ExtraTech Software - Machine Tools Suite

12 Mar 2002

The Machine Tools Suite is a complete set-up, management, update, and diagnostics software package. It employs the convenience of the Windows® PC workstation to fully harness and manage the capabilities of the ExtraTech motion controllers. This software gives OEM's a powerful and friendly front end to offer to end users for the operation of their machines.

Software described on this page:

Machine Tools Job Server JobPreviewer JobReporter Machine Update Motion Mechanic Machine Parameters

MachineTools (Control Panel applet) is the tool used to maintain Connections to Machine Tool Controllers. Connections to Machine Tools can be added manually or ethernet based controllers can be detected and their DHCP-assigned IP discovered, or assigned IP's manually.

Machine Databases that are unique for each controller are assigned here. In other words, each connection (each unique machine) has a data base associated with it (for use with MachineParameters and MachineUpdate).

JobServer is a host-PC automation tool for the motion controller. JobServer sits, unobtrusively in the Windows® system tray. It handles operations with the motion controller that require a host computer -- such as structured organization of jobs for multiple controllers, organizing different job sets for one controller, or automated sequencing and execution of jobs. JobServer can manage operations without the operator having to always be present at the machine or the host computer.

JobServer was designed to provide the ability to divide management, selection, and execution of jobs in any combination between PC workstations and the controller. This provides managers with the capability and flexibility to adopt plans that meet their requirements for security, accountability, and levels and areas of expertise among personnel. The ability to remotely manage production opens up the opportunity to make use of weekends and nights without the expense of having people continually on-site.

JobPreviewer enables the user to see what a job will look like before it actually runs. It also allows the user to edit motion program file code and zoom in on individual points and movements. Files in HP-GL, CNC, or native uCito formats can be viewed. JobPreviewer is a capable graphics tool with the ability to selectively view or hide cut moves, slew moves, axes, and bounds; the ability to pan and view in three dimensions; and the ability to set parameters for file formats, jobs, and machine characteristics.

The computer is a valuable tool for many professionals because they can see and change what they are creating without the time and expense of physically printing or producing copies that still need work. In the case of industrial automation, expensive machinery and materials can be spared the damage caused by programs with errors. Job Previewer gives users of our motion controllers the ability catch problems in the motion programs they are developing for their machines before the commitment is made to cut material or make parts. The ultimate benefits are reduced cost, less labor, and avoided frustration in the process of implementing applications.

JobReporter displays logged DNC data in neatly organized formats that enable users and/or managers to quickly and easily review and analyze machine operations. A calendar based display gives users an easy way to define the time period, interval, and job to report on.

Important events like order of execution, uptime vs. downtime, running on schedule, and machine usage can be monitored. Managers can check to see if machinery and people were productive while they were away. Complex sequences of jobs and processes can be analyzed for improvements.

Machine Update is used to load new firmware, parameters and files onto the ExtraTech controller. When new versions of software or machine control information are needed, this tool is used to create a fresh clean revision of all the programs and data on the controller.

One of the advantages of ExtraTech motion controllers is their accessibility and the ease of implementing improvements. If customers or our developers discover a way to improve the operation or performance of our products through software, the process of loading new software and machine specific characteristics onto the controller is easy.

Motion Mechanic is the ExtraTech motion controller diagnostic tool. With Motion Mechanic the user can talk directly to the controller with it's native language. It uses a straight-forward terminal based interface with the user entering code or commands at the keyboard. Using this program allows the user to run troubleshooting utilities or update the controller software. Motion Mechanic is for advanced users only.

For advanced users who have the expertise and want to fully exploit the capabilities of our motion controllers, this tool allows them to drill down to the lowest level of detail. Motion control program code and machine data can be directly manipulated and monitored. Individual codes and commands can be sent to the controller as motion and/or data is observed.

Machine Parameters is used to set all parameters governing machine operation. With the use of the Machine Parameters program the user can control the details of how the machine operates. A good knowledge of the controller is required when changing any of the controller setup.

