Virtual machine setup in CAD/CAM

Hi folks;

Something for our CAD/CAM programmers to consider, though anyone can add a
wanted feature to the mix.....:-)

Are we coming at all this from the wrong direction? A virtual machine picture
would be _very_ useful for setups.

I've been reading the multi-axis thread, and found the various machinations
rather confusing. Wouldn't it be better to have some sort of virtual machine
setup picture for our CAD/CAM software, wherein we could create a model of the
machine we actually have, including all the linear/rotary movement/articulation
available to it, and let the software take it from there?

We take it for granted that there will be xyz to work with, but given a more
advanced machine, the software just isn't up to the challenge without cerebral
hemmorage. We should be able to add a linear and rotary module to the picture
for turret extension, a rotary one for turret rotation, a single or dual rotary
modual for an articulatable spindle, as well as a possible z-prime linear module
if the spindle is capable of a further axial extension at that angle/position.
Add other linear/rotary modules for rotary tables, and etc. Each module would
have it's own definable, "axis", name, and thus be capable of having the proper
signals routed to it.

The virtual machine should be capable of setting movement priorities with
exceptions for particular operations/procedures and/or macro style routines.

Doesn't this make a lot more sence than trying to continually redefine a very
small number of axis' by hand?

Bill

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