Extra set up issues for transfer to Homag saws
There are some restrictions on the patterns produced for this saw type - so that the labels can be correctly synchronised with the cuts.
Labels for offcuts automatically printed - In order to print offcut labels, add item '2' to the System parameter: Create data for. Offcuts which fulfil the minimum dimensions and area in the optimising parameters are reported on the offcut summary. Labels for these are automatically produced as the pattern is cut. If you do not wish to use this facility, exclude this item from the system parameter.
Recuts - it is not possible to have recuts in head sections or multiple unequal length recuts in main sections. Set optimising parameters 'recut type' to a maximum of 2 and 'max unique parts in strip (head)' to 1 to generate valid patterns.
Note - the 'Multiple printing' button on the saw controller should be switched off. The program automatically prints one label for each part in a book.
Where a checkerboard pattern with a head cut is cut using the short rip method the function codes for dividing the last block are set as '2'.
If printing labels for transfer mode 7 there are some restrictions on the type of pattern produced so that labels are correctly synchronised with the cut parts. Make sure you set up the Saw controller and the optimising program correctly to reflect these restrictions. There is some advice on this below.
Set Saw parameter: Label data for saw
Set Optimising parameter: Duplicate parts to Show in duplicate patterns
Set up the Information box parameters
Select Transfer to saw in the usual way for transfer
Files created for label printing - During transfer to saw three file types are created in fixed subdirectories below the 'Path for saw data' (the program creates these if they do not already exist). Job list (one per run) - Filename: <run number>.dbf. Location: <path for saw data>\DIST. e.g. C:\NPS400\DIST\00001.dbf. This file contains a list of program files for the run together with pattern run quantities and book heights. Pieces database (one per run). Filename: <run number>.dbf. Location: <path for saw data>\PEZZI. e.g. C:\NPS400\PEZZI\00001.dbf. This file contains labelling information for parts produced by the run. Program files (one per pattern) - Filename: <run number><pattern number>. Location: <path for saw data>\NPSPRG. e.g. C:\NPS400\NPSPRG\00001001
The part numbers produced by cutting dimensions are stored against the relevant addresses and this information is transferred to the saw. Where a repeat cut would produce different parts (for example crosscutting multiple strips which produce different parts) the cuts are shown in separate addresses.
Pictures on labels - If there is a machining picture or a drawing picture this is printed otherwise the program attempts to print a BMP file based on the part code and finally a WMF file. (For example, a part code of 'TEST5' would have a TEST5.BMP file or a TEST5.WMF file). If the part code is in the part library and has a drawing name associated with it the drawing name is used instead. The WMF files must be located in the 'Path for library data'. When runs are transferred to the saw WMF/BMP files for parts in the run are extracted and passed in a single file to the LABELDAT directory below the 'Path for saw data'.
Cuts which produce more than five part types - The program format limits the number of unique parts produced by each cut to five. When cutting duplicate stacks it is easy to exceed this limit resulting in unlabelled parts. So each pattern must consist either of a single cycle or each cycle has the same book height. Runs produced by the optimiser obey this rule but imported or amended runs may cause a problem. There is an additional record called #LABEL which contains 5 x part number and quantity. If the part number in the main #CUT record is -1 this means that the cut produces more than one part type and the details are listed in the corresponding #LABEL record.
Label design - if you are using the Optimising program label design facilities there are special templates for use with the Homag Sawtech saws. Export sends a .tlf file to the saw and also exports any required bitmap files. The label parameters have different default values and cannot be edited. There is a group of Edges settings on the parameters dialog which specify whether the edge map is drawn, how thick the lines are drawn and how far in the edge is. If 'visible' is selected, an edge outline will appear on the design screen and preview. This makes it easier to position any other boxes inside the drawing. The edge drawing facility is only available for label design for 'Part lists', 'Cutting Patterns' or 'Saw'
Information box parameters -
Box Name Length
1 Program 9
2 Edge mat1 15
3 Edge thk1 5
4 Edge prg 8
5 Edge mat2 15
6 Edge thk2 5
7 Edge prg2 8
8 Edge mat3 15
9 Edge thk3 5
10 Edge prg3 8
11 Edge mat4 15
12 Edge thk4 5
13 Edge prg4 8
These information boxes must be set on a part-by-part basis when entering part lists.
Drawings from the drawing library on Homag Sawtech labels - For these drawings to appear on a label you must the Saw transfer parameter: Transfer part drawings set.
