A new job type has been introduced in Alphacam 2020.1. ‘Multiple Process Jobs’ functionality makes it easier to create jobs and orders in ‘Automation Manager’ that need sending to more than one machine, or require any secondary processing at the same machine.
“In the past, users had to create multiple jobs to process complex operations in Automation Manager,” says product manager Chip Martin. “But now, a single job can be created, containing all the different machines and manufacturing processes required to produce the part.”
Martin highlights an example of machining the top and back of a component. In the latest version of the software, these two processes can easily be worked as a single job. NC code is simply created for both automatically, which is also the case for additional machines and other processes. This improvement streamlines how complex manufacturing processes are handled in Automation Manager.
“Once the process is defined, and the Multiple Process Job is created, the operator can easily repeat the same complex job many times for different parts,” says Martin. “Also, the user interface will help show exactly which processes and machines are required.”
Several enhancements have been made to Automation Manager’s output file options. Firstly, the new ‘File Name Configuration’ dialog creates names from job information, job files or any custom text.Secondly, improvements to ‘Report Creation’ include the ability to generate up to four different layouts, which can also be printed. All the materials used can be included in one report – and a report can be produced for each material and each nested sheet. This fine-tune control means users can tailor Automation Manager output entirely to their specific requirements.
The rough/finish of solid faces with ‘Tool Side’ function now supports the machining of cylindrical faces. Planar and cylindrical faces can be combined in a single selection. For solid faces that are perpendicular or undercuts, an active work plane can be used to define the preferred approach angle (scanning direction).
“In the previous release we introduced the ability to machine solid faces directly for rough/finish and sawing,” says Martin. “This has now been enhanced to allow simple planar faces to be machined without creating new geometry.”
Cylindrical faces, as well as planar faces, can now be selected, and Alphacam automatically finds the best angle for machining them. This calculation is carried out while keeping a fixed angle for the tool in a work plane, guaranteeing that most controllers will be able to support the compensation and lead-in/out generated by Alphacam.
“Before this improvement, users had to carry out several steps to machine a selection of faces using Tool Side,” explains Martin. “Now, instead of creating work planes and extracting geometries, they simply select the faces for machining, before Alphacam calculates the required tool angle and work plane. This is a real time saver.”