One way to improve throughput is to optimize tool paths. SMP/IS Tool Path Optimization can minimize the travel of a punch press or contouring machine to improve productivity. Choose Automatic Optimization to quickly get the shortest path or choose Interactive Optimize for more control. Whatever you choose you will save a tremendous amount of run time for your CNC machines.

Automatic Optimization

Locates Shortest Path
The optimization routine begins by finding the first tool used and then determines the shortest path which includes all of the hits made by that station. It will then use "closest hit" rules to sequence the hits.

Intelligent Resequencing
The optimizing algorithm will then look to see if the longest hit can be resequenced into a path to obtain a total shorter path. It then continues the same comparison method for the hits with the second longest path, third longest, and so on. The tool path is then optimized using the SMP/IS factorial processor. This processor will take a group of hits and, through raw number crunching, give the shortest path with that group of hits.

Great Flexibility
The power of SMP/IS Optimization is partly due to its flexibility. You can lock a sequence of hits prior to optimizing and they will not be rearranged. However, the group of locked hits will still be optimized.

Handles Auto-Indexing
SMP/IS handles special sequence optimizing. For example, horizontal parting tooling can be automatically laced. Auto-indexing stations can be handled by either optimizing one angle at a time or by indexing around the entire part. The software also allows you to resequence after the optimizing is performed.

Displays Time & Distance
Finally, SMP/IS will display the distance and time before and after optimizing or resequencing, so you can see exactly how the changes have affected throughput.

Interactive Tool Path Optimization

The Interactive Tool Path Optimizer is an extremely easy-to-use addition to the Automatic Tool Path Optimizer.

Complete Control
You retain full control of your tool path based on lacing concepts, unlike the Automatic Tool Path Optimizer which operates in a hands-off, short path environment. Many customers use the Automatic Tool Path Optimizer in conjunction with the Interactive Tool Path Optimizer when a sequence change is desired in a portion of the sheet.

Easily Modify Sequencing
The program has many different station sequencing concepts that can be used. With SMP/IS, you can easily change several defaults to accommodate the infinite number of situations you may experience for a particular job. The Interactive Tool Path Optimizer has a graphical listing of the station order which can be changed with a simple click of the mouse.

Auto-Indexing Control
For machines that have auto-indexing and for those jobs where you may want to hold and complete a given angle before rotating the tool, the Interactive Tool Path Optimizer allows you to sequence the angles in the order that you desire.

Vertical & Horizontal Lacing
The Interactive Tool Path Optimizer is based upon setting up lacing zones. Lacing zones can be either horizontal or vertical and allow a tool path to go straight down or zigzag to catch all of the hits. This may occur when you have horizontal or vertical parting tooling or two strings of hits where the strings are offset from each other.

Flexibility
If you desire, the program can allow the hits within zones to run in only one direction. This is commonly used with the last parting tool when you want the direction of the sheet to work towards the work clamps or workholders.

Automatic Defaults
Other functions of the Interactive Tool Path Optimizer include automatically defaulting for the first hit to a corner of the sheet or defaulting to the same corner as the last hit of the previous station. One station can be displayed for easy visualization. Tool paths and shading functions can be toggled on or off.