Fagor 8025 T CNC, Operating Manual

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8025/8030 CNC PROGRAMMING MANUAL 89
6.27. DIGITIZING WITH THE FAGOR 8025/30 TS CNC
6.27.1. Digitizing
Digitizing consists of memorizing the coordinates from a guided sweep of the probe on the
model. This is done at the speed allowed by the probe. The data which is obtained is used
later during the milling stage. This method has the following advantages:
* Machining can be done at the maximum speed allowed by the machine tool.
* There are no vibrations during the copying stage, and for this reason reproduction is
much more exact and the need for manual finishing is avoided in the majority of cases.
* Digitized information can be used to machine as many times as may be necessary,
without any need for copying the original model again.
* Probing speed can be adjusted between 0 and 1000 mm/min. The best results are
obtained with speeds of from 200 and 500 mm/min. Probing feed rate can be adjusted
between 0 and 1500 mm/min.
The digitizing stage consumes about a quarter of the total processing time. The time during
which the machine tool is being used should not be thought of as being unproductive, as
in the long run, less time is consumed than in direct copying. Furthermore, no manual
operations are required so this can be done at night or during a weekend.
If it is wished to get maximum performance from machine tools, a measuring machine can
be used exclusively for digitizing models. The programs generated will feed the different
milling machines used solely for machining work. The measuring machine can also be
used for dimensional control of parts from machining operations.
6.27.2. Characteristics of digitizing with the FAGOR 8025/30 TS CNC
Any digital probe can be used with the 8025/30 CNC.
During the digitizing phase, a simple program moves the probe on the pattern. The
exploration can have the form of a rectangular grid, concentric circumferences, spiral,
diametric, etc., so that it adapts as well as possible to the geometry of the model to be
reproduced. It is also possible to define various areas and use a different exploration
method in each of these.
One very important difference of the FAGOR digitizing method with respect to other
systems which also use digital probes is that this one moves practically on the surface of
the pattern.