Abstract: An apparatus and a method for tuning control parameters are disclosed. The apparatus includes a parameter database, a user interface, a processing unit and a control unit. The parameter database stores several control parameter sets, which are classified into several data groups respectively corresponding to several total machining points. The user interface is for selecting one of the total machining points, and distributing the selected total machining point to at least one machining item to generate distribution data of points. The user interface is further for inputting embryo data. The processing unit selects one of the control parameter sets corresponding to the distribution data of points and the embryo data from the parameter database. The control unit controls a machine tool according to the corresponding one of the control parameter sets.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for monitoring manufacturing equipment and, more particularly, for monitoring manufacturing equipment in a semiconductor fabrication facility using existing tool elements. The method includes operating a tool working at an operating mode such that at least one of its control parameters is outside of a normal operating range, and measuring the at least on of the control parameters of the tool working at the operating mode outside of the normal operating range. The method further includes detecting a change to a condition of the tool based on the measuring of the at least one control parameter.

Abstract: A control system for a modular reconfigurable numerically controlled machine comprising at least one memory storage device associated with each of a plurality of detachable modular components to store kinematic and connection information about the modular component. The information in the memory storage devices is read and processed by a main processing unit when the modular component is attached to a primary structure of the numerically controlled machine. The control system further comprises a plurality of component actuators, which receive control signals from the main processing unit, to actuate the modular components attached to the numerically controlled machine. A hardware component connector may provide at least one of a physical, electrical, communications, and pneumatic connection between the primary structure of the numerically controlled machine and the modular components.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing machine tools are provided. When a current abnormality occurs in one of at least one machine tool, a specific failure category is determined according to the current abnormality, and at least one suggested combination of parameters is generated according to the specific failure category and a transaction database, wherein the specific failure category is one of a plurality of predefined failure categories, and each suggested combination of parameters includes a plurality of associated parameters, which are commonly retrieved for the specific failure category. Each transaction data in the transaction database records a plurality of parameters corresponding to a failure category, wherein the parameters are the parameters whose parameter values are retrieved from the at least one machine tool, having the abnormality according to the failure category.

Abstract: A machine tool control system. A machine tool controller is provided to receive commands from an input source and provide control instructions to a machine tool based at least in part on the commands. An operator interface is provided for inputting commands to the controller. The interface includes a display screen having images of individual command functions, the images being selectable on the screen to place into a sequence of command functions selected by an operator. A sequence generator indicates sequential ordering of the command functions represented by the sequence of images on the screen, such that a sequence of images on the screen selected by the operator is translated by the operator controller sequence generator into a sequence of commands to be inputted into the controller. The operator interface may include one or more images each representing a plurality of individual command functions in a defined sequence.

Abstract: Computer-enabled methods and devices allow for the ready set-up for machine instruction generation by addressing various combinations of machining patterns and tool axis orientations via the selection or designation of a machining pattern and the selection or designation of a tool axis orientation via exemplary separate menus of a user interface.

Abstract: The PLC according to this invention includes I/O modules, a CPU module, an input/output bus, and a PC having a display. The CPU module includes a control program storage unit which previously stores an intrinsic control program in which operation processing and an input/output information item are packaged; a library which previously stores the function block representing the operation processing; and a header file which previously stores equivalent input/output information equivalently representing the input/output information by a graphical language. Referring to the library and header file, PC causes the execution program created and stored in the main storage unit to be displayed on the display by the function block and equivalent input/output information item.

Abstract: A method for optimizing machining parameters for a cutting process performed on a work piece. Finite element analysis of cutting tool and work material interaction is initially performed. Mechanistic modeling of the cutting process, using results of the finite element analysis, is then performed to provide optimized machining parameters for improved rate of material removal and tool life. Optionally, a two-stage artificial neural network may be supplementally employed, wherein a first stage of the network provides output parameters including peak tool temperature and cutting forces in X and Y directions, for a combination of input reference parameters including tool rake angle, material cutting speed, and feed rate.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a multi-phase rock drilling event carried out with a rock drilling rig. In a display of the rock drilling rig or a control unit thereof, a first section is settable for substantially invariable information sources and a second section for information sources to be changed according to the rock drilling situation. Further, a situation-specific rock drilling definition is set in the control apparatus about at least one information source, information relating to which is to be displayed during the rock drilling situation. The working phase of the rock drilling event is checked, and an information source suitable for the phase is selected on the basis of the definition. Information relating to the at least one selected information source is displayed in the display part during execution of the rock drilling phase.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a motion control system for a machine tool system wherein a value of a surface finish quality parameter of the motion control system is adjusted to control the surface finish of a part machined with the machine tool system. The machine tool system may include a conversational mode of operation and a NC mode of operation.

