The Cutting Edge

"Having all the bells and whistles of the most advanced controller will not increase productivity if the operator does not understand how to program the machine," Cary says. "With modern, computer-operated backgauge controllers, position accuracy and repeatability should be self-checking. If the backgauge is knocked out of location by jogging the stock, the computer should automatically correct the error. The computer should have the ability to detect the loss of accuracy of the positioning system and notify the operator of a problem. On all but lower cost machines the backgauge position should be derived from some device other than the lead screw so position accuracy will not be affected by wear of the lead screw."