The purpose is to provide an accurate simulation of the program, not only for programmers but also for the person running the job on the production floor.įigure 3: SolidWorks feature tree (right) and same feature in Esprit (below) The first step is creating a solid representation of the set-up necessary to machine the job at hand by selecting components from a SolidWorks design library which contains the setup assemblies available to the operator running the machine. PCMC has taken full advantage of the capabilities of Esprit to develop a CNC programming process that achieves the elements that are important to the organization.

One of the main reasons they picked Esprit from DP Technology among several solid model-based CNC programming systems because of its advanced knowledge-base machining capabilities. PCMC decided to upgrade to the latest 3-D CNC programming technology. In addition, PCMC manufactures a complete line of wide web flexographic printing systems, coating and laminating machines and narrow web in-line printing systems. Headquartered in Green Bay, WI, PCMC designs and manufactures converting machinery for the tissue, flexible packaging and disposables nonwovens industries. In the past, set-up sheets contained minimal information. The lack of solid geometry meant that it was not possible to verify the program three dimensionally or to provide machine operators with realistic documentation. The programmer then assigned tools to various features of the geometry to generate toolpaths. Previously, using 2-D CNC programming software, the company exported wireframe or 2-D geometry from its CAD software and imported it into the programming software. Finally, the ability to optimize and standardize machining processes has resulted in machining time reductions.' 'Setup time is reduced because of our ability to verify the program in the software. 'The knowledge-base features of the new software have substantially reduced programming time,' says Daniel Parry, manufacturing engineering technician specialist.

The new software also offers knowledge-based machining capabilities that make it possible to automatically apply predetermined optimized machining processes to each feature of the solid model. Figure 1: SolidWorks assembly for vertical machining center

Esprit setup sheets