iMSNC

CNC CONTROL SYSTEM

OPERATOR INTERFACE

October 2010
Document ULC-03-V3.10-10EN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MACHINE CO-ORDINATE SYSTEM .............................................. 4

CONTROL COMPUTER.................................................................. 4
Display ..........................................................................................................................................4
Manual control and indicating elements ...................................................................................4
Laser switch (ON/OFF) ........................................................................................................5
High voltage (ON/OFF) ........................................................................................................5
Shutter interlock ..................................................................................................................5
Motor power supply (green pushbutton/indicator) ..........................................................5
Emergency STOP button ....................................................................................................6
Motor run key .......................................................................................................................6
Operator interface software........................................................................................................6
Status window..............................................................................................................................7
Heading.................................................................................................................................7
Status bar .............................................................................................................................7
Lower part of status bar......................................................................................................9
Control program menu..............................................................................................................11
Bubble help ........................................................................................................................11
[F2] Cutting machine .........................................................................................................11
[F2] Movements (menu) ................................................................................................................ 12
[F6] Setting arbitrary target point ................................................................................................................13
[F3] Load NC program (menu) ...................................................................................................... 14
[F9] Compilation of NC program (menu).....................................................................................................15
[F4] Run NC program from line (menu)......................................................................................... 15
[F6] Status window and desktop settings (menu).......................................................................... 18
[F7] Tool parameters (menu)......................................................................................................... 20
Display of tool case and tool stack .............................................................................................................20
Display of tools parameters........................................................................................................................23
[F8] Testrun................................................................................................................................... 24
[F10] Operation of rotary positioning unit in XY mode (optional) ................................................... 24
[F11] / [S11] Operation of rotary positioning unit (optional) ........................................................... 25
Definition of pipe cutting operation mode ...................................................................................... 25
[S1] Auxiliary functions (menu)...................................................................................................... 26
[F2] Machine initialisation ...........................................................................................................................26
[F3] Bypass emergency switches ...............................................................................................................26
[F4] Auxiliary functions for extraction..........................................................................................................26
[F6] Calibration of Precitech laser head......................................................................................................29
[F7] Setting machine squareness ...............................................................................................................33
[S2] Machine initialisation without machine movement ...............................................................................35
[S3] Laser auxiliary functions .....................................................................................................................35
[S2] Setting reference points (menu)............................................................................................. 36
[S3] Edit NC program (menu)........................................................................................................ 36
[S6] Picture NC program (menu)................................................................................................... 37
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[S8] Automatic mode settings (menu) ........................................................................................... 38

[S8] Rotation points (menu)........................................................................................................................39
[S10] Shuttle table control (menu)................................................................................................. 39
[F3] Asper ...........................................................................................................................41
[F5] Service.........................................................................................................................41
[F3] Counters and timers for tools (menu)..................................................................................... 42
[F4] Quit to Windows ..................................................................................................................... 43
[F9] Registration............................................................................................................................ 43
[F11] Insert remark........................................................................................................................ 43
[F10] Shutdown ..................................................................................................................44

MANUAL CONTROL PANEL RO2 ............................................... 45

POINTER DEVICES ...................................................................... 47

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Machine co-ordinate system

Prior to any operation of the CNC machine it is important to understand the
machine co-ordinate system. The co-ordinate system of the cutting machine is
displayed in Fig. 1.

+Z
+X

+Y 0

Fig. 1. Machine co-ordinate system (illustrative picture)

Control computer

Display
Caution: The system comprises liquid crystals display, which is not allowed to
be operated at temperatures below freezing point.
When the system is turned on at lower temperatures, the display can be
damaged, possibly leading to malfunctioning of the system.

Manual control and indicating elements

Below computer monitor there are located some control and indicating elements
(Fig. 2).
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Touchscreen

USB connector Emergency STOP

pushbutton

Keyboard Green indicator of

motors power supply

Green
Mouse pushbutton

Fig. 2. View of MMI console

Laser switch (ON/OFF)

The laser switch is used for switching on the provided that laser generator has
been started using the key. After completing the laser start-up procedure, the
laser generator is ready for turning on high voltage.

High voltage (ON/OFF)

The switch is used to turn on high voltage of the laser generator provided that
laser source control unit enables high voltage.

Shutter interlock

Safety switch for shutter interlock is connected in series with “Shutter On”
signal. It is used to ensure that shutter opening is electrically disabled, e.g.
during cleaning or replacement of mirrors, or any manipulation performed in the
delivery path of the laser beam.

Motor power supply (green pushbutton/indicator)

Green pushbutton is used to turn on power supply for motors. When the power
is on, the green indicator is lit.
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Emergency STOP button

Emergency STOP button enables to turn off power supply for motors and
technology source. The button is intended for use only in emergency situations.
Note: Emergency stop button on laser source switches off only the laser
source. Power voltage for machine drives will be switched off be the machine
control system as a result of switching laser off.

Motor run key

The motor run key is used to disable any machine motion with power voltage
switched on.

Operator interface software

Operator interface initial screen consists of a status window and desktop area.
Desktop area contains six function keys [F1] to [F10] (Fig. 3), that provide
access to particular menus.
The initial screen comprises also an information about machine type and serial
number.

