Abstract: A processing program preparing apparatus for a numerically controlled punch press includes a processing intention data generator for generating, on the basis of product shape data, processing intention data for specifying a processing region to be processed to manufacture a product. The processing program preparing apparatus also includes a tool data adding section for adding, to the processing intention data, data for specifying a punch and a die to be used to process the processing region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sizing window coverings slidably extendable from a bay into an aisle of a retail outlet. The method includes the steps of locating the center of the window covering relative to a cutting station utilizing a half scale for removing a portion of the window covering from each of its ends.

Abstract: A shaping machine system is presented. The shaping machine system includes a shaping device including at least one jig mount body for mounting a jig for supporting a workpiece, a shaping tool support body for supporting a shaping tool for shaping the workpiece, a first drive device for rotating the shaping tool, and a second drive device for driving at least one of the shaping tool support body, the jig mount body, or to change a posture of the shaping tool relative to the workpiece. The shaping machine system also includes a computer including an input unit for receiving a jig selection, a shaping tool selection, a shape data reading unit for reading shape data representing a shape of the workpiece after shaping, a shaping data producing unit for producing shaping data for controlling the first and the second drive devices.

Abstract: A numerical control apparatus can perform a machining simulation or an interference check that reflects worksite information. However, a machining simulation apparatus cannot use worksite information in a machining simulation or an interference check. Thus, simulation conditions of the machining simulation apparatus are different from those of the numerical control apparatus. To solve this problem, a machining simulation apparatus and a numerical control apparatus according to the present invention can communicate with each other via a communication unit or a storage medium so as to mutually transmit and receive data. The machining simulation apparatus includes a network transmission/reception control unit or an external memory reading/writing unit. Similarly, the numerical control apparatus includes a network transmission/reception control unit or an external memory reading/writing unit.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus includes a cutting tool program control module configured for controlling a number of cutting tools to cut an element. The cutting tool program control module includes a cutting tool program storing unit, a cutting tool program selecting unit, and a cutting tool program executing unit. The cutting tool program storing unit stores a number of cutting tool programs for controlling the number of cutting tools accordingly. The cutting tool program selecting unit selects one or more cutting tool programs and stores corresponding selecting information according to the selected cutting tool programs. The cutting tool program executing unit executes the selected cutting tool programs according to the selecting information stored in the cutting tool program selecting unit.

Abstract: A numerical control device includes a storage unit that stores therein attached tool information; a creating unit that creates, in controlling a processing device by using a processing program, tool-use-information; a comparing unit that compares, before controlling the processing device by using the processing program, the tool-use-information with the attached tool information, and extracts difference in the tool and the tool holder as differential information; and a setup-instruction creating unit creates setup-instruction information for instructing a setup operation for attaching a tool to a tool holder of the processing device based on the differential information, and outputs the setup-instruction information to an external device.

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: To generate course head assignments for a multihead composite material application machine having a set of heads, a set of paths for a ply for a composite part is received and it is determined whether each path of the set of paths complies with a head characteristic for the set of heads. In addition, a special head of the set of heads is assigned to a non-standard path of the set of paths in response to determining the non-standard path does not comply with the head characteristic and ones of the set of heads are assigned to corresponding ones of the set of paths in response to the ones of the set of paths being in compliance with the head characteristics. Furthermore, a constellation of head locations is calculated in response to the set of paths being in compliance with the head characteristic and the set of heads are assigned to the constellation of head locations in response to calculating the constellation of head locations.

Abstract: A robot tool for machining workpieces, includes a connecting element for connection to a robot. A cutting blade is maintained in a predetermined position by a retaining element, the retaining element being connectible to the robot by a connecting element.

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: A method for forecasting batch end conditions through their depiction as a multi-dimensional regions of uncertainty is disclosed. A visualization of the current condition of a continuous process and visualization of the simulated effect of user control moves are generated for a user. Volume visualization tools for viewing and querying intersecting solids in 3-dimensional space are utilized to perform the process visualization. Interactive tools for slicing multi-dimensional (>3) regions and drawing superimposed projections in 3-D space are provided. Additionally, graphical manipulation of the views of process conditions is accomplished by changing the hypothetical future values of contributing variables online in order to provide users the ability to simulate the effect of proposed control actions.

