Amada ULX Unloader
What is the Amada ULX Unloader?
The Amada ULX Unloader module is an optional software package that enhances the functionality of the CAD/CAM System. The procedure outlined in this manual only addresses the general features of ULX Unloader. Specific procedures vary from one machine to the next. Please contact your Amada representative for information specific to your machines. The ULX Unloader option is located on the Modules menu. To access the options on the ULX Unloader submenu, you must first open the Modules menu, and then select the option (using the mouse or keyboard) to list the commands. To ensure the options on the ULX Unloader submenu are active when you begin your session, the following conditions must be in effect: 1. Your machine driver must support ULX unloading functions.
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Quick Start Guide
The Quick Start Guide summarizes the gripper unloading process. Review this outline of the Gripper Unloading features. For commands or tasks you do not fully understand, reference the appropriate section.
Start ULX Unloader
To prepare for ULX Unloader, launch the CAD/CAM System. Select Sheet from the View menu. Sheet view must be active before you can use any of the options on the ULX Unloader submenu.
Load the Machine File
Select Open from the File menu, or click the Open File button in the Standard toolbar. When the Open File dialog box appears, select Machines (*.mac) from the Files of type: drop-down list. The system lists the machine files stored in the \Turrets directory by default. If necessary, use the Look in: drop-down list to navigate the hierarchical folder structure. Scroll through the file list window and click the name of the machine file. Click Open to load the machine file. If necessary, edit or load a material file. Click Close to exit the Open File dialog box.
Load the Machine Driver
Select Info from the Machine menu to open
the Machine Setup window. Click the Driver File button. The Open dialog box displays the machine drivers stored in the \Machine directory by default. If necessary, use the Look in: drop-
down list to navigate the hierarchical folder structure. Scroll through the file list window and click the name of the driver file. If necessary, edit or load a material file. Close the Machine Setup window.
Specify the ULX Unloader Information
Open the Modules menu. Select Info from the ULX Unloader submenu to open the ULX Unloader window. Specify the Unloading Direction, Part Size Limitations, and Sheet Unloading Location by either typing the values in the text boxes or by selecting the appropriate option buttons. Click OK to save the ULX Unloader information.
Create the ULX Unloader Sheet
Load the parts on the sheet and grid them if necessary. Assign the tools to the patterns. Place the final hits or cuts and assign the Bin IDs.
Sequence the ULX Functions
Use the
Reset,
Unload Part Grid,
Unload Part,
Unload Sheet, |
Save the ULX Sheet
Select Save As from the File menu, or click the Save As button in the Standard toolbar to open the Save As dialog box. Select Sheets (*.sht) from the Save as type: drop-down list. Type an appropriate name in the File name: text box. Click the Save button to save the ULX sheet. Click the Close button to exit the dialog box.
Overview
The basic procedure for using the Amada ULX Unloader includes:
Review or specify the Amada ULX Unloader information, especially the sheet values for part limitations.
Create a part or parts and assign tools.
Define the sheet(s) and arrange the parts on the sheet(s).
Place final hits or cuts. Technical support representatives recommend using last hits,
rather than last cuts, to minimize machine movement when freeing a part from the sheet.
Assign Bin IDs.
Sequencing the sheet.
Tab Punchout (optional).
Unload part grid or parts.
Amada ULX Sheet When working
with an Amada ULX sheet, use |
Amada ULX Storage Area and Bin ID Numbers |
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Note: If you do not want to display the storage Storage Area option on the ULX Unloader submenu. |
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Preparation
Load the Machine File
A machine file contains the physical parameters
of a machine. You must load the correct machine file before you can define
a sheet having gripper functions. Machine files have the filename extension
of *.mac,
and are stored in the \Turrets directory by default.
To load the machine file:
Select Open from the File menu, or click the Open File button in the Standard toolbar. The Open File dialog box appears.
Click the Files of type: arrow and select Machines (*.mac) from the drop-down list.
If necessary, use the Look in: list to navigate the hierarchical folder structure.
Scroll through the file list window and click the name of the machine file you want to load.
