Using a schedule program on a horizontal
Just a quick question for you guys. The last shop I worked in I used a main program to call subs that where pallet specific, either one part or multiple stations per pallet. Real straight forward so easy a caveman can do it ya know. Well the shop I'm in now is currently awaiting a quote for a MA-500 so back to the horizontal I shall go. The initial basic setup is going to be two T type tombstones with 4 vises per tombstone. I'll be responsible for converting the programs that currently run on the verticals in vises, or fixtures mounted in vises over for the HMC. What I'm wanting to do is use a variable, one assigned to each vise number, that will be for the part counters. I want to end each program with a common variable+1 statement for part counting. Can I use a IF statement in the schedule program to check for the variable value and if it equals the count I input have it skip the main it is checking or does it need to be in the actual main program? I want to simplify things as much as possible for the setup guys, who are going to be blown away to start with by using actual tool lengths, center of rotation etc. Add to that multiple stations and differing part quanities on the same pallet and I can see some problems brewing. I figure a well commented general format program that is broke down into pallet one B0 Vise #1 H01 and so on will prevent to many problems, even more so since each vise will have a dedicated position and offset number for probing positions when required. New programs will be based of the center of rotation and a true position for each numbered vise as found with the probe or a bushing location that the fixture can be oriented from if the vises are off on a station or side. I've never programmed a horizontal for what is essentially a small production/job sized shop so any input or suggestions from those that do would be very much appreciated. I want to start off right so the training goes smoothly (consistent) rather than have to back track after finding out I didn't foresee something. TIA
I haven't read up on the formatting yet but basically
N100 IF [VC1 EQ 200] N200
N101 IF [VC1 LT 200] N102
N102 CALL OPROG
N200 IF [VC2 EQ....
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