Abstract: A tool stocker includes main stockers for holding a plurality of tools detachably mounted on a main spindle for machining a workpiece, an auxiliary stocker for holding and transferring tools to and from the main stockers, and a tool transfer mechanism for transferring tools between the main stockers and the auxiliary stocker. The auxiliary stocker includes a plurality of tool pods for removably supporting the tools therein, a rail in sliding engagement with outer surfaces of the tool pods, a chain for moving the tool pods in sliding engagement with the rail, and a motor for actuating the chain. The rail has a recess defined therein in alignment with the tool transfer mechanism, such that the tools transferred by the tool transfer mechanism pass through the recess.

Abstract: A method for controlling the loading and unloading of machine tools where the tools from a magazine are first taken over into an intermediate storage station or provision area and from there are supplied to the machine tool. The tools are inserted into the machine tool using a changing apparatus for transfer to the machine tool. The magazine and the machine tool are each provided with a CNC controller and a PLC controller, and these components are adjusted by means of a separate controller. The magazine and the machine tool can each be provided with a separate CNC controller and PLC controller or a common CNC controller and PLC controller. Multichannel controllers, preferably dual-channel controllers, can also be used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for scheduling a plurality of processing tools. The method comprises providing a first processing tool and a plurality of second processing tools, selecting one of the plurality of second processing tools, and determining a target output parameter of a combination of processing tools comprising said first processing tool and said selected one of the plurality of second processing tools. The method also includes determining at least one input parameter of a process model for controlling the first processing tool based upon the target output parameter of the combination of processing tools.

Abstract: A method includes removing material from a die and thereby changing a location of a cutting edge of the die in a punch entry direction and changing a cutting edge cross-section of the die; and assigning a punch and/or a workpiece thickness to the die based, at least in part, on the change in the cutting edge cross-section of the die.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for tool use management wherein a CNC machine retains information identifying the tools associated with the machine as well as their current locations (if any), and executes an algorithm for determining the source tools needed by a part program and matching the source tools with the available tools.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a machining parameter optimizing apparatus deciding a tool axis attitude and a machining zone and deciding a tooling having high stiffness for any profile of a finished workpiece. A tool axis attitude deciding member 21 decides one or plural tool axis attitude. An interference dangerous zone deciding member 23 decides as an interference dangerous zone a zone possible to interfere between a tool or a tool holder and a workpiece during machining by the decided tool axis attitude. A machining simulation member 25 executes a machining simulation based on the interference dangerous zone by the decided tool axis attitude and generates the virtual tool holder in which there is no any interference, and also decides a machining zone in a way of avoiding the interference dangerous zone.

Abstract: A mobile station for an unmanned vehicle comprises a vehicular storage area for storing a vehicle during transit or at rest. A first wireless transceiver communicates a status or command between the vehicle and the mobile station during at least one of vehicular deployment and rest. A station controller manages a management plan of the vehicle comprising at least one of retooling the vehicle, loading a payload on the vehicle, and recharging or refueling of the vehicle.

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: Plural combined processing machines perform various processes to workpieces W. The combined processing machines are arranged in a processing line according to a volume of products of the workpieces, operating time of the combined processing machines and a tact time to complete processing one of the workpieces. Each combined processing machine is determined to share one or more processes according to the volume of the products, the operating time and the tact time. The workpieces are transferred among the combined processing machines to be processed.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for real-time measurement of tool forces. A relationship between a sensor characteristic and tool forces is determined by directly measuring tool forces for a standard tool, work piece, and part program. The sensor characteristic for a CNC machine at the user facility is then measured for the standard tool, work piece, and part program, providing a relationship between the sensor characteristic at the user facility and tool forces. If the sensor is not conveniently attached to the work piece or the part program is not sufficiently robust in cutting conditions, the work piece and part program are replaced by a sacrificial work piece and sacrificial part program. The sacrificial work piece and sacrificial part program are selected to accommodate the sensors and to provide sufficient robustness in cutting conditions to accurately determine the process model parameters for the sacrificial work piece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for machining a workpiece 1 by means of a rotating tool 2 provided with at least one cutting edge 3, in which method the machining operation is interrupted at predetermined time intervals, the tool 2 is moved away from the workpiece 1, and a wear measurement is subsequently carried out on the tool 2, characterized in that after the wear measurement the tool 2 is returned at least into the feed position assumed by it before the interruption and the machining operation is continued, and that subsequently within a period of time the tool is continuously fed for compensating the wear measured.

