CNC Automation Technologies For Automated Part Set-Up | MSP
We find all the errors in your process before machining even starts. Using NC-PartLocator, we align your part automatically in the machine volume and ensure you produce perfect parts, every time.
Stabilise your schedules
With NC-PartLocator, you eliminate the costly delays of bad parts. And once you know that you can make the same part in the same amount of time, from first to last – you can stick to schedules, and budgets. No hold ups.
Reduce final inspection
NC-PartLocator detects errors early on — from condition of supply to machine setup and even post-machining verification. You can catch and resolve errors, before the machine even starts – reducing CMM backlogs and freeing up valuable time.
Cut machine time by 80%
NC-PartLocator detects precisely where a part is on the machine bed, and then adjusts the controller to fit. It means you can simplify your fixtures, and reduce production time by up to 80% — vastly increasing capacity and quality.
Reduce part-to-part variation
With checks completed in seconds, NC-PartLocator minimises variation across parts.
If the first one’s good, they all are.
Your process, made better
NC-PartLocator fits into your current machining process – so there’s no need to redesign anything.
This is 5-axis optimisation, like never before.
MSP PerfectPart Solution: Six steps to perfect parts.
NC-PartLocator is the second stage of the MSP PerfectPart solution. NC-Checker first assesses your machine tool to ensure it is capable of making parts within tolerance. NC-PartLocator then uses probing to measure precisely where the part is on the machine bed, then automatically adjusts the controller setting to account for any misalignment. The result? An automated, error-free process, with setup and inspection time significantly reduced and perfect parts machined - from the first part to the last.
1. Machine benchmark
The machine tool and its probing system are benchmarked using NC-Checker. The probe is correctly calibrated and confirmed in 5-axis. Then the software performs a series of checks, including rotary and linear axis tests, to produce detailed reports. The report summary is the MSP benchmark wheel.
2. Condition of supply
The part is measured to check its condition of supply using NC-PartLocator. If there is too much distortion, or not enough material, the part process can be stopped. After all, there’s no point machining the part when it is already clear it will fail final inspection.
3. Automated alignment
Measurements taken in step 2 are used to calculate the part alignment. The machine controller is then automatically updated to compensate for any discrepancy between the part location and the machining program. All errors due to misalignment are eliminated.
4. Machine the part
The machining program runs at the corrected alignment. The machine tool has been benchmarked as capable of performing to the required tolerances.
5. Post-machine verification
Once the machining’s done, the part is measured again on the machine tool to ensure there are no machining errors before the part leaves the machine. A verification report is produced for traceability within the process, and any subsequent errors can be traced to fixture unclamping.
6. Perfect part
You’ve made a perfect part with no concessions or errors.
Support
If you are an existing customer who requires support with our products, visit our dedicated Support pages here.
Our fast, responsive support service is entirely manned by experienced engineers, with the aim of keeping your critical business operations running with minimal disruption. As valued support customers you will receive unlimited support and gain the benefits of receiving the latest software features with your annual software upgrade.
What's included with Support Plus?
- MSP expertise, on demand
Get expert advice and support from a dedicated MSP Applications Engineer. Our support includes one-to-one assistance with everything from queries about your benchmark reports to machining process hints and tips.
- Upgrade your warranty to unlimited support
Every install is delivered with three months’ warranty support. But when you add Support Plus to your order, you get a whole year of unlimited support. It means you can pick up the phone or send us an email anytime, for detailed support on everything from a failed benchmark to advice on implementation of processes.
- Annual upgrades
We’re always improving our software with new features and updates. With Support Plus, you’ll get software upgrades every year. And we’ll always give you everything you need to know about our new software releases, to help you decide which version is right for you. With a Support Plus contract, an MSP engineer will be on-site to upgrade and benchmark your machine, and train up to four operators to use the new features.
For more information about how to become a Support Plus customer get in touch with our team.
NC-Inspect
Simplify the generation of probing programs with NC-Inspect.
For customers using MSP’s NC-PartLocator software, NC-Inspect is a plugin that simplifies the generation of probing programs from CAD/CAM systems. The plugin shortcuts the process with a point-and-click interface that automatically populates probing programs to drive the NC-PartLocator software.
There are three versions of the plugin to suit different customer requirements:
NC-Inspect NX
For those who use Siemens NX from V.9 to generate probing programs.
NC-Inspect CATIA
For those who use CATIA from V.5 to generate probing programs.
NC-Inspect MODUS
This is a solution for those with CAD/CAM systems that are not capable of generating probing programs. It is also suitable for those who would like a simpler, less training intensive, solution for generating probing programs than their existing systems.
For more information about NC-Inspect and simplifying the generation of your probing programs, get in touch with our team.
See NC-PartLocator in action
How we work.
A phone call
Of course, we can chat by email. But often a phone call is how we get to the heart of your problem: fast, personal, effective.
Machine survey and technical assessment
We’ll check the compatibility of your machines and controllers remotely, to be sure we’re giving you the right solution.
System installation
We’ll install NC-PartLocator on your machines, and help you get your parts into concession-free production, fast.
Perfect parts
Our customers typically recoup the cost of NC-PartLocator in days: from there on, it’s perfect parts and improved profits.
Time-consuming,
complicated fixtures.
Traditional methods of part fixturing don’t work with additive materials: there are no accurate datum features, and you might need multiple setups.
With NC-PartLocator, you can simplify fixtures, and make the machine tool do the hard work – because it knows exactly where the part is.
Complex material,
complex problems.
In additive manufacturing, the final shape of a part is often different to the nominal CAD model – and yet the machining paths are generated against the model, rather than the part itself. Add to that the inconsistent material conditions generated by the additive process, and you have a recipe for disaster.
NC-PartLocator solves this problem: it probes the part, calculates the difference between the CAD model and the reality, and compensates in the controller. Done.
No margin for error.
Additive parts are near net shape, which means there’s absolutely no margin for error. Fixturing accuracy is critical – and expensive, especially for automated part delivery systems. In a manual environment, it's time-consuming. These problems disappear with NC-PartLocator.