CellMaster Options

Along with the upgrades to the base system, CMS offers several options to enhance the functionality of the software. These options have been added to meet specific needs such as Parts Cleaning, Part Measuring (CMM support), etc.

CMS Option - Parts Handling Module (CMS.OPT.301)

This option provides support for “Part Baskets” or other “Part Support Equipment”. It handles the management of loading/unloading of part support equipment such as a basket or parts catcher along with a pallet when machining a job. This means that the support basket can be matched to a particular job and used to catch and retrieve finished parts as they are completed in the machine tool. This basket can then be removed along with the pallet (and raw material) used to produce the parts. The CMS database also maintains a record of what parts were machined in that basket for retrieval by the operator. This option requires the Auxiliary Load Option (ATI.CMS.OPT.312) in order to handle the actual robot commands to load/unload the Baskets or Part Support Equipment.

CMS Option - GTR Probe/Rotary Module (CMS.OPT.302) (FANUC WEDM only)

The FANUC Alpha Series of Wire EDM machines offer the option of installing a software package from a company called GTR, along with a high precision “Turn while Burn” NC Rotary Table, and a Renishaw Probe system on the machine tool. These options, working together, enable the machine tool to probe the surface of a part in the rotary table, measure its angle in the rotary table, and compensate both the angle of the rotary table and the NC program, automatically, to cut very accurate rake angles on precision cutting tools. This system is usually used to machine high quality cutting tools made from carbide or PCD (poly-crystalline diamond) materials using Wire EDM. The GTR CMS module allows the GTR system to be used in an automated environment where a robot can be employed to automatically load and unload the rotary table as well as initiating the GTR software to cut the part. This option is only available on FANUC Wire EDM equipment with the GTR software and additional hardware installed.

CMS Option - CMM Measuring Module (CMS Pro Only) (CMS.OPT.303)

This option allows CMS to communicate with a variety of CMM measuring systems to allow automatic part inspection and gauging in a cell. With this option the part can be machined, inspected and labeled as good or bad without operator intervention. This module also has the ability to store the measurement results from the CMM and to use output data to collect and compensate the cutter offsets in the machine tool during operation of the cell. This option is only available with CMS Pro. The automatic offset compensation function requires support from the machine tool OEM to allow the uploading of offset values while in full auto mode.

CMS Option - Part Cleaning Option (CMS.OPT.304)

This option enables support for parts cleaning systems in the cell. The Parts Cleaning Module can support simple dunk tank solutions all the way up to dedicated cleaning systems with their own controls, which offer high pressure washing with heated solvents and air dry part blow-off features. In this case, a part can have both a machining job and a cleaning job attached to it. CMS will automatically schedule the cleaning job as a secondary function to machining. Once a part has been machined, the CMS software will load the machine tool with the next part before running the cleaning job to maximize spindle time.

CMS Option - E-Mail/Text Messaging Option (CMS.OPT.305)

When an automated system goes down for any reason, the customer is losing time and money. The CMS Messaging Option allows the CMS system to contact one of more people in the organization to inform them of the cell status and any error messages that may occur. Messaging can be sent via E-Mail or Text message to an E-Mail address or cellular phone. A list of recipients can be added to CMS and the recipients can be setup on a schedule to so that different people to be contacted at different times during the day or week. This option will require a live internet connection on the CMS PC.

CMS Option - Additional Gripper Option (CMS.OPT.306)

A cell may require more than one gripper to be used when an automation system has more than one type of pallet or workpiece to be loaded or unloaded. This will require the use of a robotic tool changer on the robot to allow the grippers to be changed without operator intervention. CMS will determine what tooling system to use based on the Presetter data for the work in the cell. When a job comes to the top of the work queue, CMS will automatically determine if the correct gripper is on the robot at that moment and run a gripper change routine if it is not. This is done automatically without any operator intervention to prevent damage to the robot, grippers, or pallets.

CMS Option - External Tool Management Option (CMS.OPT.307)

This option is required if the robot is loading both workpieces (pallets) and tooling (milling cutters or electrodes) in the cell. In this case, tool life and broken tool info may need to be checked and maintained in the CMS database. If a machining center has its own toolchanger and internal tool management system then this option is not needed as CMS will not be maintaining the tool list in the cell. In the case of EDM electrodes, CMS can manage the distribution of electrodes during machining, including using used finishing electrodes as roughing electrodes, and then discarding them after a set number of uses.