Abstract: A tool selection method, for a machine tool, comprising the steps of identifying the maximum tip distance (D2) of a currently selected tool (141), a next designated tool (142) and an intermediate tool (143) disposed therebetween; moving a tool rest (10) in the +(plus)X-axis direction after a machining by the currently selected tool (141) is completed until the tip of the currently selected tool (141) is spaced from a workpiece (W) along the X-axis by a distance provided by adding a clearance distance (E) to a difference between the maximum tip distance (D2) and the tip distance (D3) of the currently selected tool (141); moving the tool rest (10) in the +(plus)Y-axis direction until the tip of the next designated tool (142) is aligned with the rotation center axis (12a) of the workpiece (W) in the X-axis direction; and moving the tool rest (10) in the ?(minus)X-axis direction.

Abstract: A tool selection method, for a machine tool, comprising the steps of identifying the maximum tip distance (D2) of a currently selected tool (141), a next designated tool (142) and an intermediate tool (143) disposed therebetween; moving a tool rest (10) in the +(plus)X-axis direction after a machining by the currently selected tool (141) is completed until the tip of the currently selected tool (141) is spaced from a workpiece (W) along the X-axis by a distance provided by adding a clearance distance (E) to a difference between the maximum tip distance (D2) and the tip distance (D3) of the currently selected tool (141); moving the tool rest (10) in the +(plus)Y-axis direction until the tip of the next designated tool (142) is aligned with the rotation center axis (12a) of the workpiece (W) in the X-axis direction; and moving the tool rest (10) in the ?(minus)X-axis direction.

Abstract: A process planning apparatus extracts a region to be machined based on the difference of the shape data before and after machining of the workpiece, replaces the extracted region into combinations of the predetermined machining features, allocates a predetermined fixed cycle to each of the replaced machining features, and applies an assessment function relating to a machining time and a life of the end mill to each of the combinations of the machining features to which the fixed cycles are respectively allocated, thereby selecting a group of the fixed cycles which makes an assessment value obtained by the assessment function optimum as the optimal process. By these steps, it becomes possible to design the process for causing the NC machine employing end mills as a cutting tool to perform a predetermined machining of a workpiece without relying on the experience of the designer, and without necessitating complicated work.

Abstract: The present invention provides a setup information display device for a processing machine which enables required setup information to be easily displayed. The present invention is applied to a multi-turret type punch press or the like. A setup information display device is used for a processing machine 1 in which a plurality of tools 7 can be installed. The device includes information generating means 48 for generating setup information on the basis of a processing schedule SH and information on the tools 7 installed in the processing machine 1. The device also includes display information generating means 71 for generating information to be displayed in an information display section 47a of a display device 47. The display information generating means 71 generates, in the information display section 47a, a setup information display 81 that shows the setup information and a guide display 82 that prompts an operator to perform an operation required to show the setup information display 81.

Abstract: A first machining-program creating unit creates a machining program for a two-spindle machine, including machining programs for a first process performed by using a first main spindle and a second process performed by using a sub-spindle. A second machining-program creating unit creates a machining program for a one-spindle machine, including machining programs for a third process and a fourth process performed by using a second main spindle. A selecting unit determines a type of a machine to use, and selects either one of the first machining-program creating unit and the second machining-program creating unit to start, based on the determined type of the machine.

Abstract: A combined processing machine 1 includes a workpiece supporter 100, a tool spindle unit 200, at least one tool 501a and a linkage 300 with multi-degrees of freedom. A workpiece W is set on the workpiece supporter 100. The tool 501a is attached to the tool spindle unit 200. The tool spindle unit 200 is mounted on the linkage 300. The linkage 300 is position and attitude-controlled in order to process the workpiece W.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed to optimize punching instructions. An example method disclosed herein obtains a tool bed layout, the tool bed including a description of a plurality of tool punch parts, each tool punch part further including tool definition information; obtains a component layout, the component including a description of a component having at least one feature requiring a punching operation; validates the component layout; advances the component to a position of optimum depth; determines a hit score at the position of optimum depth; and repeats the component advancing and the hit score determination until all of the at least one feature of the component is assigned to a tool punch part.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for determining matching of a tool set in a production process are disclosed. According to an embodiment, a method for determining matching of a tool set in a production process comprises: selecting a measurement step within the production process, a subset of tools of the tool set being used in the measurement step; collecting production data for each tool of the subset, the production data being related to a process feeder tool; generating a weighted average of the production data for each tool of the subset; and analyzing weighted averages of all tools of the subset using a matching standard to determine matching of the subset.

