Controlling how machining instructions are processed
The sequence in which machining operations are processed is controlled by the Tool sequence parameters. Use these to specify which machining instructions are processed first and which are grouped together etc.
To set the tool sequence parameters, at the main screen:-
● Select: Parameters - Tool Sequence parameters
There can be more than one set of tool sequence parameters, if required. Each set is stored in a separate file, e.g. ToolSeq-1, ToolSeqRX ...
- Set the Tool sequence parameter file to use at the Machining centre transfer parameters screen. A file can be set for each transfer type as required.
On transfer to the machining centre the program automatically optimises the machining sequence.
In general the tool optimisation follows the sequence set in the tool sequence parameters and attempts to minimise the distance travelled by the machining tools within each step.
Notes
- If no file is specified or the file is empty no machining optimisation is done
- Tool sequencing (via the Tool sequence parameters) is not available if the System parameter: Use project manager is checked. If the 'Project manager' option is in use - the tool optimisation is dealt with by the 'Project manager' program for Nested patterns.
- Where Tool sequencing (via the Tool sequence parameters) is used for nested patterns - the sequence applies to the parts in the Nested pattern drawings. It is not applied to the separate drawings for each part in the cutting list (these drawings are typically not used for machining but are used to control labelling and other processes).
- Tool sequencing (via the Tool sequence parameters) applies to the part drawings produced for non nested optimising.
- Tool optimisation (via the Tool sequence parameters) is NOT available for MPR(X) based part drawings.
- If there is machining on the back and it is set to be transferred, then the all the machining on the front will be sequenced as a group together and all the machining on the back will be sequenced as a group together.