Fig. 3. Example of an initial screen of iMSNC control system

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Status window
Status window is an information window that is permanently displayed in the
upper part of the computer screen. The window informs an operator about
actual state of control system functions.
Status window is divided into two sections, heading and system status bar. In
the lower part of status bar there is a variable status info line according to actual
configuration of windows. Status line serves also for displaying error messages.

Fig. 4. Status window

Heading

Status window heading contains company logo, file name and actual date and
time.

Fig. 5. Heading

Beside this, during program edit the line contains also cursor position line and
column number, otherwise it contains title of submenu. It contains also an icon
for bubble help.

Fig. 6. Heading in edit mode

Status bar

Look of the status bar is variable depending on actual operation mode of the
machine and setting of screen layout. The look of the status bar in different
situations is illustrated in Fig. 7 to Fig. 9.

Fig. 7. Status bar after system start-up

Fig. 8. Status bar after turning motor power voltage on

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Fig. 9. Status bar after initialisation in manual mode

Symbols displayed in status bar inform about actual state of control system
functions. These symbols have following meanings:

Position 1 – Communication and initialisation status

Detection of control system status in progress

Control system out of order

Information transfer into the control system

No communication with the control system

Position 1 – File transfer status

File transfer – approximately 50 % transferred

File transfer completed

Automatic mode settings in progress

Position 1 – Operation status

Manual mode

Automatic mode

Break (interrupted) mode

Non-initialised state

Position 2 – Indication of control system errors

Error of some subsystem. When error state remains, the symbol remains displayed
even after confirmation (acceptance by an operator)
Position 3 - NC program compilation status

Program not compiled

Program successfully compiled

Position 4 – Machine motion

Machine in motion

Disabled motion of machine

Position 5 – Machine dwelling

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Machine dwelling:
Due to execution of dwell instruction „G4“,
„M00“, or „M01“ code executed, control system waits for [START] button.

Position 6 – Servodrive status

Power voltage of servodrives turned off

Position 7 - Extraction zones

Extraction running

Positions 8 to 11 – Laser head status

Laser beam off, shutter closed

Laser beam off, shutter open

Laser beam on, shutter closed

Laser beam on, shutter open

Laser cutting in progress

Laser tool error

High voltage in laser source ready

Service request from laser source

Laser source backfilled

Position 16 – Selected movement speed in manual mode

Low speed (field empty)

Cutting (technological) speed

Fast speed

Lower part of status bar

Lower part of the status bar contains symbols:

Fig. 10. Status bar with automatic mode settings

Program running in test-run mode

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Program running without moving in Z-axis

Program running without technological functions (“dry run”)

Program running without ATHC

Cutting plan with interchanged axes X, Y

Cutting plan mirrored with respect to X axis

Cutting plan mirrored with respect to Y axis

Cutting plan scaled in scale different than 100 %

Cutting plan is rotated by displayed angle of rotation

Actual setting of cutting speed [mm/min]

Cutting with shutter disabled

Fig. 11. Status bar with co-ordinates

Actual X co-ordinate [mm]

Actual Y co-ordinate [mm]

Actual Z co-ordinate of selected head [mm]

Fig. 12. Status window with a message

Fig. 13. Status window displaying actual state of exhausting system

In the status bar, actual state of extraction system is displayed. Number of

segments in horizontal direction is given by number of exhausting zones in X-
axis direction, in vertical direction by number of exhausting zones in Y-axis
direction. When the exhausting zone is opened, segment symbol is displayed in
light green otherwise it is dark green.
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Control program menu

The control program uses the concept of hierarchical menu system. Control
functions are carried out using computer keyboard (function keys), mouse, or
touchscreen.
Each screen is divided into two parts, the upper part displays particular
information, the lower part contains one or two lines of functional keys (buttons).
Each row includes twelve hotkeys, the upper line includes hotkeys [F1] to [F12]
and lower line hotkeys [S1] to [S12] (where [S1] means [Shift+F1]). For each
screen [F12] means return back to upper level and [S12] is used to accept and
clear error messages.

Bubble help

After clicking on the “bubble” icon in the system heading, the colour of the
bubble icon changes from white to yellow and the system is prepared for bubble
help. Next click on arbitrary key or icon displays the bubble with short
explanation help text. After short time the help is automatically switched off and
with the next click on the key returns it into its normal function.

Fig. 14. Button for switching on and displayed bubble help information

[F2] Cutting machine

Fig. 15. Cutting machine menu with shuttle table

Fig. 16. Cutting machine menu with functions for rotary positioner

[F2] Movements - menu (see page 12)

[F3] Load and compile NC program

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[F4] Run NC program from line - menu (see page 14)

[F5] Run loaded NC program. Execution of the program is started from actual position
of the head. The system is switched into automatic mode.
[F6] Status window and desktop setting - menu (see page 18)

[F7] Tool parameters

[F8] Enable/disable “Testrun” mode. Program in “Testrun” mode is executed with speed
set for manual movements
[F10] Switch on XY pipe cutting mode

[F11] Switch on standard pipe cutting mode

[F12] Return to main menu

[S1] Auxiliary functions - menu (see page 20)

