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Robosoft GB Manuel optigraf

Robosoft GB Manuel optigraf

Name: Mach 4 Metal
Rating: 4.9

Robosoft GB Manuel

The Robosoft Optimization Program was designed according to the latest software development methodologies, meeting stringent demands for ease of use, learning speed, and installation. Here's an overview of its features and requirements:

Key Features

Ease of Use:

No prior computer knowledge is assumed. The program’s user-friendly interface ensures a smooth interaction for all users.

Learning Speed:

The manual is rich with examples, enabling users to quickly become familiar with the program's operations.

Easy Installation:

The software comes with a simple installation process, enabling quick setup. A special program on the distribution disk automatically installs the optimization program accurately on your computer.

Graphical Data Input:

All data can be graphically entered, ensuring clear control over inputs. For standard presses and tools, pre-saved data is included with the program to further reduce setup effort.

Optimized Calculations:

The program offers ten levels of optimization for solution calculations. The calculation time depends only on the number of solutions, not the number of bends, and all solutions are stored for future reference.

Workpiece and Tools Data Storage:

The program can handle an unlimited number of workpieces, presses, tools, and solutions, limited only by the disk memory capacity of your computer.

Bending Sequence Simulation:

Potential bending sequences are displayed in clear summaries and can be simulated graphically. For each sequence step, the simulation shows the workpiece before and after bending, along with the press and the tools in use.

Production Program Generation:

The chosen bending sequence is used to prepare a program for the press control system (like Robosoft F). This program can be saved on a floppy disk or transmitted directly via a serial line to the press control system.

Compatibility with Other Controls:

For simpler controls such as Robosoft FC with Synchrotron or other manufacturers' controls, the bending sequences can be printed, allowing the press brake to switch to another workpiece in minimal time.

System Requirements

The Robosoft Optimization Program is compatible with IBM PC, XT, AT, or similar computers, with the following specifications:

Memory: 64KB core memory

Storage: 2MB disk space, with at least 1MB free

Peripherals:

A floppy disk drive

CGA (Color Graphics Adapter), EGA (Enhanced Graphics Adapter), or Hercules Monochrome graphics card

A serial RS-232C interface for data transmission

A parallel interface compatible with the printer and screen card or on a separate card

Printer

Operating System:

MS-DOS or PC-DOS version or later versions.

The Robosoft Optimization Program is designed to improve production efficiency by automating bending sequences and making operations smoother and quicker, ensuring high productivity with minimal manual intervention.

Robosoft Optimization Program Manual Overview

This manual provides detailed guidance on the Robosoft Optimization Program. Below is a structured breakdown of the contents and key instructions.

Chapter Breakdown:

Chapter II: Installation

This section discusses how to install the optimization program on your computer, ensuring that all files are properly transferred and ready for use.

Chapter III: Starting the Program

You are guided on how to launch the program for the first time and given an overview of its structure.

Chapter IV: Program Structure

Detailed descriptions of the program's components and how they interact with each other.

Chapter V: User Interaction

This chapter covers how users interact with the program, focusing on how to enter data and how the system displays it. This is crucial for proper input and monitoring.

Chapter VI: Main Menu

Describes the different options available in the program’s main menu and their functionalities.

Chapters VII to XI: Operations on Workpieces and Tools

These chapters dive into operations related to workpieces, presses, and tools (including standard and custom tools).

Chapter XII: Bending Sequences

This is the core of the program, explaining how to calculate bending sequences to optimize production.

Chapter XIII: Exiting the Program

Guidelines on how to properly quit the program after a working session.

Conventions:

Text Formatting:

Text that appears on your screen or is entered via your keyboard is displayed in bold for easy identification.

Special keys are displayed between brackets, e.g., <Escape> or <Enter>.

Underlined text is used to draw attention to important information.

Help and Support:

If you need technical assistance, it’s essential to have the following details ready:

Distribution Disk Labels: The labels found on your distribution disks.

Computer Specifications: Model, graphics adapters, and any additional hardware.

Operating System Information: Version number (displayed when the system boots).

Printout of Error File: You can generate a printout using the command opt - print.

Screen Content: A snapshot of your screen when the problem occurs.

Contact Details: Your address, phone number, telex, and other relevant communication numbers.

