The MILL and TURN modules includes powerful Knowledge Base functionality that makes "push button" programming a reality. You can archive an entire machining strategy specific to a certain class of parts in a Knowledge Database (also referred to as a K-Base) and then optionally assign Geometry Selection Rules that are applied automatically when toolpath operations are selected for use from the Knowledge Base.
In a family of parts situation, where the same set of machining operations and tools can be applied to machine these parts, it would be most appropriate to archive this processes in a K-base file and then apply it across all of the parts in this family. Another situation where this feature can be used is in shop floor programming. Experienced programmers can determine the sequence of operations to be used to machine a certain class of parts and create a K-base file capturing that knowledge for automation purposes.
Once these K-base files are thoroughly debugged, operators at the shop floor can then load and generate toolpaths automatically. Doing this not only increases the throughput but also the productivity of the entire manufacturing team, resulting in dramatic cost savings for the enterprise. The machining strategy can include the sequence of machining processes used, the specific parameters used in each machining processes as well as the Geometry Selection Rules. |