[S2] Reference points setting - menu (see page 35)

[S3] Online editing of NC program

[S4] Reset NC program. Stop automatic mode and switch to manual mode

[S5] Stop NC program. Stop automatic mode and switch to break mode

[S6] Picture NC program. - menu (see page 36)

[S8] Automatic mode settings - menu (see page 38)

[S10] Shuttle table control - menu (see page 39)

[S11] Switch on planar mode (terminate pipe cutting mode)

[S12] Accept and clear displayed error messages, warnings and messages

[F2] Movements (menu)

Fig. 17. Movements menu

[F2] Move to zero point (co-ordinate origin, co-ordinates [0, 0])

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[F3] Move do starting point

[F4] Return to contour

[F5] Run NC program

[F6] Move to arbitrary point. The function opens a screen for adjustment of [X, Y] co-
ordinates of target arbitrary point – menu (page 13)
[F9] Reset relative co-ordinates

[F12] Return to previous menu

[S1] Move to reference point No. 1

[S2] Move to reference point No. 2

[S3] Move to reference point No. 3

[S4] Move to reference point No. 4

[S5] Stop NC program. Execution of NC program is interrupted

[S9] Switch between relative and absolute co-ordinates

[S12] Accept and clear displayed error messages, warnings and messages

[F6] Setting arbitrary target point

Fig. 18. Menu for setting arbitrary target point

[F2] Edit X-co-ordinate of target point. Value confirmed by [ENTER]

[F3] Edit Y-co-ordinate of target point. Value confirmed by [ENTER]

[F6] Execute movement to absolute target point

[F9] Reset relative co-ordinates

[F12] Return to previous menu

[S5] Stop NC program. Execution of NC program is interrupted

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[S6] Execute movement to relative target point

[S9] Switch between relative and absolute co-ordinates

[S12] Accept and clear displayed error messages, warnings and messages

[F3] Load NC program (menu)

Fig. 19. Load NC program menu

[F2] Open (load) NC program

[F3] Enter NC program filename: create new or open existing NC program

[F6] List of last recently loaded NC programs

[F7] Working folder

[F8] User folder No. 1

[F9] User folder No. 2

[F10] User folder No. 3

[F12] Return to previous menu

[S3] Folder tree

[S4] Network drive

[S8] Set actual folder as user folder No. 1

[S9] Set actual folder as user folder No. 2

[S10] Set actual folder as user folder No. 3

[S12] Accept and clear displayed error messages, warnings and messages
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Fig. 20. Desktop with list of NC programs

[F9] Compilation of NC program (menu)

Fig. 21. Editor menu

[F3] Save NC program

[F4] Jump to previous error

[F5] Jump to next error

[F6] Picture NC program - menu

[F8] Interrupt compilation

Compile offline: syntax check

[F9]
Compile online: modification of selected NC program

[F12] Return to previous menu

[F4] Run NC program from line (menu)

When a program is run from specific line, the machine reads the program up to
the entered line and moves the tool to the position corresponding to the entered
line. Then it stays in “program interrupted” status. An operator can verify
whether the entered position is correct and when necessary, it is possible to
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modify the initial position of cutting in test run or retrace mode. To begin cutting
button [START] should be pressed.
Function “Forward motion along contour according to the selected program
while button is pressed” simplifies finding of exact initial position for cutting. The
function is accessed by simultaneous pressing of button [SHIFT] on UVP panel
and [START] on RO2 panel. The machine is switched to test run mode and
moves forward. Machine stops after button [START] is released. Function “Stop
after cutting is finished” simplifies the process of interrupting the program
without damaging cutting. It is accessed by simultaneous pressing of button
[SHIFT] on UVP panel and [STOP] on RO2 panel. Program is interrupted on
the next „M5“ command (tool switch-off).
After a NC program is interrupted important data are saved in database. After
re-reading the NC program, database system reads data of the program from a
database and displays the window „Restore settings“. An operator can select
the data read from the database, there is an option to read line number where
the program was interrupted. It is also possible to enter line number directly or
find the line number that is closest to the actual tool position.

Fig. 22. Window for restoring settings

Fig. 23. Desktop – start from line

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Fig. 24. Menu Start from line

Start program from actual position: Control system recalculates a part of the
[F4] program prior to entered line, assumed starting position are the actual co-ordinates and
the program sis started from entered line number (Fig. 25)
Start from starting point: Control system recalculates a part of the program prior to
[F5] entered line, assumed starting position is the last recent starting point and the program
sis started from entered line number (Fig. 26)
st
[F6] Set actual position as starting point – at the same time, it is the 1 point of rotation

nd
[F7] Save 2 point of rotation and subsequent calculation of angle of rotation

[F8] Testrun of NC program

[F9] Redraw cutting plan display relative to actual tool position

[F12] Return to previous menu

[S4] Program reset: Execution of NC program is terminated and system enters manual
mode
[S5] Stop program: Execution of NC program is interrupted.

[S6] Move to starting point

[S7] Cancel rotation

[S8] Automatic mode settings – menu (see page 38)

[S12] Accept and clear displayed error messages, warnings and messages

Fig. 25. Start from line (from actual position) window

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Fig. 26. Start from line (from start point) window

Read line from database. Line number where program was last time interrupted
is saved in database. Function reads this line number and displays it in window.
Line number nearest to the actual tool position. This function finds line number,
which is nearest to the actual tool position.