Abstract: A method and system for designing a probe card from data provided by prospective customers via the Internet is provided. Design specifications are entered into the system by prospective customers and compiled into a database. The collective feasibility of each set of design specifications is determined by an automated computer system and communicated to the prospective customer. If feasible, additional software enables prospective customers to create verification packages according to their respective design specifications. These verification packages further consist of drawing files visually describing the final design and verification files confirming wafer bonding pad data. Verification packages are reviewed and forwarded to an applications engineer after customer approval. An interactive simulation of probe card performance is also provided.

Abstract: A graphical user interface, implemented in a standard system management environment, accepts selections of logical instruction steps that are external to the standard system management environment. The logical instruction steps may include process steps, specify chemical formulae, or identify other components of master recipes that control drug manufacture or dispensing, as examples. The external logical instruction steps are introduced into the standard system management environment and approved. The standard system management environment subsequently controls the drug manufacturing or dispensing processes according to the external logical instruction steps.

Abstract: Machine-tool controller (1) having: a drive control unit (13) controlling, based on moving-body operational commands, feed-mechanism actuation to control moving-body move-to points; a modeling data storage (15) storing moving-body and structural-element modeling data; and a screen display processor (20) for generating, based on the moving-body move-to points, data modeling the moving body having been moved into a move-to point, and for generating, and displaying on a screen display device (47) screen, image data in accordance with the modeling data generated. The screen display processor (20) generates and displays the image data in such a manner that a display-directing point, serving as a referent for displaying the moving body and being defined to be on that portion of the moving body where there is a risk of interference with the structural element, coincides with the central portion of the screen display device (47) screen.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting a machined surface. The method includes acquiring optical information of the machined surface from a predefined orientation. Further, the method includes comparing one or more parameters of the optical information with a corresponding one or more reference parameters. Furthermore, the method includes assessing a quality of the machined surface based on the comparison.

Abstract: Computer-enabled methods and devices allow for the ready set-up for machine instruction generation by addressing various combinations of machining patterns and tool axis orientations via the selection or designation of a machining pattern and the selection or designation of a tool axis orientation via exemplary separate menus of a user interface.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing a memorial. The method providing a blank pattern in a memorial design and collaboration system having a specified shape and size and building a memorial preview thereon, then sending the memorial preview to a host computer. The host computer routes the memorial preview as a stored file to a manufacturer for projecting, onto a three-dimensional solid in the shape of said blank pattern, an image of said memorial preview. The method further includes creating a pattern by placing objects in the form of letters, emblems or numbers on the three-dimensional solid in connection with the projection, and creating a mold in connection with the pattern, and filling said mold and baking the filled mold.

Abstract: A numerically controlling apparatus is provided in which the automatic operation of a machine tool can be stopped at a desired block and yet at plurality of desired blocks without changing NC programs. In this numerically controlling apparatus, an operator performs a change into the “EDIT” mode with a mode selecting switch on a keyboard 18 and makes the cursor shifted up to the block, at which the automatic operation is desired to be stopped, with the keyboard 18, in the state where the NC program for setting stop points is displayed in the image 20. By pushing the “SET STOP POINT” key 24A provided in the key display area 24, the stop point 25 indicated with a “red circle” is set ahead of the block. When, in the course of the automatic operation of the machine tool, the action due to the command of the block, for which the stop points 25 is set, has been completed, the automatic operation of the machine tool becomes stopped.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating panel arrangement, in particular for domestic appliances such as washing machines and tumble dryers. An operating panel has formed on its outside actuating sections and display sections for operating or monitoring purposes. An electrical circuit arrangement is coupled to the actuating sections and the display sections and is arranged in the region of the inside of the operating panel. In this case, the circuit arrangement has at least three electrodes, which are arranged in a manner distributed approximately parallel to the operating panel. The circuit arrangement has evaluation means which are designed to calculate the spatial position of an operating means in relation to the position of the three electrodes, to be precise by evaluating the fields between the electrodes and the operator. The actuating sections can be freely defined as positions of the operating means in the region of the outside of the operating panel.

