left side of
the part to the center of this part, making the reference easier to visualize for the user
and will only appear if the shear references are going to be punched.
1.18 Punching parameters
This window contains the parameters of the punching section of the machine:
Machine power (e.g. 25000,000)
This is the machine punching capacity. This value is very important because the system will use it
to determine if it is possible to punch with a given tool in the specified material and thickness.
Percentage of power required for nibbling (e.g. 100,000)
This is the percentage of the total machine power used when nibbling. Usually, the power
required for nibbling is lower than the required for a simple punching operation.
Keyway angle in auto-index stations (e.g. 45)
The auto-index stations are those which can rotate allowing to use the tool in different positions.
The value given here is the angle step that the auto-index stations of the machine can turn. For
example, if the value is 45, the tool placed on the auto-index station can be used in 0, 45, 90, 135
and 180 degrees.
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Nibbling tolerance (e.g. 0,300)
This is the nibbling tolerance when doing a nibbling. Also, it can be configured from the
Technology - Tolerance in nibbling (See page 173) option of the menu in the nesting module:
If exists, the system will take the value given in material/thickness dependent data (See page 65)
instead of this value.
Minimum ratio of nibbling step / thickness (e.g. 1,000)
The parameters relate the nibbling step with the sheet thickness.
If this value is 1 the system will not use never a step smaller than the sheet thickness.
The nibbling step is the distance between one punch and the next one:
Tool diagonal factor / thickness (e.g. 1,000)
This value tests the diagonal of the tool and relates it with the sheet thickness for prevent tool
damages. For example if the machine performs a punch with a 2 mm diameter tool in a 4mm
sheet, the tool will be broken.
If the value of this parameter is 1, the meaning is that Expert will never use a tool whose diameter
is lower than the sheet thickness. For example, with a 5mm diameter tool the system will not use
it for sheets whose thickness is bigger than 5 mm.
Always display tool placement dialogue
Enabled, Expert will show the turret placement dialogue always before each nesting process.
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Update the active turret when saving the sheet
The current/active turret placement will be changed when saving sheets with the current
configuration. This configuration will be shown for the next job.
Automatic tool placement modes
The turret will be filled with the best tool placement depending on the option selected here:
No: No automatic tool placement. The system will show a list with the needed tools and the turret
stations and you must place them manually:
Check for matching tools: When initializing the machining, the system will show the needed tools
but if there are tools which are already placed on the turret and they are useful, they will be kept
for being used in the current job.
In the example, this option has not been selected. Enabling it, the system will detect that the
placed RD-12 tool can make the RD-12-1 work and will not ask for it placement.
Place into empty stations: When initializing the machining, Expert will place the needed tools into
empty valid stations and show the rest in the list for manual placement.
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Place into unused stations: Expert will show the needed tools, and will place, if possible, them
into empty valid stations. If more stations are needed, Expert will look for non needed placed
tools, and will replace them for needed tools.
Allow tools to be moved if required: Punches can be moved to alternative stations if index station
is required for other tool.
Clearances punch-die (e.g. Minimum 0,000; Maximum 10,000)
Those are the minimum and maximum clearances allowed between punches and dies.
Retract clearance (e.g. Minimum 2,000; Maximum 24,000)
Those are the minimum and maximum height where the tool can move after performing a punch.
In some machines, depending on the used tool, there is a maximum height where it can be
moved. With these parameters, the user can define the minimum and maximum values.
Minimum Y of tool change position (e.g. 200,000)
This is the minimum Y coordinate where a tool change is allowed. This is a safety parameter
which is used to prevent possible collision of the turret with the clamps when spinning for
changing the tool.
In the following example, the turret is near the clamp zone, a dangerous location if the machine
needs to change the tool. Expert will test the minimum Y allowed, and will order the turret to go
up at least to this safety Y coordinate to make the tool change:
Update the position of tool change in linear turrets
With this parameter enabled, the system updates the machining with the real position where the
tool is after load it in the turret. For example: the turret is working with a 10mm round tool and the
last punch is on X300, now if the machine needs to punch with the 14mm round tool and it is in
X680 position, when getting it, the head is now in X680. In this case, if this parameter is enabled,
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Expert will verify on every moment which is the 14mm nearest hole (it is not the same as before
changing the tool), and reorder the punching sequence.
When enabling, some parameters like reference point appear, select the required reference point
here: Left sheet, Right sheet, Left work zone, Right work zone.
The configuration must be the same as in Clamps configuration - Reference point (See page 10)
First X position 0,000