[F6] Status window and desktop settings (menu)

Fig. 27. Menu for status bar and desktop window adjustment

[F2] Desktop setting: cutting plan and actual status of selected tool (Fig. 28), status
window layout as for [F5]
Desktop setting: cutting plan and program source code (Fig. 29), status window
[F3]
layout as for [F6]

[F5] Status window setting: automatic mode settings

[F6] Status window setting: co-ordinates of selected head

[F7] Status window setting: status of extraction zones

[F9] Reset relative co-ordinates

[F12] Return to previous menu

[S1] Desktop setting: cutting plan (Fig. 30), status window layout as for [F6]

[S3] Desktop setting: program source code (Fig. 31), status window layout as for [F6]

[S9] Switch between relative and absolute co-ordinates

[S12] Accept and clear displayed error messages, warnings and messages
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Fig. 28. Desktop layout containing cutting plan and actual status of selected tool

Fig. 29. Desktop layout containing cutting plan and source code of NC program
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Fig. 30. Desktop layout containing just cutting plan

Fig. 31. Desktop layout containing source code of NC program

[F7] Tool parameters (menu)

Tool parameter screen can be displayed in two modes:

1. Display of tool case and tool stack
2. Display of tool parameters

Display of tool case and tool stack

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Fig. 32. Desktop for selection of tools

Selected tool is ready to be used.

Fig. 33. Symbol representing a laser cutting tool

Beside tool name the picture contains also numerical codes:
2: Set No. 2 (medium contours)
1: Technology code
17: Laser tool code

Fig. 34. Tool parameters menu

[F1] Set selected tool as active and send parameters to corresponding THC axis

[F2] Copy parameters of selected tool into tool stack

[F4] Display tool case and tool stack

[F7] Delete tool from tool case

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[F9] Move left in tool case

[F10] Move right in tool case

[F11] Generate and display tool parameters summary (Fig. 35)

[F12] Return to previous menu

[S1] Set tool to active and transfer tool parameters

[S2] Change technological operation for selected tool

[S3] Change technological operation for selected tool

[S4] Display tool parameters

[S9] Move left in tool stack

[S10] Move right in tool stack

[S12] Accept and clear displayed error messages, warnings and messages

Fig. 35. Tool parameters summary displayed in internet browser window !IS!
Parameters of some technologies are organised in several groups enabling
more accurate setting of parameter values for different technological operations.
Individual parameters in groups are identical but their values might be different.
Parameters of tools are split into several sets (screens) for more convenient
and comfortable viewing and editing.
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Display of tools parameters

Fig. 36. Menu for parameter values

[F4] Display tool case and tool stack

[F5] Edit parameter group No. 1

[F6] Edit parameter group No. 2

[F7] Edit parameter group No. 3

[F8] Edit parameter group No. 4

[F11] Generate and display tool parameters summary (Fig. 35)

[F12] Return to previous menu

[S1] Set tool to active and transfer tool parameters

[S4] Create new tool based on existing template (Fig. 37)

[S7] Create new tool

[S10] Switch display of parameter values for actual technological operation / for all
technological operations (Fig. 38 and Fig. 39)
[S11] Change display mode of tool parameters

[S12] Accept and clear displayed error messages, warnings and messages

Fig. 37. List of templates for creation of a new tool

iMSNC [LC] Operator interface 24/47

Fig. 38. Display of tool parameters with all technological operations

Fig. 39. Display of tool parameters with selected technological operation

[F8] Testrun

The function is used to enable or disable testrun mode. Enabled testrun mode is
indicated by corresponding icon in the status window and on manual control
panels UVP51.

[F10] Operation of rotary positioning unit in XY mode

(optional)

For operation of the machine with a rotary positioning unit see description in the
following section. The operation in XY mode means that Y-co-ordinate is not
fixed by the position of pipe axis.
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[F11] / [S11] Operation of rotary positioning unit

(optional)

The rotating unit enables to cut shapes on a rotary surface of a pipe. A pipe is
secured on one side to adjustable jaws of the chuck driven by a servodrive for
rotary positioner, and axially supported by supporting wheels. Securing
elements are installed either on a side of cutting table, or directly on the table.
Pipe axis is parallel either to X or Y axis of the machine. The cutting head cuts
in the highest place of the pipe and moves only along its longitudinal axis.
Speed of movement in the axis is given by „cutting speed“ value in tool
parameters and correspond to material type and thickness of the pipe wall.
Movement in the second direction is provided by a servodrive of rotary
positioner. Based on the cutting speed, the control system calculates
corresponding rotational speed. The calculation uses outer diameter of the pipe
entered into the system manually and actual cutting speed. Hole or part from
the cutting program is cut in the same manner as in planar sheets.

