Suction Cups and Sequencing Options

The options for suction cups are dependent on the machine driver. You will find various suction cup commands in the Sequence Options window that appears when you begin the sequencing process. The basic procedure is as follows:

Selecting Cups

You can define which cups are active using the Suction Cups… option on the Machine menu. You can also select suction cups when you are loading or unloading a sheet or unloading parts.

When the system prompts you to select cups, move the pointer into the work area and click any inactive cups you want to use. Active cups appear as solid circles; inactive cups appear as outline circles; swiveled cups appear as concentric circles. Click the suction cup to toggle through its settings. When you have finished selecting the desired cups, click the right mouse button to continue the current operation.

Loading the Sheet

You will want to select a sequence option that will load the sheet. The option you select will move the sheet onto the table. The sheet drops and the suction frame will move out of the window. The system may allow you to choose the suction cups before loading the sheet. Use the left mouse button to click any cups you want to activate or deactivate and then click the right mouse button to continue loading the sheet.

Sequence the Sheet

Sequence the sheet as desired after you have loaded it. Observe the position of the last hit. The frame moves to that position when you unload the part. If you are not using subroutines, you can unload parts individually after each one is punched. If you are using a subroutine, unload the part after the last hit and before using Grid X or Grid Y (you must enable Macro On).

Unloading the Parts

You will want to select a sequence option that will remove the parts from the table. Select the location of the of the suction cup frame by moving the mouse horizontally and clicking the left mouse button to select a position or use the right mouse button to automatically move to the last tool hit.

Respond to the prompts to select the parts and suction cups. If you are not using subroutines or grids, you must repeat this for each part. For gridded parts using subroutines, select Grid X or Grid Y after unloading the first gridded part. Make sure to enable Macro On before selecting Grid X or Grid Y while using the Unloading Parts option.

Unloading the Sheet

When the sheet is completed, use the special sequence option to unload it. Respond to the prompts to select the suction cups that should be active, and click the right mouse button when you are ready to continue. The suction frame moves out, selects the sheet, and moves out of the work area.