To
check your machine's current software version:
press the "CTRL" and "V" keys simultaneously.
Software
Version 3.35
CadPath
CadPath
is used to convert a spline program into short (point to point)
line segments. The program no longer has to calculate spline information
"on the fly"; enabling it to exceed the 200 IPM maximum spline
feed rate and
can now also use length compensation.
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Software
Version 3.39
Partial
NC Reset Warning
Allowing
a partial NC reset gives the 91000 SuperControl great flexibility,
however most of the time a partial NC reset was not intended and
an operator may inadvertently cause the machine to perform something
not intended. This feature prompts the operator and warns him
of the situation. If they indeed wanted a partial NC reset they
may accept it or if not they may cancel and perform the proper
full reset
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Software
Version 3.45
Spline
Code
Spline
Code has been dramatically enhanced to allow for a more predictable
trajectory of motion when working with rotary axes. The software
now uses both the system pivot distance and the active tool length
to achieve a true pivot distance value for spline calculations.
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Software
Version 3.70
Probe
Scanning Auto-Save
The
software prompts for a file name before any type of auto scanning
is started and automatically saves at the end of the scan. This helps
eliminate the possibility of losing a file because of operator error
or power outage after a scan is completed.
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Software
Version 4.00
New
Operator Screen Layout
This
new layout utilizes high-resolution graphics for better readability
and appearance. Screen space has been enhanced to display more valuable
program information than before.
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Software
Version 4.03
Graphic
Error Display
This
feature is used to help identify the cause of an E-Stop error that
may have occurred. A simple message outlining the problem is displayed
at the top of the screen along with a graphic representation of the
problem and its location on the machine.
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Software
Version 4.15
Service
Clock System
The
Service Clock assures the timely and necessary maintenance of all
serviceable parts on a machine. It tells the operator via a message
on the main menu button that service is needed on a machine part.
After pressing the button, the Service Clock displays a picture of
the part to be maintained along with its location in red on the machine.
3-D
Rotary Helix Support
Added
support for 3-dimensional rotary helixes and multiple rotary axes
commands within all helical arcs (2-D and 3-D).
Improved
File Overwrite Protection
This
protects against file loss due to accidental file overwrite, erase,
new part creation, etc.
Hand-Held
Block Stop
The
Hand-Held Programmer now allows the operator to perform a Block
Stop away from the control. By pressing the "Jog" key on the Hand-Held
Programmer, a Block Stop is performed, and program execution is
halted.
Label
Quantity Increase
Maximum
label quantity has been increased from 99 to 1000.
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Software
Version 4.25
Relative
Angle Movement (Axis 0)
Provides
an easy method to program a 5 axis machine with rotary 4th and 5th
axis to plunge on an angle or compound angle without the use of
trigonometry to calculate the move. Axis zero (0) is designated
as the relative movement axis and when commanded to move a given
distance will move all the axes necessary to make the router travel
in the direction it is pointing.
3-Point
Arc
The
3-Point Arc conversion has been improved for working with rotary
axis helical arcs. The SuperControl now keeps the rotary axis in
the block of code after conversion, eliminating the need to tab
to the line and add them later.
Length
Compensation for Arcs
Length
Compensation now supports Arcs, 3-D Arcs and all Helical Arcs.
Length
Compensation Display On/Off
The
upper left corner of the screen now displays whether Length Compensation
is On (active) or Off (inactive).
Length
Compensation "On the Fly"
If
a program is stopped via Block Stop and a tool table change is made
to the currently active tool, the SuperControl now automatically
adjusts to the new values upon a restart.
Tool
Holder/Turret Number Display
The
screen now displays the active Tool Holder or Turret Number and
enables operators to see at a glance what tool should be in the
router spindle.
Dual
Table Pulse Wheel Programming
Operators
may now use the Pulse Wheel of the Hand-Held Programmer directly
to program on the second table of a dual table machine.
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Software
Version 4.39
AFL
Variables Increase
The
number of AFL variables has increased from 256 to 384.
New
Arc Creation Feature
Allows
arc centers to be defined in absolute while programming.
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Thermwood
99
Tool
Management System
The
Tool Management System was created to simplify the management of the
spindle types (actuators), tool changers and tools on a machine. As
the systems on individual machines became more diversified, tooling
macros grew larger and more complex, and executed slower. Tool Management
solves this problem by providing a central "fill in the blank" type
of program that allows the configuration of actuators, tool changers
and the tools themselves. This can drastically improve tool change
times. Tool Management especially benefits turret style tool change
machines, which now can rotate the turret, reconfigure parameters
for the new tool and index simultaneously. Operators use the Tool
Setup screen to assign each tool to an actuator, actuator position,
tool changer and tool changer position. The Thermwood Control automatically
enters the rest. The Tool Management System allows tools 1-999 to
be used on all machines. In other words, any tool number can now be
assigned to any actuator. Also, more than one tool number can be associated
with the same actuator. Examples: The Main Router on a standard machine
is not limited to tool 101. The Turret will no longer be restricted
to tools 141-156. The fifty (50) tool changer will not be restricted
to tools 1-50.