Definition of pipe cutting operation mode

The machine is operated by default in operation mode for planar cutting. When
pipe cutting is required, necessary, [F11] function should be used (switch on
pipe cutting mode). Then a window for entering pipe diameter is displayed:

Fig. 40. Dialogue window for entering pipe diameter

After entering the diameter in permitted range (indicated by an interval in angle

brackets, Fig. 40) and confirmation by [F1] button, the machine enters pipe
cutting mode indicated in the status bar by icon .
Switching between planar and rotary modes can be performed also from UVP
manual control panel:
♦ [Fn + 7] switch on planar mode
♦ [Fn + 8] switch on pipe cutting mode
When the pipe cutting mode is switched on from UVP, the system uses the last
recent diameter value set from iMSNC. When the diameter was not set, i.e. its
value is zero, the control system displays error message: „Cutting speed too
high“. Therefore, handling mentioned cutting modes from UVP is possible only
after previous entering pipe diameter.
Pipe cutting mode is cancelled by pressing [S11], the machine automatically
returns back to the default planar mode.
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[S1] Auxiliary functions (menu)

Fig. 41. Auxiliary functions menu !IS!

[F2] Machine initialisation

[F3] Bypass emergency and limit switches and SW limits

[F4] Auxiliary functions of extraction system

[F6] Calibration of height transducers

[F7] Set machine squareness

[F12] Return to previous menu

[S2] Machine initialisation without machine movement

[S9] Turn on power voltage for motors

[S12] Accept and clear displayed error messages, warnings and messages

[F2] Machine initialisation

The functions launches the process of machine initialisation.

[F3] Bypass emergency switches

The function enables to switch on power voltage for motors even in case when
an emergency switch is active. Bypass is enabled only for short time in order to
maintain safety functions of a machine.

[F4] Auxiliary functions for extraction

Fig. 42. Auxiliary functions for extraction menu

iMSNC [LC] Operator interface 27/47

[F2] Manual start of extraction system

[F3] Manual start of filters cleaning

[F4] Start of extraction system

[F5] Edit parameters of extraction zones (page 28)

[F6] Display extraction device status (Fig. 43)

[F12] Return to previous menu

[S2] Manual stop of extraction system

[S3] Manual stop of filters cleaning

[S4] Stop of extraction system

[S6] Edit parameters of extraction system (Fig. 44)

[S7] Accept and clear displayed error messages of extraction system

[S12] Accept and clear displayed error messages, warnings and messages

The extraction system is controlled by a dedicated control module and remotely

managed from iMSNC control system. It saves time and energy, and provides
high degree of process safety.
More detailed information can be found in manual for extraction devices.

Fig. 43. Displayed status of extraction system

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Fig. 44. Extraction system parameters

[F5] Edit parameters of extraction zones

The program enables to prepare complete design of extraction zones pattern on

machine working area and define their dimensions. Program functions enable:
♦ Design of extraction zones (type and zones grid dimensions, setting type
and size of overlaps, numbering of zones, deleting selected or all zones)
♦ Modification of design (modification of grid dimensions, overlaps,
extraction parameters (e.g. closing delay), loading of machine extraction
zones and saving on disk, generation of a text file with dimensions of
zones)
♦ Modification of zones dimensions in „FLASH.BIN“ binary file (co-ordinates
of start- and end-points of zones in both directions and origin of the
zones). Saving of modified design is conditioned by valid password. New
values are applied after restart of iMSNC system.
Remark: Particular zone on desktop is selected by left
mouse button and is displayed in the top left corner of the
screen.
The program enables to display status of extraction zones in three modes
(mode 1 is only for viewing, modes 2 and 3 are servicing):
♦ Actual status - opened zones are displayed on desktop in red colour
(standard set-up). Closed zones are displayed in green.
♦ Control according co-ordinates – zone being under the tool is opened and
displayed on desktop in red colour (all parameters set for exhaust zones
are accepted).
♦ Manual control of zones – a zone is opened by clicking the left mouse
button on desktop. Opened zone is displayed in red colour, all other
zones are closed.
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Fig. 45. Desktop of editing parameters of extraction zones

[F6] Calibration of Precitech laser head

Inductive or capacitive transducers enable to control the distance between a

cutting tool and a metal sheet. Relationship between the output voltage of
transducer and distance between the tool and cutting material is generally non-
linear. Therefore transducers need to be calibrated before their usage.
In case of Precitec laser head it is possible to perform calibration directly using
Precitec tools. In such case, the calibration can be completed in 1-point, 2-point,
or 16-point mode. It is recommended to use preferably 16-point calibration
because it gives better accuracy especially for nozzle distances close to
material surface. This type of calibration involves positioning of the head in 16
points that are not equally spaced within sensor measurement range.
The section describes the calibration process of capacitive height sensor on
Precitec HPxxM Laser cutting head with EG8010 distance controller. All details
related to the topic can be found in accompanying documentation for Precitec
laser cutting head.
Necessary condition for successful usage and calibration is proper settings of
EG8010 distance controller. Photo of the user interface is given in Fig. 46.

Fig. 46. User interface of Precitec distance controller EG8010 for capacitive sensors
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Settings in the distance controller should be made as displayed in Fig. 47.

Fig. 47. Diagram of configuration process for clearance measurement system (taken from
distance controller manual)

Note: Items “SensCon”, “TeachMo”, and “PaSelct” in distance controller menu

are in case of “YES” (active) marked by asterisk symbol “*”, and in case of “NO”
(inactive) by underscore symbol “_”, i.e. proper settings are: “_SensCon”,
“*TeachMo”, and “_PaSelct”.

