Interface
Standard Interface
New users and those who have only used the GibbsCAM Lathe module may not be familiar with the Level 2 interface. It is suggested that you review this topic in the GibbsCAM Getting Started manual before continuing. The Multi-Task Machining module functions only from the Level 2 interface. Any elements of the interface that are not thoroughly covered in a prerequisite manual, (Getting Started and Geometry Creation) are discussed in this manual.
Items that are unique to the Multi-Task Machining interface include two extra buttons in the Top Level palette, additional data shown on tiles, the display of multiple spindles in the Workspace, a Spindle Display list, and the Sync Control dialog. Additionally, there are modifications to the Document Control and Tool dialogs, there is a new process type in the Machining palette as well as additional options in the Cut Part Rendering palette.
Main Palette
The Main palette has two additional buttons when creating a Multi-Task Machining part. The buttons are located at the bottom of the palette. These buttons access the Sync Control dialog and Spindle Display list. The Sync Control dialog and the Spindle list are discussed below.
Multiple Spindles
The Multi-Task Machining option enhances the standard GibbsCAM interface and Workspace to allow for an unlimited number of spindles. Each spindle has a number, a type, and other parameters needed to fully describe the spindle, based on its type. Once loaded with a part, any machining operation can be performed on a spindle (within the Tool Group and tool constraints defined). The system will manage multiple work pieces being machined on different spindles through a part load-move-unload set of utility processes. The number of spindles available is defined by your machine and the MDD. The spindle set up is accessed through the Document Control dialog. More information on this may be found on this page and also on page 16.
Multiple Tool Groups
"Tool Group" is the term used to refer to a turret, gang or slide. Multi-Task Machining (MTM) extends the basic functionality of GibbsCAM to provide the ability to program multiple Tool Groups machining parts on the same or different spindles. Each machining operation is programmed for a specific spindle with a tool group and parallel operations (operations that happen concurrently on the machine) are controlled through the Sync Control function. The number of Tool Groups available is defined by the MDD and set up in the Document Control dialog. More information on this may be found on page 19, page 33 and page 41.
Document Dialog
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When creating a Multi-Task Machining part the Document dialog is modified to allow for the set up of multiple spindles and Tool Groups. Each spindle set up is accessed through a button that cycles through the available spindles. Each available spindle has settings for the initial stock size and condition and the available Tool Groups. More information on the Document Control dialog may be found in the section "Part Set-Up" on page 13. |
Tool Dialog
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Tool dialogs have been modified for Multi-Task Machining parts. The tool dialogs include pop-up menus for selecting the Tool Group that holds the tool and the position within the Tool Group. Additionally, there is a new tool type, the Utility tool. More information on the Tool dialog may be found in the section "Tool Creation" on page 39. |
Additional Tile Data
Items in Tile lists have been expanded to include additional data. The Tool tile displays the Tool Group the tool is in and the tool's position in the Tool Group. The Process tile displays the Tool Group and position of the tool as well as the spindle being used. The Operation tile displays the Flow number, position of the tool as well as the spindle being used.
Machining Palette Processes
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The Machining palette has an additional item when working with Multi-Task Machining parts, the Utility process. Utility processes create non-cutting operations such as loading and unloading spindles, returning sub spindles and moving tailstock in and out. Some Utility processes need a tool associated with the process, such as a Utility tool that represents a bar stop, but most do not. More information on Utility processes may be found in the section "Processes" on page 47. |
Spindle Display List
The Spindle list is accessed from the Main palette. The Spindle list controls the display of spindles on the screen. There is one entry in the list for each spindle on the machine. Spindles are shown and hidden by double clicking on the eye icon next to the name of the spindle. The contents of this dialog cannot be modified, only marked as hidden or seen. The contents are defined in the MDD and are machine specific.
When viewing the Workspace, the Spindle Display toggles the wireframe display of the stock space, but not the geometry. Geometry may be hidden or shown by using the Workgroup display list. When rendering the Spindle Display list can completely hide a spindle and all operations performed on the spindle. What makes this function truly useful is when it is used in combination with view control. When an unzoom is done and all spindles are displayed, the system will zoom out far enough to show all spindles. However, if only one spindle is displayed the unzoom will fill the Workspace with that spindle. This is very convenient when creating geometry and operations by limiting the area being worked in, providing the largest image possible.
Sync Control
The Sync Control dialog, accessible by clicking on the Sync Control button in the Top Level palette, displays all operations in a run-time format, including time for tool changes and allows the user to synchronize machining by tool turrets on a specific spindle. This will allow the user to specify that OD and ID operations are done simultaneously or to ensure that two turrets will not collide when moving into position. Greater detail on the use of the Sync Control dialog may be found in the section "Operations" on page 69.
Render Control
The Render Control (CPR) palette can display the cut time as well as the operation number of specific flows. See "Render Control" on page 79 for more information.
