subcon scene focus
Additional integrated capabilities that are now routine
with multi-axis laser systems include the following:
■ Feature Finding - automatically determines actual
location of key workpiece and tooling features. These
measurements are typically used to adjust the reference
positions from which program locations are based.
■ AutoNormal - automatically determines the
orientation of a surface and adjusts machine axes so that
the workpiece is normal or at any user programmable
angle to the laser beam. In seconds, this process measures
the location of three points on a surface using one of the
non-contact sensors integrated into the system and
calculates the plane and normal vector of the surface.
Spacing of these points is user programmable, so the
feature is useful for sensing a wide range of surface radii
and a practical addition to a cutting or drilling program.
■ AxisAlign automatically measures the location of
certain points on a part or fixture, using a non-contact
sensor such as capacitance (Axis Focus Control/AFC) or
optical (OFC). Machine axes are re-defined in software to
match the part orientation, eliminating expensive fixtures
and long setups, and improving part accuracy.
Additional convenience features now available include:
■ Easy connectivity to networks, simplifying loading,
backup, and storage of part programs and CNC executive
software.
■ Operating systems that can limit access to capability for
editing part programs or changing system parameters.
■ Access control systems built into the CNC, providing
the ability to assign different system privileges or system
configurations to different users.
■ On-line manuals with extensive hypertext links,
bringing easy access to programming or operation info.
Faster, lower cost computing of the machine control
Ten years ago, motion of a typical Laserdyne system’s 8axis
motion was controlled by two 8- by 10-inch DSP
boards. Servo positions were calculated once every 5
milliseconds, and the servo loop was updated every 250
microseconds. Today, a single DSP board that fits in a PC
card slot controls all axes. Servo positions are calculated
every millisecond, and the servo loop is updated every 200
microseconds. This all means more accurate motion at
much higher speeds.
The user interface has also benefited from computer
advances. Ten years ago, Laserdyne’s user interface was
MSDOS-based. That was improved with a system based on
Windows NT in 1998. The latest system with touch screen
is much easier to use and more flexible than the previous
systems. Many of the display features and controls can be
configured by the user to suit individual needs. Also,
today’s operating system, Windows XP Pro, is much more
powerful and stable than Windows NT.
Faster processing and more memory have introduced
part programming features that simplify complex
programs: arrays (of any desired length, with userassignable
names); vectors (specialised arrays that usually
hold axis positions); named system parameters (user can
access axis positions, laser data, sensor data, and other
Enquiry Number: 72
96 MWP november 2007
Drilling on the fly of
turbine engine
components. The laser is
pulsed as a function of axis
position (e.g. rotary axis
position for a cylindrical
part), significantly
increasing drilling speed.
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