Example 1: Length Control. In Swiss turning, Macro B can be used to adjust a program for material stretching. This program is created from the print-to-nominal dimensions; so when a part doesn’t match the print after machining because of material movement, a macro formula is added to the moving dimension and the operator can adjust as needed. If a program is changed, the operator will be lost on what was trying to be done. In the case of a macro change, the next time the program is run with a different lot of material, the operator can make an offset move and once again make good parts. Book now
Example 2: Taper control. In any type of turning, it is a fact that when a part gets longer it also starts getting thicker. Also, the further away the tool is from the spindle, the more the part starts to flex. To adjust for this flex, a macro can be added to the ‘out of control’ dimension and a taper will then be built in for counter control. As the tools wear, this taper gets greater; yet with this macro formula, an offset variable can be modified therefore resulting in increased tool life. Book now
Example 3: Skipping rarely used tools and codes. In milling and lathing applications, it is necessary to have the ability to skip over tools and codes that are rarely utilized. A sharp tool will cut with accuracy and leave a good finish, although as a tool wears, spring passes can be used to control the dimension and finish. Moreover, when changing that tool out, a macro formula can be added to skip all the spring passes until they are needed again. Book now
Example 4: Adding probe inspection and coordinate adjustments. In the case of a 5-axis part, one of the dimensions was a true position from a bore to a slot. In order to make the part to tolerance we needed to add a probe check to the bore and build in an automatic adjustment to the machine coordinate before we cut the slot. Book now
Example 5: Macro for pallet control. In the case of pallets and parts or vises and parts, a macro can be built that is limited in coordinate locations in their controller. It is also possible to build a macro would fill macro variables with data for the part location when probing the part. The data is then used to fill one coordinate value every time that fixture or vise is called up in the program. Book now