Programming for the Application (SN)

In contrast to the programming for continuous processes (ASCO-FG), single-part programming for punches and combined punching machines plays a different role and, if performed with the classic interactive systems, requires much more effort.

Thanks to the automatic programming of ASCO, a fundamental improvement is also possible for these technologies. Here you benefit from the fact that the automatic component of ASCO-NC provides more than just autotooling: in addition to all the tools, ASCO-NC programs - fully automatically - the complete removal with respect to the removal path and the removal elements (e.g. suction cups for lift removal) fully automatically, irrespective of whether the call is for grip, lift, catapult, flap, manual, die-plate, ..... The user simply sets the preferred mode as desired.

Depending on the spectrum of parts and the technology, many ASCO users are also able to dispense with all interactive actions for ASCO-SN as well - which here too makes the programming a matter of seconds.

The main characteristics of fully automatic programming with ASCO-NC are related to material and/or machine: for instance, all cutting parameters (as for the continuous processes using ASCO-FG), e.g. radii of curvature, quality circles, a wide range of lead-in types, feed rates and rapid traverses, engraving and cutting of open contours, markings ......

What is more, ASCO-NC considers the machine and material to set all special tools, such as corner radii and other specialized edge tools, and of course

• multicut and arc tools,
• triangular tools,
• forming operations,
• embossing,
• thread cutters,
• multiple-hole tools
• text marking with punching tools, ... and many more,

absolutely independently of the CAD system used, thanks to the ASCO geometry feature solution.

Complete contours, or even parts of contours, for which you have programmed macros are recognized reliably. This function too is designed to function independently of the materials and machines.

The interactive possibilities with which you can fine-tune the automatic results are very comprehensive, and too extensive to be listed here. Many functions can be performed reliably and easily with only a few actions. The following are only a few of the fundamental modification capabilities available to you.

• Tools and technology
• All tool and machine attributes (punching with presser foot, soft punch ....)
• Permitted turning of parts, and last stroke
• All laser and plasma options
• Removal options
• Tool sequences (forced sequences)

Modifications can be made quickly, easily and reliably. Here you are assisted by the graphic simulation. What is more, you can add extra information to the part which may be useful later during production, for example:

• Not to use the full stacking height, but only to a maximum of k items ...
• Not to put more than m parts into a box
• Not more than n parts
• Part must be monitored / is free for low-labour or unmanned production

For punches and combined punching machines, there is the possibility of carrying out the programming as a list or directory batch. Here any number of programs are calculated in the background, without user intervention, and without the need for you to view the graphic representation in each case. You can view each part program that is generated, and edit it if desired. A log report shows you what parts you must examine.