Automating Numerical Control (NC) Programming Processes
In any software application there is delicate balance between the depth of the software's capability and its accessibility. The more functions in the software, the more difficult it is for inexperienced or non-expert users to take advantage of them. This is an acute problem for companies using advanced software solutions for complex product development processes like numerical control (NC) programming. NC programming software must have leading edge functions to address the requirements of the machining jobs in the shop, and to take full advantage of latest generation machine tool technologies. How do companies handle all the options without considerable investments in training and expertise?
For users of NX digital product development solutions, the answer lies in a new technology called Process Studio. Process Studio enables companies to create custom applications and run them as automated process "wizards" within NX. The technology is a key element in UGS' drive to supply Knowledge-Driven Automation tools. The software enables experienced and expert users to capture application knowledge in a form that can be "replayed" by simply selecting the wizard and following step-by-step prompts.
The NX Machining Process Builder is the latest implementation of Process Studio, aimed at customers of NX machining solutions.
For the NC programmer, the process wizards are invoked with a simple "click and follow the steps" approach - NX Machining and the wizard take care of the details, invoking required commands and functions automatically. As a result it is easier and faster to create NC programs, and less experienced users need not attend all the training classes and become experts in all the details.
For any user a Process Wizard can efficiently speed up those tasks done every day. It can also provide a way to take even the most experienced user through those operations that aren't done frequently - the wizard can automatically execute the require sequence of operations and settings, enforcing a best-practice approach to NX programming tasks. NX Machining Process Wizards capture the method and, unlike the expert user, they never leave the shop.
The Process Builder provides a drag-and-drop interface that experienced NX programmers can use to quickly build a wizard. The Process Studio software replaces older technology that required computer programming skills and expertise to create simple macros. With the Process Builder there is no need to use any computer programming, not even basic code. The majority of the NX Machining commands are available to incorporate in wizards, and the builder can add comments or prompts with standard text inputs. The wizard that is created is simply saved and added to a wizard palette or menu, ready for immediate use.
Automation in NC programming is becoming a key topic in the industry to shorten programming times and to make the most effective software easy to master. Feature based programming, template driven processes, and now process wizards are some of the elements that UGS offers to address this opportunity.
NX Machining Process Builder creates custom automated machining process wizards that can be invoked with a simple click. Less experienced NC programmers can accomplish expert tasks by following steps in the wizard.
