NC-PartLocator is 'out of the box' solution

The software, which has been developed in association with metrology specialists MSP, gives the ability to adjust toolpaths to the actual position of the part, rather than having to ensure that the piece is in exactly the nominal location specified in the CAM system. This adjustment can be made in the machine tool control much more quickly and easily than placing, and holding, the part in exactly the specified position. The main benefit of NC-PartLocator is that it is much more user-friendly than alternative solutions. "Delcam has previously offered software that needed to be customised for each application," explained Peter Hammond from MSP. "NC-PartLocator is an out-of-the-box application that can overcome the majority of these challenges, with a greatly-reduced need for customisation." The NC-PartLocator process uses a probe fitted onto the machine tool to collect the necessary data. A probing sequence is created within the software to collect a series of points from the workpiece. Following processing, the software then feeds the results to the machine tool control as a datum shift or rotation to compensate for the differences in location and alignment.