Abstract: A CNC machine tool deflection compensation system intergrated in a CNC machine tool Controller for providing continuous, accurate, real-time compensation for unintended and/or undesired axis coordinate deflections from a preprogrammed path of tool movement in a coordinate plane, so as to ensure that the tool remains on its programmed path irrespective of such deflections capable of continuously detecting, in real-time, the presence, magnitude an rate of change of such undesired deflections and simulataneoulsy genereating instrtuctions to initiate equal and opposite deflections at the same rate of change, thereby ensuring that the tool remains on its preprogrammed path irrespective of the inherently occuring undesired deflection and/or the precipitating causes(s) thereof. The algorithms empolyed provide for automatic gouge avoidance protection and/or relocation of the tool to safe positions when necessary.

Abstract: In a two-step processing mode in which a cup for attaching a lens to a chuck axis is changed from a large diameter cup to a small diameter cup on the way of processing, a roughing path data computing unit for computing first roughing path data larger than the target lens shape data by a predetermined finishing margin, and second roughing path data having a radius vector larger by at least ?a than at least radius vector data of the large diameter cup; and a processing controller for roughing the peripheral edge of the lens based on the second roughing path data in response to a processing start signal, thereafter stopping the processing and further resuming the processing. The processing controller performs, when a processing resuming signal is inputted, processing control of either roughing and finishing, or finishing without roughing.

Abstract: A method and system for automating the layout of perforation patterns is described. An embodiment of the invention includes an innovative software application running on a computer, which application allows a perforation designer to select lines or arcs that comprise edges of a building panel. The application determines a starting hole spacing based on the average distance through the geometric center of the panel, and a default perforation pattern is laid out on a computer aided drawing. The application provides the user with detailed information about the perforation layout such as number of perforations, panel area, and percentage of open area. The application further allows the user to change any parameter such as hole size, hole spacing, hole shape, and edge spacing. After any user adjustment of the parameters, the application automatically updates the perforation pattern.

Abstract: A power tool has a drive unit arranged in a tool housing. The drive unit has an internal combustion engine with a cylinder provided with a combustion chamber. A spark plug is arranged at the cylinder. A piston is connected to a crankshaft and reciprocates within the cylinder and delimits the combustion chamber. A central control unit controls the drive unit and has a microprocessor and an ignition control unit, wherein the central control unit is connected by the ignition control unit to the spark plug and triggers a spark at the spark plug as a function of a rotary speed of the crankshaft at an appropriate ignition timing. A data storage device is connected to the central control unit. An energy supply unit provides electric energy. An interface enables, from outside the tool housing, external data access to data of the central control unit.

Abstract: A data collection and viewing application provides a user interface that allows a user to quickly and easily examine a particular batch process or a batch run, to compare separate batch runs and/or to determine whether the particular batch run deviates from a norm, without having to perform a lot of manual data manipulation. To this end, the user interface provides or creates a compact graphical representation of a batch, illustrating a number of different types of batch-related data in relation to one another in a manner that enables a user to easily view or understand the operation of the batch run, either alone or as compared with one or more other batch runs. Moreover, process alarms, alerts, events, as well as other information may be placed in one or more additional layers, and the various layers may be shown together to provide a compact graphical view of the batch.

Abstract: A material processing system includes an apparatus having a processing path. A saw station is located along the processing path. A positioner is configured to push a trailing end of a work piece along the processing path toward the saw station. A computer is connected to the apparatus, and programmed to provide a digital interface allowing an operator to control operation of the apparatus through the interface.

Abstract: An automatic machine for processing articles in the tobacco industry, and relative control method; the automatic machine has a production line along which a number of materials are processed to produce the articles; a number of operating members located along the production line; a control unit for controlling data relating to operation of the automatic machine; and a user interface device connected to the control unit and having a memory device which stores data belonging to the following classes: error messages resulting in automatic stoppage of the automatic machine; report messages; operator-intervention-request messages; production counters; values of analog and digital internal control variables; position/speed signals; format-change requests; end-of-shift requests; and operating parameters of the automatic machine.

