Reality-Check to Avoid Collision

So far, shops have only been able to ensure collision-free machining while working in single record mode. And over the past years, simulation systems have been developed trying to avoid such practice. Most of these systems however leave the following problem unsolved: the baseline information used for the simulation typically does not match up with reality.

Especially in the tool and mold making industry, where a considerable amount of time passes between the creation of a NC program and the actual use of “real” tools in the machining center. A lot of times, another simulation with the “real” tool data becomes necessary shortly before the tool is actually being used.

So why not integrate the simulation into the setup procedure? The software module »tool realityCheck« from ZOLLER Inc. (Ann Arbor, MI) allows a fast and precise collision check, to determine whether the scanned tool matches the tool originally used for the simulation. The tool’s real, actual contour is recorded while being rotated, thus simulating the actual machining process.

This check makes collisions virtually impossible. The user simply has to enter the start and end point of the requested tool contour. The measuring program will then automatically position the camera at the starting point and measure the contour during rotation. Afterwards, an actual/nominal comparison, along with the results of the collision check, is displayed on the screen. A “green light“ means “go” – the machining process can be performed, and “red” stands for “Attention: collision!” Clear, quick and easy to use for everyone!

This software module is available for all CNC-controlled tool presetter and measuring machines from ZOLLER.

ZOLLER Inc., 3753 Plaza Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, 734-531-5741, [email protected], www.zoller-usa.com.