Abstract: Systems and methods to select a location to perform a process are provided. In at least one embodiment, a system receives tool data defining a tool including its location within a manufacturing facility and process data defining a process for assembling at least a portion of a vehicle. The system stores the tool data in memory. The system automatically determines whether the tool data satisfies a selected process definition. The system outputs a representation of the tool's location along a first axis, a representation of the process along a second axis, and a representation relative to the first axis and the second axis indicating that the tool satisfies the process if the tool data satisfies the process definition thereby enabling a user to select a location to perform the process.

Abstract: A tool changer includes a tool attachment mechanism and a changer electronics module. The changer electronics module implements a tool changer node on a device network for the tool changer and a tool plate node on the device network for a tool plate of an automated tool that may be latched to the tool changer.

Abstract: It is determined whether a power tool is suitable for a work description for which the power tool is used or not, and when it is not suitable for the work description, a suitable power tool is selected and presented to a user. The power tool has a memory, and data concerning a work record is stored in the memory. When the power tool is connected to an assist apparatus installed in a shop or the like, the data concerning the work record is read out from the memory, and the work description is estimated according to a program run in the assist apparatus. Then, it is judged whether the power tool is suitable for the estimated work description or not. When the power tool is not suitable for the work description, a power tool suitable for the work is selected from a previously stored database and presented to the user.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that provide device recognition. The system has one or more identification devices and a reading device configured to obtain data from the one or more identification devices. The system also has a receiving device in communication with the reading device. The receiving device is configured to determine a variance value for each of the one or more identification devices based on data received from the reading device and evaluate the determined variance values to identify at least one of the one or more identification devices.

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: To determine whether a tool may be used successfully to fabricate a worksheet in a sheet fabrication machine, data relating to all tools that may be used for the machine as provided by the manufacturers of those tools are stored in a tool database. Dimensional data and characteristics of the worksheets that may be used by the machine are stored in a worksheet database. When a given worksheet is to be fabricated, a determination is made on whether a tool is usable for fabricating that worksheet without causing possible damage to the worksheet, the tool and its die, and/or the machine. The grind life remaining for the tool is used to determine whether the proper clearance between the tool and its die is obtainable by using the tool on the given worksheet. If it is determined that the tool is not useable for a given worksheet, the tool is flagged and reserved for use on worksheets that have a material thickness that is thinner than that of the given worksheet.

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: The present invention provides a tool information display device for a processing machine which can display information on tools installed in appropriate parts of the processing machine, in an easy-to-understand manner. The present invention allows even the identification numbers of installed tools to be checked in an easy-to-understand manner. The present invention provides a tool information display device for a processing machine 101 having tool magazines 5, 6 on each of which a plurality of tools can be installed. The tool information display device includes tool information managing means 33 for managing information on the tools 7 installed on the tool magazines 5, 6. The tool information display device also includes installation status display means 33 for providing a display 50 of installation status of the tools which reproduces installation and arrangement of the tools on the tool magazine 5, 6 in a pseudo manner, in accordance with the information managed by the tool information managing means 33.

Abstract: The NC device of the machining center has the data memory for storing exchange history and data concerning a tool therein when the tool has been manually exchanged. When the data concerning the tool is updated, the data memory also stores update history. The main control unit determines whether the tool is changed on the basis of at least either of the exchange history and the update history. On the basis of a determination result, the main control unit controls the spindle head moving unit to stop the tool as well as allows a caution about the tool to be displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: A machine tool comprises a main body having a plurality of parts and an NC apparatus connected to the main body. The NC apparatus includes a display means for displaying a part information about the plurality of parts constituting the main body, a memory means for memorizing the part information, and a control means for controlling the display means and the memory means. The part information includes the ID number, names, types and attachment positions of the parts. The control means displays either the ID numbers and the attachment positions of the parts or the ID numbers, the names, and the types of the parts on the display means selectively.

