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NC Express…Today’s Software
for Tomorrow’s Challenges
 Finn-Power’s new NC Express CNC programming system is a user friendly,
integrated, and automated tool for managing Finn-Power equipment in the most efficient manner available. NC Express is a tooling, nesting and optimizing software package designed to easily integrate into an existing
manufacturing environment, taking full advantage of the CAD design database and the Finn-Power machine tool product line.
NC Express is a scalable application – the system may be used as a single part drafting and tooling program or as a fully-automated machine tool
management system. Either way the results are the same, optimized automatic N/C code creation.
The system utilizes several unique technologies to create a fabrication environment in which individual parts or assemblies of parts can be retrieved
directly from the CAD database and processed by NC Express for random part J.I.T. production
NC Express provides an easy-to-use Windows based Graphic User Interface. Drop down Menus and Icons ensure easy interaction with the system and
immediate productivity. This user interface, combined with NC Express powerful automation capabilities facilitates optimum production, maximizes the
computer-controller features of the machine tool, and simplifies the effort required to design and program parts for production.
System Overview
NC Express is a production management tool designed to provide the maximum positive impact on manufacturing flexibility and efficiency. NC Express includes the following features and functions.
General Features
- Windows User Interface
- Orders Management System
- Geometry Importing and Editing
- Automatic Feature Based Tooling
- Active Materials Database
- Automatic True Shape Random Part Nester
- Full Automatic Machine Optimization
Windows User Interface (GUI)
NC Express is an easy to use Windows based application. Any computer running Microsoft’s Windows 2000 or NT 4.0 operating system can install and use this
software. NC Express follows the conventions of contemporary window based applications, therefore, any user familiar with MS Office Suite or MS Windows 2000 or NT 4.0 should already have the knowledge
necessary to work with this package.
Orders Management System (OMS)
The Orders Management System is a database in which production requirements are determined. The OMS integrates NC Express to most industry standard MRP,
ERP, and other scheduling environments via an ascii buffer or directly through SQL, ODBC, or any ADO compliant database. The parts required for production, quantity, material codes, priorities and due dates are
then picked up and processed for Just-In-Time fabrication.
Part Geometry
The NC Express system comes complete with a DXF Interface and Cad editing
function. The DXF interface eliminates the process of manually programming parts prior to nesting. The software interface deals directly with the unique
features and design protocols of the user’s CAD system. Part files are extracted transparently to the user from CAD.
- DXF interface for drawing input and output
- CAD Drafting and editing
Auto Tool Placement
Auto Tool placement is accomplished automatically and if required, can be interactively or semi-automatically modified. With this approach any
section of tooling placed by the auto tooling function can be easily reorganized or replaced manually. These features include:
- Automatic tool placement
- Auto and Interactive Micro Joint creation
- Auto and Interactive Destruct
- Interactive Cycling
- Machine Intuitive tool placement
Dynamic True Shape Automatic Nesting
True Shape Nesting uses the true boundary of the part as it appears in the drawing. This allows a tighter fit between
parts as compared to rectangular nesting where rectangles are wrapped around the parts prior to nesting. True Shape Nesting allows parts to be interlocked and provides substantially higher material utilization.
- Interactive part placement after auto nest
- Automatically nest under or around clamps
- Nests in zone to guarantee part accuracy
Within the NC Express nesting engine is the ability to do true shape hole filling. NC Express automatically nests multiple smaller parts in
holes of larger parts while recognizing the true shape of that hole. This feature provides the user the ability to plan and affect part inventories with significant material reduction and savings.
Punch/Nibble Automatic and Interactive Optimizer
The punch optimizer transparently references a pre-established tool library
verifying that all of the necessary tools to produce the parts are available for use in the machine’s turret. Once confirmed, machine movement, drilling, punching
and forming operations, tool changes and sequencing are optimized for efficient machine operations and throughput.
For additional information, contact Kyle Plass, CAD/CAM support,
(847) 885-3200.
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710 Remington Road