X position distance 0,000
Y position 0,000
The values of these three parameters must be the same as the values configured on Clamps
Configuration - Positioning (See page 10) section:
First X position = First position (clamps)
X position distance = Number of positions (clamps)
Y position = Position distance (clamps)
Favorite angle for punches that leave the same trace when punching in different angles
This option allows defining the angle of the punch in the turret when punching. This will allow
punching zones, which were not available when punching with a punch placed at 0º in the turret.
This parameter only makes sense for machines with all stations multi-index.
Keep tool positions when creating a new sheet
Using this option user can keep the active turret (with the defined tools) when changing from one
machined sheet to a new sheet.
With this option enabled, the system will show this Punching Parameters dialog always when the
initialization instruction is executed:
Initializing the machine: In the nesting module can be done manually using the option Machining
-> Initialize .
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1.19 General machine options
This window contains the parameters of the punching section of the machine:
Acceleration (%) (e.g. 100)
This is the percentage of the speed to work for the current sheet.
Sheet lubrication
Some machines uses different lubrication systems, here the type of lubrication to use should be
configured.
- OFF
- FLOOD
- MIST
- TAPKUL
- ON
- ON, INDEX (Enabled)
At the end of the program...
The options enabled here will be executed always after the CNC machining:
Home position: The head will goes to the initial position.
Open clamps: The clamps will be open releasing the sheet.
Raise pin: Raise the Pin for allowing to load the next sheet.
Tool properties
These are the lubrication systems that some machines can use for the tools.
- OFF (Enabled)
- FLOOD
- MIST
- TAPKUL
- ON
- ON, INDEX
With these options the user can configure to work with delays when using tools:
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OFF: Disables the delay.
ON: Enables the delay.
ON, BEFORE: The delay will be applied before punching. The head will go to the correct
coordinate, then wait the delay time and finally punch.
ON, AFTER: After giving the punch, the tool is raised, then wait.
Softpunch: Some machines can use a mechanism to control the noise level when working. This
option is only for those machines for enabling the soft punch feature. There are three option: ON ;
OFF ; ON, INDEX (Enabled)
Presser foot: This is only for some machines with a special device which press the sheet for
avoiding deformations. For example, sheet deformation can happen if the machine has to punch
a grid of 50x50 holes of 5mm diameter which are very near between them. In that case, the
presser foot can press the sheet during the execution of that difficult punches.
Vacuum: When punching there may appear small sheet pieces which can be evacuated if the
machine has an evacuation method. In this case, the system will use the vacuum system of the
machine.
Whisper tool: This is a tool with wedge-shape instead of plain. It is used for making easier the
sheet break. This tool must work in a bigger height than the normal ones because of the wide-
shape. Enabling this parameter will make the head to work with bigger distance from the sheet.
Offset plunge: The tool will penetrate more than usual into the sheet the distance given here more
when hitting the sheet.
Retract offset: The head is going to work in a bigger height, bigger distance from the sheet
depending on the value of this parameter.
Tool type & Strip detection: Those are machine parameters which will make certain machines to
work in a different way.
Feed rate(%) (e.g. 100): This is the work speed to apply with the tools.
User properties: These are parameters the user can define, and then the postprocessor will load
and treat for making the proper CNC code. They are only used for some special cases.
Crash detection: These are the parameters or property allowed to active for each punch the crash
automatic detection during its tool path. It will always be active and the user will only be able to
deactivate it after the machining.
Semi-pierce deep: This parameter stores the form tool (semi-pierce deep). This will be
configurable for each punch (semi-pierce, forming, rolling rib, rolling offset and rolling louver) or
for each machine.
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When a punch is assigned to a machine it will take this value by default. Only the semi-pierce
punches have the possibility to be modified after the machining.
Striker speed
With this option the user can limit the striker speed. This value is material/thickness dependent
and will be a percentage and the system will calculate the real speed.
With this option enabled, the system will show this General machine options dialog always when
the initialization instruction is executed:
Initializing the machine: In the nesting module can be done manually using the option Machining -
> Initialize or by clicking on the Initialize Button of the Machining Toolbar
1.20 Automatic nesting
Permits to configure the following parameters of the automatic nesting:
Apply framework between grids/ Framework between grids (e.g. 0,000)
The framework between grids is the distance between different kinds of parts.
Framework of non common cut (e.g. 10,000)
This is the distance between parts when the used technology is not common-cut:
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Framework of shear (e.g. 10,000)
This is the distance of different part groups with shear technology:
Apply grids only, matching edges
With this parameter enabled, the system will test another nesting method which may obtain a
better result.
Ignore nesting between clamps
The system will not place any part between the clamps for avoiding collision risk:
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Allow mirroring
With this parameter activated, the parts will be placed with symmetries if this is better for the
nesting. There are some cases that this should not be activated, for example when using plated
sheets on which one side of the part must be always the same.
For each part, the user can choose what rotations and symmetries are allowed or not. In the main
module, clicking with the right button over the part and choosing properties will show the part
configuration, clicking on more button, the rotations and symmetries possibilities will be shown.
Although the symmetries are allowed for each part, if the Allow mirroring option is disabled, no
symmetries will be applied on nesting.
Rotate to confront sides
It test if the parts have equal sides and if so, it calculates the nesting making these equal sides to
coincide. For this to work, the parameter Rotation Possibilities must be set up at 180 degrees.
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Example:
Rotation possibilities
The positions that are allowed for placing the parts in the automatic nesting. It is important to set
this parameter to 180 degrees if wanted to use the previous parameter.
True shape nesting
By default, the system will optimize the nesting for regular parts in punching machines. This
nesting will place the parts with 90 degrees steps, because normally the punched parts have
rectangular shape.
But for those cases in where the nested parts have not rectangular shape, the user can select
this option for optimizing the nesting using true shape part. It is important to know that which this
true shape nesting, the common cut technique can't be used.
Example of irregular parts nesting:
Automatic nesting: If the user has enabled the true shape nesting with the previous parameter,
here can select which method to use for the current job:
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- True shape
- Rectangular
The three points button ( ) will show the true shape nesting configuration.
The Precision bar fits the exactness of the nesting. Also if the Precision x 10 checkbox is
enabled, the precision will be very high but this is not recommended because it requires a lot of
processor time. The 74% is a standard value that works right in most cases.
When doing the nesting, Expert tries part combinations for taking good advantage of the space. If
the bar is placed with high values, the system will try more part combinations and will use those
on which the space profit is better.
Minimum usable area to insert parts on holes (e.g. 50 m2): 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 (e.g. 2): The system uses internally different ways for making the
nesting. The number of nesting methods to try should be configured here. Once all the methods
have been tried, the system will use that on which the sheet usage is better.
Try common punching of irregular nesting: With this parameter enabled the user can configure
the common punching of irregular nesting parameters are:
-Only between same length elements
-Minimum length (of the common punch elements)
-Try common punch: Only in outsides, Only in insides, Inside and outsides
-Try common punch: Only when creating modules automatically, Only when making nesting, In
both cases
-Move only orthogonally
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Tolerance (e.g. 0,10000)
This is the tolerance to use when doing the automatic rectangular nesting. Normally, this
tolerance is correct but sometimes when working with inches it is needed more precision if using
common punch. In that cases it is recommended to use a 0.001 value.
Use edges of sheet where possible
With this parameter enabled, the system is going to place parts using the edges of the sheet. The
edges of the part which coincide with the edges of the sheet are not going to be punched saving
time.
For this to work, the part must have common punch technology assigned and the sheet can't
have margins.
In the example, the pointed geometries of the part will not be punched:
Check protruding punches for overlap
The system will find stand out punches of the geometry on the parts for making a safety nesting.
In the following example, the part has one stand out punch (pointed by an arrow):
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In these points there are punches which goes out from the minimum rectangle of the part. If this
parameter is disabled, the system will place the parts with the minimum distance between them,
and the punch will be executed resulting in damage of the upper part:
Using the sheet simulation:
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Tolerance of protruding punches
This parameters is related with the previous one. If the stand out punch is smaller than the
common punch used tool, there is no need of separate more the parts because the stand out
punch is not going to collide with other parts. Here the user can configure the maximum distance
allowed without testing protruding punches.
Minimum space between parts (e.g. 8,000)
When working with exterior cut by shear, the system must know the minimum of sheet the shear
needs for making the cut properly. If the shear is used for the common cut of two parts, there is
no problem, for example:
But there may be problems when two shear hits are too near:
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In this case, the two hits are too near. When doing the upper one there is no problem, but when
hitting the second one, there remains a very small width piece of sheet, and instead of cut, the
shear may fold the sheet.
For avoiding this kind of problems, this parameter sets the minimum distance allowed for placing
parts one near other when the shear is not common.
Place parts near others
With this option the user can place parts near others where there are not collisions even if the
punches go out of the part rectangle, With "Respect to X axis" and "Respect to Y axis".
Optimize remnant of the last sheet
When doing the nesting, the system will optimize each sheet of the job, but in the last one, it
should decide how to place remain parts:
Minimum X: Try to fill the minimum X of sheet.
Minimum Y: Try to take the minimum Y of the sheet.
Place large parts first
The system will take the size of the parts as criteria for making the nesting, placing always the
bigger parts at the beginning
Place sheared large parts outside of sheet margins
Enabling this parameter will make the system to allow to place parts with shear as exterior cut
technology although it doesn't fit on the sheet respect on the defined sheet margins. For example:
in the automatic nesting it can place a 1995x1480 part in a 2000x1500 sheet with 10mm side
margins, 80mm for upper margin and 10 for lower margin. The part is out of the sheet margin, but
it fits on sheet.
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Only place the parts with the same dimension as the sheet:
With this option, only those parts with the same lengths that the sheet will be placed. With the
previous one the system can place parts outside of the sheet margins, and with this the system
will only place parts outside of the sheet if the dimension is the same as the sheet ones.
Corner
The nesting process will start from this corner to the opposite direction.
Sheet dimensions tolerance
This parameter allows to place parts that are bigger than the sheet. The value given here is
added to the sheet lengths.
In the following example, there is a part placed bigger than the sheet.
The blue line of the left is the part, and the grey one is the edge of the sheet. In this example, the
part dimensions are 1800x400, and the sheet ones are 1795x398, the tolerance configured is 10
mm.
Minimum length in X to avoid the clamps with shear
This is the minimum space needed by the machine for placing all the clamps. This distance is for
avoiding the clamps with the shear.
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In the example, the minimum length in X to avoid the clamps with the shear has been configured
with a 599 value, so the shear can hit the left side of the part without problems (it needs 599 mm
and the hit is going to be done at 600 mm). The shear can't hit in a X coordinate below the margin
given to this parameter.
Following with the example, if the value is bigger than 600, the part can't be sheared and will not
be nested there. The next figure is the same automatic nesting with the same part but with a
minimum length in X to avoid the clamps with shear of 601:
The part can't be placed on the right side of the sheet because there is not enough safety space
for avoiding clamps with the shear.
Block part rotation according to the active turret (e.g. Yes)
If Yes is selected, before doing the nesting, the system checks the active turret and verifies which
tools are placed and the station spin possibilities. Then, the nesting process will look at this
possibilities and will place the parts in the correct positions. For example, there maybe a part that
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must be placed always in the same position because if it is rotated, there aren't tools for
machining it in the active turret.
Block part rotation according to their dimensions
Using this option the user can to block part rotation depending on their dimensions. If the part
rotated does not suit the defined dimensions, that is to say, are not inside the range of width and
length, they will be blocked by the system and the rotation will not be possible for them.
The user will be able to define different ranges of length and/or width for pallet evacuations and/or
bins evacuations.
These parameters are also available for combinated machines. These parameters can be only
modified in work centers module, not in nesting module.
Create equal sheets
Using this option the user can generate some equal sheets more when performing the automatic
machining of the active sheet. This parameter allows generating the maximum number of similar
sheets or asking for the desired number of sheets.
1.21 Automatic machining
With this option you can configure the following automatic machining parameters:
1.21.1 Horizontal exterior punched
1.21.2 Vertical exterior punched
1.21.3 Edge punching
1.21.4 Shearing
1.21.5 Part punch configuration
1.21.6 Nested punch configuration
1.21.7 Component removal
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1.21.1 Horizontal exterior punched
This option allows the user to configure the parameters related to horizontal external machining.
Always prompt for the tool
Enabling this parameter, the system will show a window for choosing the tool which is going to be
used for horizontal exteriors each time the automatic machining is executed. If it has been
disabled, the system will always use the tool configured in this window.
Punch width (e.g. 5,000)
The width of the tool which is going to be used for horizontal exteriors. When doing the nesting
using common punch technology, the distance between parts will be calculated using the value of
this parameter.
Punch (e.g. RE-20x5)
The chosen tool will be used for all the horizontal exterior contours. All the tools shown here will
have the width specified in the previous parameter.
It was only possible to punch the external part with SQ, RE, OB punch. from now on, the system
will punch the external side of the part with any shape if during its definition the user has defined
that the angle can be treated as it were a rectangular punch.
Specify alternative tool
The system will try always to use the default punch. But the part may have geometry for punching
smaller than the configured tool. In this case, that tool can't be used, so the system will try to use
this alternative tool. Usually this tool is small, for example: SQ-5.
It is also possible to select a shape punch (if during its definition the user has defined that the
angle can be treated as if it were a rectangular punch) as alternative punch.
Corner and direction
The starting point corner and the direction that the horizontal exterior punching will follow can be
set up here.
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Apply punching in zigzag direction
If this option is enabled, the punching will have a zigzag motion in the previously main direction.
1.21.2 Vertical exterior punched
This option allows the user to configure the parameters related to vertical exterior machining:
Enabling this parameter, the system will show a window for choosing the tool which is going to be
used for vertical exteriors each time the automatic machining is executed. If it has been disabled,
the system will always use the tool configured in this window.
Punch width (e.g. 5,000)
The width of the tool which is going to be used for vertical exteriors. When doing the nesting
using common punch technology, the distance between parts will be calculated using the value of
this parameter.
The chosen tool will be used for all the vertical exterior contours. All the tools shown here will
have the width specified in the previous parameter.
It was only possible to punch the external part with SQ, RE, OB punch. from now on, the system
will punch the external side of the part with any shape if during its definition the user has defined
that the angle can be treated as it were a rectangular punch.
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Specify alternative tool
The system will try always to use the default punch. But the part may have geometry for punching
smaller than the configured tool. In this case, that tool can't be used, so the system will try to use
this alternative tool. Usually this tool is small, for example: SQ-5.
It is also possible to select a shape punch (if during its definition the user has defined that the
angle can be treated as if it were a rectangular punch) as alternative punch.
Corner and direction
The starting point corner and the direction that the vertical exterior punching will follow can be
configured here.
Apply punching in zig-zag direction
If this option is enabled, the punching will have a zigzag motion in the previously main direction.
1.21.3 Edge punching
With this option you can configure the punch edging parameters. when the user actives the
edging, it will be executed if all the parts placed on the sheet have punch technology for their
exterior contour. If there is any part with cut technology on its exterior, this option will not be
executed.
This is used for leaving free the edges of the sheet making possible to perform evacuations by
traps. Some traps makes a movement when opening, so for them is necessary not to be sheet
which doesn't allow to make this movement.
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In the automatic machining for the edge punching now the system allows to make nibblings for
round corners up to the edge. This improvement avoids small imperfections just before the
corners.
Type
From here, the user can choose the different edging types: nibbling, extraction or pocketing.
By nibbling: The system will order to make a nibbling punch for all the piece of sheet which is
between the parts and the sheet edges. In the following example, the edging has been made by
nibbling, and the edges order is: left, right and upper:
By extraction: Depending on the division length, the system makes stops for evacuating the sheet
pieces:
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By pocketing: The machine will punch with pocket machining all the sheet sides:
Total edging: Possibility to make the “Total edging” of the nesting by punching. This option will
make all the edging of all the sheet by pocketing. The different between this option and the option
“Edging by pocketing”, is that the first one will also machine the gaps between parts.
If this option is selected, the system will prompt for which punch to use for edging each time this
operation is going to be executed. Disabled, the system will only prompt which punch to use for
the first edge operation and from then on, that punch will be always used.
Displays the reference for the selected punch. If in the reference appears "< >", this means that
no punch has been selected. The three points button will show the available punches to use, but
only squared, rectangular and oblong punches will appear.
First, second and third edge
This is the order of sides to be edged. The list of choices is: Left, Right or Upper.
Using punch edging by nibbling with the previous configuration, the following example shows how
this process will be done. The numbers represents the punch order:
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Edging directions
The edging direction along the Y and X axis can be set up here. The system will calculate which
is the best direction if the option of the middle is selected.
Offset (e.g. 1,000)
This distance will be added to the sheet dimensions to ensure that the edges are punched
completely.
Division length (e.g. 200,000)
This parameter will be applied only when using removal edging. Is the distance to be edged
between stops for removal.
1.21.4 Shearing
With this option you can configure certain shearing parameters.
They are divided into two categories: General (See page 89) and Auxiliar (See page 95). The
following parameters are included in General section:
GENERAL SECTION:
Direction
Defines the main shearing direction:
Horizontal: First the parts placed on the upper side of the sheet will be sheared.
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Vertical: The parts placed at the left side of the sheet will be sheared first.
Make the last cutting completely
This parameter defines how the shear is going to cut the parts with X dimension bigger than the
length the shear can cut with just one hit (long parts in X).
Enabled, when a long part in X is sheared, the system will make the first partial shear as long as
possible (this minimizes the number of shear repositions).
For example, if the shear can cut a X 1000 mm in a complete shear, and X 500 mm in a partial-
shear, and the machine has to shear a X 1020mm part:
• The system decides that the needed hits are: Two partial shearing (2 x 500 = 1000 mm),
and a complete one (for the remain 20mm).
• This means that after the two partial-shears, the part remains fix to the sheet with just 20
mm in X (and its width in Y).
This problem can be solved enabling this parameter. The system will calculate depending on the
shear limits and the part lengths, the best hit order. Following with the example, the system will
order to the machine to shear first a 500 mm partial hit, then a 20 mm one, and the last one of
500 mm too, instead of 500+500+20 mm hits. In the first case the part will remain fix to the sheet
with 500 mm in X, and in the second case only with 20 mm.
Minimum length of shearing
With this parameter the minimum shear allowed X and Y dimension is configured (when shearing
small values, the shear does not cut the sheet, only folds it).
If the parts placement is using this minimum distance, the fold problem will only happen when
shearing to the band. In the following example, the shear to the band will only be executed if the
distance pointed as "Distance for shearing the band" is bigger than the value given here:
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Overlap between parts
Normally the shear can't make a clean-cut, so for this when cutting a part, the length is not
exactly as specified because of this inclined cut. For example, the following part length should be
300 (side view):
But the result is:
With the overlap between parts, the system will adjust the nesting placing the parts overlapped
with a small value to prevent this problem.
Offset concerning punching
The shear has an standard offset respect to the head (see Configure punching machine - Shear -
Offsets (See page 63)). But depending on the thickness of the sheet, sometimes there is a little
difference between the punched and the sheared, and for this the punches have a small
displacement respect to the shear. Which depends on the values given in the Offset concerning
punching parameter for X and Y ,these unadjusted distances can be solved.
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Speed during shearing (e.g. 1,000)
This is the speed of axis positioning for arriving to the shear point.
Before delay
Time in seconds of shear stop before doing the hit once it arrives to the shear point.
After delay
Time in seconds of shear stop once the shear hit has been executed, and before moving the
shear axis again.
Order
With this option user can decide the sheet automatic machining sequence with punching and
shearing operations.
The available sequences in automatic are:
• First punch all and later shear all.
• Punch and shear by zones.
• Punch and shear by parts.
Edging just after repositioning
When the system is working with the shear and makes a reposition movement, the standard way
is to continue punching the pending geometries and then start working with the shear. But if this
parameter is enabled, the machine will make the edging just after the reposition movements
(always if the reposition has been made by shear).
In the following example, the machine makes a reposition movement after the three large parts of
the left has been machined. As can be seen, if the parameter is disabled, the system performs
the remain punch operations just after the reposition movement (figure of the left).
But with the parameter enabled, the system will make the edging just after the reposition
movement and before doing any other punching operation, the upper side of the sheet has been
edged:
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Fit the work zone to the sheet when loading the shear
Consists on adjust the shear work zone to the left edge of the sheet once the machining has been
executed for avoiding shear repositions (in this case, after punching a punch reposition is
executed)
This parameter must be enabled in the case of the machine is not able to perform repositions
catching the sheet with shear stepper.
Do no execute shearing on edge of sheet
There are sheets whose right and left sides are not used (tailored pre-sheared sheets). In those
sheets there may be parts placed with one of the sides exactly in the side of the sheet. This
parameter configures if these shears will be executed (disabled) or not (enabled).
If is sure that the sheet length is exactly as defined in the system, it is possible to enable this
parameter for avoiding useless shearing hits. If the length is not exactly known, is better to
disable this parameter and perform the shear hits for preventing that the real sheet length is a bit
bigger that the defined (this happens normally).
Outside edge of sheet (e.g. X= 2,000 ; Y=2,000)
When shearing an edge of the sheet (for example: eliminating the right side), it is good to hit a
little bit outside of the sheet for being sure the sheet is cut really (the sheet can be a little bit
longer that the nominal dimension). The X defines the displacement from the right edge of the
sheet for executing the shear hit, and the Y defines from the lower side of the sheet.
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Note: The displacement of shear hit from the lower side of the sheet should allow not to be
executed out of the Y shear work zone (must be lower that the Y negative shear work zone
offset).
Remnants with maximum dimensions
With this option enabled, the system will insert shear hits for making divisions in the remnants
resulting in smaller portions of sheet. It depends on the values given in the Remnant division
length (e.g. X=500,000 ; Y=500,000).
For example:
Test to avoid hits with form tools
Minimum step and Maximum step:
These parameter are used by the user when testing the shear pusher do not destroy forming
tools.
This test will be only be done when there is semi-pierce and only for the vertical pusher because
if the shear of the part is done with only one operation, it will be the only way to shear it. and the
pusher will only have one place to push. If the forming tools are too close to the sheet border and
the pusher has no other place to push, it will always destroy the forming tools.
When there is a semi-shear operation if the vertical pusher destroys forming tools, the system will
try to decrease the position (in X axis) as many steps equals to “Maximum step” value as
necessary to find out a place where the pusher does not destroy the forming tools. If it does not
find any good position it will repeat the process with the Maximum step divided between 2. The
system will go on until a solution is found or until the step is equal or smaller than the “Minimum
step”.
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Minimize clamps movements
With this parameter it is possible to define the % of the sheet that must be fixed with the clamps
when optimizing the movement.
AUXILIAR SECTION:
Edging
The Edging operation consists on polish the upper and left margins of the sheet until arriving to
part shearing geometries using shear hits. In the following example, the zones until the red line
have been edged:
If no edging has been selected, each time a part is going to be sheared, the shear will hit twice:
once in the upper side of the part and the second in the left side if they are necessary:
Sheet borders:
Selecting this option will result in less shear hits for removing the shear remnants of the upper
and left margins of the sheet as can be seen on the following figure:
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With just two shear hits all the left vertical sheet has been edged. If this has not been chosen, it
will hit four times, one for each part.
As much as possible: On every situation, the machine is going to shear the maximum possible
distance. Every time an edging operation is executed, the system will check all the sheet and will
edge as much as possible. In the following example, the parts of the left have been sheared, and
now the system must edging the zone with the number 1. Is enough for shearing the upper part to
shear until the number 2, but with this option enabled the system is going to make all the possible
edging, in this case, till the number 3:
Instead of edging and shearing all the parts, with this option the machine is going to make all the
edging, and then all the shearing (always as much as possible depending on the nesting).
As much as possible after each part shearing:
As much as possible optimizing the time: With this option the edging operation will be done using
the less time calculated depending on the shear movement speed and the estimated time used
while changing evacuations for remnant or for part
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Edging while inside is punched
Normally, the edging operation is executed after all the punch machining. The edging is always
the first operation of the shear. This option is useful for machines where the change between
punching-shearing is fast enough because the system will make the edging at the same time as
punching saving time because of repositions.
For example: In the following sheet, once the shear has been enabled, the work zone is not
enough to cover the sheet margins, so is needed a -X reposition for access to the edging zones:
With this parameter enabled, the system can make the punch of all the work zone and then the
edging instead of making reposition and following with the punching:
Finishing the side
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For "side of the sheet" the system refers to the right part of the sheet which remains after the
machining has been finished. When this part of sheet is narrow it can cause stuck problems, so it
is better to eliminate it:
The elimination of this piece of sheet can be done at the end of the part shearing, or at the same
time as the part are sheared. In this last case, after shearing one of the part of the right, a new hit
is added in the right border of the sheet in the same place as the shearing of the part for erasing
one piece of the sheet side:
Maximum length X (e.g. 100,000): The system will apply shearing for eliminating the side if the
distance between the part and the border of the sheet is equal or smaller than the value given
here.
Minimize the number of shear instructions: The system will calculate the minimum number of
shear hits to use for destroying the side. In the following example, if the parameter is disabled, it
will insert a hit for each part, but if enabled, it will calculate that with two hits is enough:
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Test if it has been previously punched: With this option it is possible to check if the side has been
punched previously. If the shear has to finish the edge, this parameter will allow to check if the
edge had already been punched before, if so, it will not be sheared, otherwise will be
Shearing the remnant line
With this option the remnant line can be sheared automatically.
Modify the remnant line to shear
With this option the user can modify automatically the remnant line in order to shear it.
Number of box
With this option the user can assign automatically one box to a remnant when multiple remnants
are generated. When two remnants are created, one of them (the bottom strip one – fixed by the
clamps) will be evacuated to the box configured to evacuate the bottom strip, the other will be
evacuated to the box configured by this new parameter.
LOWER BAND:
Shearing to the band
The "band" is defined for the system as the piece of sheet which remains below the sheared
parts:
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This parameter allows to configure different "shear to the band option:
-During the parts shearing
-After parts shearing (before shearing the lower band)
-After parts shearing (after shearing the lower band)
Depending on the machine type and the kind of work to be done, this band may comply different
conditions:
1. The width should be exactly the same as the defined lower margin of the sheet (for
reusing this remnant)
2. The width should be always lower than a determined value (for being allowed to evacuate
it). In this case, the band may have a minimum width because of the limitations of the
shear for working lower than a defined Y coordinate.
Maximum length in Y (e.g. 100,000): This is the maximum length in Y allowed to be sheared
because the band may be reused if is big enough. In other words: if the distance between the last
part and the lower margin of the sheet is bigger than the value given here, it will be sheared. In
the following example, the given value is 300 mm, but the distance between the last part and the
lower margin is 113 mm:
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But if the maximum length in Y is, for example, 100, then the system will detect that the resulting
band is bigger and can be reused as remnant, so it will not introduce any shearing instructions:
Shearing to the bottom part: This parameter sets the way the system is going to shear to the
band. If enabling this parameter, the user should configure the minimum Y (e.g. 100,000) and
maximum Y (e.g. 200,000) values.
With these values, the system will make the following when shearing a part which doesn't have
any other one nested below:
• Calculate which part with shear assigned of the sheet has the lower Y shearing
coordinate.
• If this value is lower that the specified minimum Y coordinate, the shear will hit in the
coordinate defined on this minimum Y.
• If the value is bigger that the specified maximum Y, the shear will hit in the coordinate
defined on this maximum Y.
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This parameter guarantees that the generated lower band is between a height limits regardless of
the defined lower sheet margin (this margin can be 0 also). In the following example, the Y
minimum is 100 and the maximum is 200. The part which is placed lowest in the sheet has an Y
value below 200, for this, the shear hits at Y 200 (the maximum Y):
Shearing the lower band
Enabled, the machine will shear the lower band of the sheet. Normally this band is only sheared
when the sheet length is big and the resulting band can't be evacuated.
Maximum length Y (e.g. 100,000):Although the previous parameter is disabled, if the value given
here is different than 0, the lower band will be sheared at the same time the lower parts are
sheared too whenever the width is smaller than the maximum length Y.
Gather the clamps: For shearing the lower band, the clamps can be get together as maximum as
possible for shear more piece of sheet.
Note: For using this parameter, the clamps must have movement capabilities, it will not work with
fixed clamps.
Extraction of the lower band
Enabling this parameter will make the system to introduce a instruction for evacuating the lower
remnant (band) of the sheet after all the machining has been done. Normally this option is
disabled because the band is too wide to be evacuated.
The peak of the shear will be placed in the lower right border of the sheet for making the
evacuation. This point can be modified with offsets for guarantee that the remnant is evacuated
properly.
X offset 10,000 Y offset -10,000
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The user should take care with these offsets because the point of the shear maybe go out of the
shear work zone.
It is possible to limit this extraction just to a few cases. Sometimes the length of the band doesn't
allow to be evacuated, for this, the minimum and maximum X will delimit the length, and the
extraction of the lower band will only be executed if the X coordinate of the shear peak is between
these values.
Minimum X -99999,999 Maximum Y 99999,999
Number of box (e.g. 1):The piece of sheet will be evacuated to the number of boxes specified.
The maximum length that a part or a remnant can have, to be evacuated without problems from
the place where the lower band is extracted has to be specified in Maximum length option.
Maximum length
X Y
Part 99999,999 99999,999
Remnant 99999,999 99999,999
REPOSITION:
Reposition data
The system suppose in every moment that if the shear is enabled, it is possible to generate sheet
reposition instructions using as sheet catcher the shear stepper.
The following parameters configures how the system will calculate the shear peak reposition point
for making this kind of repositions. A reposition point is correct if comply with two conditions:
1. It can't be lower a minimum Y (to avoid collisions of the stepper with clamps).
2. The stepper must cover enough sheet length for being sure it remains perfectly caught in
the moment of making the reposition.
For solving the first condition, the system provides to give a value to the Minimum Y variable (e.g.
97,000).
When the system generates automatically a reposition with shear it will never place the shear
lower than this value.
The second problem is more complicated. Depending on the placement of the parts on the sheet,
it is possible that the stepper can catch the sheet in X and Y, or only in X or only in Y. There are
three parameters:
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XY pushed length (e.g. 500,000): Minimum sheet length caught by the steppers in X and Y
(added) for consider correct a reposition point.
X pushed length (e.g. 400,000): Minimum sheet length in X caught by the steppers for consider a
reposition point correct.
Y pushed length (e.g. 1000,000): Minimum sheet length in Y caught by the steppers for consider
correct a reposition point.
A reposition point will be considered correct if it satisfy anyone of the previous parameter values.
Pushed and shear are independents: Enabling this indicates that the shear stepper can go
down independently of the shear. This is important for finding the reposition point. If the stepper
and the shear go down together, it is necessary to find a reposition point where the shear (when
down the stepper) doesn't cut pending parts. If this parameter is disabled, this security test will
not be made.
PUNCH:
Destroy remnant punching
The system will introduce machining for destroying the remnant which result after the shearing
has been executed. For this, the user should configure:
Punch (e.g. SQ-20): This tool will be used for performing the band remnant destroy.
Offset to destroy the remnant (e.g. 0,500 ): This is the distance added to be destroyed too from
the sheet margin and from the lower line of the sheet.
Because this machining will be done between the clamps, it is important to keep them safety
preventing possible collisions with these security distances.
For example:
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Shear parts with external of punch
With this parameters user can shear parts with exterior punch technology assigned. The new
options are:
-Never
-Only if there are parts with external of shear
-Always
It will be also possible to define the Maximum length of parts groups and Width length of parts
groups that could have to be sheared in only one shear operation (shear a group of parts).
Number of box
With this option the user can define the box number for automatic shearing of parts with external
punch technology ( Group of parts).
Nibble parts that cannot be sheared
If the machine has a 1000 mm shear in X and Y, and on the sheet there is a 1250x1250 part
placed in the lower right side of the sheet, with a 5mm sheet right margin. There is no problem for
shearing the upper and left sides of the sheet (with 2 shear hits in both cases), and also for the
lower side of the sheet (one semi-cut and a complete cut). But in the right side the shear can't
make the 1250mm (the limit is 1000 mm)
For solving this problem, the system provides a way of punching automatically this right side of
the part. This punching will only be executed if this parameter is enabled.
There are some parameters to configure clicking on the three points button:
Only nibble material that cannot be sheared: Enabled, the system will punch only the length that
cannot be sheared, in the example the 250mm (the other 1000 mm will be sheared):
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Nibble to edge of sheet: The system can make a nibbling to the upper side of the sheet for
eliminating completely the right margin of the sheet:
Only nibble material that cannot be sheared (not selected)

