Traub's New Enhanced Simulation Package Boosts Machine Uptime

"Traub has introduced its new enhanced programming system, WinFlexIPSPlus," said a spokesperson. "Tailored to optimizing the operation of the Traub machines, WinFlexIPSPlus includes the additional advantage of manual operation of the complete machine functionality through a PC, providing the advantages of the real 3D model of the machine and the operating elements of the real machine.

"Key advantages include reduced machine setup times, instruction and training on a PC are identical to the real machine and efficient process planning before machining takes place. Beyond that, changes to the NC program are inserted immediately with no need for a post-processor.

"The parallel programming and depiction of up to four sub-systems with simultaneous simulation of the machining, as well as numerous functions for creating, checking and optimizing the machine process have long been functions of WinFlexIPS in the current 'real machine' programming systems.

"The new development is that WinFlexIPSPlus now offers the user even more extensive options for using the machine for machine usage planning, set-up optimization, instruction and training. These functions can now be carried out at the PC with the additional function of 'manual operation,' which operates exactly as if the operator were in front of the machine. The result is optimized set-up and programming and much shorter set-up times, increased process reliability and improved machine utilization.

"Set-up planning in the 3D model machine includes the loading of the turret with accurate 3D models of the tool holders and the indexing of the turret in manual operation for collision checking and to determine the tool changeover point. Determining the space relationship between turret and clamping and checking of the clamping jaw position (C-axis position) in manual operation for collision-free drill holes between the clamping jaws are also done in

 
 

the 3D model. Part handling can also be optimized by determining the intermediate positions of the gripper in the work area for collision-free picking of the finishing part.

"WinFlexIPSPlus can also be used effectively for instruction and training of control and operating functions for Traub machines and as an aid for effectively introducing new machines. Moving training times from the machine to the PC saves production time."

The WinFlex Approach
"The Traub philosophy of strict consistency, compatibility of all controls and software variants has also been rigorously implemented with the WinFlexIPS, from the first generation to the current version," the spokesperson said. "The user can deploy any new software version without having to rewrite programs. The focus of the software development is on the machine so that the machine software is always exactly identical to the software on the PC, so with WinFlexIPSPlus, programming, optimization, simulation and testing of the NC program can be done on an external PC beforehand. The identical functionalities mean that the user has the certainty that the programs tested on the PC will also run smoothly on the machine.

"The result of all input, the basis for program control, optimization and simulation is always directly the NC program in Traub TX8x format. The Traub TX8i CNC core on the PC controls the sequence of the simulation identically to the machine sequence.

"Program optimization and synchronization can be made directly in the simulation model, with the parallel simulation in 2D or 3D. Selection and start of the simulation can be done at any point in the program. The machining situation that corresponds to the current cursor position in the NC program is always in view.

"The machining process can be moved 'forwards' or 'backwards.' The relevant cursor position in the NC program is tracked continually so that there is always a reference to the NC program. With multi-axis or multi-slide machines, this makes programming easier and shortens the optimization and set-up process considerably."

"Advantages of the WinFlexIPSPlus include:

  • The NC program required for the machining task is available immediately after the graphical interactive entry and can be carried out immediately. Translation with post-processor is no longer necessary.

  • The patented data linking and automatic refeeding of changes between dialog and NC program can be changed at any time between dialog entry and NC single record entry.

  • Fast and reliable programming as a result of optimized standard program elements.

  • Clear depiction of the program sequence in plain text.

  • Program optimization directly in the simulation model, parallel simulation forwards/backwards. Simulation optionally in 2D or 3D on the basis of the NC program.

  • The user selects at any point in time the most favorable programming method."

For more information contact:

INDEX Corporation

14700 North Pointe Blvd.

Noblesville, IN 46060

317-770-6300

Fax: 317-770-3166

sales@index-usa.com

www.index-usa.com