DataPilot 4290

CNC Programming and

Training on a PC
May 2002
From a drawing to an
optimized NC program

DataPilot 4290 is the programming station PC soft-

ware for the CNC PILOT 4290 control. In addition, DIN PLUS
DataPilot 4290 is the ideal programming and
organization system for both the workshop and TURN PLUS
the office. By relegating the programming, testing
and optimizing tasks to the PC, dead times at the Graphic simulation
machine can be reduced significantly. Because
Info system
DataPilot has the same operation and the same
range of functions as the CNC control, a program
created with DataPilot can be run immediately on
the machine.

DIN PLUS
DIN PLUS supports structured NC pro-
gramming. Under menu guidance you
first generate the geometry of the blank
and machined part, and then with the
help of powerful cycles, you can define
the individual machining steps. The control
graphics immediately display the pro-
grammed contour. DIN PLUS permits
constant access to tool and chucking
equipment assignments, setup informa-
tion, as well as organizational data of the
NC program.

TURN PLUS
TURN PLUS allows you to program your
contour faster than ever before. The
geometry for the blank and machined part
is described with interactive graphics.
Then all you need to do is enter the desired
material and the chucking equipment —
and the machining plan will appear at a
keystroke. The individual machining steps
are shown graphically on your screen. The
result is a complete DIN-PLUS program —
including all setup data and detailed
comments.
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 Calculation of the
machining time
Program management
and storage
Operating resource
management

Program transfer

Intelligent cycles

Graphic simulation

Graphic simulation Calculation of the machining time Program and operating resource
The DataPilot provides suitable test and Let’s assume that your customer urgently management
verification functions for each phase of needs a quotation and you have to make TURN PLUS programs, DIN PLUS
the programming. You can watch the an accurate cost estimate in the shortest programs, cutting data and operating
entire machining process as it unfolds in possible time. The DataPilot provides resources such as tools and chucking
the simulated working space with the valuable help in such cases by calculating equipment are managed separately for
simulated tools and chucking equipment. the machining and per-piece times of your each machine or each machine group.
The actual tool-tip contour appears for programmed workpiece. Functions such as List, Copy, Rename
each cut and the new “machined” work- or Delete NC programs ensure effective
piece is shown. In addition, the “meas- A table shows not only the total workpiece program and operating resource
ure workpiece” function serves as an machining time, but also the machining management.
additional check for accurate machining. time, idle time and total time for each
tool. Program and operating resource data can
The tool-path simulation shows the actual be updated at all times through the
traverse of the tool tip of the milling, This feature is invaluable for cost planning simple transfer of data to and from the
drilling or boring tool. Thus it is possible and provides information for program machine.
to monitor exactly the machined range optimization.
for slopes, curves, recesses or bore Info system
holes. Program information is input via straight-
forward dialog boxes. The input fields are
described in conversational form or with
symbols, and help graphics indicate the
required input values. If this support is
not sufficient, press the Info key to call a
detailed explanation of the currently
selected function.

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Create an NC program
faster than ever before

The workpiece is described geometrically with

interactive graphics — without a single G code.
Define your contour using the dimensions from the
drawing — missing data is automatically calculated
by TURN PLUS. Then just press the key for automatic
machining plan generation and your NC program
appears.

Graphic programming

Separate input of basic contour ...

Simple contour description Program from the drawing

You program the basic contour using line Program the contour using the dimensions
segments and circular arcs. Then you from the drawing. Each coordinate can
superimpose form elements like chamfers, be entered either by the Cartesian or
curves, undercuts, recesses, threads, polar system, in absolute or incremental
etc. The number of entries is reduced form.
because common form elements and fits
can be selected from tables stored in the Incomplete elements are kept open until
control. the geometrical solution is possible. If
the entered data permits more than one
geometrical solution for a contour element,
the possibilities are displayed consecutively
on the monitor for your selection.

The contour develops on the screen as it

is being defined — errors can be seen
immediately.

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 Technology database
Material

Chucking
equipment

Automatic machining plan generation

Tool cutting
data
NC program

Program
strategies

Machining
plan

... and form elements

Part program at a keystroke Automatic program generation for the Program optimization in
With TURN PLUS you can create NC second setup TURN PLUS
programs in a very short time. After you TURN PLUS knows the contour of the The automatically generated part program
have entered the geometry for the blank clamping devices. The tool path is can later be altered or optimized in TURN
and machined part you only need to select automatically limited to a safe distance PLUS. You simply watch all the machining
the material and clamping devices. TURN from the clamping device. steps and stop at the point at which you
PLUS does everything else automatically. would like to optimize.
When the program for the first setup is
TURN PLUS generates the work plan, completed, you can “rechuck” using You edit the program using the interactive
selects the machining strategy, selects interactive graphics. TURN PLUS then graphics, choosing the sector for machining
the tools and cutting data, and generates automatically generates the program for and the appropriate fixed cycle. TURN PLUS
the NC blocks, both for turning operations the second setup using the workpiece supplies proposals for tool and cutting
as well as for face and lateral-surface geometry that has already been entered. data. Following that, TURN PLUS auto-
machining. matically generates the new machining
step.
You can check each individual step in the
control graphics. TURN PLUS uses a
reasonable sequence of possible opera-
tions. You can also adapt this sequence
yourself to suit specific tasks.

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DataPilot for successful
NC training

Today the widespread use of CNC-controlled machine

tools, personal computers and EDP systems in all Trainer
product areas underlines the need for a practical
training system. Because of its modular structure,
the DataPilot is ideal for training purposes.

Training and follow-up courses

The operation and programming of
DataPilot are identical with that of a CNC
machine.

DataPilot even simulates axis and spindle

movement and the execution of NC Printer
programs. Thus you can learn how to
operate a lathe and familiarize yourself
with NC programming for workpiece
machining on a readily available PC.

Trainees

Teaching with DataPilot

Modern user guidance, graphic information
in TURN PLUS and structured programming
in DIN PLUS ensure quick comprehension.
With the realistic simulation feature, it
is possible to graphically represent and
monitor each programming step.

While NC programs are running, the

DataPilot machine display shows actual
values, tool data, etc. The block display
feature shows the commands that are
currently being executed. You can set
the block display so that both the
programmed cycle and tool movements
(G0, G1, G2 or G3 commands) are shown
at the same time.

Thus with TURN PLUS you can convey

to the trainee the whole programming
sequence from generation of the program
blocks with TURN PLUS, to conversion
to DIN PLUS and then execution on a
CNC control.

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 Conversational Languages
System Prerequisites

Conversational languages
You can install DataPilot 4290 in several
languages and switch among them during
operation.

The following languages are available:

• German
• English
• French
• Italian
• Spanish
• Swedish
Machine • Dutch
• Danish
• Czech

System prerequisites
The DataPilot software runs on PCs with
the following operating system:

• Windows 95
• Windows 98
• Windows ME
• Windows NT 4.0
• Windows 2000

A parallel interface is required for

connecting the software enabling dongle.
An Ethernet interface enables fast data
exchange with CNC machines.

Depending on the installed languages,

DataPilot requires approx. 30 to 50 MB
of hard disk space.

Learning with DataPilot

The automatic machining plan generation
feature in TURN PLUS suggests a
sequence for the machining of the work-
piece that is technologically correct. The
result is a structured and commented
DIN PLUS program with setup information,
contour descriptions and the individual
machining blocks.

The graphic simulation feature and the

simulated NC program run in automatic
mode allow the operator to view the
entire machining process and finished
result realistically, with all of the geo-
metrical and technical details included.

Windows is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation

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