END
This process ends the program (similar to M30 in
G-Code programming) and offers the pportunity to the programmer to: set a
counter for the number of workpieces to be machined; set the return position of
the turret after machining ends; identify a next program number to
achine, whether to continue the same program repeatedly or not, and how
many repetitions; and, also, the shift amount for the coordinates system can be
set.
Shape Check
Once the program data are entered, the
programmer may perform a Shape Check of the geometry to verify its accuracy.
The controller will not allow the shape check if there are serious problems
with the geometry definition and an alarm will be displayed on the screen
identifying the program number, process number and sequence number of the
mistake. Performing a shape check will draw the finished workpiece geometry on
the creen in two-dimensional form.
Tool Path
Verification
Figure 6 Tool Path Check
Courtesy MAZAK Corp
Another step completed before running the part
is Tool Path Verification and it may be used to check the the part
geometry and tool path. The newest controllers are equipped with solid
model rendering of the workpiece raw stock configuration. The programmer
can simulate on- screen, the actual machining of the workpiece in real-time by
pressing CHECK CONTINUE from the menu.
If an area of the graphic is hard to see because
of its size, the programmer can ZOOM into that area and magnify it for better
viewing. Tool shapes are graphically simulated as well, allowing an
excellent visual aid for correcting any program problems.
Often, a workpiece has internal features that
are difficult to see even with solid modeling. The newest controls have
the graphical capability to section the workpiece, allowing a full visual
representation that offers even more assistance to the programmer for
verifying programs.
Once these verification steps are complete, the machinist
may begin the first article of CNC automatic operation.
Figure 7 Tool Path
Section View Check