Abstract: Disclosed is provided an apparatus and a method for operating a macro command and inputting a macro command, wherein the apparatus including a storing unit storing control signals received from a control device for selecting of a menu item of a host device, a creating unit creating the macro command combined with the control signals, and an executing unit reading the macro command and executing functions corresponding to the respective menu item of the host device according to a combination sequence of the control signals included in the read macro command.

Abstract: Systems and methods to select a tool are provided. In at least one embodiment, a system receives first tool data defining a first tool and requirement data defining a requirement of a process to be performed within a manufacturing facility. The system stores the first tool data in memory. The system automatically determines whether the first tool data satisfies a selected requirement definition and outputs a first representation of the first tool if the first tool data satisfies the selected requirement definition thereby enabling a user to select the tool.

Abstract: A setup information generating device for a punch press which can generate setup information on replacement of a punch and a die with compatible tools, that is, replacement among punches and dies identified by the same tool number and used for processing for the same shape and the same size and which can also generate setup information according to processing know-how or the like. The device has a setup information generating device 48 for comparing a processing schedule with tool numbers in a mounted tool information storage device 45 to generate setup information. The device has a compatible tool registering device 38 for registering processing conditions such as material quality and board thickness and information on which of plural types of punches 81 and dies 82 identified by the same tool number are compatible as a punch 81 and a die 82 which meet the processing conditions are registered in accordance with inputs from an operation panel 46.

Abstract: A computerized method for aiding a user in selecting a proper power source for a welding, heating, or cutting application is provided. The user is prompted to provide data about the process type, power source type, and materials used in the application, and is provided with data regarding typical applications and skill levels required for various applications. By applying the process information provided and providing data prompted by the computer system, the user is guided to select an appropriate power source for the user's application and general requirements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool, wherein the machine (1) comprises a control device (18) for controlling the movement of machine axes (3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9) of the machine (1), the machine (1) comprising an operating device (11) having a longitudinal axis (12), wherein the device can be held by a person, wherein the spatial orientation of the longitudinal axis (12) is determined, wherein the movement of at least one machine axis is controlled by the control device (18) such that the spatial orientation of a tool (7) or of a work piece (2) substantially agrees with the spatial orientation of the longitudinal axis (12) of the control device (11). The invention enables easy alignment of a tool (7) and/or of a work piece (2) in a machine tool (1).

Abstract: A method and a computer program for producing a parts program are disclosed. The parts program includes control instructions which enable a control device of a machine tool to control movements of a tool, with the steps of reading in movement information relating to movements and machining operations to be performed by the tool, reading in availability information which identifies control subprograms available in the control device for predetermined machining operations to be performed by the tool and, if a control subprogram associated with a predetermined machining operation is available in the control device, generating a control instruction for the parts program from the available control subprograms and the movement information in form of a call for the control subprogram associated with the machining operation. Production of a parts program for a machine tool is thereby simplified.

Abstract: A drilling system includes a controller, a human-machine interface, and a drilling device. The controller stores a drilling procedure and a startup mode module for the drilling procedure, and generates an information list which includes location information and corresponding procedure line number for each hole. The human-machine interface is configured for selecting the startup mode module for the drilling procedure, and for inputting a query information corresponding to the selected startup mode module. The controller invokes the corresponding procedure line according to the inputted query information to restart the drilling process to enable the drilling device to return to work.

Abstract: The invention concerns an industrial robot (4) comprising a machining tool (2) attached to one hand (3) of the robot, designed to perform a hydraulic-driven movement relative to the hand (3) and connected therefor to a hydraulic unit (10). The hydraulic unit (10) is placed directly on a mobile part of the robot, in particular directly on the robot hand (3). Therefore there is no more need for hydraulic supply lines along the arm of the robot. Further, when the robot hand (3) changes tool, no separation of hydraulic lines is required. The machining tool (2) is in particular a device for placing blind rivets, thereby enabling an entirely automated process for placing blind rivets.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing a drawing specification for motion control. A plurality of elements in the drawing specification may be automatically identified. The elements may include one or more lines, polygons, arcs, splines, alphanumeric characters, and/or ellipses. Additionally, the drawing specification may be a drawing or digital drafting file, such as an AutoCAD file, among others. An order of the plurality of elements may be automatically determined according to a sorting algorithm. The sorting algorithm may include a geometric and/or radial sorting algorithm. The radial sorting algorithm may specify the order of the elements according to nesting and/or distance from the center of the drawing specification. Code may be automatically generated for implementing motion control based on the identified elements and the determined order. The generated code may include inserted operations such as raise, lower, and move operations, among others.

