Finding a few slow air cutting feeds, by analyzing Feed col

DaveF · 2011-02-01 23:56:52

Hi Friends,

I think I have an ER idea, that lots of people would like, and enjoy

What I am looking for is a new function: Analyze feed colors, superimposed onto, and into NC-Review. Specifically, Air cutting Feeds. Ideally, I am looking for visualization of slow feeds in the air.

So you understand what I want. NC-Review, display CL, and analize non cutting motion, by feed. If Yellow is the feed below your aircutting feed, then you should only see small yellow lines at the bottom. Large yellow lines would indicate ..... :oops: :oops: )

Finding a needle in a hay stack is easy to find, if you know where to look :wink: (funny, but not my quote, actually from a CGT guru)

The necessity, that was the mother of this invention, is simple. A programmer comes to me because the shop rejected his program because there were a few slow air cutting feeds.

Now, I know what you are thinking, why not just Optipath the program for Air cutting. The answer is, YES BUT..this is to find a small number of moves, where the programmer blew it, and applied the incorrect feed on approach and retract feeds.
Any other solutions are welcome

image of NC REVIEW and CUTTER CL

In this figure we see Cutting and non cutting, but cyan, and dark blue.

break each up, into finer color components, is desired.

This could be CUTTING colors
image of Colors + Feed range colors .

This could be NON CUTTING colors
image of Colors + Feed range colors

Thanks

Dave

SergeV · 2011-02-02 17:53:06

In the Meantime,

In the Status window (Info > Status), there are 2 numbers that would indicate a problem:

Time % â€” Percentage of time in feed rate mode. This value can be helpful when
judging tool path efficiency. For example, a high value suggests an efficient tool path,
since a value less than 100 percent means that the tool is moving at rapid feed and is
probably not removing material.
Air Time % â€” The percent of time spent cutting air.

If you start noting the values for your typical parts, you could notice a larger than usual value.

It is not the precise tool you want, but it gives you an overall view of the machining efficiency.

And, you can always use OptiPath to optimize all your Air cuts :wink:

DaveF · 2011-02-03 01:51:51

You see..... That's why you get the big bucks.

Your thinking is on the right. track.

Question: I am not sure what I am looking at with the times in the status window.
I ran a few demos, like rib, and vericut, and teh Air time seems to change quite often. Is it a tool change to tool change or block to block.

Question. And it's a biggie.. I made a report. Great stuff. Is there a way customize the report, to add a column for air time, so it shows Cutting time, and also Air time, on each tool?

Thanks
Dave

SergeV · 2011-02-03 18:23:55

Hello Frank,

The Air Time % is a ratio, therefore it will vary during the simulation based on the type of cutting; during drilling operations, most of the motions are outside the material, but during the roughing, the ratio goes down as the tool is spending more time removing material. The value is not tool-by-tool, in the Status window, it is a total ratio, but in the Report, it will be displayed for each tool.

This brings me to your second question: Is there a way customize the report?

Yes, the reports can be customized to your need.

Project > Report > Report Template > Edit...
in the template, find [Tool Summary Table]
with the cursor on it, right-click Edit
You have a list of all the columns shown in the table
Add
Click twice on the new column to get the pull down list
Select Air Time %
-- You can change the order of the columns by dragging the grey block on the left
-- you can also modify or remove the other columns
-- When you are done, press OK
Save your new Template and press Yes to make it active
Your reports will now include the Air Time % for each tool

It is a lot easier in 7.1.1 because we have added a preview window, so you can see the effect of your changes on the report immediatly

DaveF · 2011-02-03 18:43:24

Hey Serge,

Thanks for the detailed and speedy response.

I will set up the report, asap, and enjoy this new functionality. 8)

I like to suggest enhancements, but as you know me, I also like to see what I can do with the Vericut I have today, and patiently wait for improvements, that keep coming.

Your suggestion will take care of my main issue, at the report will flag a tool with excessive air cutting time, indicating and error. Black and white, yes or no. Good suggestion. :mrgreen:

The enhancement suggested, if implemented, will allow the programmer to quickly see exactly in the tool path, where the culprit is.

Another benefit of coloring the tool centerline by feed, is to accuracy and quickly visualize both cutting and not cutting feeds. For example, of the programmer wants to enter the part, at 50% of the primary feed. Or use RAPID, at long moves, and at a distance away, but use "fast but not RAPID" feeds, when in pockets, and close to the part.

I have heard more then a few lead men, say they do want super high feeds, close to the part. I think this if for short order tape proofing. You and I know that with hands off / lights out machining, program the way race car drivers drive: The gas petal all the way to the floor, of all your weight on the brake.

I hope the colors, sees the Operating room, next year. I think lots of users, will enjoy and make use of thisâ€¦â€¦..the question is simple for you usersâ€¦. "If this was in the product today, would you use it?"

The best way to see somethingâ€¦ is to look at it.

Best Regards
Dave

VERICUT Users' Forum

#1 2011-02-01 23:56:52

Finding a few slow air cutting feeds, by analyzing Feed col

#2 2011-02-02 17:53:06

Re: Finding a few slow air cutting feeds, by analyzing Feed col

#3 2011-02-03 01:51:51

Re: Finding a few slow air cutting feeds, by analyzing Feed col

#4 2011-02-03 18:23:55

Re: Finding a few slow air cutting feeds, by analyzing Feed col

#5 2011-02-03 18:43:24

Re: Finding a few slow air cutting feeds, by analyzing Feed col

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