Installation Process

Before using the Robosoft Optimization Program, follow these steps to ensure proper installation:

1. Copy the Distribution Diskettes:

For protection, create copies of the original diskettes. Use a file-copy program and confirm that all files are transferred successfully.

You can create as many copies as needed for personal and backup purposes.

2. Electronic Key:

Along with the diskettes, you will receive a small black key and a keyring. This key is essential to run the program.

3. Installation Steps:

Part 1: Connect the Electronic Key:

Instructions on how to connect the key to your computer.

Part 2: Install the Programs:

Use the installation program (INSTALLC) to install the software, including data files and the key driver.

Part 3: Test Installation:

Run a test to ensure the key is properly installed and the software functions as expected.

By following these steps and utilizing the manual, you can efficiently set up and operate the Robosoft Optimization Program to maximize productivity in your manufacturing process.

Installation and Testing of the Robosoft Optimization Program

Step 1: Connect the Electronic Key

Locate the Parallel Printer Port on your computer (usually marked as LPT1 or LPT2). It is a female DB-25 connector.

Disconnect the Printer from the parallel port (if any) and attach the male side of the provided keyring connector to the port. Secure the connector using the screws on either side.

Reconnect the Printer by attaching its cable to the female side of the keyring connector. This allows the printer and keyring to share the same port.

Position the Key Receptacle near the front of your computer for easy access. Use the adhesive backing to secure it to the desk or computer.

Insert the Electronic Key into one of the four sockets on the keyring receptacle. The printer should continue to operate normally while sharing the port.

Step 2: Install the Program, Data, and Key Driver

Insert Distribution Disk 1 into the floppy drive (e.g., A: or B:).

Type INSTALLC to begin the installation program.

A menu will appear on the screen:

Select 1 to install Optigrat on the C: hard disk.

Select 2 to install on the D: hard disk.

Select 3 to view the latest information.

Select 4 to print the latest information.

Select 5 to quit.

After choosing either option 1 or 2, the installation program will start copying files to the selected hard disk.

The configuration program will now begin. Follow the prompts:

Select your graphics card from the list of supported adapters.

Note: If you have an EGA card and a Monochrome Display Adapter installed, ensure the EGA card is the primary display adapter.

Select unit measurements (millimeters or inches).

Choose your language.

Select the parallel port where the key is installed (default is LPT1).

Choose whether to enable a mouse (Yes or No).

Decide if Optigrat should automatically start when the computer boots after a power-on or reset.

The system will automatically reset and reboot. Remove the floppy disk from the drive during the reset.

Step 3: Test the Electronic Key

After installation, perform a test to ensure the electronic key, keyring, and driver software are functioning correctly.

Navigate to the hard disk where Optigrat was installed:

Type C: or D: depending on your installation location.

Change to the Optigrat directory:

Type CD\Optigrat.

Run the CHECKKEY program to start the test:

Type CHECKKEY.

Possible Test Results:

Key is OK: The key is working correctly.

No Key Found in Parallel Port: The system cannot detect the key.

Troubleshooting:

If no key is detected, ensure the key is properly connected to the parallel port, and both the keyring and driver software are installed correctly.

Fields and Cursor-Fields

In the program, you'll need to enter information in different fields on the screen. These fields are where you input data. One field at a time will be highlighted in reverse video (black text on a colored background). This highlighted field is called the cursor-field and indicates the place where you need to enter information.

2. Entering Information in the Cursor-Field

When you're prompted to enter data, it will always be in the cursor-field, which can either be:

Pre-filled: A value is already present in the field, and you can cycle through possible values using the arrow keys (↑ or ↓). Once you find the desired value, confirm it by pressing Enter.
Empty: You will need to input one of the following four types of data:
- Strings: Alphanumerical characters, such as names or labels.
- Integers: Whole numbers without decimal points (e.g., 10 or -3).
- Unsigned Reals: Positive numbers with decimal points (e.g., 3.1416 or 0.75).
- Signed Reals: Positive or negative numbers with decimal points (e.g., +5.67 or -0.9).

The program ensures you enter the correct data type by only accepting valid key inputs. If you enter something invalid, the program will ignore it.

Correcting Typing Errors

If you make a mistake, you can use the Backspace key to erase the last character. The input must always be finalized by pressing Enter.

3. Special Keys

At times, the program activates specific function keys (e.g., F1 to F10), and their meaning will be displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Escape Key

Pressing the Escape key takes you one level up in the program's menu or navigation structure (as seen in the tree-structure diagram).