Abstract: A method for the preparation, editing and maintenance of tool data sets for machining processes in an NC control system has at least one tool data organization that is separate from the control and is stored in the memory of an ADP system. The tool data organization has tool data sets for tools that for each of the tools to be used has the space for static and dynamic data. The tool data organization has separate list data sets of a machining process that can each contain a reference to the associated tool data set, and the required list data sets are taken over and stored in memory, together with the associated tool data sets, for process execution in the NC data processing unit. At least the dynamic data of the tool data sets can be updated in accordance with the current NC machining processes.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to methods and systems for converting tool processing ability based upon work in progress considerations. In one illustrative embodiment, the method includes identifying a plurality of wafers to be processed in one of a plurality of tools, identifying, on a collective basis, a number of different process operations to be performed in processing the wafers and a number of wafers to be processed in accordance with each of the different process operations, changing a processing ability of at least one of the tools based upon the number of wafers to be processed in accordance with the different process operations, and processing at least one of the wafers in at least one of the tools wherein the processing ability was changed.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, the present invention pertains to a system for detecting airflow in a room. The system includes an airflow indicating device having a movable component whose movement substantially corresponds to airflow in a vicinity of the airflow indicating device. The system also includes cooling system components and a computer system configured to control the cooling system components substantially based upon movement of the movable component.

Abstract: An automatic programming apparatus includes a process division control section, which automatically divides a machining process executed to obtain a predetermined product shape from a material shape of a workpiece. The process division control section computes a removal shape, which is a shape to be removed from the material shape when executing the machining process, based on the material shape and the product shape. The process division control section defines a reference machining boundary that intersects a reference axis defined on the product shape and divides the volume of the removal shape into two equal parts. The process division control section defines, on the removal shape, a process division boundary that intersects the reference axis based on the reference machining boundary and the profile of the product shape. The machining process is divided into a first process and a second process with the process division boundary.

Abstract: A data structure and computer-program product for providing tool design and instructions in a dynamic manufacturing environment are provided. The data structure includes a plurality of objects for abstracting tool resources. Each object represents all changes that relate to one of a tool or a part of a tool. The instances of the objects are based on product information and are generated for associated instructions for tool usage in the manufacturing environment. The product information includes information identifying configuration of the product and a definition of a functional deliverable of the product. The information identifying configuration of the product includes product option information. The functional deliverable of the product includes production line number where the object applies.

Abstract: There is provided a machining center capable of simplifying a driving force transmitting mechanism and restraining occurrence of noise and vibration. A machining center having a turret head 20 with a plurality of tools on a turret base 5 includes one tool drive motor for each tool, the tool drive motor rotary driving the corresponding tool independently.

Abstract: An apparatus (2) for automatically laying out punching tools on a turret is used in a computer-aided manufacturing system for sheet-metal punching. The system includes a server (1), a database (3), and client computers (7). The apparatus resides in the server, and is used for receiving drawings from the client computers to obtain information on workpieces, selecting punching tools in accordance with sizes and shapes of each type of drawing entity of the workpieces and in accordance with materials of the workpieces and machining allowances set by users, selecting a corresponding tool station on the turret for each of the selected punching tools in accordance with a type of the turret and specifications of the selected punching tool, mounting each punching tool on the corresponding tool station, selecting an optimum manufacturing path for each punching tool, and recording punching tool layout information. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A robot controller issues a command to move a servo tool unit to a servo tool unit detachment position. During this movement, a command is issued to stop power supply to an amplifier of the servo tool unit, and a process of invalidating a disconnection error of a power line and a signal line and a process of invalidating servo parameters are executed. The robot controller confirms that power supply has been stopped, and that the process of invalidating the disconnection error and the process of invalidating the servo parameters have been completed. When the robot arrives at a servo tool unit detachment position, a mechanical servo tool unit detachment process is executed. With the attachment of the servo tool unit, a software process required for attachment is executed during a next movement after mechanical attachment of the servo tool unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods control abrading operations of an abrading machine by sensing characteristics of an abrading article installed on the abrading machine. When a problem is discovered by sensing the article, appropriate actions may be taken. As one example, the abrading article may be sensed to determine whether the abrading article has been installed with an abrasive side facing the wrong direction. An alert allows an operator to reinstall the article. As another example, the abrading article may be sensed to determine whether splicing tape is present to hold two pieces of abrading tape together. The article may be advanced until the splicing tape is beyond an abrading zone. As another example, the abrading article may be sensed to determine whether the abrading article has stopped moving while the article drive is advancing because the article has broken. An alert allows an operator to repair the break.