Nibble to edge of sheet (selected)
Nibbling offsets : Adding an offset will make sure the part results totally nibbled. This can be
applied when nibbling a part and when nibbling to the edge of the sheet:
Auxiliary punch: The system will find from all the punches used for making the interior of the
parts, one which allows to make the nibbling (the width should be bigger than the margin and
smaller than the double of the margin). In the case of not found a good one, an external auxiliary
punch can be configured here.
Only punch parts that can be sheared
When there are parts with punching and shearing technology in the sheet, the execution mode in
automatic performs initially all the punches of the sheet (although it has to make repositions), and
then, it will execute all the shearings.
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But in some cases, the sheet deformations makes this method unable to be applied and it is
needed to go punching and shearing consecutively.
If this parameter is enabled, the system will punch in every reposition those parts that can be
sheared, then they are sheared and the last movement is to make the reposition for repeating the
process.
Note: In some cases the system may not finish all the sheet machining completely. For example
when the parts are big enough that they doesn't fit in the common work zone of punch and shear.
1.21.5 Part punch configuration
With this options the user can configure automatic part punching parameters.
Deviation of single hits
Size deviation of single hits Percentage/Absolute Lower 0,000 Upper 0,000
Those are the allowed tolerance when doing single punches. It can be defined in absolute values
or using percentage of the punch size. For example, if the lower value is 30%, then the system
will allow to use simple punches with a tool 30% smaller than the size of the hole.
General
Punches to use
For making all the interior machining of the parts, the system will use the punches specified here.
The options are: All punches, punches from the Active Turret, or the punches placed on the
Standard Turret. If this last choice is selected, the user must input one of the available standard
turrets.
Maximum ratio of circular pocket (e.g. 3,750)
This is the maximum ratio allowed between the circular area to be pocketed and the diameter of
the round tool. This parameter is used for preventing machining big areas with small tools
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resulting in a big number of hits. For example with the 3,750 value for the ratio, a 50 mm2 hole
never is going to be pocketed with a tool whose diameter is smaller than 13,3 mm.
A RD-15 tool can be used, but not a RD-10 one.
All the holes with doesn't comply with the ratio will be machined with nibblings in the edges of the
hole.
Maximum ratio of rectangular pocket (e.g.1,500)
This parameter describes the maximum quadrate of the punch that can be used. All the punches
where the relation between Length / Width is minor or equal to this factor would be used.
For example, if the factor is equal to 1.5 then:
• The rectangular 40 x 30 punch can be used because the factor = 1.33.
• The rectangular 40 x 20 punch can not be used because the factor = 2.
Maximum number of punches for rectangular pocket
The pocket machining is interesting if the tool is big enough referred to the length of the hole. For
example, for punching a rectangle hole the system may detect that is better to use a tool for
pocketing it, but if the available tool is not big enough it will need a lot of punch hits. This value
limits the maximum number of hits allowed for making pockets, if the needed hits are bigger than
the configured, then the hole will be machined with nibblings (and will leave microjoints or perform
trap evacuation depending on the chosen on the next parameters).
Punch the outside
With this option the user can punch the exterior of a part when the automatic machining is
performed at part level (or entering into nesting module). This parameter consists of two option,
they are; Horizontal and Vertical
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Overlapping
Overlapping
Maximum 0,750 Limit 0,990
Number of attempts (Maximum ->Limits 1)
Maximum: This is the most percent of the tool length which is allowed to overlap in a previous hit.
For example, if this value is 0,5 (50%), when punching, it is allowed that one punch can overlap a
fifty percent of his length. Other example: if there is a 75mm segment and a 50 mm tool, it will hit
twice without problems because the second hit overlaps on the first only a 50%. But with a 70mm
segment, the tool will overlap more than 50% in the second hit.
Limit: If the maximum condition can't be fulfilled, the system will look for another tool for making
the job. In the case of not having proper tools, then the percent given in limit will be the next value
allowed.
Number of attempts: The system will test the different overlappings from the maximum to the limit
the number of times given here.
Auxiliar
Assign microjoints
If "Use punch macros for partial punches" and " Punch the outside" parameters are ON, it will be
possible to automatically assign microjoints (i.e. option 6) when performing the exterior
machining.
Use micro-joints punches / Micro-joint punch / Auxiliary punch
Punches for microjoints. Possibility to select which punches will be used to put automatically
microjoints in automatically mode.
The user will be able to configure if these punches are going to be used for microjoints.
Use punch macros
The system provides a way for saving a different punching order and way and apply it
automatically every time the same contour is found in he machining.
When doing the automatic machining, sometimes the result is not the desired. A Punch Macro is
a previous defined machining way for one contour which the system will use always in automatic
machining. The system will look for defined macros only if this parameter is enabled.
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Use punch macros for partial punches
This option allows the user for using machining macros that match only partially with the
geometry of the part. To be able to perform this kind of punches, the macro geometry and the
part geometry must be coincident in a defined percentage.
There is also a parameter to determine if the intermediate elements not punched from the
machining macro are already punched.
Width value of micro-joints
With this option it is possible to define the width of the microjoints in the automatic machining of a
part, depending on the part’s thickness.
In previous versions, it was only possible to define a fixed value for the automatic microjoints
width at part level. Now it is also possible to define this width depending on the thickness.
Besides, instead of one only value, two could be defined: one width for microjoints in corners, and
another for intermediate microjoints.
Use punch macros on standard holes
If the user is going to use macros only for rectangular and circular holes, then enabling this
parameter will make the automatic machining process execution faster avoiding the system to
test macros for non-standard holes (non rectangular, nor circular ones).
Use special tools for arcs
This option will allow punching the arcs with special punches. The tool called "cross with radius"
is also available for this option.
Use multi-punches
Multi-punches are special tools which are different than the standard ones. They are formed by
different punches placed in a fix way which can act together. For example, a multi-punch can be a
tool with 9 punches of 2mm radius placed in a 3x3 grid with a 20mm distance in X and in Y
between them. Every time this punch is used, it makes nine holes. If the part has this kind of
structure, for example a grid of 200x40 holes of 2 mm, then using this punch will make the task
much faster than a normal one.
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This option should be enabled if the machine is going to use this kind of punches. When this
option is enabled, two other option are highlighted they are: Number of rotation attempts and
Allow partial punches with multi-punches
Number of rotation attempts
when using multiple punches. This new parameter will show the angles that the system will try to
punch with the multiple punches. The angles will be defined between 0 and 360, and they will be
multiples of 360 / number of rotation attempts
Allow partial punches with multi-punches
This option allows using multiple punches to punch some of the punches, which can be done in
only one stroke. The system will try to do as much as possible with total punches and the rest will
be done with partial punches.
For example, using a 3x2 multi-punch, the system can perform the following sequence:
Pocket circular holes with 4 radius square punches
With this option the user can define, if the punch already exits and the number of strokes to
empty a circular hole is less to any other defined, the system will use this punch.
If the limit number of strokes defined is = 0, the system will understand that there is no strokes
limitation.
If the user defines for circular holes in predefined punches a 4 radius squared punch and the
configuration allow using it, the system will empty the hole (pocket) instead of make a nibbling.
Minimum width of tool for linear nibbling (e.g. 2,000)
When doing nibbling, the tool has to make a very hard job if the sheet is thick and may result
damaged soon if the tool is not big enough. In this parameter, the user can limit the minimum
width that each tool must have for making nibblings.
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Assign microjoints to internal remnants
When the internal remnant of the part can't be pocketed and must be punched with nibblings,
then this piece of sheet should be controlled. This option will introduce microjoints depending on
the following parameters:
- Maximum length without microjoints (e.g. 100,000)
- Width values of micro-joint (e.g. 1,000)
The system will insert a micro-joint with the specified width every distance configured.
Assign work chute to internal remnants
As with the previous parameter, is the internal remnant of the part can't be pocketed and must be
punched with nibblings, then this piece of sheet should be controlled. In this case, the system will
assign a trap evacuation.
The user should choose one of the evacuation methods: Microjoints with the previous parameter,
or trap evacuation here.
Assign micro-joints to holes and one touch figures
With this option, the user will be able to assign microjoints to any shape holes (rectangular,
round, oblong and shape holes) and also to the notches.
Prioritize square tools in outside arcs
The system will use first a squared tool instead of a circular one when making the machining of
an arc in a exterior contour.
Punch contours with cut technology if they can be done with one single punch
This option allows to punch those contours with cutting technology or without any technology; but
only if these contours can be done with a single punch stroke.
Offset
Maximum offset
Maximum Offset
X 1000,000 Y 1000,000
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This is the maximum distance out from the external part geometry which is allowed to be out
ranged by the tools. If this distance is bigger than the values given here, the system will not use
that tool.
Outside punching offset
With the previous parameter, the user can limit the maximum distance allowed to be punched out
of the external geometry of the part. With this parameter, the user can use a fixed values to
punch out of this external geometry ensuring that the part is completely cut.
For example, with a 0 X and Y values, the punching of the right is just till the external geometry:
But giving a 15 value to X and Y parameters:
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Overlapping for internal corners
With this option the user can define the value for internal corners overlapping
Prompt for data before automatic machining
The system will show this dialogue for making changes in the configuration before executing the
automatic machining operation.
Advanced
Punch rounded rectangular holes with micro-joints using micro-joint punch
With this application to “Punch rounded rectangular holes with micro-joints using micro-joint
punch”. OPTION PROTECTED
This application will be executed when the automatic machining is performed. There are some
parameters to be configured to define how to handle this application:
“Minimum length of the hole” and “Minimum width of the hole”: They determine the minimum size
of the holes where the application is going to be use.
“Minimum length of the side to apply one middle micro-joint only”: This parameter defines the
maximum length of the side of the holes where the application will place ONE centered micro-
joint.
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“Minimum length of the side to apply 2 corner micro-joints only”: This parameter defines the
maximum length of the side of the holes where the application will place two-cornered micro-joint.
The minimum length to apply this kind of micro-joint will be the maximum side length to apply one
centered micro-joint
“Maximum length without micro-joints”: It defines the maximum length of a nibbling without
microjoints.
Punch external chamfers with micro-joint punch
With this application to avoid punches go out of the part rectangle “Punch external chamfers with
micro-joint punch”. We consider external chamfers all chamfers where at least one of its extremes
is in the external rectangle of the part. OPTION PROTECTED
This application is executed during the automatic machining.
Predefined tools
When doing the automatic machining in the drawing module, the system is going to check the
configuration made in predefined tools window (See page 57) to know which tool should use
depending on the geometry type.
One-touch figures/pockets
There are parts which have complicated geometries. All the parameters of the One-touch
figures/pockets window allows to define a special treatment for them.
See the configuration of one-touch figures/pockets.(See page 156)
1.21.6 Nested punch configuration
With this option the user can configure nested punch parameters.
They are divided into three categories: Inside Punching (See page 122) , Outside Punching(See
page 116) and Wheel (See page 125).
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The common nested punch configuration options (See page 127) are placed in the down side of
the window.
OUTSIDE PUNCHING:
Explode punches around clamps / outside of the zone
Depending on the nesting configuration, some of the part's geometries can be placed inside the
clamps zones, or outside the work zone:
If these parameters are enabled, the system will decompose the machining making possible to
machine the most geometry length:
Then, after the reposition, all the machining will be done:
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If the parameters were disabled, the contours will not be starting machined until all of them are
completely outside of the clamp zone, or completely inside the work zone.
Only parts with the inside punched
Until all the interiors are totally punched, the exterior will not be machined.
Lengthen exterior nibble cycles
The system will lengthen automatically the nibblings used for exteriors. Sometimes, depending on
the nesting and the parts geometries, a small piece of sheet can be left between the parts. This
small piece of sheet is not controlled and can cause problems. In the example, the small squared
pieces of sheet:
Only corners: This will be applied only in the nibblings for corners.
Execution mode:
With this option the user can determine the general execution mode while machining. From now
on, the user will be able to decide:
117
• By grids of equal part: The group of equal parts and with the same angle will be
machined in together consecutively (that was the standard way until now).
• By individual parts: Each part will be machined individually.
It is possible to define a different execution mode for the interiors and exteriors. To force to keep
the criteria of the interior machining, it is necessary not to define a sequence order for the
punches in automatic.
Order
Establish the order to follow for the part's exterior geometry:
By parts: It will completely finish each part's exterior geometry before going to next part.
Direction: From the starting point the machine is going to perform the machining of all the
exteriors in the direction selected :- Horizontal / Vertical.
Predefined: In the configuration window, the beginning / end, and the exterior punching sense
order should be established.
Depending on the option selected here, the system is going to reorder all the exterior
machining.
By direction: It defines the main direction to follow for all the exteriors of the sheet, Horizontal or
Vertical, (it doesn't finish each part before going to next one)
With this the user can define the order for the micro-joint punches in the machining sequence:
-Normal sequence. Usual automatic machining sequence.
-At the beginning of the sequence
-At the end of the sequence
-Last punch
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Micro-joint punch
This is a special tool which is defined for micro-joints. The value the tool hits are going to be
overlapped should be given.
The CAD module allows to draw the geometries of special punch and save it in the machine tools
database using option:
When configuring to use this tool, in the nesting the geometry will be shown as it is going to be
punched:
In this case, the micro-joint is stronger and the risk of part release is smaller:
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This parameter has 2 option, the user can select by clicking on the three point button.
1. Micro-joint punch: With this option the user can select the punches by selecting the three point
button.
2. Auxiliary punch: With this option the user can select the auxiliary punches by three point
button.
Overlapping
The distance between the hits for outside punching can be limited here:
Maximum (e.g. 0,999): This is the most percent of the tool length which is allowed to overlap in a
previous hit. For example, if this value is 0,5 (50%), when punching, it is allowed that one punch
can overlap a fifty percent of his length. Other example, if there is a 75mm segment and a 50 mm
tool, it will hit twice without problems because the second hit overlaps on the first only a 50%. But
with a 70mm segment, the tool will overlap more than 50% in the second hit.
Limit (e.g. 0,999): If the maximum condition can't be fulfilled, the system will look for another tool
for making the job. In the case of not having proper tools, then the percent given in limit will be
the next value allowed.
Total destruction of remnant
With this option the user can fully destroy the remnant by punching (Execute the external
operations following shearing algorithm)
Punch for the side: With this parameter user can define the punch for the side. this punch will be
used to destroy the side if the parameter "Total destruction of remnant" is on.
Allow punches out of the punching limits:
With this option the user is allowed to determine if is possible to punch out of the part punch
limits. That is to say, if it is possible to punch the microjoints and/or out of the part rectangle. The
available options are:
Always: Even if the microjoints punches are out of the rectangle of the part.
Never: The system will not make punches if there are any micro-joint or if it is out of the part
rectangle.
Only if they don’t come out of the rectangle of the part: Even if any micro-joint is being punched.
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Predefined Direction
Group punches of the exterior contour that use the exterior punch: Using this option the user can
punch the exterior contour of a part following the defined direction in one time. This option
punches the external contours and internal contours which are part of the exterior edges of the
part, only if they are punched with the same punches as the external contour.
There are some restrictions or limitations to use this option:
a) When repositioning, the system will not allow to have a part in the middle of the reposition. To
avoid this, the user has to configure to machine using maximum rigidity and by parts
b) The part to be punched must be perfectly defined, that is to say, the part must have external
contour and it must be close. To avoid this, it is recommended to verify it before punch it.
c) The exterior contour must not be punched in part mode (CAD) and the interior must be
punched with the same punch that will be used for the exterior contours.
d) The Postprocessor words used between the punches will not be moved with the punches.
e) Once the automatic machining has been made with this option, the user will not be able to re-
order the machining sequence.
Use the extraction punch for nibble when exists excessive overlaps due to the extraction
and Factor
Possibility to “Use the extraction punch for nibble when exists excessive overlaps due to the
extraction” with traps.
If there is a big overlap due to any punch (mainly the evacuation punch) inserted in any slot, and
if this parameter is ON, the total slot will be done with the evacuation punch.
Associated with this parameter, there is a factor which determines if the slot must be perform with
the evacuation punch:
The system will follow this rule: Y < FACTOR * X.
Where
X = number of hits on the slot with the original punch.
Y = number of hits on the slot with the evacuation punch
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Use alternative tools for outside around clamps
When the system is working with alternative tools and the punch used for the exterior contour
(horizontal or vertical) can not punch the interior of a part because it is placed in clamp zone, now
it is possible to use alternative punches to save this problem.
INSIDE PUNCHING:
All the parameters below this section are referred to the machining of the part's interiors.
Explode punches around clamps / outside of the zone
The meaning of this parameters is the same as explained in the Outside Punching section, but
applied to internal punching operations.
Explode punch macros
With this option the user can explode automatically the punching macros. The available options
are:
Never:
Only if they are bigger than the work zone: The system will explode the macros if the total size of
this macro is bigger than the working zone.
If they enter the clamp zone or come out the work zone: It will only explode the macros if the
parameters, "Explode punches around clamps' and "Explode punches outside of the zone" are
active.
Sometimes the machining can insert more than one hit with the same punch in the same
coordinates. This option makes the system to analyze all the machining process for this duplicate
punches.
For example, with punches like this:
In the case of this punch is used for the corner of one part, when the nesting of
that part has been done with common cut, then this punch should make the machining of four
different corners of four different parts with just one hit. In this case, they may be one punch hit
assigned for each part instead of just one.
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Optimize punches on corners
This option will allow minimizing the number of punches in notches or corners shared by more
than one part.
There are two different ways of Execution:
Automatic Execution: Will be necessary to active a parameter on Nested punch configuration and
make automatic machining.
Manual Execution: Modifying the machining. The system will modify the geometry to be punched
instead of the machining. to execute this option the machining must already exits but the corners
or notches to be optimized must not be machined.
Keep the tool after the reposition
Enabled, after the reposition movements, the machine will work with the same tool as it was.
Normally, the automatic machining is ordered to use from the smallest to the biggest tool.
For example, for machining the work zone the machine should use: RD-5, RD-10, RD-15. And
after the reposition, it will use the same tools.
The machining order will change depending on this parameter:
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RD - 5 RD- 5
RD - 10 RD - 10
RD - 15 RD - 15
Reposition Reposition
RD - 5 RD- 15
RD - 10 RD - 5
RD - 15 RD - 10
Keep the tool after the Keep the tool after the
reposition (disabled) reposition (enabled)
Group internal and external punches of the same punch
This option orders the internal punching sequence leaving as the last internal punch the same
tool as the external punch.
If the external punch is performed with more than one punch, the system can start with the
external punch before finish the internal punch.
Execution mode:
With this option the user can determine the general execution mode while machining. From now
on, the user will be able to decide:
• By grids of equal part: The group of equal parts and with the same angle will be
machined in together consecutively (that was the standard way until now).
• By individual parts: Each part will be machined individually.
It is possible to define a different execution mode for the interiors and exteriors. To force to keep
the criteria of the interior machining, it is necessary not to define a sequence order for the
punches in automatic.
Automatic control of tool ordering
Enabled, the system will maintain the tool order configured in the automatic punching. But if is
disabled, the system will use the tool order used for the part machining in the CAD module.
Use multitools first
With this parameter user can define the sequence to machine the internal contours of parts. "Use
multitools first" this new parameter allows to place the punches used in internal contours in
multitools first.
124
Start point and direction
The Start point is the corner of the sheet to start punching every time the tool changes. If the
selected point is the middle one, it will punch the nearest point to the current position after
changing the tool.
Horizontal or Vertical is the main direction to follow when doing inside punching.
Order
It will configure the order to follow for the tools used for the part's internal machining.
By size: The tools will be used from smallest to biggest.
By turret: The tools will be used depending on the position they take into the turret. The turret
movements for the tool changing will be optimized.
WHEEL:
Order
Normally, the wheel tool should have an special cutting way. Enabling this parameter will make
the system to give this special treatment depending on the following configuration:
Maximum angle
This is the maximum angle allowed when the wheel cuts in clamps direction. This tool should
always work from inside to outside (from clamps zone to opposite shed edge) for avoiding sheet
folds.
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Prompt this data (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) when the part is cut with wheel
The following five parameters are needed by the postprocessor for making the proper CNC
orders which will manage the wheel tool. With this checkbox enabled, the system will ask for
these data:
1. Piercing the sheet (e.g. 99999,999)

