COMPUTER SPARKS BIG SAVINGS IN FLAME CUTTING

A minicomputer-based CNC system combining UNIAPT with interactive graphics and plate nesting has now been in operation at a major manufacturer of metalworking presses for over 1-1/2 years. The system provides a means to automatically program entire plates for flame cutting in one setup--a capability claimed to have reduced scrap rates by up to 25%. A major element of the system is a preprogrammed family of 1000 workpiece shapes commonly used to build the presses. In application, part programmers use the numbers assigned to each macro to recall the shapes from the computer and then define the precise dimensions. Each workpiece shape is displaced on the graphics scope. The programmer uses the graphics cursor to measure each programmed dimension according to the selected scaling system. The verified workpiece shape is then stored on the computer disk. When a specific press is scheduled to be built, all part programs for that press are recalled from the disk storage at the same time. Parts of the same thickness are then nested together on a single plte. Using the interactive graphics system, a programmer can typically create very tight nests within 60 minutes. The CRO CNC flame cutter, which is equipped with four single-headed gas torches, one triple-head gas torch, and two plasma torches, now handles 90% of the company's flame cutting work. Cost of the system, including the flame cutter, controller, minicomputer, all peripherals, and software is about $500,000.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Original paper is from Commline Volume IX Number 3, May-June 1980, pp 34-36.
• Corporate Authors:

  IIT Research Institute

  10 West 35th Street
  Chicago, IL  United States  60616
• Publication Date: 1980-8

Media Info

• Pagination: n.p.
• Serial:
  • REAPS Technology Bulletin
  • Volume: 7
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: IIT Research Institute

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Computer graphics; Flame cutting; Metal cutting; Microprocessors; Numerical control; Structural plates
• Uncontrolled Terms: Interactive graphics
• Old TRIS Terms: Automatic flame cutting; Microprocessor applications; Plate cutting; Plate nesting
• Subject Areas: Construction; Data and Information Technology; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00323314
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 6 1981 12:00AM