Machining system, information processing device, cutting plotter, machining condition generation method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides a machining system, an information processing device, a cutting plotter, a machining condition generation method, and a program that can improve the quality of a machining surface of a thick medium.　A machining system 10 comprises: a cutting plotter that machines a workpiece 22 by a machining tool according to a machining condition; and an information processing device 14 that generates the machining condition. The machining condition includes a condition for machining the workpiece 22 deeper in stages along a thickness direction thereof by a plurality of times of machining. The information processing device 14 is provided with a machining condition generation unit 88 that generates a machining condition for machining the workpiece 22 shallower in machining for the first time than in machining for the Nth (N is an integer of 2 or more) time.

Description

Processing system, information processing apparatus, cutting plotter, processing condition generation method, and program

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing system, an information processing apparatus, a cutting plotter, a processing condition generation method, and a program.

[0002] Cutting plotters that perform processing such as cutting on sheet-shaped media have become widespread.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a cutting plotter that cuts a medium to be cut by a cutting pen having a protruding blade and supported movably in a vertical direction.

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-179455

[0005] In a cutting plotter such as that described in Patent Document 1, when attempting to deeply cut a thick medium in one pass, there is a possibility that quality degradation of the cut surface and blade damage may occur. Accordingly, it has been practiced to reduce the cutting depth per pass and cut the medium in multiple passes.

[0006] Here, when cutting a medium in multiple passes in the depth direction, a user is required to set various parameters by themselves, which requires time and effort. For this reason, some cutting plotters automatically generate processing conditions by setting the thickness of the medium and the number of cutting passes. However, if the processing conditions are not appropriate, even if the medium is cut in multiple passes, there is a possibility that quality degradation of the processed surface may occur.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a processing system, an information processing apparatus, a cutting plotter, a processing condition generation method, and a program that can improve the quality of the processed surface of a thick medium.

[0008] A processing system according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a cutting plotter that processes a medium with a processing tool according to processing conditions, and an information processing device that generates the processing conditions, wherein the processing conditions include conditions for progressively increasing the depth of the medium along its thickness direction through multiple processing steps, and the information processing device includes a generation means for generating processing conditions for processing the medium more shallowly in the first processing step compared to the Nth processing step (where N is an integer of 2 or more).

[0009] According to this configuration, for example, when processing a medium to a desired depth, the medium is processed in stages along its thickness direction through multiple processing steps. This configuration generates processing conditions in which the first processing step is shallower than the Nth processing step (the second and subsequent steps), and the cutting plotter processes the medium according to these processing conditions. In other words, the medium is processed shallowly near the surface and more deeply in the interior. Hereinafter, N is an integer of 2 or more, and for example, the depth of the first and second processing steps may be the same, while the depth of the third and subsequent processing steps may be deeper than the first and second steps. As a result, the processing system of this embodiment can achieve high quality on the processed surface of a thick medium.

[0010] In the processing system described above, the processing conditions may include conditions for processing to a predetermined depth that is shallower than the thickness of the medium. With this configuration, the medium can be processed without penetrating to the bottom of the medium.

[0011] In the processing system described above, the processing conditions may include a first processing area, which is the area where the first processing is performed, a second processing area, which is located deeper than the first processing area, and a third processing area, which is located deeper than the second processing area, along the thickness direction of the medium. With this configuration, by dividing the depth direction of the medium into three areas for processing, it becomes possible to set the processing conditions more precisely, thereby improving the quality of the processed surface of a thick medium.

[0012] In the processing system described above, the depth of the first processing step may be set by the user. This configuration allows the user to set an appropriate depth for the first processing step for the medium.

[0013] In the processing system described above, the user may set the number of processing steps along the thickness direction of the medium or the processing depth from the Nth step onward. The information processing device may calculate the processing depth based on the number of processing steps when the number of processing steps is set, and calculate the number of processing steps based on the processing depth when the processing depth is set. This configuration allows for more precise settings for processing, thereby improving the quality of the processed surface of thick media. It also enables the generation of intuitive processing conditions for the user.

