
1. 5 FOREWORD
The usefulness and effectivness of modern machine tools is substan-
tially marked by CNC controls. The operation of the machines in
general and the programming possibilities are determined by the
’character’ of the CNC control.
The programming of the DIN/ISO Standard is distinguished from the
Workshop-Dialogue-Programming, hence the application of termino-
logies such as WOP (Workshop Orientation Programming) or CAP
(Conversational Automatic Programming) in the Japanese CNC’s
usage. Both terms have the same meaning: A kind of programming
that enables programmes to be created locally in the workshop with
minimal effort.
Here competitors clearly differ. Fanuc is not only the world’s largest
CNC controls manufacturer , but also a pioneer in ’Workshop Dialo-
gue Programming’. Fanuc’s CAP supports the programming applica-
tion in the description of geometrical operational stages and most of
all in its technical respect as well . Further, one can rely on ’Tools &
Data’ catalogue, which can be self-modified by users according to
their own experience. The data application ensues in the ’menu
blocks’ relating to the current details arrangement, e.g. pocketing. It
registers the size, for instance length, width, depth , and the tool
number. The required cutting amount referring to the previously
chosen material and tool as well as the security intervals etc., would
then be readily provided without any specific additional human
intervention.
Naturally a graphical programming test by simulation of ’parallel-
maintime’ in the background is possible. Lastly it must explicitly be
pointed out that during the program input, which simply changes the
technological basic value proposed by the CNC control, or could be
adjusted to it, changes and extentions of CAP basic software are
possible. In this field Fanuc has realized the philosophy of the so
called ’open control’ for many years now.
Echternach, Luxembourg, January 2000
GEF # FL / e-vorw / 012000
GFKE-0041A-EN Foreword
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