CMS Option - Electrode Manufacturing Option (CMS.OPT.308)

If a cell contains both a CNC Graphite Mill and a CNC EDM machine, this option can be used to produce the electrodes in the graphite mill (as workpieces) and then automatically change their status from a finished part to an available tool for use in the CNC Diesinker. This enables the cell to function as a Just-in-Time, lights out EDM cell where electrodes are manufactured and used without operator intervention. To make sure that we are not producing bad parts, a CMM (along with the CMS CMM Measuring Module) can be added to inspect the electrodes before they are used.

CMS Option - WEDM Slug Eject Option (CMS.OPT.309)

When Wire EDM is used in an automated environment, it is always a difficult issue to determine what to do with the slugs that are created after machining. This option can support the use of an external slug ejection device to enable the robot to unload the pallet from the machine, knock out the slug from the workpiece, and then return the part to the machine for the finishing operation. Some additional functions may be required on the Wire EDM machine for this operation to be successful.

CMS Option - Workpiece or Electrode Chip ID Option (CMS.OPT.310)

Today it is very common to use RFID Chips mounted to the pallets in a cell to eliminate operator error when loading the cell with new work. These chips can carry a unique ID number that is maintained in the CMS database and is read during loading (by the robot or reader heads on the magazine) to verify that the correct part is being loaded into the proper machine tool for production. If an incorrect number is found, the CMS system will mark it with an error and not send it to the machine tool. When this system is used, the operator is prompted to read the chip number and enter the correct data during the Presetting operation. This option requires the use of a RFID Chip reading system to be implemented in the cell (hardware not included).

CMS Option - Workpiece Load/Unload Station (CMS.OPT.311)

There are two methods of loading new work into a cell. Manually (by the operator) or via a Load/Unload Station, which uses the robot to move the pallet from the L/U Station to a proper open position in the magazine. The operator can drag-n-drop a pallet to a particular position in the magazine or the robot can determine a proper space in the magazine and place the pallet automatically. Usually a proper Load/Unload station will have some sort of I/O feedback to indicate to the robot if a pallet is present on the station. CMS will be able to read these signals, with this option, to prevent crashing the robot.

CMS Option - Auxiliary Load Option (CMS.OPT.312)

This option enables the loading and unloading of auxiliary support equipment into a machine tool prior to loading of the workpiece pallet. There are two major uses for this option: The first example is if a supplementary chuck is required to be loaded into the machine tool before a workpiece pallet can be loaded. In this case, the robot would be instructed to load the correct supplemental pallet first and then load the actual workpiece pallet onto the supplemental pallet. When the job is finished, the supplemental pallet would also be unloaded after the workpiece pallet has been removed. The 2nd example is when a parts catching system is being used. This option would also require the use of the Parts Handling Module (ATI.CMS.OPT.301). In this case, the parts catching system (or basket) would be loaded into the machine tool before the workpiece pallet so that it is in position to catch the finished parts as they are machined. When the job is finished and the workpiece pallet has been removed, the loaded basket will also be removed and placed back into the magazine with the workpiece.

CMS Option – Dynamic Chuck Option (CMS.OPT.313)

This option allows for the loading and unloading of multiple chucks of different tooling types onto a machine tool or load station. The software will automatically determine what type of tooling you are loading (from the data entered in the Presetter Module) and automatically select and load the correct chuck on the Machine Tool or Load Station. At the same time, the tooling image on the main CMS screen will change to represent the actual tooling type being loaded. This enables CMS to display only one chuck type at a time in the Machine Tool Box on the CMS Main screen. This function can greatly reduce operator error and confusion when there are multiple types of tooling supported on the same machine tool.

CMS Option – Custom CMS Option (CMS.OPT.999)

ATI realizes that sometimes a customer’s manufacturing needs may require special functionality that CMS does not currently support. We are very interested in making sure that our customers have the very best in functionality that today’s technology can offer. Therefore we offer custom module development when these issues arise. Please contact ATI, Inc. for more info if you have a specialized need that we may be able to address.

CMS Support Options

ATI, Inc. realizes the importance of good and responsive technical support for a product like CellMaster, which becomes the center of an automated cell’s operation. For this reason, we have created several support options to allow our users to choose the one that is right for them. Please contact ATI, Inc. for more information on CellMaster Support Options.