Operator mode 3.5mr2

[Jonathan S]

I opened operator mode for the first time today to see how it looks and operates. It's time to start writing programs for others to run so they can do checks when I am gone.

I assume the Marked Sets window cannot be closed? I guess it's good to have the calibrate tips option pop up every time. I'm not sure I understand the logic behind the 3 options opening in a separate window but not including the execute option.

I noticed that the "Do you want to save stats" window does not pop up. I guess if I want to reset the stats count I will have to create an input comment and use it to reset count or start using trace fields!

Any advice on programming for operator mode is appreciated. I understand the basics of dummy-proofing, just looking for any "Aha!" realizations you may have had from experience.

[djayne]

Operator mode will only run what you have marked in program mode. It's best to use marked sets for operator mode and Tracefields are very useful.

[jkb_mcg]

Working on 4.2...Go into online mode. Pull up marked sets window... Edit>Markings>Show marked sets. double click in box to bring up a new icon. Call it execute program or something. It should bring up a print command. Click Use global settings. Be sure you put a print command at the end of programs. If you want the entire program to run, make sure everything is marked. Be sure the icon is still highlighted when doing this. HTH. Also, the calibrate tips icon will calibrate all tips used in the program.

[Jonathan S]

Now I think I get the marked sets thing. Once I have saved a marked set, it won't matter what I have marked or unmarked when I use the program in online mode, it will still execute the marked set from operator mode. Right?

[djayne]

Now I think I get the marked sets thing. Once I have saved a marked set, it won't matter what I have marked or unmarked when I use the program in online mode, it will still execute the marked set from operator mode. Right?

Yes -but be careful. When you open up your program in on-line mode sometimes the marked sets window will open. If you have one of the icons highlighted and even if it's minimized, you will change that marked set if you start marking and unmarking lines in your program. Once you have your marked sets established the way you need them, Go into the properties and lock your marked sets. You should make sure that this is done at the completion of every program with marked sets. Another note is to back up your program. The marked sets cannot be adjusted from operator mode but they can be deleted!!! Operators used to do that to me all the time. I finally caught on that they were doing it on purpose so they didn't have to inspect their parts during the night shift.

[Roberto]

Yeah! Be prepared, operators will call you for every little thing going wrong.
Personally I don't use marked sets...I believe on training!

[Jonathan S]

So far I've managed to keep my cell number off the company phone list. I'd rather run a few extra parts in the morning than be interrupted on my time.

[jkb_mcg]

Yeah! Be prepared, operators will call you for every little thing going wrong.
Personally I don't use marked sets...I believe on training!

So you let the operator run the programs in online mode? with the edit screen there and just asking to have stuff deleted from it?

[Roberto]

So you let the operator run the programs in online mode? with the edit screen there and just asking to have stuff deleted from it?

Correct!

Took some time, but they're now well trained on calibrating probes and
executing programs.

[DeWain Hodge]

So you let the operator run the programs in online mode? with the edit screen there and just asking to have stuff deleted from it?

Correct!

Took some time, but they're now well trained on calibrating probes and
executing programs.

We used to run in online mode until I came in one day and nominals had been changed in the program to make parts look good instead of being good. We had to recall a couple of hundred parts so we could reinspect them. The people involved don't work here anymore but now I will not trust the machine shop guys that check parts on other shifts in online mode. I use marked sets for all programs and have had no problems with them.

[Roberto]

We used to run in online mode until I came in one day and nominals had been changed in the program to make parts look good instead of being good. We had to recall a couple of hundred parts so we could reinspect them. The people involved don't work here anymore but now I will not trust the machine shop guys that check parts on other shifts in online mode. I use marked sets for all programs and have had no problems with them.

Actually, we don't let machine shop guys to play with the machine.
I'm referring to inspectors/CMM operators.

[jkb_mcg]

Actually, we don't let machine shop guys to play with the machine.
I'm referring to inspectors/CMM operators.

Even them...they are operators. That's it. They shouldn't be able to see the guts of a program. At least IMO.

[DeWain Hodge]

Actually, we don't let machine shop guys to play with the machine.
I'm referring to inspectors/CMM operators.

I'm the only Inspector here and management decided to have me give some of the machininst basics on how to open and run a program. Therefore I write programs and make marked sets for different machine operation. In this way the can open the program (programs named by job #) and then select the marked set for the machining operation they need to check.