This process sets the linearization table in EG8010 unit and is necessary for
accurate height measurement.

Note: It is recommended to perform the calibration always after replacement of

any internal part of the sensor (i.e. usually the ceramic part).

The calibration process is controlled via manual operator panel UVP. The
process is carried out in following steps:

Calibration start

First, get to the main screen on UVP:

Fig. 48. Main screen of UVP display

iMSNC [LC] Operator interface 31/47

In main screen press [ENTER] on UVP to open menu:

Fig. 49. Calibration menu

Press [9] to open service functions menu:

Fig. 50. Service menu

Press [3] to open calibration screen:

Fig. 51. Calibration screen

Calibration screen (Fig. 51) contains:

Line 1:
o status indicator:
♣ “STOP” – the process starts/continues after operator
presses [1] for start of calibration
♣ “WAIT” – calibration waits for operator to move Z-axis
up/down manually to the plate and than [1] should be
pressed to start
♣ “RUNNING” – the process is running, no operator action is
expected
o actual calibration step vs. total number of calibration steps
Line 2:
o Nozzle standoff over the plate (“H”) and Z-axis coordinate of
cutting head.
o Nozzle standoff becomes valid only after calibration start.
Line 3:
o Error / status message:
♣ “---” - no message
iMSNC [LC] Operator interface 32/47

♣ “TOUCH PLATE” – operator should move the cutting head

down so the nozzle touches the plate.
♣ “TOUCH DETECTED” – touch between cutting nozzle and
plate detected. Operator should check, whether the nozzle
is really touching the plate, because this signal may be
false when there is some problem with the sensor.
♣ “CALIBRATING” – Calibration process in progress – wait
until the process is completed.
♣ “SUCCESS” – Calibration successfully finished.
♣ “USER BREAK” – Calibration aborted by operator due to
pressing of [STOP] button.
♣ “NOT READY” – Cutting head sensor unit reports “Not
ready” status.
♣ “NOT CONFIGURED” – The machine does not support
cutting head calibration.
♣ “NO RESPONSE” – Cutting head sensor unit does not
respond in reasonable time. Probably cutting head sensor
unit failed to work.
♣ “SERVO ERROR” – THC (Z) servo reported error or failed
to respond. Check servo error messages.
♣ “SENSOR ERROR”
– At the beginning of calibration: cutting head is not
ready for calibration.
- During calibration: cutting head sensor unit reports
error. Check sensor assembly.
Line 4:
o Hint for the start command (i.e. [1]) and status bits for service
diagnostics (E, C, rq)
To start the calibration process move the cutting head to park position and
press [1] on UVP.

Calibration process

After calibration start the UVP screen displays:

Fig. 52. Calibration process – start

Now the cutting head should be moved down so that the nozzle just touches the
plate.
It is important not to damage the sensor and make just a light touch with plate
(when the head is close to the plate, just 0.1 mm steps should be used).
If the calibration start point is not sufficiently close to the plate, the calibration
results will be inaccurate.
iMSNC [LC] Operator interface 33/47

If the start point is too low, i.e. the head pushes the nozzle to the sheet, it can
happen that the calibration fails at the last step, when it measures at 0.2 mm
standoff and there is still a contact with the sheet.
A contact is indicated on display, so the status changes to “TOUCH
DETECTED”:

Fig. 53. Calibration process – touching the plate

Now, [1] can be pressed again to start the process of autocalibration. The
process goes to step 1 and the screen changes as follows:

Fig. 54. Calibration process – step 1..15

The head moves automatically to preset standoffs (steps 115) and calibrates
the sensor unit.
If the calibration was successful, status displayed on the screen changes to
“SUCCESS”:

Fig. 55. Calibration process – end

After successful calibration, go back to main screen on UVP by pressing [Esc]
button repeatedly. To check if the sensor is working, go down to plate manually
and check the standoff displayed on UVP.
If the calibration fails the sensor assembly should be checked and the
calibration should be repeated.

[F7] Setting machine squareness

The function calculates a value of shifting (corrections) of one X-servo so that

machine gantry becomes perpendicular to X-edge of the machine. For
calculation, the system uses real dimensions of cut model rectangle. Shifting is
executed during process of machine initialisation.
The function is not intended to be used by an operator, it can be used only by
qualified servicing technicians.
iMSNC [LC] Operator interface 34/47

Fig. 56. Setting machine squareness menu

[F2] Selection window for entering diagonal length of cut model rectangle Da

[F3] Selection window for entering distance H between racks of X guideways

[F4] Selection window for entering designation of motor on position Xa (side of machine
zero). By default Xa = X1
[F7] Selection window for setting final shifting (password protected – the function can be
used only by servicing technicians)
[F12] Return to previous menu

[S2] Selection window for entering Sx – side of model rectangle

[S3] Selection window for entering Sy – side of model rectangle

[S7] Selection window for entering correction value in X1-axis direction (provided the
value is known)
[S8] Selection window for entering correction value in X2-axis direction (provided the
value is known)
[S12] Accept and clear displayed error messages, warnings and messages

Fig. 57. Desktop for setting machine perpendicularity

Windows Db (length of the second diagonal), D (theoretical length of diagonal)

and Shift (calculated correction of squareness) are used only for displaying of
calculated values.