Load the Machine Driver
The next step involves checking the machine driver, and if necessary, selecting the correct driver that supports gripper-unloading functions. Your machine driver must support gripper functions before you can use them. Please contact your CAD/CAM System representative for more information on custom drivers.
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ULX Unloader Window
You must specify the ULX Unloader information before you can use any of the functions. If this information already exists in the machine driver, then you only need to examine the values to ensure they are correct. If necessary, you can view and edit the values for the part size limitations on the sheet.
To display the ULX Unloader window:
Make sure Sheet view is active. If necessary, select Sheet from the View menu.
Open the Modules menu, and highlight (select) ULX Unloader to open its submenu.
Select Info from the ULX Unloader submenu, or click the Info button in the ULX toolbar. When the ULX Unloader window opens, the contents of the X-Direction text box in the Offset Values section are selected by default.
Type the values in the various text boxes. You can navigate the text box fields within the window using a combination of the <Tab> and <Shift> keys. Press <Tab> to move to the next field, or <Shift> + <Tab> to select the contents of the previous field.
When the information appears correct, click the OK button to save the changes and to exit the ULX Unloader window.
Offset Values
The fields in the Offset Values section display information for the offset from the punch head at the three track locations (or the laser head) as measured in the X and Y directions to the center of the first pair of suction cups.
Offset Values Information
X-Direction The offset from the turret station in the X direction.
Y-Direction (Outer Track) The offset from outer track stations in the Y direction. (Outer track stations are 300 through 399.)
Y-Direction (Center Track) The offset from the center track stations in the Y direction. (Center track stations are 200 through 299.)
Y-Direction (Inner Track) The offset from the inner track stations in the Y direction. (Inner track stations are 100 through 199.)
Y-Direction (Laser Head) For combination machines, the offset for the laser head in the Y direction (usually a negative value).
Unloader Frame
The fields in the Unloader Frame section display information for the size of the unloader frame that removes the parts.
Unloader Frame Information
Frame Width The X measurement or width of the gripper frame.
Frame Height The Y measurement or height of the gripper frame.
Suction Cup Diameter The diameter of the suction cups.
Grid Spacing The two fields following the label display the spacing of the suction cups in the X and Y directions respectively.
Grid Repetition The two fields following the label display the number of suction cups in the X direction and Y direction respectively.
Unloading Direction
The X-Axis (Line by Line) and Y-Axis (Line by Line) options in the Unloading Direction section determine the direction the Amada ULX Unloader should move when unloading grids of parts.
Unloading Direction Information
X-Axis (Line by Line) This option instructs the system to move the unloader in the X- axis before moving in the Y-Axis.
Y-Axis (Line by Line) This option instructs the system to move the unloader in the Y- axis before moving in the X-Axis.
Storage Table
The Storage Table section displays the parameters of the storage table that holds the parts after unloading.
Storage Table Information
Table Width The width or X dimension of the table.
Table Height The height or Y dimension of the table.
Number of Rows The number of rows available for storage on the table.
Number of Columns The number of columns available for storage on the table.
Part Size Limitation
The Part Size Limitation information is critical.
Part Size Limitation Information
Min. Part Ratio (X/Y) Type a ratio between the X dimension and Y dimension of the part that the gripper can handle during unloading. Divide the part's X by the Y, and then type the fraction that results. A part having a ratio larger than this number can be unloaded. This ratio ensures the weight of the part is supported when suction cups cover the part's surface.
Min. Part Size The minimum X and Y dimensions of the part the unloader can handle.
Max. Part Size The maximum X and Y dimensions of the part the unloader can handle.
Sheet Unloading Location
This section allows you to specify where the sheet should be unloaded.
Sheet Unloading Location Information
Same Storage Table As Part If you select this option, the unloader stores the sheet with the part.
Different Storage Table Than Part If you select this option, the unloader stores the sheet in a different storage table than the part.
Save the Machine File
To save the changes you made to the machine file:
Select Save As from the File menu, or click the Save As button in the Standard toolbar. The Save As dialog box appears.
Select Machines (*.mac) from the Save as type: drop-down list.
Type an appropriate name in the File name: text box.
Click the Save button to save the machine file.