Abstract: A system having a server having processing circuitry and an operation manager configured to compare source geometric data of each of a plurality of features in a source geometric model with target geometric data of respective features in a target geometric model, and operative to identify discrepancies in respective features therebetween. The server is configured to rectify discrepancies in a feature after generating the feature and prior to generating another feature among the plurality of features. The system further includes a communication link, at least one client communicating with the server over the communication link, and an interrupt interface provided by one of the at least one client and the server and operative to notify a user of the presence of an inability to automatically generate an accurate representation of a feature of the source geometric model in the target geometric model.

Abstract: A method of controlling a machine tool and other controlled devices, as well as a programmable numerical control (PNC) system, are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the method of controlling includes receiving a first part program at a programmable logic controller (PLC), and storing the first part program in a string array library of a memory portion of the PLC. The method further includes communicating information between the PLC and an operator interface regarding the first part program, and providing a first signal from the PLC to a first port so as to cause the first machine tool to be operated in accordance with the first part program. Also, in at least some embodiments, the PNC system allows for control of multiple machine tools and/or other controlled devices, by way of one or more part programs, and/or for editing of a part program while that program is being executed.

Abstract: A graphical programming system allows a user to place geometric shapes onto a scaled image, the shape having associated behavior that operates on the image or on the object of which the image is formed. In a preferred embodiment, the shapes are objects in the Visio program by Microsoft Corporation. The shapes are dragged from a stencil onto an image provided by ion beam or electron microscope image. The shape invokes software or hardware to locate and measure features on the image or to perform operations, such as ion beam milling, on the object that is imaged.

Abstract: A user interface of a machine tool includes a display that is divided into at least a first display region and a second display region. The first display region permanently displays a main menu, and the main menu includes a menu bar that provides a selection of different main modes of the user interface. Each main mode is associated with a main window that is opened in the second display region when a main mode is selected in the main menu. At least one of the main windows includes a permanently displayed submenu that provides selection of different submodes, with each submode being associated with a subwindow that is opened when an associated submode is selected. One or more of the main windows and the subwindows include input fields. The user interface also includes an input unit for selecting the individual modes and for processing the input fields provided in a window. The display permanently displays which one of the main modes is selected.

Abstract: A system for remotely monitoring one or more machine tool systems is disclosed. The system may monitor a plurality of machine tool systems which are associated with different customers and at a plurality of facilities. A remote user may access information regarding the machine tool system through a user interface and specific that notifications be sent upon the occurrence of various conditions. A system for updating software of a machine tool system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An operating device for operating a machine tool has a touch-sensitive contact area and is constructed to generate in response to a contact by an element upon the contact area over a length an output signal in correspondence to the length for controlling a movement of a machine element in a direction of an axis of the machine tool. The operating device is insensitive to particles of dirt, liquids and/or gases which surround the operating device.

Abstract: A manual pulse generator (1) attached to the control panel of a machine tool made up of: a spindle mechanism for holding a tool; a workpiece mounting mechanism; a feed mechanism for moving the spindle mechanism relative to the workpiece mounting mechanism along three orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis paths, a control device for controlling the feed mechanism, a control panel having control keys and a keyboard for inputting various types of data to the control device, and a display for displaying on a screen control state resulting from the control device. The manual pulse generator (1) is provided with a control section (11) for inputting a pulse signal to the control device, and a light-emitting diode (15) for illumination, which is provided on an upper surface thereof to emit light upwardly, and which lights only when a pulse signal can be input to the control device.

Abstract: A power tool system and method of using the same is provided. The system can include a programmable microprocessor device including at least one input mechanism, and a memory having instructions and/or other information. The system can also include a display; at least one power tool having at least one sensor operable for monitoring a parameter associated with operation of the power tool. The system can further include a communications device connectable in signal communication with both the programmable microprocessor device and the at least one sensor and program instructions. The method can include the steps of (i) using stored program instructions to generate power tool related information on at least one display and (ii) collecting power tool related data using a programmable microprocessor.

