Kinetic Control Software
Pocket NC introduces a new software interface control: Kinetic Control. The new Kinetic Control provides a number of improvements in both the software control and user interface.
Kinetic Control includes:
- Tool center point control (TCPC),Â
- Improved rotary axis unwinding,
- An updated, more user-friendly and modern interface for controlling current and future Pocket NC machines,
- More space for programs and future updates.
Want more in depth explanation? Check out the webinar we did with the software and applications teams. Kinetic Control walkthrough and TCPC demonstration with John and Q.
What is tool center point control (TCPC)?
Tool Center Point Control (TCPC) allows a part to be programmed around a specific point on the part rather than the center of rotation of the machine. This allows a machinist to touch off a point on their stock, store it in a G5x offset and the machine will properly calculate how that position is rotated in space when the rotary axes move. TCPC makes programming a part more intuitive.
TCPC is also an industry standard in 5-axis machining centers. If the Pocket NC is used to teach future machinists multi-axis machining, exposure to TCPC will provide students with a set of skills desireable to future employers.
Beta Customer Feedback:
How do I update to the new Kinetic Control?
If your machine ships on or after November 1, 2021 your machine will ship with Kinetic Control installed. You do not need to purchase the SD card separately.
If you are a current V2 series machine customer you can purchase the new user interface on an SD card here. Moving forward there is no subscription or update fees for the software and we will publish updates and changes to the Pocket NC Software Versions here. The updating process is easy and integrated into the user interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between TCPC and RWO?
Rotated Work Offsets is similar to TCPC, but is only for 3+2 machining. It allows for a part to be programmed around a specific point on your stock, similar to TCPC, but no simultaneous rotary moves should be performed after enabling RWO. Using RWO rather than TCPC for 3+2 machining allows X, Y and Z G-code moves to perform physical moves of the corresponding X, Y and Z axes. In TCPC, on the other hand, since the X, Y and Z G-code moves are relative to the part, the physical axes that will move may not be the same.
2. What are the advantages of TCPC over the previous method?
Industry standard: TCPC is commonly used in industry on 5-axis machining centers. This type of programming is more accessible to those already familiar with 5-axis machines. If students are learning 5-axis machining on the Pocket NC TCPC will be another skillset they can add.
Ease of programming and setup: Without TCPC, offsets on the linear axes wouldn’t have any meaning after moving either of the rotary axes. That means, prior to having TCPC and RWO, parts had to be programmed around the center of rotation of the machine. This requires having fairly precise work holding solutions. TCPC and RWO provide more flexibility for the operator when mounting stock as the same program can be used when mounting a part in a different location on the machine, as long as a point on the stock is adequately located.
3. What posts will work with TCPC and how do I determine which one to use?
Current available posts include Fusion 360, HSM Works and Siemens NX CAM. Mastercam is in process. Mecsoft (Rhinocam) has a post available, but will charge. You can still use the old posts and program around the center of rotation. Up-to-date post information can be found here.
4. Where can I find more resources?
Please reference Kinetic Control Software Overview here. We will be updating our getting started video series (December 2021) and online course (January 2022). Written tutorials will be updated by the end of November. Please direct any questions to service@pocketnc.com