Be cautious when using the Escape key, as it may result in losing data entered in the current screen.

Before any critical action that could result in data loss, the program will prompt you for confirmation. If you respond No, you can continue working without losing any information.

Error Messages

When a mistake is made (e.g., entering invalid data), the program will notify you by displaying an error message at the bottom of the screen. This message will disappear as soon as you type a valid input.For example, if you are entering an integer in a field that only allows up to four digits and you try to input a fifth digit, the program will display an error message like:

"Only four digits are allowed."

Once you correct the input and press Enter, the message will disappear. You can also use Backspace to delete the last allowed digit (e.g., the fourth digit).The program is designed to help guide you through the data entry process smoothly, minimizing mistakes and ensuring valid input.

Windows and Sheets of Paper

The program occasionally needs to display more lines than can fit on your screen. To handle this, the program uses a windowing feature. Think of your screen as a window through which you view a sheet of paper. The sheet of paper has the same width as the window but is much longer. The program is constantly writing on this virtual sheet, and when the data exceeds the visible area, the sheet shifts to show you the relevant information.

Scrolling Through the Sheet

Cursor-Keys: You can manually move the sheet up or down by using the arrow keys:

Up (↑): Moves the cursor to the previous field or scrolls the sheet down when the cursor is on the top line.

Down (↓): Moves the cursor to the next field or scrolls the sheet up when the cursor is on the bottom line.

In this way, you can scroll through the entire sheet by navigating with the arrow keys, reading all the information available.

Quick Navigation

Home: Moves the cursor to the top field in the window.

End: Moves the cursor to the bottom field in the window.

Page Up / Page Down: Moves the cursor to the top or bottom of the sheet itself.

Workpieces Menu

When selecting the Workpieces option from the main menu, the program reads the necessary data and displays a list of workpieces. If you're viewing this for the first time and haven't created any workpieces yet

Entering Material Characteristics for a Workpiece

Material Thickness

Thickness (mm): Enter an unsigned real number between 0.001 and 8.001 mm.

Thickness (inch): Enter an unsigned real number between 0.0001 and 0.3151 inches.

This thickness value is critical for calculating material properties when transferring the program to a robot press brake. Enter the thickness of the metal sheet in millimeters or inches.

Breadth (Width of the Sheet)

Breadth (mm): Enter an unsigned real number between 0.001 and 6000 mm.

Breadth (inch): Enter an unsigned real number between 0.0001 and 236.2205 inches.

Enter the breadth (width) of the metal sheet, which is the measure parallel to the bends in the workpiece.

First Length Measurement

First Length: Use the space bar to determine whether the first length is measured outside or inside. All other lengths must be measured from the same side of the sheet.

Entering the Shape of the Workpiece

You will now enter a sequence of lengths and angles that define the shape of the workpiece.

i-th Length:

Length (mm): Enter an unsigned real number between 0.1 and 6000 mm.

Length (inch): Enter an unsigned real number between 0.0001 and 236.2205 inches.

The workpiece is drawn based on the current lengths. The sequence number of each length is shown next to its center.

i-th Angle:

Angle (degrees): Enter an unsigned real number between -179.99° and 179.99°.

The angle is measured from the previous segment to the following segment. First, the program will ask whether the angle is left-turning or right-turning, and then you enter the magnitude of the angle.

The workpiece is drawn on the screen, showing the direction of the next length as a dotted line.

Function Keys for Shape Input

F1: Terminates the shape input process. This is only activated after entering a length, as every shape must end with a length.

F2: Deletes the previous data entry (length or angle) and allows you to input a new value. You can press F2 multiple times to delete several lengths and angles.

Example Scenario

If you entered a left-turning angle of 90° as the third angle and realize from the drawing that you wanted a right-turning angle instead, press F2. The program will ask for the third angle again, allowing you to correct it.

Final Confirmation

When the shape is fully entered, the message "Input correct" appears at the bottom of the screen. Press Enter to confirm and return to the Workpiece List.

Changing the Data of a Workpiece

After entering the workpiece data, you can review and modify any field if necessary. To do so:

Move the cursor to the field you want to change.

Press Delete. The program will ask for a new value for that field.

The old value will remain displayed while you enter the new one.