Abstract: There is described a method for electronically operating a machine tool which comprises an electronic machine tool control and is positioned on a working place. Said machine tool is connected, through a data connection, to a server platform which is independent of the working place and on which software model algorithms run for simulating the machine tool behavior. For this purpose, said algorithms effect back the machine behavior in such a way that when process data items available through the data connection are deviated, process data items modified by calculated set values are transmitted through the data switch to the machine tool control and are used thereby. The machine tool control is carried out in sections, i.e. the section(s) are meaningfully considered on the basis of the software models of the machine tool behavior remotely from the software platform.

Abstract: A cut optimization system controls chatter in a machine tool during a cutting operation. A microphone is configured to capture acoustic noise emitted by the machine tool during the cutting operation and to generate an AC signal corresponding to the captured acoustic noise. A filter is configured to attenuate frequencies of the AC signal outside of a frequency band and a rectifier is configured to rectify the filtered AC signal into a DC component. A controller is configured to compare the DC component with a threshold value and, if the DC component is greater than the threshold, cyclically vary the rotational speed of a spindle in the machine tool from a commanded speed.

Abstract: A method and system for designing a probe card from data provided by prospective customers via the Internet is provided. Design specifications are entered into the system by prospective customers and compiled into a database. The collective feasibility of each set of design specifications is determined by an automated computer system and communicated to the prospective customer. If feasible, additional software enables prospective customers to create verification packages according to their respective design specifications. These verification packages further consist of drawing files visually describing the final design and verification files confirming wafer bonding pad data. Verification packages are reviewed and forwarded to an applications engineer after customer approval. An interactive simulation of probe card performance is also provided.

Abstract: A numerical control apparatus 101 includes: a machining-condition storage device 104 that stores in a storage device 107 machining conditions including a tool number, a servo-axis feed-speed instruction value, and a main-axis rotation-number instruction value, and override values of a servo axis and a main axis that are specified through an override switch; a machining-condition monitoring unit (a machining-condition checking unit 114) that monitors whether the machining conditions are in a same combination in a machining block, and outputs a machining condition changing signal when the machining conditions are in the same combination; and a controller (an interpolation processor 115) that multiplies and executes the override values stored in the storage device 107 to the servo-axis feed-speed instruction value and the main-axis rotation-number instruction value to be executed, based on a machining condition changing signal output from the machining-condition checking unit 114.

Abstract: A system and method for providing tool operators in a manufacturing environment with clear and accurate tooling information increases tool operators' efficiency and reduces possibilities of errors. An output device and an input device are coupled to a processor. A tool operator enters a product option and a line number in the input device. The processor automatically selects a previously-defined build plan based on the entered information. The processor outputs the selected build plan to the output device. The outputted build plan includes tool information based on the entered product option and line number. The system communicates with a manufacturing system and a tool design system over a network. Build plans with product option and line number information are created at the manufacturing system, and the tool design system associates tools with the product option and line number information.

Abstract: A method for optimizing measurement and control of the flatness of a strip of rolled material. A mapping is accomplished by associating to relevant flatness fault types a reference strip model and an actuator space conversion matrix. A device for optimizing measurement and control of the flatness of a strip of rolled material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for optimizing the machining process in a machine (1), wherein a control program (10) having a machining block (11a,11b,11c) controls the machining process, wherein an item of process information which arises during execution of the machining block (11a,11b,11c) is stored in a manner related to the machining block. Furthermore, the invention relates to a control device (2) for controlling a machine (1), wherein the control device (2) is designed in such a manner that it uses a control program (10) having a machining block (11a,11b,11c) to control the machining process, wherein an item of process information which arises during execution of the machining block (11a,11b,11c) is stored in a manner related to the machining block. The invention thus provides a simple possible way of optimizing the machining process in a machine.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating three-dimensional design lasts for footwear include: (a) generating a three-dimensional last structure on the computer display (e.g., having the appearance of a conventional footwear last structure); (b) receiving user input indicating offset values for various zones of the last structure, wherein the user input indicates offset values for one or more of: a toe region, a heel region, an ankle region, a forefoot region, and/or an instep region; and (c) generating a three-dimensional design last for the footwear on the computer based on the three-dimensional last structure and the user input indicating the desired offset values. The three-dimensional design last may constitute a modified version of the three-dimensional last structure that has an increased thickness to simulate a desired thickness of an upper material placed on the last structure and/or to more closely simulate an appearance of an actual footwear upper.