Flexibility and access for the OEM who wants to create world class machinery is our goal. The Machine Parameters utility makes the user's tool set for working with our controllers complete. It provides straight-forward means to manipulate the limits and rules that adapt the motion controller to a particular machine's size, speed, geometry, etc. An OEM may have one controller configuration that works with different models of a particular machine. Machine parameters provide a simple means of adapting the controller to different machines without getting involved in the details of programming and other complications.

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	MachineTools (Control Panel applet) is the tool used to maintain Connections to Machine Tool Controllers. Connections to Machine Tools can be added manually or ethernet based controllers can be detected and their DHCP-assigned IP discovered, or assigned IP's manually. Machine Databases that are unique for each controller are assigned here. In other words, each connection (each unique machine) has a data base associated with it (for use with MachineParameters and MachineUpdate).
	JobServer is a host-PC automation tool for the motion controller. JobServer sits, unobtrusively in the Windows® system tray. It handles operations with the motion controller that require a host computer -- such as structured organization of jobs for multiple controllers, organizing different job sets for one controller, or automated sequencing and execution of jobs. JobServer can manage operations without the operator having to always be present at the machine or the host computer. JobServer was designed to provide the ability to divide management, selection, and execution of jobs in any combination between PC workstations and the controller. This provides managers with the capability and flexibility to adopt plans that meet their requirements for security, accountability, and levels and areas of expertise among personnel. The ability to remotely manage production opens up the opportunity to make use of weekends and nights without the expense of having people continually on-site.
	JobPreviewer enables the user to see what a job will look like before it actually runs. It also allows the user to edit motion program file code and zoom in on individual points and movements. Files in HP-GL, CNC, or native uCito formats can be viewed. JobPreviewer is a capable graphics tool with the ability to selectively view or hide cut moves, slew moves, axes, and bounds; the ability to pan and view in three dimensions; and the ability to set parameters for file formats, jobs, and machine characteristics. The computer is a valuable tool for many professionals because they can see and change what they are creating without the time and expense of physically printing or producing copies that still need work. In the case of industrial automation, expensive machinery and materials can be spared the damage caused by programs with errors. Job Previewer gives users of our motion controllers the ability catch problems in the motion programs they are developing for their machines before the commitment is made to cut material or make parts. The ultimate benefits are reduced cost, less labor, and avoided frustration in the process of implementing applications.
	JobReporter displays logged DNC data in neatly organized formats that enable users and/or managers to quickly and easily review and analyze machine operations. A calendar based display gives users an easy way to define the time period, interval, and job to report on. Important events like order of execution, uptime vs. downtime, running on schedule, and machine usage can be monitored. Managers can check to see if machinery and people were productive while they were away. Complex sequences of jobs and processes can be analyzed for improvements.
	Machine Update is used to load new firmware, parameters and files onto the ExtraTech controller. When new versions of software or machine control information are needed, this tool is used to create a fresh clean revision of all the programs and data on the controller. One of the advantages of ExtraTech motion controllers is their accessibility and the ease of implementing improvements. If customers or our developers discover a way to improve the operation or performance of our products through software, the process of loading new software and machine specific characteristics onto the controller is easy.
	Motion Mechanic is the ExtraTech motion controller diagnostic tool. With Motion Mechanic the user can talk directly to the controller with it's native language. It uses a straight-forward terminal based interface with the user entering code or commands at the keyboard. Using this program allows the user to run troubleshooting utilities or update the controller software. Motion Mechanic is for advanced users only. For advanced users who have the expertise and want to fully exploit the capabilities of our motion controllers, this tool allows them to drill down to the lowest level of detail. Motion control program code and machine data can be directly manipulated and monitored. Individual codes and commands can be sent to the controller as motion and/or data is observed.
	Machine Parameters is used to set all parameters governing machine operation. With the use of the Machine Parameters program the user can control the details of how the machine operates. A good knowledge of the controller is required when changing any of the controller setup. Flexibility and access for the OEM who wants to create world class machinery is our goal. The Machine Parameters utility makes the user's tool set for working with our controllers complete. It provides straight-forward means to manipulate the limits and rules that adapt the motion controller to a particular machine's size, speed, geometry, etc. An OEM may have one controller configuration that works with different models of a particular machine. Machine parameters provide a simple means of adapting the controller to different machines without getting involved in the details of programming and other complications.