Software controls every cutting machine in shop.
Press Release Summary:
Columbus Windows®-based programming package offers process control for cutting machines, plus part programming, true shape nesting, common line cutting, plate and inventory management, parts management, and machine-specific estimating in single package. It supports straight or bevel cutting with oxyfuel, plasma, waterjet and laser, plus marking devices. Modules run on desktop workstation, or basic package (Vision Plus-CNC) can run directly on Vision PC or NT control.
Original Press Release:
ESAB Cutting Systems Releases Columbus Software for Cutting Machines
Florence, SC -- ESAB Cutting Systems has announced the release of their new Columbus Software. Columbus is an integrated software package designed specifically for cutting machines. Columbus is the first cutting system software designed by a cutting machine manufacturer specifically to meet the needs of the cutting industry. Designed by ESAB, the software was first introduced in Europe and has been proven in thousands of installations throughout the world over the past 15 years.
The Windows®-based programming package offers simple set-up and full process control for every cutting machine in a shop, plus part programming true shape nesting, common line cutting, plate and inventory management, parts management and machine-specific estimating in a single integrated package. Columbus software modules can run on a desktop workstation or the basic package (Vision Plus-CNC) can run directly on an ESAB Vision PC or NT control. In addition, Columbus will support other manufacturers' cutting systems.
An intuitive, user-friendly graphic interface, customized functions and automatic processes make programming easy. Columbus software allows users to control every cutting machine in a shop with the click of an icon. Set up and run programs for multiple machines with a single software package rather than learning and maintaining several packages. Columbus also allows the user to create their own post-processors to add machines or additional processes without requiring additional programming from ESAB.
Columbus supports straight or bevel cutting with oxyfuel, plasma, waterjet and laser, plus all current marking devices, in numerous combinations. Users can make an interior cut using waterjet, laser or Precision Plasma and change to the standard Plasma Process for outside perimeter cuts by simply selecting a few icons. Because ESAB holds patents on many multi-process systems, the company has integrated its technical knowledge into the Columbus software to program multiple processes in the same file. Columbus also supports and simplifies bevel cutting for laser, plasma or oxyfuel beveling, allowing bevel parts to be programmed and posted in seconds. The software automatically programs the tilt and rotate commands.
When used with ESAB's Vision CNC and ESAB's exclusive programmable cutting parameters (SDP files), Columbus software facilitates fast, easy set up. All process parameters - gas and water flows, pierce time, speed, kerf, height control, cutting
amperage, etc. - are stored in the CNC, along with optimum settings for different materials and thicknesses. This feature eliminates guesswork and ensures consistent cutting results even with changing operators.
An estimating module tracks specific information such as the machine's cutting speeds, rapid speeds, lift speeds and pierce times for accurate job costing. This information can be exported to Excel or other databases for customized reporting and costing.
For more information on the new Columbus software and other cutting systems and products, contact ESAB Cutting Systems at 843-664-4394 or visit their web site at www.esabcutting.com or www.esab.com.
ESAB Cutting Systems, based in Florence, South Carolina, produces mechanized plasma, oxyfuel, laser and waterjet cutting equipment for virtually every requirement, from custom fabrication shop to large production operations.
ADDRESS
411 S. Ebenezer Rd.
P.O. Box 100545
Florence, SC 29501-0545
PHONE
(843) 664-4394
FAX
(843) 664-4403
http://www.esab.com
