Need Help!- Macro B Screen Creation

[Ya-Nvr-No]

I would like an example of how to create a screen for a 21i controller, that uses the arrow keys to scroll to a part number. On selection it would preform an angle calculation based on a couple of know features.

I have a family of parts that have the same basic flanged hub shape. But the angle that needs to be generated is different for each part number. My thought is to have the operator just scroll to the part number and the macro would create the Z position variable. Or a screen to pick the hub shape and the angle to it needed.

Also thinking about a screen that can be used to handle Qty to produce of each selection. The blanks are all the very same. As you can see I am trying to keep the errors out of operator interactions, and keep the idle time to a minimum.

I do have the 61803e1.pdf Fanuc manual and it looks possible but not 100% sure.

My other option is using Pictures (windows) and create a selection screen. haven't looked into the cost of that package.

Thanks for any examples and help.

As you can see I have been a long time member but first time poster.
Love this forum, Keep up the good work.

[sinha_nsit]

I am not aware of any such feature of Custom Macro B which can select a desired part or its feature by arrow keys. Of course, you can select any program you wish to execute. You can even insert comments in directory display so that you do not have to remember which program is doing what.

For a family of parts, I suggest the following method:
In the beginning of the program, enter part identification number. Based on this number, the program would machine appropriately. Read section 9.3 (pp 200-205) of the following book which has a similar example:
http://www.mhprofessional.com/produc...sbn=0071713328

[Ya-Nvr-No]

After doing some more reading it looks like I can create a menu and the operator types in a number from 1 to 59 (in my case so far). It runs a script that does some calculations and loads values in variables #500-#515 and then loads one of four or more programs that resemble the basic features. (hubs/no hubs, 9 degree thru 13 degree taper/no taper, oil slot/no oil slot, chamfer/no chamfer)
A matrix nightmare, but I don't have enough memory for that many programs. And it stops errors from creaping in just one or more programs that get edited and the others dont.

[Andre' B]

Other then creative uses of the block skip and optional stop switches and the user changing the value of a variable I know of no way to do a real user interface from macro B.

[Ya-Nvr-No]

You can fill and change variables with a G10.
Multiple If statements check the inputted part number and fills the variables as needed. Then these are used in the subroutines. Its just a matter of which ones to call. It sure keeps operators from mucking in the program. They just load and unload the palletizer and the next op.
The whole thing is started from the robot gantry.
It feeds the lathe with material goes back to get another while A side is being machined. Comes back the spindle is indexed to a known orientation robot grabs the First part loads the Second parts A side.
During the Second parts A side cut the robot flips up, drops off the part on a lift Table station between a two jaw gripper that will grab the part.
The lift table drops
Gripper rotates 180 degrees with the First part.
Table rises, parts released, robot is still flipped up and grabs with First part with the other gripper.
Robot rises Flips wrist vertical
Table lowers wrist returns to home position.
Spindle orientates for pickup of Second Side A.
Robot enters cell grabs Second parts A side
Spindle orientates 180 degrees
Loads First B side with second gripper.
As the First B side is machined it flips the Second 1/2 done part.
Goes back to get the First finished part and loads the Second B side with the same 180 degree spindle orientation routine.
Drops off completed part loads new material in first gripper
Goes back gets Second completed part
Flips spindle loads new material.
Drops off second part, loads next material.
That's kind of the nickel tour.
A few things need too be done also during the cycle like blow off chuck jaws and the lift station.
Pusher cylinders in the robot grippers are used to keep the part against the chuck stop during load.
An auto gage is used to check bores and update offsets.
Tool management is used to change or index inserts.
But for the most part it is an unattended operation.
I was just trying to find a way to make it easier to select the correct part numbers. And make it robust for future changes to the shapes. The matrix just gets bigger
Some additional I/O for the added stations and routines, So some ladder additions are made all on the robot side. Some timers need to be added for the M code conformations.
It's a process, but with over a 300+ part lift station it will run all night unattended.
It creates one pile of chips out the back.