Click the Close button to exit the dialog box.
Creating a Sheet with ULX Functions
Once you have loaded the correct machine file and ULX driver, and specified the correct values in the ULX Unloader window, you can add the actual ULX functions to the sheet. This involves placing the final hits/cuts and assigning the Bin IDs.
Note: Make sure to check the gripper information before you begin. Use the Info option on the ULX Unloader submenu to open the Unloading Gripper window.
Parts and Tool Assignments
To begin the process, create the parts you want to arrange on the sheet and assign tools to the patterns.
Notes:
See Chapter 8: Tool Assignment, in the CAD/CAM System manual, for more information regarding tool assignments for punching systems.
See Chapter 11: Cut Sequence, in the CAD/CAM System manual, for information regarding tool assignments for cutting and combination systems.
Layout the Sheet
Use the options on the Sheet menu or Sheet toolbar to create the part layout. See Chapter 5: Sheet Layout, in the CAD/CAM System manual, for more information.
Final Hits and
Cuts
Final Hits are the last hits (or cuts) on the part. The system uses these hits to break the part free from the sheet. You have two options: Place Final Hit/Cut and Delete Final Hit/Cut. If you choose punched patterns, you are defining the last hit. If you have a combination machine and select cut patterns, you are defining the last cut.
Notes:
Before placing final hits, you must assign tools to the last hit pattern on each part.
When choosing the last cut for a combination system, you cannot choose a path having a start point or bridge microjoint. Technical support recommends that you use last hits instead of last cuts.
A sequenced single hit cannot be the final hit until you first reset or remove the sequence.
Place Final Hit/Cut
To place a final hit or cut:
Select Place Final Hit/Cut from the ULX Unloader submenu, or click the Place Final Hit button in the ULX toolbar.
Move into the work area and click a pattern (a line, arc or tool hit placed using Place Tool Hit) to assign the final tool hit or cut.
Slide the mouse along the pattern to position the suction frame (the suction frame is represented as a rectangle) and suction cups over the part.
Click the left mouse button to select the position, and then use the left mouse button to toggle the individual cups either on or off (active cups appear in a solid color; inactive cups appear as concentric outlines).
When you have activated the suction cups you want to use, click the right mouse button.
Delete Final Hit/Cut
To remove a final hit or cut: |
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Bin IDs |
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The system uses Bin IDs as cross-references, assigning each part a particular area on the storage table after it is broken out of the sheet. Your options include assigning and deleting bin identification numbers.
Note: If you do not assign bin identification numbers, the system prompts you for the Bin IDs when you unload the parts or part grids. For part grids, you can use this technique to unload the parts in different bins.
Assign Bin ID
To assign bin identification numbers:
If necessary, display the storage table and bin numbers. Make sure that Display Storage Table on the ULX Unloader submenu has a check mark, or click the Display Storage Table button in the ULX toolbar.
Select Assign Bin ID from the ULX Unloader submenu, or click the Assign Bin ID button in the ULX toolbar.
Move the crosshair over a part or part grid that requires a bin identification number and click the left mouse button. An outline of the part begins to follow the crosshair.
Drag the part into the storage area over the desired bin and click the left mouse button. The part outline appears on the Bin ID.
The Bin ID number assigned to each part displays within its part boundaries. You can view these Bin ID numbers any time you select Delete Bin ID or Assign Bin ID.
Delete Bin ID
To remove bin identification numbers:
Make sure Sheet view is active.
Select Delete Bin ID from the ULX Unloader submenu, or click the Delete Bin ID button in the ULX toolbar.
Move into the work area. The Bin IDs appear on each part or part grid having a bin identification assignment.
Click each part or part grid from which you want to delete the Bin ID.
Sequencing the ULX Sheet
Once you have placed the final hits/cuts and assigned bin IDs to the parts, you are ready to sequence the ULX sheet. The Reset, Unload Part Grid, Unload Part, Unload Sheet, Delete, View, Reposition, Undo, Tab Punchout and Delete Tab options allow you to control the sequencing process.
