FAQs

NC Transform

Frequently Asked Questions
Adaptive Machining is a generic industry term used to describe a method that corrects ideal machining motion to the changing conditions found in a real-world machining environment. The changing conditions can be caused by variation in the machine kinematics, setup process, part geometry, cutting tool geometry, and operator behaviors. Anything from a simple tool length offset to a complex 6-degree-of-freedom best-fit correction all fall under the broad definition of “Adaptive Machining”.
Since early in the NC machining development there has been very limited advancement in techniques of how the material to be machined is oriented on the machine to the cutter paths that run through space. A perfected method would establish a correction between the motion created by the NC programmer and how the part is located/oriented on the machine. There are 3 corrections required for an accurate setup: linear (X, Y, and Z), Rotary (I, J, and K), and Rotary Axis Origin Point.

The NCSS NC Transform (NCT) Adaptive Machining software is unique and stands apart from its competitors because of its ability to not only handle part alignment issues but also compensate for deviancy in the part. NCT is not merely an offset tool like the competition, NCT will provide a best-fit run solution where the part is currently located on the machine, or it will not run. If the part is so far out of alignment (due to mounting or part geometry) that it cannot cut the part to specs, the operator is notified to correct the issue.

NCT uses the same base program for each run but adapts the tool path positions to suit the current machining conditions. NCT is analogous to a subprogram that does the same math each time it is called but outputs slightly different each time because of current inputs. Most customers have the same requirement but quickly realize this is not an issue.
Internally built adaptive solutions require custom solutions for each process and are difficult to maintain through staff movement. NC Transform brings a standardization of work to your process. Every process can use adaptive technology in a familiar way. New adaptive technology is added regularly, and existing technology is maintained by the NCSS team.
NCT reduces fixture costs and complexity, and all but eliminates scrapped and reworked parts. When you use NCT your expensive fixtures will be simple and less expensive, and if you prevent just one scrapped high dollar part, NCT will have already paid for itself. Get your ROI in just a few days.

MCS

Frequently Asked Questions
Your data can be hosted on our servers for your convenience or stored locally on your private network. All data is stored in a non-proprietary format, making it available for data mining and additional analysis. The system also offers a REST API for your custom in-house software solutions.
MCS works with or without operator input. Operator input is only required to explain the reasons for production delays. Machine operators quickly realize that MCS has their back, often they are delayed for reasons out of their control. MCS gives them a way to clearly communicate why the machine isn’t running with just two clicks.
Eighty percent of the features are available in MCS without any configuration beyond the install process, but you can customize most areas of MCS including the color schemes, gauge styles, reasons for down time, custom events, maintenance items, shop schedules, and reports.
Helpful information is located throughout the application providing insight on how to use the data. Short training videos are also available to explain the advanced features of MCS. Only fifteen minutes of training is recommended to get the most out of the system.
Yes, MCS can allow each user to see only their location or all locations. Reports, reasons for delay, maintenance items, and custom events can also be site specific.
MCS provides powerful insights into the costliest causes of delay and the actual machine efficiency. When you use MCS your machines will start running at their full rates and costly delays will be minimized, MCS will have already paid for itself. Get your ROI in just a few days.

TAC System

Frequently Asked Questions
The cutters and holders are each loaded into an industrial laser engraver located at your tool assembly station. The laser engraves a data matrix barcode on the tool or holder in just a few seconds. Some cutters and holders can be purchased with a barcode already engraved.
The TAC System can interface with most any tool presetter. The tool presetter automatically measures the geometry of your tool and transfers the tool offset information to the TAC System. If you do not already have a tool presetter, we will help you find one that works for your process.
An industrial barcode reader is mounted near your tool change position. At each tool change, the life of the previous tool is updated, and the new tool is scanned to set the tool parameters in the machine control. The scanning process takes less than a second.

ROI from the TAC system stems from three main categories:  the elimination of tooling misloads, the elimination of operator input errors (“fat finger”), and the optimization of tool usage.  Individual ROI will depend upon your unique operation but many of our clients see a full ROI in three to six months.

NCTC

Frequently Asked Questions

NCTC is not a controller-based solution.  Compensation is applied directly to the G code without having to run the program back through the post processor.  This not only makes the compensation lightning fast, it means it will run on every machine in your shop and with any CAD / CAM system.

NCTC is designed to run with our Tool Assembly Control (TAC) system, which transfers the tool values from the tool pre-setter to the NCTC algorithms. There is no operator input allowed when using NCTC.

Operator is not involved in the process, therefore no operator training is required.

First of all, you would only implement NCTC on tools where re-grinds make economic sense. Analysis is a simple process and NCSS can guide the programming team on what tools are good candidates. A NC program with 25 tool changes may only have 2 or 3 cutter paths that would benefit from cutter compensation. A text command is added to the G code file to turn NCTC on and indicate what side of the part the tool is on. Other than that additional text, there are no other changes to the G code.

Yes, because the program is a standalone application (is not required to be integrated into the CAD/CAM or machine control) you can use your current cutter path simulation software, such as Vericut, to test compensation values.

NCTC was successfully released into a large production in 2006 and has a solid record of performance and stability.

In a closed angle corner of a pocket (less than 90 degrees) many systems will get “trapped” and gouge the opposite pocket wall while machining the compensated wall to the intersection (NCTC will not). Have you ever seen a compensation system that will work on zig-zag kellering motion on a surface with a bull nose endmill? How about machining flange tops where the compensation will move from the front of the cutter to the back side as it moves up and down vertical flange features. NCTC does that and more.

It is possible to create situations where there is not a solution. Anyone that has worked with control generated cutter compensation has most likely seen where a tool takes off and goes places it shouldn’t go. For instance, cleaning up a 1” diameter bore with 0.875” diameter cutter. Maybe the operator “fat fingers” the compensation to .2 instead of .02”. NCTC would not allow this condition to run. It would stop the NC program and display and error message.

General

Frequently Asked Questions
Industry 4.0 is a colloquial term for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, conceptualizing and embracing rapid changes in technology, and industry due to increasing interconnectivity and smart automation. To be Industry 4.0 compliant, manufacturers are integrating new technologies, cloud computing and analytics, AI, and machine learning into their facilities and throughout their operations.

Absolutely. While NCT was initially created with aerospace manufacturing in mind, it also has applications in power generation and the medical field. The TAC System and MCS are useful in every manufacturing industry.

Great question, and one we’re excited about discussing with you. Our programs are designed to create smart, efficient factories and our goal is to save you time and money. View the FAQs on each program on this page to see how each one saves you money, or you can view our case studies for real-life client returns on investment here.

Our software is built to complete your existing processes and not replace them. None of our software will require large changes at your facility. Our simple process and even easier user interface makes it easy and pain-free.

  1. First Contact: We never share or sell information, so you can inquire with confidence.
  2. Virtual Demonstration: You’ll meet virtually with the NCSS team to learn which solutions are best for your unique facility, and we’ll demonstrate them virtually for a risk-free way to see them in action.
  3. Live Demonstration:
    We travel to you to meet with your team and offer a live demonstration of our solutions in your actual facility.
  4. Installation:
    We schedule the on-site installation and training. Our CNC software is so user-friendly that this only takes one day to be fully integrated and for your team to feel comfortable and confident in implementing it.
  5. We offer a 30 day free trial for you to fall in love with the efficiency and data you’re now achieving. You’re able to review your data and assess the impact our programs will have on your operations before proceeding.
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