2. Skew offset (e.g. 99999,999)
3. Additional piercing (double pass) (e.g. 99999,999)
4. Parameter of finishing (e.g. 99999,999)
5. Speed mode: With this parameter the user can configure the speed way for wheel tools in
hydraulic machines.
There are two different ways, they are:
1. Norma mode. Limit to 22000 mm / min (866 in/min). Optimum to cut not straight contours
2. High speed mode. Limit to 73000 mm/min (2874 in/min). Recommended only for big arcs
and straight contours.
Outside pre-punching
The system can give a punch hit before start working with the wheel. Depending on the
configuration, the user can define when this hit should be done:
0.- No
1.- Only at the beginning of the exterior of each part
2.- Only at the end of the last exterior of each part
3.- 1 and 2
4.- Only at the beginning of all the exteriors
5.- Only at the end of all the exteriors
6.- 4 and 5 (enabled)
With the previous 4 and 5 options (only at the beginning and end of all the exteriors) and with the
RE-10x5 tool, the result is:
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In this case, it hits twice for each exterior segment: at the beginning and at the end.
Wheel Tool Speed
Specify the wheel-tool speed.
T-Shear
Outside punching: Using this parameter the user can configure the pre-punch with a T-Shear
(Wilson tool shear) punch when punching the external contour. The user will be able to configure
the place to pre-punch and the desired punch.
• Mode:
0.- No
1.- Only at the beggining of the exterior of each part
2.- Only at the end of the last exterior of each part
3.- 1 and 2
4.- Only at the beggining of all the exteriors
5.- Only at the end of all the exterior
6.- 4 and 5
• Punch:
COMMON NESTED PUNCH CONFIGURATION:
Avoid hits with form tools
Depending on the tool shape (Press form / Semi pierce), when hitting, the sheet may leave raised
in the hit point. It is not convenient to pass over these hit points because if the head is near to the
sheet, it can collide resulting in damages.
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For configure properly this option there are two parameters:
Maximum number of rapid tracts (e.g. 50): For avoiding this problematic hits, the system will try to
modify the head movements always limited by the maximum value allowed here. The following is
an example of what tracts means to the system:
Margin with press punches: When avoiding this punches the system will keep always a security
margin (the value of this parameter). This means that the head is not going to pass just very near
these hits.
Punch with form tools last
If this parameter is enabled, the form tools will be used always the last.
It is allowed to exceed the clamps
Disabled, the head will never pass over the clamp zone for security reasons, it will always
surround them. If enabled, the system will not introduce any movement for avoiding the clamp
zone.
Punch the sheet framework
When the cutting process has finalized, the system provides solutions for the sheet leavings. The
Punch the sheet framework option makes the machine to cut the scraps in horizontal and vertical
cuts.
See the help of sheet framework punch configuration.(See page 164)
Punch the remnant line
With this option enabled, it is possible to configure a default punch to machine the remnant line or
can assign the values by selecting the three point button, the parameters are:
- Always prompt for the tool
- Punch (select by three point button)
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- Exact usable remnants: With this option it is possible to evacuate usable remnants after
punching the remnant line. The box number can be assigned to the remnant.
- No
- Only if there is one
- Always
- Number of box
- Put micro-joints & Put an stop: With this options the user can punch the remnant line in
automatic.
- Punch the remnant line at the beginning of the sequence: Using this option the user can
punch the remnant line before punching the parts.
- Punching priority direction: With this option the user can define the priority direction of the
punching in the remnant line (Up=> Down", "Down=> Up" or anyone).
- Punching offset on the edge of sheet: Using this option the user can assign offsets at the
beginning and end of remnant line punching.
Display progress bar
When doing the automatic machining, the system must perform very complicated internal
calculations which may take some time. The user can know what is the system doing on every
moment with the progress bar.
After the automatic machining is over, the system can keep the progress window for a while. Set
the delay in Delay after completion parameter (e.g. 5,000 s).
Clamp movements
IMPORTANT: This feature will not work unless the machine clamps have movement capabilities.
For each tool: For each tool, the machine will punch at most and then the system will test if there
are more machining which can be done with this tool moving any of the clamps. If this is possible,
the clamp is moved and the machining is executed. Then it gets the next tool and repeat the
process.
For each tool moving back to its initial position: The process is the same as the previous one, but
in this case each time a clamp is moved and the machining has been done, it goes back to the
initial position.
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After punching with all the tools: First the machine uses all the tools for executing the machining,
and after that it will test the remain machining looking if it can be done moving any of the clamps.
If this is possible, the clamp is moved and this machining is executed.
Maximum number of clamp movements before repositioning: This parameter can be only used in
nesting module when the parameter "Clamp movements" has the value: "After punching with all
the tools".
Clamp Movement offset: If this value is 0, the clamp will be moved just to making possible to
make the remain machining, but for security reasons, we can add a distance to this movement.
Minimal overlapping for linear nibble
When doing linear nibblings, the user can configure Minimal overlapping for lineal nibble in
automatic mode with absolute value or using punch size percentage and can define a minimum
and maximum overlapping values.
- % minimal overlapping for internal nibble
- % minimal overlapping for external nibble
Pre-sheared parts management mode
With this option the user can work with unitary part, or when the system detects unitary part on
the sheet, the current managing mode for pre-sheared parts is making the machining as in the
part. No optimizations or clamps movements are managed for example.
This parameter allows apart for this management, another one which will provided a standard
machining, without taking into account whether it is a unitary part or not
Machining order
Order machining: In this window the user can configure the automatic machining order. If the
selected option is NO, the system will maintain the punch sequence made in the CAD module.
By parts: The machining order will be calculated for making the minimum number of rapid
movements.
By angles: In this case, the machining order will be established for making the minimum number
of tool rotations.
Put punches in order : Maintaining the previous order machining, the user can choose the order
of the tools.
By path: If the selected order for punches is by path, then the method should be selected:
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Path optimization/Method:
Normal: With this method, the system will reorder the machining looking always which is the next
closest hit. For example:
In this case, the order is: The small hole hit, then the closes hit which is the left one of the linear
grid, and the last one is the lower hole of the left.
Optimized: It is not recommended to use this method because the system must make internal
calculations which may take some time. It will make a global study of all the machining process
making an optimized order. Following with the same example as before:
It detects that is faster to make the machining in this way: doing the small hole, then the lower
one, and the rest without having to go back.
The number of passes (e.g. 2) parameter configures how many times the system will try to
optimize the order, the higher the value is the slower the process is.
By path in X/By path in Y: Depending on option selected, the system will try to minimize the
number of rapid movements in X or in Y.
By time: This parameter allows defining the necessary time for an autoindex to perform a whole
rotation(3600).
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1.21.7 Component removal
Allows to assign evacuations to all sheet parts.
There are four methods for evacuating the parts: By lift (See page 135), Using traps (See page
132), Using micro-joints (See page 136) keeping them on the sheet or simply Stopping the
machine (See page 137) for making evacuation manually.
Remove part through chute where possible
The machine will use the traps for evacuations if the part lengths allow it. This option will no
appear if the traps of the machine has not been configured on Main elements - Work Centers -
Machine - Configure - Work chutes. (See page18)
TRAP
Move the sheet to the trap: The machine will move the sheet for centering the part on the trap
making easier the evacuation.
Move the part after open the trap: Sometimes, the part can't fall intro the trap completely. With
this parameter enabled, the machine will make small movements for making the part fall into the
trap after it has been opened. The distance for these movements should be configured on the
parameter Increment of Work chutes configuration.(See page 18)
Fasten the part during the extraction: If this parameter is enabled, then the part to be extracted
will remain fastened during the entire extraction process until the trap opens.
Vacumm & Hammer: If the machine has Vacumm or hammer systems, the system will order to
the machine to use them after opening the trap for making the part evacuation effective.
% of piece inside the trap (e.g. 100,000): The trap will not be open if the part is not placed over it
the percent given here. 100% means that all the part must be over the trap before opening it.
Punch for the final exterior stroke: It is possible to define to use a different tool for the last hit of
the part exterior machining before opening the trap. In the following example, only one hit
remains for machine the complete part. With this option the user can choose to use a different
tool for it, punch, and then open the trap:
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Use only when optimizing: The final exterior stroke option will be used only when the optimize
extracts using trap option is enabled.
Optimize: The machine will open the trap and will try to evaluate more than one part keeping the
trap opened.
For example, this is the situation before giving hit and opening the trap:
The machine will perform the last hit of the part of the right, then open the trap for evacuating it.
But instead of opening and closing it for each part, it will keep opened and the system will
machine the part of the middle and the part of the left evacuating all of them with the same trap.
After the last hit and evacuation (part of the left), the trap will be closed:
The result is that with one trap open/close, the machine has evaluated three parts.
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Optimize extracts using trap:
Yes, with 1 retaining tab: The process will be done using one retaining tab:
Yes, with 2 retaining tab: In this case, two retaining tabs will be used.
Direction of optimization: The system will look for the parts placed on the direction configured
here when performing the trap optimization method:
Automatic. (according to the tramp): The system will decide which direction is better to use
depending on the part placement and the trap lengths.
Horizontal: The parts placed in X coordinate will be tested.
Vertical: In this case, the parts placed in Y coordinate.
Horizontal & Vertical: The system will try to optimize both X and Y coordinates from the trap open
order.
Tolerance to optimize extraction (e.g. 1,000): Once the direction of optimization has been
established, the system will look for evacuating parts with the same coordinate, this value is the
difference allowed between the positions. For example, if one part is placed 2 mm below, and the
tolerance is just 1 mm, it is not going to be used for this evacuation.
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Minimum length of retaining tab: This is the minimum length allowed for the retaining tab, for the
last hit before the trap is opened.
Reorder extractions for proximity: If the system detects that is better to make the extractions in
different order, if this option is enabled, it will change this order making the process faster.
Removal speed (e.g. 1,000 mm./m.):
This is the machine speed at the moment of evacuating the part. Normally the trap evacuations
should be done at slower speed for avoiding part collision problems, or, for example, when
opening the trap the part may insert below the sheet.
Dwell time:
The time the trap will remain opened after the evacuation has been done.
Extract parts where possible by lift:
If the machine has a lift system, it should be used for evacuations. If this option is selected, the
following parameters must be configured:
LIFT
Minimum number of suction cups (e.g. 1): This is the minimum number of suction cups that the lift
should use for extracting the part, if the number of cups is smaller, then it will not be evacuated by
lift.
Move suction cups carriage: There are some lift machines whose suction cups can move from the
lifting carriage for getting some parts or holes better.
Minimum length and Minimum width: Using this parameters the user can limit the minimum size
(dimensions) of a part to be evacuated by LIFT.
Lift has priority: With this option the user can prioritize evacuations by LIFT on evacuations by
TRAP.
How to configure carriage movement (See page 165)
Apply micro-joints to parts
The system will apply automatically micro-joints as evacuation method depending on the value
given on the following parameters:
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Punch for the final exterior stroke
Using this option the user will be able to select a different punch for the last punch stroke before a
LIFT evacuation (Similar to the existing option for TRAP evacuations).
When this punch is defined, the system will display the overlap value for this punch (This value
will be the same used for TRAP evacuations).
Prioritize suction cups depending on center of gravity
Using this option the user can prioritize the evacuation of a part by:
The number of suction cups used to perform the evacuation.
Select the best suction cups to get the best gravity center of the part to be evacuated.
Prioritize
With this parameter the user can prioritize the Lift point selection in the horizontal or vertical
exteriors. This parameter “Prioritize”, allows to choose between three options:
No: The selection of the evacuation point depends on the maximum number of suction cups that
this point allows using and on the best gravity center obtained from the utilized suction cups.
Horizontal: If there is any point in a horizontal exterior lateral where it is possible to place a lift
point, it will be selected before any point of a exterior vertical. Among the possible horizontal
points, the system selects the one which uses the most number of suction cups or the best
gravity center (depending on “The number of active suction cups has higher priority than the
gravity center” parameter).
Vertical: Opposite case.
Tolerance to distance between centers of gravity:
With this option the user can define the minimum distance from the gravity center of the part to
the gravity center of the suction cups so that the evacuation point is considered as valid.
MICROJOINTS
The width of microjoints is thickness Dependent: If this parameter, is enabled, there are two
values to configure:
1. Factor of thickness for corner microjoints (e.g. 1,000)
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2. Factor of thickness for middle microjoints (e.g. 1,000)
The system will calculate the width of the microjoints multiplying the value given here and the
thickness of the sheet.
But if the width of micro-joint is not thickness dependant (disabled), then the fix value will be
taken from the parameter Width value of micro-joint (e.g. 1,000)
If this parameter, the width of microjoints is thickness Dependent is disabled, there are two
values to configure:
1. Width Value of middle micro-joints.
2. Width value of corner micro-joints.
Maximum length without microjoints (e.g. 100,000): This is the maximum distance allowed to part
contours without micro-joints.
Use a machine stop to remove parts
In this case, the machine will be stopped after every part machining waiting for manual
evacuation.
Use micro-joint punches:
If this parameter is enabled, the user can configure the values for Micro-joints punch by selecting
three point button ( ). For automatic machining for external contours when microjoints are
needed.
Micro-joints punch and Auxiliary punch: It is Possible to configure which punches will be used to
make the microjoints when making evacuations with microjoints. If any of these punches has
been defined, and/or the parameter to active this option is off, the system will use the same
punch as the one used for the external contour.
STOP
Zone:
Depending on the punching machine type (how the clamps, the head... are placed) it
will be better to perform the last hit in a specific zone making easier the manual evacuation. If the
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selected option is the '?', the meaning is that the system will not try to make the last hit in a
specific zone.
Lengthen exterior nibble cycle
With this option the user can do automatic evacuations to lengthen exterior nibble cycles. This
parameter will be only available in STOP, LIFT, or TRAP evacuations. only in Automatic
machining.
1.22 Post processor
1.22.1 General
1.22.2 Block numbering
1.22.3 Free tape
1.22.4 Reserved
1.22.1 General
Machine tolerance (e.g. 0,00500)
This is the precision of decimal numbers which the machine supports. It is important to configure
this parameter properly because if the system is sending coordinates with different precision, the
machine may not work correctly.
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Directory of CNC files (e.g.path=c:\LANTEK\Expert\CNC\...)
All the CNC code files will be stored in the directory configured here.
Extension of CNC files (e.g. .dat)
This file will display extension of CNC parameters, here the extension of the file can be
configured in the final CNC operation.
Postprocessor configuration file (e.g.PSTBUR01.PS1)
This is the name of the specific postprocessor file. Manipulate this file will result in CNC code
generation way changes. Also the user can edit the PS parameters of the Postprocessor
configuration file.
Tables of technology file (e.g.PSTBUR01.TT1)
This is the name where the technological tables values will be stored. The user can edit PS
parameters of this file.
Time calculation file (e.g. PSTBUR01.TM1)
This file will contain time calculation parameters, here the name of the file can be configured.
Also the user can edit the PS parameters of the time calculation file.
Cost calculation file (e.g.PSTBUR01.CS1)
The cost calculation parameters will be stored in this file, here the name can be set up. The user
can edit PS parameters of the file.
Improvement in postprocessor general window to visualize (edit is not available) all the
files related with the machine:
a) Main configuration file.
b) Machine configuration file.
c) Material-thickness file. (it is the same file as technology table file but can be located in a
different path. If the path is coincident, this will be enabled)
d) Postprocessor data file.
e) Communications configuration file.
f) Stacker configuration file.
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1.22.2 Block numbering
Block number text (e.g. N)
Each CNC block will start with the character given here. Then, the number of block can be
configured with the following parameters:
Number of characters allowed for block number (e.g.5)
This is the digits which the block number will have. For example, if the text of block number is N:
N00001..
N00002..
N00003..
...
Strip leading zero's
Enabling this checkbox will delete the zeros of the CNC block numeration. Following with the
previous example:
N1..
N2..
N3..
...
First block number (e.g. 2)
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 (e.g. 1)
The line for each block of the CNC code will start with the text of of block numbers and the first
block number for the first block, and the rest of lines will increase the number the value given
here on this parameter.
Looking the configuration of all the parameters of this window:
N2..
N3..
N4..
...
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1.22.3 Free tape