Squareness setting procedure

1. Load dedicated NC program of model rectangle with cross-hair in

corners, usually “C:\MSNC\PROGRAM\TESTS2D\KOLMOST.CNC”
iMSNC [LC] Operator interface 35/47

2. Run the program. The program cuts cross-hairs in rectangle corners.

3. Precisely measure diagonal distance between centres of the crosses
labelled as Da.
4. Press [F2] and enter Da diagonal length into displayed window and
press [OK]
5. In similar fashion enter values Sx, Sy, H – order of entering is not
important
6. Press [F7] to run calculation and setting of final offset in iMSNC system.

Remark: To apply calculated correction of squareness, it is essential to restart

iMSNC system and re-initialise the machine!

[S2] Machine initialisation without machine movement

The function enables to complete machine initialisation procedure without any

movement. The function should be used only for commissioning and testing.

[S3] Laser auxiliary functions

Fig. 58. Laser status display for Slab DC20 laser source !IS!

Fig. 59. Auxiliary laser functions !IS!

[F4] Turn laser on

[F12] Return to previous menu

[S4] Turn laser off

[S12] Accept and clear displayed error messages, warnings and messages
iMSNC [LC] Operator interface 36/47

[S2] Setting reference points (menu)

Fig. 60. Menu for setting reference points

[F2] Edit X co-ordinate of selected reference point. Entered value is confirmed by

[ENTER]
[F3] Edit Y co-ordinate of selected reference point. Entered value is confirmed by
[ENTER]
[F6] Assign actual co-ordinates to selected reference point

[F9] Reset relative co-ordinates

[F12] Return to previous menu

[S1] Select reference point No. 1

[S2] Select reference point No. 2

[S3] Select reference point No. 3

[S4] Select reference point No. 4

[S9] Switch between relative and absolute co-ordinates. Relative co-ordinates are
displayed with respect to the point entered by [F9]
[S12] Accept and clear displayed error messages, warnings and messages

[S3] Edit NC program (menu)

Fig. 61. Editor menu

[F2] List NC programs - menu (see page 14)

[F3] Save NC program

[F4] Go to line of NC program

[F5] Save NC program to removable storage

[F7] Find text

iMSNC [LC] Operator interface 37/47

[F8] Next occurrence of searched text

Compilation of NC program - menu (see page 15)

[F9] offline: syntax check
online: edit selected NC program

[F12] Return to previous menu

[S6] Picture NC program (menu)

Fig. 62. Picture NC program menu

[F3] Move left

[F4] Move up

[F5] Zoom in

[F6] Whole picture

[F7] Enable / disable cursor tracing

[F8] Redraw NC program relative to actual position

[F10] NC program information (Fig. 62)

[F12] Return to previous menu

[S3] Move right

[S4] Move down

[S5] Zoom out

[S6] Normal size

[S7] Display information about NC program dimensions and area

[S12] Accept and clear displayed error messages, warnings and messages
iMSNC [LC] Operator interface 38/47

Fig. 63. NC program information

[S8] Automatic mode settings (menu)

Fig. 64. Automatic mode settings menu

Traverse height during execution NC program. Height can have two values defined
[F2] in tool parameters. After traverse movement in set height, next operation is
performed without IHS.
[F3] Dryrun with disabled technology

[F4] Disable THC

[F5] Disable ATHC

[F6] Testrun (equivalent to simultaneously applied ”Dryrun“ and ”THC disabled“

[F7] Global marking – tool starts are replaced by marking points. Movement of tool is
governed by commands for tool start, not along cutting contour.
[F8] Load default settings for automatic mode: scale 100 %, no mirroring and no rotation

[F9] Save automatic mode settings

[F12] Return to previous menu

[S2] Set reference points

[S3] Swap X and Y program co-ordinates

[S4] Horizontal mirroring

[S5] Vertical mirroring

[S6] Scale program from 10 % to 1000 %. Default scale is 100 %

iMSNC [LC] Operator interface 39/47

[S7] Rotate plan according to rotation points – menu

[S8] Rotate plan by angle. Rotation angle in degrees is displayed in status window

[S9] Load saved automatic mode settings

[S12] Accept and clear displayed error messages, warnings and messages

[S8] Rotation points (menu)

Fig. 65. Desktop for rotation points menu

Fig. 66. Rotation points menu

[F2] Edit X co-ordinate of entered rotation point. Entered value is confirmed by [ENTER]

[F3] Edit Y co-ordinate of entered rotation point. Entered value is confirmed by [ENTER]

[F6] Use actual position as rotation point

[F12] Return to previous menu

[S6] Cancel rotation

[S12] Accept and clear displayed error messages, warnings and messages

[S10] Shuttle table control (menu)

iMSNC [LC] Operator interface 40/47

Fig. 67. Desktop of shuttle table auxiliary functions

Fig. 68. Shuttle table control menu

[F2] Move bed up

[F3] Move bed to the machine

[F4] Set exchanger to free position, remove bed from the machine, and insert into
exchanger
[F5] Run conveyor for scrap removal