3-D
Circle Macros for 5 Axis Machines
Macros
designed to automatically plunge into the middle of the circle,
move to twelve o-clock in a straight line, complete a 360 degree
circle, move back to the center of the circle and then retract out
to the same location it was at before performing the circle.
Quick
Shutdown
Perform
a quick system shutdown, safe and easily. Simply press "alt-Q" simultaneously.
Pointer
Misalignment Message
This
message prompts the operator and warns of misalignment. If a block
stop is performed after start is pushed and then the cursor is manually
moved from the current location and not put back before the start,
block step +, or block step - are pushed again, it will warn of
the misalignment.
World
Coordinate Program Values (G79)
This
new G-code is very similar to G90, except that is always references
machine Home regardless of any active G92, G51, G54, G52L# or G53L#.
Part
Coordinate Set (G51)
This
redefines part zero relative to machine Home. It doesn't perform
any machine motions, and cancels any previous G51 or active G92,
G54, G52L# or G53L#. Example: G51 X# Y#
Fixture
Offset (G52L#)
G52L#
redefines part zero relative to machine Home. It doesn't perform
any machine motions, and references values stored in the fixture
table (which may contain up to 100 separate fixture locations).
Fixture
Offset (G53L#)
The
G53L# redefines part zero relative to machine Home. It performs
an interpolated motion to the values stored in the fixture table
using the last active feed rate, and cancels any previous G53L#
or any active G92, G51, G54, G52L#.
Tool
Offset (G54)
This
G-code incrementally adjusts the current G92, G51, G52L# or G53L#
by the values stated. The G54 values are defined by imagining the
distance and axis direction needed to get from the main tool to
the secondary tool. It does not perform any machine motions.
Timer
Subprogram
Timer
Subprograms work by placing a subprogram at the beginning of the
program to mark the starting point and then placing a subprogram
at the end marking the stopping point. The exact time will be measured
within one second of accuracy and displayed on the SuperControl
monitor.
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Thermwood
2000
Part
Program Variable Color Display:
The
Thermwood part program display area now allows separate colors to
be set to individual Letter Codes (X, Y, G, M, etc.) and Comment
lines within the current file loaded. This can make specific codes
stand out and easier to distinguish. Operator can set individual colors
from a list of 16. Colors do not display during run mode. (Some
colors may conflict with background colors)
Rapid
Traverse Teaching Capability:
The
SuperControl now allows "G00" Rapid Traverse motions to be entered
directly from the Hand Held Programmer. To enter a move as a rapid
traverse use the normal line teach function, but instead of just
pressing the enter key, press Shift + Speed + Enter and the move
will automatically be entered as a rapid traverse move (G00).
Rapid
Traverse By-Pass Code:
M48
and M49. When M48 is executed it allows control over G00 motions
with the Feed Rate Override knob. The M48 causes rapid traverse
lines to move at normal G01 acceleration rates but always at top
machine speed. The M49 or a HOME routine sets this back to standard,
where G00 moves are not affected by the Feed Rate Override and move
at high acceleration rates. This feature is very useful for proofing
programs. Gives you control over rapid moves via the Feed Rate Override
Knob without having to modify all lines that are assigned to rapid
traverse within a part program.
Real
Time Tool Life Monitoring:
Tool
life is now more accurate than the previous method. With the new
system the SuperControl will only reduce the life of the active
tool if machine motion is detected and the spindle is on (if detectable).
Tool
Life Wear Factor:
This
feature allows the programmer to force the tool life to diminish
at a faster rate. This is useful for programs that may use the same
tool to cut a multitude of different materials. For example, a tool
may last longer machining oak vs. walnut and the tool life is set
for the max life for oak. So, if it is determined that walnut wears
the tool 1.5 times faster then oak, then the following syntax can
be placed into the part program to adjust the wear factor. Syntax:
[WEARFAC 1.5].
Automatic
Tool Substitution Feature:
This
feature is designed for tool changing machines. It allows the programmer
to set a substitute tool to be called automatically once the life
has expired on the main tool used. When a tool is called the SuperControl
checks if this tool's life is expired, if it is it will automatically
call the next tool assigned as a substitute for the called tool,
as long as its life is not expired as well. The only limit to the
number of substitute tools that can be set is the capacity of the
tool changer itself.
Tool
Management System (5-Axis):
Tool
Management System now implemented for 5-axis machines.
Full
Label Scan Capability:
The
SuperControl now has the capability to scan entire programs for
labels. This allows extremely large programs that contain labels
to execute.
Vertical
Axis Clearance Motion Suppression:
It
is now possible to inhibit the "Z" axis clearance motion when changing
from one tool to another on the same actuator. The system automatically
raises the 'Z" axis to the full up, HOME position when you change
from one tool to another to assure clearance. In some cases, you
may not need this, for example a dual spindle horizontal drill.
When you change from drilling with one end of the spindle to other,
it may not be necessary to perform the clearance motion. It is now
possible to inhibit this clearance motion in these instances. Requires
the following syntax !No_Z_Up! to be entered into the Description
field of the tool setup screen.
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Software
Version 5.05
Click Here for SuperControl 5.05
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