Learn Mode

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Overview

When a TMAC instance is set to Learn mode, TMAC continuously learns every operation. Each run of the part program in learn mode records new learned values for every operation. Use learn mode when establishing a new process or installing TMAC. To select Learn mode, use the Learn/Monitor toggle button in the TMAC action bar. The TMAC process remains in learn mode until returned to Monitor mode. The process of learning an operation allows TMAC to record the following data for each operation:

• Tool and Section numbers l Peak Values
• Accumulated work
• Target values
• Target Value and Tooth Period for sawtooth operations

Note: When learning an operation, TMAC uses the Learn Scale set in the instance parameters. If the scale set in the instance parameters is not desired for a process, a Fixed Scale can be used.  

Important Steps Before Learning an Operation

When the part programs have been modified to issue start and stop commands to TMAC, the user may begin learning operations.

Before learning an operation, ensure that:

• A new tool is being used.
• All feedrate and spindle overrides are set to 100%.
• The machining process is proven prior to learning the peak values for an operation

Creating Jobs Automatically Using Learn Mode

TMAC can create jobs and operations automatically using learn mode. Some find it more convenient to create jobs and operations in this manner. To automatically create a job and its associated operations, use the following steps:

1. Ensure TMAC is in Learn mode
2. Add calls for the job, channels, tools and sections in a proven part program
3. Run the part program

After the part program is complete, TMAC adds the job and its associated operations to the database. Limits and parameters for each operation can be specified using the Job Editor. This method can also be used to add new operations to an existing job.

New Tooling

The use of new tooling while in the learn state ensures that further comparisons between learned and tool wear are accurate, allowing optimum performance from both TMAC and the tooling. TMAC bases its limits on a programmed percentage above or below these learned values. If a partially worn tool is learned, the learned value and limit values will be greater than desired.