Note: These 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 (e.g. 48)
The ASCII code of the character will be used as null ones.
1.22.4 Reserved
WARNING!
Do not modify these parameters without consulting a skilled technician, they are internal
parameters and may cause machine damage if they are changed without knowledge.
1.23 Time calculation
Expert will make a time estimation of the Manufacturing process making calculations for each
order. For this, the user should introduce the different times the machine takes to perform any
different mechanical movement:
1.23.1 Punching parameters
1.23.2 Punches changes parameters
1.23.3 Reposition / Extracts
1.23.4 Accelerations
1.23.5 Postprocessor words
1.23.6 Shear
1.23.7 Upload/download sheets
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The user can see the results of time and cost estimation after making the machining process in
the nesting module using the Utilities -> Time and cost... option.
1.23.1 Punching parameters
In this section, there are listed the different times the machine takes to make the main punch
movements:
Machine set up time
With this parameter the user can configure in different places depending on the type of machine.
Autoindex rotation time(3600)
This parameter allows defining the necessary time for an autoindex to perform a whole rotation
(3600). This parameter is also available for combined machine.
Time of a single hit (punched) (e.g. 0,012 s.)
This is the time the machine takes for performing a single punch hit.
Time of a single hit (semi-pierced) (e.g. 0,024 s.)
This is the time the machine takes for doing a hit with a semi-pierced tool.
Time of a single hit (press formed) (e.g. 0,024 s.)
This time will be added to the total estimation each time the machine performs a single hit with a
press formed tool.
Time of a single hit (tapped)
This is the time the machine takes for doing a hit with a tapped tool.
Time of a single hit (marked)
This is the time the machine takes for doing a hit with a marked tool.
Time of a single hit (tin opener)
This is the time the machine takes for doing a hit with a tin-opener tool.
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Time of technology change
These are the times the machine takes for changing the current technology. For example, from
the stop position to start punching, or from punching to shearing:
Time of technology change

