Lathe cycles can be optimised offline

Offline programming software not only improves productivity through reduced changeover times, it allows machining cycles to be optimised while the machine is still in production.

Offline programming software based on the operator friendly machine tool control, developed by Citizen Machinery of Japan for its range of CNC sliding head automatic lathes, not only improves productivity through reduced changeover times, it allows machining cycles to be optimised while the machine is still in production.

With the latest capability of the Citizen machines to enable three cutting tools to function simultaneously and thus significantly shorten machining times, the Citizen programming system allows this benefit to be optimised away from the shopfloor.

The system also provides a quick and simple way of estimating cycle times and will create detailed tooling lists and setting instructions direct from its tooling library.

The Citizen programming system, now available through NC Engineering of Watford, can be applied to the current range of Windows-based software control systems on the C, L and top of the range M-Series machines.

Based on five material groups, with relevant speeds and feeds generated from its customisable tool library, programming is based on a picking list of machining cycles such as turning, grooving, drilling and milling operations.

Incorporated within the cycle generation are operational functions such as sub-spindles, workpiece unloading operations, C-axes and long part machining.

In use, it becomes a simple matter of adding finish sizes to a schematic diagram that is automatically created of the part as the required operations are performed.

While cutting operations can be generated in any sequence, the Citizen software will automatically re-arrange the cycle in order to minimise cycle time.

When drilling, for instance, the system will automatically determine the use of peck cycles.

Because the latest Citizen machines are totally servo-controlled, features such as opening and closing of collets, operation of a parts-ejector and full synchronisation of up to 13 axes, typical of the latest machine operation, can be incorporated in the off-line process.

Prior to CNC code output, the system will graphically present all the machining sequences in bar chart format allowing the user to target the longer sequences for further cycle time improvement.

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