These are several developmental tools that are provided with the Acroloop controller family. The controllers can be provided with C++ libraries, Visual C libraries, or Visual Basic libraries. Since the libraries are generically designed, the libraries can be used for additional programming languages such as Delphi. The developmental tools can be provided with the drivers for Windows 98, Windows 2000, and Windows NT operating systems. With the developmental tools, the controllers can be integrated into customized application software.

Acroloop Libraries With Acroloop Library, commands available on the Acroloop motion controller have a corresponding function call. Applications that are programmed on the PC simply use the function call provided in the library when the program needs to use the controller's motion control capabilities. The Acroloop controller family can be supplied with the following libraries: Visual C/C++ Dynamic Link Library (Windows98, 32-Bit) Visual C/C++ Libraries (Windows NT, 32-Bit multi-threaded) Visual Basic Dynamic Link Library (Windows98, 32-Bit) Visual Basic Dynamic Link Library (WindowsNT, 32-Bit multi-threaded) Since the libraries are generically designed, the libraries can be used for additional programming languages such as Borland's Delphi. With Delphi, the proper arguments must be programmed for the function call.

Software AcroVIEW

AcroVIEW is a developmental tool used to communicate to the motion controllers. AcroVIEW can talk to the controllers either over the PC-Bus or RS-232 communications port. AcroVIEW is provided at no charge to help integrate, diagnose, and graphically tune the Acroloop motion controllers. AcroVIEW can also be used to debug customized PC applications. Since the Acroloop controllers can communicate simultaneously, the API can be operating on the PC while AcroVIEW tool can dynamically diagnose the Acroloop controller with AcroVIEW on the serial port. This saves valuable developmental time.

AcroVIEW-Diagnostics

The AcroVIEW supplied software can also act as a valuable diagnostic tool. AcroVIEW can be used to enter in customized software programs and test the controllers on a bench before implementing the controller into a real world application. AcroVIEW permits the user to send and receive files to and from the controllers. In addition, AcroVIEW provides an on-screen real time display of the input and outputs status while the desired program is being executed.

Software AcroMill NT

AcroMill and AcroCut are also offered in a Windows NT based version. The main features are very similar to the DOS versions of these programs but because of the multitasking ability of the operating system, many enhancements are offered. The following screens show some of the features. AcroMill for Windows NT is designed to work with a touch screen or a mouse. Therefore, all the menu selections are large enough to allow easy finger control and selection. New programs can be created while the machine is running a program. Full compliments of Can Cycles and Macro and Modal Macro ability is offered. Probing cycle as well as NURBS, Splines and three dimensional 3 point arc generation is offered.

OEM users can access and pass variables in the SYSVAR storage area in the CNC from their own independent software application in case a custom installation is required.

This means that the OEM can externally affect machine operation from their own piece of software on the fly. This can be very handy in applications like vision, grinding, welding….etc.

AcroMILL Features

Retrofit Package - Package Acroloop's ACR8000, ACR8010, ACR2000 or ACR1500, industrial chassis, operator interface and AcroMILL for a complete CNC Machine Tool retrofit package.
 

G Codes - AcroMILL works with standard EIA RS-274 G codes. The basic G codes designed around the GE Fanuc OM Controller works directly with AcroMILL. AcroMILL is also directly compatible with standard CAM packages that can create canned cycles and appropriate post files for machine execution.

M Codes - AcroMILL also uses standard M codes. The M codes in AcroMILL are completely programmable. M codes simply send customized files to the controller. The files could be PLC files or another complete multi-tasked motion program.

PC-Based - Implement an open architecture solution with the latest PC-Based CNC motion controllers and incorperating standard off-the-shelf industrial PC Components available from Acroloop.

PLC - Use the on-board PLC to create customized automatic tool changer(ATC) operations. The AcroMILL software uses the built-in PLC supplied with the motion controller complete with optical-isolation operating at 24VDC.

Home - Built-inhoming routine for all axes (programmable).

Jog - Continuous or Incremental jog modes (programmable).

Handwheel - External handwheel operation. Handwheel can be programmed to any encoder input with the particular axes selected through AcroMILL.

Library Parts - Built-in user definable library parts. Library parts are parametric G and M code files that can be customized(sized) by the user on the screen.

File Transfer - Transfer files to AcroMILL via RS-232 communications, from the hard disk drive, from a floppy disk drive,or automatically convert DXF posts into the appropriate G and M codes automatically with AcroMILL.

Run/Dry Run - Ability to run or dry run a program. Programs can also be started from a user programmable block number.

Feedrate Override - Built-in feedrate override function. The feedrate override can be executed through software or from an external BCD input.

Spindle Override - Built-in spindle override function. The spindle override can be executed through software or from an external BCD input.

MDI - Manual data input operation for immediate execution of blocks.
Displays - AcroMILL can display the user programmable information including current position, program status information and a graphical display of the part being processed.

Diagnostics - Use AcroMILL to diagnose electrical input/output conditions or to dynamically tune the servo system with AcroMILL's built-in 4 channel oscilloscope.

Error Correction - Implement AcroMILL's programmable ballscrew compensation, backlash compensation, and tool offset registers.

Block Processing Speed - AcroMILL PC software package has a 1-4 millisecond block processing speed depending on the number of axes being controlled.

Customized - Don't see what you need? Have Acroloop customize the PC software specifically to meet your application requirements.
 

AcroCut/AcroJet PC Software

AcroCUT software is specifically designed to handle PLASMA, OXY-FUEL, LASER, and WATERJET machine tool cutting applications. Acroloop has extensively worked with manufactures and machine tool operators to create a state-of-the-art PC cutting control software package. The PC software can be customized for the OEM or used to retrofit old cutting machines.

AcroCut Detailed Features

Turnkey Solution - Implement AcroCUT with the Acroloop motion controllers, chassis, operator interfaces, enclosures, and customized front panels for a complete OEM solution for PC based Plasma,Oxy-Fuel, Laser,and WaterJet machine tool control.

PC-Based - Implement an open architecture solution with the latest PC-Based CNC motion controllers and incorporating standard off-the-shelf industrial PC components available from Acroloop.

G Codes - AcroCUT works with standard EIA RS-274 G codes. AcroCUT is also directly compatible with standard CAM packages.

M Codes - AcroCUT also uses standard M codes. The M codes in AcroMILL are completely programmable. M codes simply send customized files to the controller. The files could be PLC files or another complete multi-tasked motion program.

Gantry Control - Built-in gantry control (2 servo on a single axis.)

Home - Built-in-homing routine for all axes (programmable).

Jog - Continuous or Incremental jog modes with optional joystick control.

Library Parts - Built-in user definable library parts. 30 shapes provided free of charge. Additional library parts can be created by the user.

Retrace -Retrace of the cut path to back up all the way to the beginning.

Kerf Compensation - Automatic kerf compensation.

Corning - Automatic corner slowdown based on acute angle threshold.

Dripfeed Function - Allows large part files to be executed on-the-fly from an off-line PC using the serial link minimizing download time and maximizing machine cut time.

Pause and Resume - On and Off path pause and resume feature. Machine can retrace,skip, resume,jog, or home after the pause.

Plate Alignment - Automatic plate alignment feature for sheet placement.

Feedrate Override - Built-in feedrate override function. The feedrate override can be executed through software or from BCD input.