From To Nothing Punched Shearing
Nothing 0,010 0,010
Punched 0,000 0,010
Shearing 0,000 0.010
In the example table, from the stop position to start punching it takes 0.01 seconds.
Cadence
This is the punch hits rate per minute when doing a nibbling depending on the thickness and the
nibbling step.
Maximum thickness Step in nibbling Hits/minute

5,0000 0,125 1000
1.23.2 Punches changes parameters

In this section the user can configure how and how many time will the machine take for changing
the current tool in the turret.
Automatic change of punches
Disabled, the system will add always the same time in the estimation each time the turret
changes the tool.
Time of punch change (e.g. 5,000 s.): If the machine can change the current tool automatically,
then this checkbox should be enabled.
There are different parameters to configure depending of the turret:
Rotation time: This is how the system will calculate the time of tool change.
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Fixed: If this option is selected, then the system will add always the value given in Rotation time
(e.g. 5,000 s.) each time a different tool is changed from the turret.
Position dependent data: This method will calculate the time depending on the position the turret
is going to rotate for. In this case, the Rotation time (e.g. 0,800 s.) will be multiplied for the
number of stations the turret has to rotate for arriving to desired one.
For example, if the machine is using the tool placed in the second station and is going to change
the tool for using the placed in the fifth place, the added time will be: 3 x 0,8 s = 2,4 seconds.
Number of stations (e.g. 15,000)/ The turret can rotate in both senses: The system needs to know
the number of stations and if the turret can rotate in both senses.
Time to enable the movement (e.g. 0,500 s.): This is the time the turret takes to begin the rotation
movement.
Time to fix a position (e.g. 0,600 s.): This value represents how many time takes since the turret
has been placed in the desired position until the tool can be used.
Multitool use times
From this section, the user can configure the times the multitool stations takes to change of tool.
In Rotation time, if fixed is selected, then the Rotation time will be added each time the tool
changes. But if Position dependent data is enabled, then the system will add the Rotation time
(e.g. 0,500 s.) multiplied by the number of multitool stations to rotate.
Time to enable the movement (e.g. 0,300 s.): This value is the time the multitool station takes to
start the rotation movement.
Time to fix a position (e.g. 0,200 s.): This is the must wait time since the multitool rotates where
the tool is and it can be used.
Reset time: This parameter is the time calculation in multitools.
1.23.3 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
been divided into three sections: head, pistons and auxiliar time:
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Head - Down time (e.g. 1,000 s.) and up time (e.g. 1,000 s.): These are the times to lower and
raise the head when doing a reposition.
Pistons - Down time (e.g. 2,000 s.) and up time (e.g. 2,000 s.): The time the pistons takes for
making down and up movements.
Auxilar time (e.g. 1,000 s.): The auxiliar time will be add to reposition estimation time, it depends
on the way each machine perform the repositions.
Component Removal
This second section refers to the time the evacuation system will take for getting a component
from the sheet.
Exact time by suction cups (e.g. 2,000 s.): When using a lift system, this is the time the suction
cups takes to get the component from the sheet.
Exact time with traps: The time the evacuation by trap will take can be set up depending on the
trap and the movement it makes.
For example:
Dwell time Opening Close
Trap 1 0,200 0,300 0,200

