The latest installation for the Swiss manufacturer is a Tornos SwissNano that is currently being used in production in conjunction with Tornos' new TISIS CAM system.
Christophe Goullier, production manager at Bandi has a glowing endorsement for the new Tornos software: “We carry out a lot of cutting operations so the SwissNano is very well equipped,” he says. “With the TISIS system we are able to implement this equipment virtually and the programme immediately shows us the available possibilities. For example, it's impossible to set up tool holders that are incompatible with each other.”
With the machine set-up being accomplished virtually through the TISIS software before manually setting up the machine, it is easy to be drawn to the conclusion that the system will waste time. But that isn't the case as Mr Goullier explains: “The machine can't be configured incorrectly, and even a new operator will find the software intuitive. It really saves time setting up the equipment in this way.”
Once the configuration is set up in TISIS the programming is carried out in the traditional way with an ISO set-up. “It uses ISO programming but the system is packed with useful features, particularly when it comes to synchronisations and the use of colours,” Mr Goullier affirms. “All this allows the lines of programming to be managed more easily and efficiently. Additionally, the simulator within TISIS enables parts of the programme to be carried out and the trajectories controlled with ease in a visually friendly format.
“Another interesting element is that the system allows us to add to add information of all formats to the program such as plans, photos and other textual information. Once the program has been transferred to the machine over the Wi-Fi network or by USB key, adjustments can still be made – for example the part programs can be saved with offsets.
“If the program is re-used for a new set-up the operator will immediately have all the information and settings at their disposal. This is a much easier way to monitor and control production," Mr Goullier believes.
With TISIS, Tornos has adapted to the mobile age as the new software package permits real time display of machine information on a tablet or smartphone.
Mr Goullier continues: “We've truly entered into a new era because TISIS allows us to quickly and simply view all the necessary information to properly plan production – a real plus for a production manager. Furthermore, this program is very instinctive and intuitive; the visual aids are very well designed.”
The TISIS software suite is a programming package that has been developed by Tornos engineers to improve the experience and productivity for the customer. Like many software packages, upgrades and new features are a frequent occurrence and in the latest version (TISIS 1.4) a new TISIS-Screen application for monitoring the machine inventory has been created. This Windows application is an add-on supplied with the connectivity pack and it also enables machine tool support catalogues or workpiece programs to be transferred or recovered.
With the recent arrival of two new machines to the Tornos product range – the Swiss GT26 and the CT20 – TISIS is an ideal addition for programming workpieces on these machines.
One of the latest innovations in the package for sliding head turning centres is the calculation of workpiece time. This value is actually calculated automatically when the workpiece is programmed. The TISIS system displays the workpiece time in seconds, the number of workpieces per minute and the number of workpieces per hour, so a production run can be timed to the second even before the first cut is taken.
Companies or individuals interested in trying out the programme can download a 30 day trial edition from the Tornos webstore.
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