Stand-Alone Punch machine user manual - Finn-Power International ...

Away From Clamps (Optimize)- Option to allow optimizer to always optimize tool hits
for the special tool away from the clamps.
Zone Width- Set a zone in the X axis to create a better optimized tool path. Ex.
If a grid of special hits were spaced 6” apart and optimize away from clamps was
chosen a zone width of 7” would allow punching to go back and forth (X axis)
between two hits positive in the Y axis.
Additional tool features (Form avoidance)- The additional features when adding a
special tool can greatly enhance the automatic features of NC Express. When setup
correctly the protection zone and exit paths can allow for completely automatic trouble
free optimization by NC Express.
• Extra Height- Extra height is used in conjunction with the stacking
management for Finn-Power stacking equipment (STS, STM, SBR,
etc…). The value entered here is taken into consideration when creating a
stack to verify if maximum stack height has been reached. Only used in a
part when this tool is used and automatically entered into the properties of
the part as well
Exit paths and lengths- Very important to setup when creating a special tool
that creates a high form within a part. These will allow for proper tool path
optimization throughout the sheet allowing avoidance of formed material.
• Exit direction angle (A)- The exit angle of the tool is very important to
avoid smashing forms. User must know which the best exit path of the
tool is and enter the chosen value here (ex. 0°). [Example on next page]
• Exit path length (B)- The path length works in conjunction with the
angle. The only time the exit length is used is when the next hit is not
directly aligned with the direction of the exit angle. If not aligned the
sheet will require a movement in the exit angle direction at the length
defined and if it is aligned the length is ignored and the move is done to
the next hit location. The Stripper height (S value) of the tool is kept at
the defined height if the next hit is in the same exit angle direction, if hit is
not the S value will be brought all the way up to avoid making contact
with the form.
Protection areas- Feature in NC Express that is used for automatic form
avoidance. This will allow the system to recognize there is a form in a
specific area and tells the machine to raise the ram up to prevent any tooling
from making contact with a form. Raising the Ram allows the punch to travel
over the form instead of making additional movement around it. NOTE- the
only time the Ram is raised is if the center point of the punch tool is traveling
through the protection zone.
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