Trap 2 0,400 0,400 0,500
1.23.4 Accelerations
In this window, the user configures the speeds and accelerations of the machine:
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1.23.5 Postprocessor words
This window allows to set up the time Expert will add to estimation when one of these
postprocessor words is going to be executed. They are divided into sections:
Stops - > Optional stop time (e.g. 2,000 s) - Unconditional stop time (e.g. 5,000 s)
Time to make both types of stops.
Refrigeration - > Activation time (e.g.. 2,000 s) - Cancellation time (e.g.. 0,500 s)
Long the refrigeration system of the machine takes to work.
Head - > Up time (e.g. 0,500 s) - Down time (e.g. 0,800 s)
When a Head-Up or Head-Down word is found in the CNC code, Expert will use those times.
Sheet clamps -> Blocking time (e.g. 1,000 s) - Up time (e.g. 1,000 s) - Down time (e.g. 1,000 s)
The time the clamps take to block, go up and make down movement.
Cancellation time (OUT) (e.g.. 1,000 s) - Cancellation time (OFF) (e.g. 1,000 s)
The Clamps operation cancellation times.
Opening time (e.g. 1,000 s) - Closing time (e.g. 1,000 s)
The Clamps opening and closing times.
1.23.6 Shear
From here, the different times of the shear movements should be configured:
Interpolated dry-run displacements
The shear movements can be using the two axis at once (interpolated) or moving first one axis
and then the other one when doing a diagonal movement.
Enabled, the system will calculate the time if using the two axis at once.
Full shearing time (e.g. 1,000 s.)
This is the time the shear takes for making a full cut.
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Half shearing time (e.g. 1,000 s.)
The seconds for making a half shearing cut.
Pushing
Following are the parameters of the spent time when the shear is used for catch the sheet: Down
time and Up time.
Part extract time (e.g. 1,000 s.)
The time for the part extraction movement.
1.23.7 Upload / Download sheets
Expert will take the values given here as the times it takes to upload and download the sheet:
Upload
Times for uploading a sheet
Manual upload time 15,000 s Automatic upload time 12,000 s
Depending on the uploading method, the different time they take.
Clamp test time 5,000s Auxiliar time 0,000s
The time for clamp testing, and an auxiliar time which should be filled if there is other movement
which has not been specified here.
Pallet change time: This option is used for time calculation for the uploading a sheet
Download
Times for downloading a sheet
Manual upload time 15,000 s Automatic upload time 12,000 s
The time depending if the sheet is downloaded manually or with an automatic system.
Auxiliar time 0,000s
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This time will be add every-time there is a download sheet operation. It can be configured for any
movement which has not been specified here.
Pallet reset time: This option is used for resetting the time for downloading a sheet.
1.24 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
the nesting module using the Utilities -> Time and cost... option of the menu.
New
Fill in the table with the material type and thickness to create new record. Then, using the
Configuration button the different parameters for making the cost calculation will appear.
Material ST-37
Thickness1 0,0000 Thickness2 2,0000
Modify
When a configuration has been made for a material between the specified thickness it remains
stored in the database for future uses. With this option, the user can change the material, the
thickness or both of them but the configuration of the assigned parameters will be kept.
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
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Configuration
With this option the user can access to the table where the cost parameters for all the machining
operations can be set up.
There are four parameters which will determine how the calculation will be made. The way of
doing it is using the new button:
Operation (e.g. Piercing): The operation selected here will be included into the cost calculation
each time the machining executes it. 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:
Mode (e.g. By thickness): The mode determines how the cost given in the value parameter (e.g.
0,30) will be added into the calculation.
Depending on the operation, the system will show the different modes.
Fixed: The value will be added each time the operation is executed in the machining process.
By thickness: The value x mm of current sheet's thickness will be added. This option is for
piercing operation.
By time: The calculation consists in the value x second that the operation continues.
By flow: For each millimeter 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.
By perimeter: The value x mm of cutting distance.
By area: Resulting cost is the value x m2 of cut area.
Consumable (e.g. Reference gas): The consumables can be defined together with the price of
volume unit in the Main elements -Raw Materials option of the system.
Value (e.g. 0,03): This parameter will increase the total expense of the machining process
depending on the calculation mode.
For example, with this configuration:
Operation Piercing
Mode By thickness
Consumable Nitrogen
Value 0,03
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With each millimeter of piercing, the machine will spend 0,03 l of nitrogen. The price of the litre of
nitrogen should be defined in Main elements - Raw Materials. The total cost of piercings will be:
0,03 x Price of litre x numbers of piercing in the machining x millimeters perforated
With this other example:
Operation Cut
Mode By time
Consumable Oxygen
Value 0,02
For each second of cut the system will add a 0,02 waste of oxygen. The price of the litre of
oxygen should be defined in Main elements - Raw Materials. The total cost of the cutting
operation will be calculated 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
range configured in this window. The "< >" character means any material.
1.25 Ink-Jet
This window will configure how the identifier of the parts will be marked into the part.
Automatic
The system will introduce the Ink-jet text introduced here on every part of the sheet.
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.
150
Text (e.g. P #1 #2)
The text given here will be marked into the part. Using the "#" symbol followed by a number will
make the system to insert the identifier. Depending on the number: #0: Part reference, #1:
Customer, #2: Order number, #3:Plan number. And the "\" character will finish 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, for example, from the CAM module -> Properties -> Part parameters.
Reference:- DXFPARTO (Disabled)

Machine:- Lantek Cut Iso...
Material:- ST-42
Thickness:-0,8000 Date:-26/02/2002 Priority:- 0
Quantity-10 Pending quantity:- 0 (Disabled) Nested quantity:- 0 (Disabled)
Customer Lantek
Order number 195/70
Plan number
In the example the user writes: P #1 #2, if #1 is Lantek (Customer) 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 (e.g. 2,500)
This is the length of one character.
Height of one character (e.g. 5,000)
This is the height of the text which will be marked.
151
Horizontal separation between characters (e.g. 0,500)
The ink-jet will mark the specified text giving the separation between characters specified here.
Vertical separation between characters (e.g. 1,000)
The value given here is the vertical separation between lines of the same text.
Correct position
The values of the offset (X, Y) will determine the distance between the external contour of the
part and the marked text.
Offset X 10,000 Y 20,000
But if there is any hole where the marked text should be, the user can configure the distance from
the initial to try each time.
Search step X 5,000 Y 5,000
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. This means, 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.
Reference text
With this the user can define the reference text for the inkjet marking. If in any part there is a
reference text, it will be changed by the one defined for the automatic inkjet marking. This new
text will be placed in the same place (central point), and with the same reference angle.
Mark only the parts that contain the reference text
The user can use this parameter when using the automatic marking option.
If the user defines a reference text (symbol to indicate the position where the real text is going to
be marked) in the automatic machining option, the system will change it by the base text (real text
to be marked) in all the parts where this text is placed.
In the previous version, if the system finds that there is no reference text, the system was
deciding the best place to mark the real text. From now onwards, on and not activating this
parameter, the user will not be able to mark the real text if there is no reference text.
152
1.26 Annex A: Show on sheet the machining modifications

made on parts
This example teaches how this option works. Let's start from one sheet with one part which is
placed four times on the sheet and is machined properly:
Now we are going to modify the part because it is not completed:
Right-click on the part in the Parts List and choose Open. Edit the part and draw one more hole.
Then, mechanize it:
Machining -> Automatic contours
When going back to the Nesting Module, depending on the value of the parameter Show on the
sheet the machining modifications made on parts two things may happen:
Enabled:
153
The sheet maintains the previous machining but the modifications made on the drawing module
are added. There is no need of making all the machining again.
Disabled:
The systems detect changes in the part but the parameter is disabled. All the previous machining
has been deleted and must be done from the beginning.
1.26 Annex B: Automatic technology
If the machine is using technological tables, there is an automatic way to assign cutting qualities
depending on material-thickness.
154
New button
This button will create a new entry on the cutting quality assignation table.
Minimum radius Maximum radius Cutting quality

0,000 20,000 1
21,000 40,000 2
Minimum and Maximum radius
The parts are classified here by area. The system calculates the area of a part, then generates
internally the circle with the same area. Minimum and maximum radius designate the areas of the
circles that corresponds to the areas of the parts.
The area of a circle is ∏ r2 , then, the radius is:
Depending on the area (the radius of the circle with the same area), the system will assign a
cutting quality to the parts automatically.
This is only the definition of the associations, but we have to make them effective. There are
three automatic ways:
We can use automatic option in the drawing module. Once we have the desired part, choose
Technology -> Cut technology -> Automatic () option. With this toolbar is possible to assign
cutting qualities manually, 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 25), enable Automatic Technology checkbox.
When saving the part, the system will calculate the areas and assign, if any association exists,
the correct cutting quality settings.
The third way is in the same window, but on Execution nesting module section, if the Automatic
Technology checkbox is enabled, when entering on the nesting module, the system will
automatically apply cutting qualities depending on the area.
Also, the user can assign a cutting quality to each contour manually using the Technology -> Cut
Technology -> Cutting () option in the drawing module.
155
Next step is clicking on the desired contours for applying the cutting quality. Expert will show
them in a different color for making easier the identification of each cutting quality. There are two
related things which are important now:
• When the user clicks on this Cut button of the toolbar, there is the possibility of
accessing to the settings of the chosen cutting quality, with the Modify button.
This is very useful for reviewing the cutting quality configuration before applying it.
• The color which will be used for each cutting quality can be configured too. The user can
know exactly which cutting quality each contour has. The place of configuring this is on
Utilities -> Configure -> Draw and Nest -> Color -> Cutting Quality.
Dot small contours
The system will assign a dot cycle to all the contours whose radius is below the minimum radius,
but only if the configured minimum radius is bigger than 0. The action to take on each dot cycle
should be configured on Postprocessor - Specifics of cut - Dot cycle by default
Mark small contours
If the minimum radius is bigger than 0, the mark technology chosen here (powder, drill, pen, cut)
will be applied automatically to all the contours whose radius is below the minimum ones. This
option can be used together with the dot small contours checkbox.
For example:
1. Dot small contours option selected and Mark small contours is Drill: A dot cycle and a
mark with drill will be applied to all the contours smaller than the smallest radius.
2. Dot small contours option not selected and Mark small contours is Powder: The system
will apply a powder mark of all the contours smaller than the smallest minimum radius
configured. But it will not apply any dot cycle.
1.26 Annex C: Part punch - One touch figures / pockets
There are parts with complicated geometries which must have a special treatment.
This window have been divided in two sections which configures how the one-touch figures and
the pockets should be machined:
156
Complex one touch figures
The system has nine different one-touch figures machining method defined. Here the user can
choose to make the machining like shown in each figure with the lengths of the X, Y and L
parameters. This parameter must be enabled for using the selected machining method.
The system will make the pocket of this one-touch figures if:
1. The part has this kind of one-touch figure in the external geometry.
2. The Complex one-touch figures parameter is enabled
3. The proper one-touch figure checkbox has been selected in this window and the X, Y and
L parameters (if needed) has been filled correctly.
For example, the following part has a complicated external geometry:
157
Depending on the parameter, the result is different:
Complex method
If the external geometry of the part is not exactly as shown in the one-touch figures, the system
will not detect them and the machining pattern will not be applied. This parameter enables the
system to make an exhaustive test of the external contours and will calculate which contours are
different than the defined one-touch figure. With this, the system will include the machining for
this contours applying the one-touch figures pattern.
Following with the previous example, a small chamfer has been included in the external
geometry:
158
Depending on the value of this checkbox the result is different:
Ignore arcs
As with the complex method parameter, this one will test the figure looking for arcs which makes
the geometry different as the defined one-touch figures. If it found this kind of geometry, will
include the machining for it and will apply the one-touch figure pattern.
Now, an arc has been included into the part:
159
And depending on the value of this parameter, the system will apply the one-touch figure pattern
or not because of the arc:
Multiple orthogonal pocket
When the part have a hole with a complicated shape, the system provides a way for pocketing it.
With this parameter enabled, the automatic machining will test this kind of holes trying always to
make the pocket machining when possible.
For example, with a hole like this:
The hole will be pocketed or nibbled depending if this parameter is enabled or not:
160
Pockets
The system provides the user a way for decide if the holes of one of this four shapes are going to
be pocketed or nibbled.
If the part has the following four holes:
Then the system will test which of the pockets check boxes are enabled, and depending on them
will make the proper machining. The figure of the left is the result with none of them enabled, and
the right one is the machining with all of them enabled:
161
Pocket method
Here, the user can choose how the pocket will be done. For example:
There are three different punch instructions: one for each side (numbers one and two), and the
last one for the rest of the rectangle (number three). With this method, the overlapping between
the horizontal and vertical punches is bigger.
In this case, there are five instructions: one for each side (numbers 1 to 4) and the last one for the
interior of the rectangle. With this technique, the overlapping between the horizontal and vertical
punches is smaller.
Overlapping (e.g. 0,500)
This is the value the punches will overlap between them when doing this pocket machining.
Predefined tool
By default, the system will try to use this tool for making the pockets. But this is not always
possible, for example if the predefined tool is SQ-10, but the hole is too big, then the system will
decide to use a bigger tool.
162
Number of punching operations (e.g. 2 times)
This parameter together with the overlapping value will make the system to decide if the
predefined tool will be used or not. The system will test how many hits needs to make the pocket
with the predefined tool, and then will try to do it with a bigger tool. If the number of hits with the
predefined tool divided by the number of hits of the bigger tool is slower than the value of this
parameter, the system will use the predefined tool:
For example: with the SQ-10 predefined tool the system needs 60 hits to make the pocket, but it
tests with a bigger tool (SQ-20) and the resulting hits are 36. If the value of number of punching
operations is 2, then the system will keep the predefined tool:
But if the number of hits with the predefined tool divided by the number of hits with the bigger tool
is bigger than the number of punching operations, then the system will decide to use this bigger
tool:
For example: with the SQ-10 predefined tool the number of hits in this case is 66, but with a
bigger tool (SQ-30) this number of hits is much more small, only 20. With a number of punching
operations of 3, the result is that the system will decide to use the bigger SQ-30 tool:
163
1.26 Annex D: Nested punch - Punch the sheet framework
Order
With this option the user can define the punch sequence when punching the sheet framework.
The skeleton can be punched at the beginning or at the end of the punching sequence.
If the used punch is being use in any part, this parameter means nothing because the skeleton
destruction will be performed during the machining of the part with this punch.
Framework lengths
The L and H determines the maximum rectangle that will be generated as scrap.
Minimum and maximum steps between strokes in X and Y
For destroying the sheet framework, the system will introduce punch hits. These four values
delimits the distances between these strokes.
Minimum step between punch stroke in X(P):- (e.g. 15,000)
Minimum step between punch stroke in Y(P):- (e.g. 15,000)
Maximum step between punch stroke in X(P):-(e.g. 25,000)
Maximum step between punch stroke in Y(P):- (e.g. 25,000)
Make it with an existing tool if...
The system will look for a tool already placed in the turret for perfuming this operation, but the
lengths of the tool must comply the values given here.
- Minimum diameter of the tool
- Maximum diameter of the tool (e.g. 10,000)
Punch (e.g. RD-15)
By default, the system will always use this tool if it is placed in the turret.
164
Punch angle
With this option it is possible for the user to use any punch to "Punch the sheet framework". Using
this the user will be able to configure the "Punch angle".
1.26 Annex E : Extraction - Configure carriage movement
There are different lift systems. All the options of this window are for those which can move over
the sheet for getting the parts.
The lift movement can be on X axis, or Y, or in both, the configuration of the following parameters
should be consistent with this movement limitations.
Number of steps in X and distance between them
Number of steps in X 30 Distance between steps in X 5,000
From the starting position, the system is going to test which is the best position for the lift for
removing the element from the sheet. The steps in X are the number of tries to make and which
distance is between 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
be activated because they are over the part is the last one. The system will always use the
position on which there is the possibility of enable the most number of cups.
165
NOTE: If the lift system has only movement on Y axis, these two values should be 0.
Number of steps in Y and distance between them
Number of steps in Y 30 Distance between steps in Y 5,000
With Y movement, the system is going to test every Y position from the starting point to
increments of distance 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 following example explains the working way:
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:
166
In this case, the last is the best position because the lift can use four cups.
Collision: head 1
Collision: head 1
Minimum X 0,000
Maximum X 0,000
Minimum Y 0,000
Maximum Y 0,000
These parameters will determine the minimum and maximum X and Y values on which the lift can
move. The system will never allow to pass these coordinates for avoiding collision with the head.
Collision: head 2
Collision: head 2
Minimum X 0,000
Maximum X 0,000
Minimum Y 0,000
Maximum Y 0,000
167
In combination machines there are two heads and the lift system must take care of not collision
with none of them. These coordinates configures the distances where the lift can't go on for
security with this second head.
Collision: absolute pressing
Collision: absolute pressing

