Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] re:indexerLPT

Alan,

Really, a small PLC would probably be the way to go. At the time I was
looking at something that would completely automate the setup.
I looked at Indexer for this because of what I percieved at the time, as
ease of programming for more of a process automation than real
machining. I wanted something that would load a file based upon part
number, there are over 30 part numbers made from two molded parts,
involving one or two countersunk and drilled holes that vary in location
along a single axis. Machine would have used an indexing table and
performed one single operation at each index.
Would probably hook up with a PLC programmer instead of spin my wheels
trying to learn ladder logic. My vision for the system, and no pun
intended, is automated vision inspection of every part, with rejects
being automatically discarded. Considering the nature of the parts and
the current process, I think this would pay off big. But, it's a big
step to convince someone to commit to paying $20k+ (that's sans vision
inspection) for a machine when one really has no reputation. Factory
automation is not an easy field for a one-man outfit to break into!

Jon