ESPRIT 2001 Software
With this release ESPRIT now supports all styles of lathes and "Swiss" style machines with any number of turrets, spindles, and power tooling options. For these machines, the ESPRIT Sync List provides a bar chart depicting the total cycle time and individual cycle times for each operation organized by turret, spindle, and head. G-Code optimization is performed by adding "Sync" and "Wait" codes to synchronize the machining cycles. The updated cycle times are immediately displayed in the bar charts while the ESPRIT solid simulator provides a complete realistic simulation of the entire machining process.
Operation Sorting Minimizes Machining Cycle Times
The new Sort Operations feature enables users to automatically re-sequence the G-Code program, optimizing the order in which each machining cycle is performed to minimize the total cycle time. Resorting the machining cycles enables the software to create a more efficient order in which to cut the part. For example, sorting by tool would minimize the number of tool changes by performing all machining with each tool before moving onto the next. In addition, Sort Operations supports printing for setup sheets and exporting data (drag and drop) to Microsoft® Excel and Word.
New Tools Further Automate Wire-EDM Programming
The ESPRIT Knowledge Based Machining (KBM) for Charmilles machines automatically generates the multiple ISO (G-code) and CMD (command) files necessary for the advanced skim (finish) cutting strategies: Roughs-First, Each Cut and Per-Cavity. A new technology database has been added for Mitsubishi users that provides all factory recommended technology settings- such as E-Pack (power settings), feedrates, and offsets- for all Mitsubishi machines currently on the market. Agie users will find advancements that simplify programming of parts with complex tapers. Advanced Conic programming on the AgieVision now features a new programming flag on the technology page that gives programmers the ability to generate 4-axis programs without going through the complexities of manually programming, thus automating the process and eliminating errors.
Macro Recorder Facilitates Easy Macro Building
As an extension to the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications macro language that is built into ESPRIT, the 2001 version includes a Macro Recorder. This new feature records the steps a user takes when programming a part and automatically creates a macro with the corresponding Visual Basic code. For the novice, the Macro Recorder serves as a training tool by guiding the user through the macro writing process. The Macro Recorder is a useful time-saving tool for experienced macro writers as well.
Other New Add-In Utilities Featured in ESPRIT 2001
The new ESPRIT Form Tool Add-In accepts the geometry profile of a form tool and automatically calculates the adjusted profile, taking into account the Front Angle, Side Angle, Rake, and Inclination. Commonly used in Wire-EDM programming, this tool saves hours of manual calculations for those who cut Form Tools.
A new Read Points Add-In reads data points from a text file and automatically creates geometric points inside ESPRIT. The Read Points is set up to read data points from any source, including the points output from most coordinate measuring machines.
The new File Preview utility allows users to browse files and view their contents without actually opening them. This independent utility is useful to manage source files.
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