Minimum X -99999,999
Maximum X 99999,999
Minimum Y -99999,999
Maximum Y 99999,999
Besides the collision with heads, the lift movement can cause collision on some physical
elements of the machine like the clamps. These values will determine the lift movement's limits.
Collision: pressing with regard to extraction point.
Collision:Pressing with regard to extraction point.

Minimum X -99999,999
Maximum X 99999,999
Minimum Y -99999,999
Maximum Y 99999,999
MEC file with collision zone geometry
With this parameter the user can define the collision zone with a MEC file when evacuating by lift.
If this parameter is defined, the collision zone will be calculated as the union between of the 3
following zones:
1. -Collision: absolute pressing.
2. -Collision: pressing with regard to extraction point
3. - MEC file with collision zone geometry.
If this parameter is not defined, the collision zone will be calculate as the union between the two
first options and the zones defined for the turret.
168
1.26 Annex F: Control torch
Establishes which is the reference torch. The CNC program will be built for this torch, the rest will
follow its movements.
The options depend on the previous parameter. If the torches are on axis X, possible movements
are Right and Left. If the torches are on axis Y, possible movements are Up and Down.
1.26 Annex G: 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 for parts or for holes depending on which tab the user configured them.
There are four methods for evacuating the parts: by lift, using traps, using micro-joints keeping
them on the sheet or simply stopping the machine for making evacuation manually.
Extract by lift
If the machine has a lift system, it should be used for evacuations. If this option is selected, the
following parameters must be configured clicking on the three points button of the right:
Minimum number of suction cups (e.g. 10): This is the minimum number of suction cups that the
lift should use for extracting the part, if the number of cups is smaller, then it will not be evacuated
by lift.
Minimum Length (e.g. 0,000) & Minimum Width :Those are the minimum length and width that the
part or hole should have for executing an evacuation by the lift system.
Maximum distance to the centre of gravity (e.g. 2500,000) :The system calculates the part's
centre of gravity and the cups will be placed as nearest as possible from this point. The value
given here is the maximum distance allowed from the centre of gravity to the suction cups of the
lift system.
Prioritize suction cups depending on centre of gravity: The system will enable the suction cups
nearest to the centre of gravity of the part, and then the rest if this parameter is activated. If not,
the system will use the most number of suction cups possible.
169
By this the user can prioritize the evacuation of a part by:
1. The number of suction cups used to perform the evacuation.
2. Select the best suction cups to get the best gravity center of the part to be evacuated.
Move suction cups carriage: There are some lift machines whose suction cups can move from the
lifting carriage for getting some parts or holes better.
Tolerance to distance between centers of gravity: With this option the user can define the
minimum distance from the gravity center of the part to the gravity center of the suction cups so
that the evacuation point is considered as valid.
Minimum length and Minimum width: Using this parameters the user can limit the minimum size
(dimensions) of a part to be evacuated by LIFT. Till now, this was only possible for cutting
machines.
Lift has priority: With this option the user can prioritize evacuations by LIFT on evacuations by
TRAP. Until this, it was only possible for the cutting machine.
Extract by lift with retaining tabs: This option allow the user to place a microjoint in parts to be
evacuated by lift. The system will punch the internal contours, will punch the external contour
leaving a microjoint. When the part is going to be evacuated and before the last strike, the system
will punch this microjoint and will finish the part with the last blow before evacuate by lift. This will
increase the stability of the sheet while punching the part, keeping two single and separated
punches up to the end of the machining.
This option has some parameters to decide where and how to place the microjoint and which will
be the punch to be used.
Punch used for the final retaining tab: the punch to be used to destroy the tab will be the same as
the last external punch.
Same angle that the punch used for the final retaining tab: The punch to be used to destroy the
tab will hit with the same angle as the last external punch
Aligned in X or Y with the final punch: Decides if the tab must be placed aligned or not with the
last external punch
Overlap when punching the retaining tab: Only if the punch for the tab is different from the last
external stroke.
Prioritize suction cups depending on center of gravity
170
Using this option the user can prioritize the number of suction cups used in the evacuation with
respect to the position of the gravity center of the suction cups.
Till now this could be configured only for cutting machines. In punching, it was assumed that this
option was always active. But now it is configured by (by default it will be active).
See how to configure suction cups carriage movement (See page 165).
Extract by trap
The machine will use the traps for evacuations. This option will no appear if the tramps of the
machine has not been configured on Main elements - Work Centers - Machine - Configure - Work
chutes (See page18).
The trap number which is going to be used can be selected.
Trap = Automatic: The system will calculate which trap is better to use depending on the
coordinates of the part.
Trap (e.g. Fixed) and Number of tramp (e.g. 2): 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.
Move the sheet to the trap: The machine will move the sheet with the objective of centering the
part on the tramp if this checkbox is enabled.
Move the part after opening the trap: Sometimes the part can't fall into the trap completely. With
this parameter enabled, the machine will make small movements for making the part fall into the
trap after it has been opened.
Fasten the part during the extraction: If this parameter is enabled, then the part to be extracted
will remain fastened during the entire extraction process until the trap opens.
Vacumm and Hammer: If the machine has Vacumm or hammer system, the system will order to
the machine to use them after opening the trap for making the part evacuation effective. Here, the
user should configure which mechanism to use.
% of piece inside the trap (e.g 100,000): The trap will not be open if the part is not placed over it
the percent given here. 100% means that all the part must be over the trap before opening it.
Number of box (e.g. 1):
From each tramp, depending on the opening way, the parts can go to a different box. Here, the
number of box where the parts are going to be evacuated can be configured.
171
Put a stop
After every evacuation movement, the machine can be stopped if this option is enabled. Also,
there are some parameters to configure if this option has been selected:
Move the lead in/out & Number of attempts (e.g. 10): The system will try to move the lead in/out
for improving the manual part removal, trying to leave the head in the best position.
The user can choose the place for setting always the lead-in/out, or if choosing "?", it
will calculate the best position for each part the number given on number of attempts (e.g. 10).
Retain lead in/outs defined in part: 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 easier the manual part removal.
Lift has priority: Enabled, the system will use always the lift system as evacuation method if
possible.
Minimum radius: If the part or hole to evacuate is smaller than this minimum radius, the system
will not removal it from the sheet.
Micro-joints
The system will automatically apply micro-joints as evacuation method depending on the value
given on the following parameters:
Maximum length without micro-joints (e.g. 100,000): This is the maximum distance allowed to part
contours without micro-joints.
Also, the width of the automatically inserted micro-joints depends on:
The width value of micro-joints depends on thickness & Width value of micro-joints (e.g. 1,000): If
the width of the micro-joint is going to be fix, this parameter should be disabled and the value
which is going to use always is the specified on Width value of micro-joint (e.g. 1,000).
The width value of micro-joints depends on thickness: But if the previous checkbox is enabled,
then there are two values to configure:
Factor of thickness for middle micro-joints (e.g. 1,000) & Factor of thickness for corner micro-
joints (e.g. 1,000):In this case, the system will calculate the width of the micro-joint multiplying the
value given here and the thickness of the sheet.
172
The Width of the microjoints which was common for microjoints in external edges and microjoints
in corners has been divided into two. Width value of middle microjoints and Width value of corner
microjoints.
Removal speed (e.g. 1,000 mm./m.)
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't
go into the box, this value adjusts the time the tramp remains open.
Hammer 2
With this option the user can evacuate by trap. By specifying the X, Y and radius parameters.
Extract by trap parts with micro-joints hitting with the hammer
With this parameter the user is allowed to evacuating by trap parts with geometric microjoints
(defined at part level) by hitting them with a hammer (breaking the microjoints).
Each part to be evacuated will be placed in the middle of the trap. If the hammer hits on a hole or
out of the part, the evacuation will not take place.
The automatic mode will not check if the evacuation hammer are active or not, the system will
only check if they can be used or not.
1.26 Annex H: Tolerance in nibblings
This option allows the to assign tolerance to a part.
If no tolerance is assigned to the part, this value will be taken from the tolerance configured for
the machine in the punching parameters (See page 65)section, or, if any configuration exists, in
material/thickness dependent data - punching parameters (See page 65).
173

Lantek Expert Punch: Punch Module Reference Manual

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Lantek Punching module configuration

Lantek Expert Punch

1.1 General ................................................................................................................. 1

1.21.6 Nested punch configuration................................................................. 115

Linear tolerance (e.g.0,01000 ) & Angular tolerance (e.g. 0,100 )

Process the lead-in/lead-out, loops and micro-joints in the automatic nesting

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.

Favorite position for minimal rectangle

Calculate the part dimensions without the auxiliar geometry

Restrict rotations in manual mode

Prompt for data when ordering contours

- When saving the part

Prompt for CNC reference:

Parts template name (e.g. CAJPIE.CAJ )

Sheets box name (e.g. CAJCUT.CAJ )

System: The system will calculate the time internally.

Time calculation: The calculation will be done using a generic postprocessor.

Generate information for labels

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

Transform the geometry when transforming the machining

This parameter has two more option:

Replace punch by cut and Mark

Do in case of part change

Nothing: The nesting will no include the changes made on part.

Punch/ Detect punch position automatically

The options affected by this new parameter are:

CONTOUR: Manual contours.

SIMPLE CYCLE: Centered on segment and on end of segment.

NIBBLINGS: Based on a geometry element.

MACROINSTRUCTIONS: Chamfered corner’s pocket, Circular nibbling with micro-joints, Linear

Warn if there is interior geometry not machined when cutting

Prompt for this data when initializing

Execute every rapid with head up

Apply head up at the beginning of machining

The machine has Laser-eye

CNC name = PartNo

Minimum: PartNo: Minimum number of character for the PartNo.

Maximum: PartNo: Maximum number of character for the PartNo.

Previous text (e.g. P): The first characters of the PartNo.

The machine speeds can be configured in Speed Rates dialog box.

1.3 Sheet clamps

Number of clamps (e.g. 4)

Indicate the distance between different clamp positions.

Place the clamps with the mouse

Move interactively the from point

Maximum length of the sheet to enable the pin 2 automatically

Initial offset of the work zone (e.g. 500)

Offset to avoid the clamps (e.g. 30,000)

Allow collision test for clamps

Apply clamp check:

The clamps takes up turret positions

IMPORTANT: The clamp must have sensor for testing this.

Prompt for this data when initializing

Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum

Clamp -25,000 105,000 130,000 200,000 Fixed

Place the fixtures with the mouse

Prompt for this data when initializing

1.5 Work chutes

Number of traps (e.g. 3)

Process traps after its implicit movement