More control, less effort: How new features improve CNC operation

1. Why many parameters become a challenge

Parameterising a cutting machine is a key factor for stable processes and high cutting quality. But with over 1,000 available parameters, it's easy to lose track – especially when multiple settings interact.

When the user has to adjust many parameters, the risk of misconfiguration increases because:

• Functions interact and influence each other

   

• A small change can have a big impact

This complicates CNC machining and increases training requirements – particularly when multiple people are working with the CNC machine or when it's being newly set up.

This is where the new functions from ProCom Automation come into play:

2. Better overview through explanatory dialogues

To ease day-to-day operations, new intelligent dialogues have been integrated into the ergoCNC user interface. These show:

• which parameters belong to a process

   

• what their function is – clearly explained through graphical representations

   

• how a change will specifically impact the process

Example: Material discharge after cutting

The dialogues provide the required information exactly where it is needed – saving users from time-consuming manual searches in instruction manuals. Several of these dialogues are already available, and more complex ones are in development by our experts.

3. Tile concept facilitates material changes

Frequent material changes are often required in CNC milling. Especially when cutting promotional materials or packaging, fast and secure changeover is essential. Each material comes with different requirements that need appropriate parameterisation: cutting tool, cutting speed, vacuum, etc.

With ProCom Automation's tile concept, the appropriate material profile is selected with ease. Each tile contains a configured and stored material profile, including suitable tool and all relevant parameters.

One click on a tile – and the machine is correctly set up. Profiles can be created by the user or based on preconfigured tiles from the machine manufacturer.

This principle was initially developed for the single-ply cutter.

It is now also available for the multi-ply cutter – adapted to its specific requirements. While usually only one tool is used, the ply thickness and material properties can vary significantly.

Parameters can also be adjusted during cutting – for example, when cutting synthetic material like plastic, if excessive speed generates heat and causes layers to fuse. In such cases, the speed can be manually reduced without interrupting the process.

The operator can then decide:

• whether the change should be saved permanently in the tile

   

• or whether it should only apply temporarily, e.g. if the blade is blunt

All three approaches – tile concept, dialogue, individual parameter adjustment – access the same set of parameters. This keeps the operation consistent, regardless of the preferred workflow.

4. Setting up CNC operation – now step by step with wizard

When commissioning a machine, important mechanical limits must be set – e.g. how far the bridge may move without causing a collision. Previously, this meant:

• Calculating parameters

   

• Manually setting values

The new setup wizard guides the operator step by step, in a structured way, through all relevant settings:

Example: Setting the travel range

1. Move to target position: 

   Using the joystick, the desired machine position is approached – e.g. the bridge’s maximum travel distance.

    

2. Adopt value: 

   The current position value is automatically transferred to the corresponding parameters by click or keystroke.

    

3. Perform next step:

   The wizard logically leads to the next setting – e.g. further axis limits or reference positions – until all relevant values are recorded.

This allows even less experienced users to set up CNC machines without unintentionally changing critical parameters.

The result:

• Secure configuration
• Consistent results
• Reduced training effort

5. Conclusion: What is the actual benefit?

With the new UI and wizard enhancements, CNC operation becomes not only more efficient, but also more robust in day-to-day use:

• fewer errors, because interdependencies are presented visually and clearly

   

• faster setup, because reparameterisation can be done via tile click

   

• better traceability, because everything is synchronised

   

• safe setup, without complicated calculations

And all this without having to abandon familiar workflows. It is still possible to adjust individual parameters, work with tiles or use dialogues – the system adapts to you! This saves time and supports smooth production, even with changing staff or complex material requirements.