[F6] Stop all movements

[F7] Set exchange travel speed (Fig. 69)

[F12] Return to previous menu

[S2] Move bed down

[S3] Remove bed from the machine

[S4] Automatic bed exchange

[S5] Stop conveyor for scrap removal

[S7] Set slow-down speed (Fig. 70)

[S8] Save speed settings

iMSNC [LC] Operator interface 41/47

[S12] Accept and clear displayed error messages, warnings and messages

Fig. 69. Dialogue window for entering exchange travel speed in [Hz]

Fig. 70. Dialogue window for entering slow-down speed in [Hz]

[F3] Asper

The function launches external CAM program AsperWin. Details regarding

AsperWin can be found in a separate manual.

[F5] Service

Fig. 71. Service desktop with events history

Fig. 72. Service menu

[F3] Counters and timers for tools - menu (see page 42)

[F4] Terminate iMSNC and quit to Windows

[F5] Restart iMSNC

iMSNC [LC] Operator interface 42/47

[F9] Registration

[F11] Insert note into machine event log list

[F12] Return to previous menu

[S2] Set machine system parameters

[S3] Machine initialisation

[S9] Turn on power voltage for motors

[S12] Accept and clear displayed error messages, warnings and messages

[F3] Counters and timers for tools (menu)

Fig. 73. Desktop with counters and timers for tools

Fig. 74. Menu for counters and timers for tools

[F2] Select parameter group (up)

[F3] Select parameter group (down)

[F4] Reset counter and timer for selected tool

[F12] Return to previous menu

[S1] Reset counters and timers for all tools of selected group ([Sx] resets group No. x)

[S12] Accept and clear displayed error messages, warnings and messages

Number of timer groups matches the number of used tool, maximum number is
limited to six.
iMSNC [LC] Operator interface 43/47

[F4] Quit to Windows

The function is used when an operator quits iMSNC and wants to continue to
work on a computer.

Fig. 75. Dialogue window displayed when “Quit to Windows” function is used

[F9] Registration

Registration is a procedure of entering valid counter-code obtained from

MicroStep company or a local dealer on basis of a code displayed in registration
window (Fig. 76). If no registration has been completed, the machine can be
operated for only 15 minutes and then iMSNC automatically shuts down. When
a valid code is entered, depending on the code machine working time is either
limited to specific number of working hours, or the working time is unlimited.

Fig. 76. Registration window

[F11] Insert remark

The function enables to add arbitrary text to machine history logs.

Fig. 77. Window for entering text of remark into history logs
iMSNC [LC] Operator interface 44/47

[F10] Shutdown

End of machine operation, termination of system program, shutdown of

Windows operating system. Wait for shutdown screen before turning computer
off.
This is the only correct way of shutting down the system!
iMSNC [LC] Operator interface 45/47

Manual control panel RO2

Manual control panel is located close to the machine in order to provide
comfortable access to most frequently used functions for machine operation.

Fig. 78. Manual control panel RO2 for one head – schematic and real view

Button Diode Meaning

On Warning
A1 Accept message Flashing Error
Off OK
On Enabled
A3 ATHC (enable/disable)
Off Disabled

A6 Park tool

Button Diode Meaning

B3 Start/stop tool On Piercing, cutting

On Program running
Flashing slowly Machine not initialised
B6 START Start
Flashing rapidly Motor power voltage off
Off Manual mode / interrupted mode
On Manual mode
B7 STOP Stop Flashing Interrupted mode
Off Program running

Button

C1 Retrace: machine moves backward

C2 Move to machine zero

C3 Move to last recent starting point

C4 Return to contour

C6 Reset program
iMSNC [LC] Operator interface 46/47

Button
On: fast
E1 Speed setting Flashing: cutting
Off: slow
E2 Move X axis, direction (+)

E3 Move X axis, direction (-)

E4 Move Y axis, direction (+)

E5 Move Y axis, direction (-)

Button
F2 -F Override – decrease speed scale
F3 +F Override – increase speed scale
ATHC enabled – Increase reference value
F4 +Z
ATHC disabled – Move Z axis up, direction (+)
ATHC enabled – Decrease reference value
F5 -Z
ATHC disabled – Move Z axis down, direction (-)

Diode
I1 %F Override – speed scale different from 100 %

I2 System in motion (indicated also in status window)

System dwelling (indicated also in status window):

I3 - Due to dwell instruction ”G4“,
- Due to execution of ”M00“ or ”M01“ instruction, waiting for pressing [START] button
I4 Extraction on (indicated also in status window)

I5 Servomotors turned off (indicated also in status window)

iMSNC [LC] Operator interface 47/47

Pointer devices
Term “pointer device” denotes all devices intended to assist machine operator
to position the tool into required location (e.g. laser diode, camera).
Pointer device is switched on by pressing [Fn+9] on UVP manual control panel.
Its activity is indicated by text “LD” displayed instead of Y co-ordinate on UVP
display.
After the pointer device is positioned into desired position, the machine is
returned back by repeated pressing of [Fn+9]. The pointer is then switched off.