Unload Part Grid
The Unload Part Grid command allows you to unload an entire grid of parts. If you have not yet punched bridge microjoints, this command sequences them and the last hit before unloading all the parts in the selected grid. If you want to control the sequencing order for the microjoint tabs, use the Tab Punchout command.
Note: You must assign the last hit before you can use this option.
To unload a part grid:
Select Unload Part Grid from the ULX Unloader submenu, or click the Unload Part Grid button in the ULX toolbar.
Move into the work area and click a part on the sheet belonging to the grid.
If the parts have Bin IDs, the system displays a series of driver-related questions
in the message window and unloads the parts. If the parts were not assigned Bin IDs, the system requests a bin identification number for each part in the grid. Type the Bin ID number and press <Enter>.
Unload Part
This command allows you to unload individual
parts. The bridge microjoints and last hit are sequenced before the system
unloads the part (See Unload Part
Grid). Use the Tab Punchout command
if you want to control the sequencing order for the microjoint tabs.
Note:
You must assign the last hit before you can use this option.
To unload a part:
Select Unload Part from the ULX Unloader submenu, or click the Unload Part button in the ULX toolbar.
Move into the work area and click the part you want to unload.
If the part has a Bin ID, the system displays a series of driver-related questions in the message window and unloads the part. If the part does not have a Bin ID, the system requests a bin identification number for the part. Type the Bin ID number and press <Enter>.
Tab Punchout
Use this option before unloading parts if you want more control over the sequencing order for bridge microjoints. You must place bridge microjoints on the part in Part view before you can use this option. Use Tab Punchout after completing your sequencing and just before unloading the part or part grid.
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Delete Tab |
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The Delete Tab option removes the tab sequencing you defined using the Tab Punchout command. To remove the tab sequencing:
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Undo
Use the Undo command on the ULX Unloader submenu, or click the Undo button on the UXL toolbar, to reverse the last ULX sequencing command you selected. |
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Delete |
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To erase an unloading sequence for a part or part grid, select Delete from the ULX Unloader submenu, or click the Delete button in the ULX toolbar. Move into the work area and click the part or grid of parts. The sequence is removed from the part or part grid. |
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View |
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To see the ULX
unloading sequence, select View
from the ULX
Unloader submenu, or click
the View Sequence button on the ULX toolbar. |
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Reposition |
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Repositioning allows you to move the work area to punch or unload parts that are out of range. The repositioning function opens the clamps and moves them so you can complete the remainder of the sheet. You can also reposition in the reverse direction to return the clamps so the sheet does not hang off the edge of the table.
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Reset |
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The Reset option on the ULX Unloader submenu allows you to clear any previous ULX unloading sequences. To clear the unloading sequence, select Reset form the ULX Unloader submenu, or click the Reset button in the ULX toolbar. The system prompts you to confirm the action. Press <Y> for “Yes” to reset the sequence, or <N> for “No” to cancel. |
Unload Sheet
When the sequencing is complete, use the Unload Sheet command on the ULX Unloader submenu, or click the Unload Sheet button on the ULX toolbar, to unload the sheet. Note: You may want to review the Sheet Unloading Location options in the ULX Unloader window to determine whether the sheet unloads to the same storage area or to a different storage area. See ULX Unloader Window and Sheet Unloading Location. |
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Display Storage Table |
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Display Storage Table is a toggle. It either displays or hides the storage table when Sheet view is active. If you enable the option, the storage table displays if you have a ULX machine file loaded. To hide the display of the storage table, remove the check mark. |
Saving the ULX Sheet
You should save your sheet frequently to prevent data loss during power outages or computer crashes. If you press the <F10> key while in Sheet view, the system saves your sheet under its assigned name in its default folder.
Note: If you have not yet named the sheet, pressing <F10> saves the sheet with the default name of NEW SHEET.
To save the sheet:
Make sure you are in Sheet view. To save the sheet under a new name, select Save As from the File menu, or click the Save As button in the Standard toolbar. The Save As dialog box appears.
If necessary, select Sheets (*.sht) from the Save as type: list. Type a name in the File name: text box. You need not add the filename extension; the system automatically adds the *.sht extension.
Click the Save button to save the sheet. Click the Close button to exit the Save As dialog box.