[0014] In the above-described machining system, at least one of the number of machining passes and the depth of each machining pass may be set based on the type of machining tool. This configuration makes it possible to set machining conditions according to the machining tool.

[0015] In the processing system described above, the processing speed of the processing tool may be set. This configuration allows for more precise settings for processing, thereby improving the quality of the processed surface of thick media. The processing speed is at least one of the movement speed of the processing tool in the planar direction of the media and the movement speed of the media in the depth direction.

[0016] In the processing system described above, at least one of the length in the depth direction of the first processing area and the length in the depth direction of the third processing area may be shorter than the length in the depth direction of the second processing area. This configuration makes it possible to achieve both improved surface quality and high processing speed for thick media.

[0017] In the processing system described above, the processing speed of the processing tool may be set for at least one of the first processing area, the second processing area, and the third processing area. This configuration makes it possible to achieve both improved processing surface quality and processing speed for thick media.

[0018] In the processing system described above, the processing tool may be a cutter. This configuration allows for high quality cuts on thick media.

[0019] An information processing device in a second aspect of the present invention is an information processing device that generates processing conditions for use in a cutting plotter that processes a medium with a processing tool, wherein the processing conditions include conditions for progressively increasing the depth of the medium along its thickness direction through multiple processing passes, and the device comprises a generation means for generating processing conditions for processing the medium more shallowly in the first processing pass compared to the Nth processing pass (where N is an integer of 2 or more).

[0020] A cutting plotter according to a third aspect of the present invention is a cutting plotter that processes the medium with a processing tool according to processing conditions that process the medium in a stepwise manner along its thickness direction by processing multiple times, wherein, according to the processing conditions, the first processing is performed to a shallower depth than the Nth processing (where N is an integer of 2 or more).

[0021] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a processing method for generating processing conditions used in a cutting plotter that processes a medium with a processing tool, wherein the processing conditions include conditions for progressively increasing the depth of the medium along its thickness direction through multiple processing passes, and based on parameters input by the user, the generation means generates processing conditions for processing the medium more shallowly in the first processing pass compared to the Nth processing pass (where N is an integer of 2 or more).

[0022] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a program for generating processing conditions to be used in a cutting plotter that processes a medium with a processing tool, wherein the processing conditions include conditions for progressively increasing the depth of the medium along its thickness direction through multiple processing passes, and the computer functions as a means for generating the processing conditions to process the medium more shallowly in the first processing pass compared to the Nth processing pass (where N is an integer of 2 or more), based on parameters input by the user.

[0023] The present invention aims to provide a processing system, an information processing device, a cutting plotter, a processing condition generation method, and a program that can improve the quality of the processed surface of a thick medium.

[0024] This is a schematic diagram of the machining system of the first embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing the longitudinal cross-section of a workpiece when cutting is performed on the workpiece of the first embodiment. This is a diagram showing the machining condition input screen of the first embodiment. This is a functional block diagram related to machining condition generation of the first embodiment. This is a flowchart showing the machining condition generation process of the first embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing the machining area of ​​a workpiece of the second embodiment.

[0025] (First Embodiment) The processing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic overall view of the processing system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0026] The processing system 10 includes a cutting plotter 12 and an information processing device 14.

[0027] The cutting plotter 12 is a processing device that performs various processing operations on a sheet-like medium (hereinafter referred to as "workpiece") 22 placed on a table 20 using processing tools.

[0028] The cutting plotter 12 includes a head 26 to which multiple processing tools can be attached. The head 26 has multiple stations, and one processing tool can be attached to each station. In this embodiment, the head 26 includes, for example, four stations A to D.

[0029] As the head 26 moves relative to the workpiece 22 placed on the table 20 (for example, in the X and Y directions), a machining tool attached to a station selected by the user performs machining on the workpiece 22.

[0030] Types of processing tools include cutters and drills. Examples of cutters include cutting pens, flat blade cutters, eccentric cutters, reciprocating cutters, V-cutters, and tangential cutters.

[0031] The workpiece 22 has a certain thickness, such as several millimeters or more. Furthermore, the workpiece 22 may be formed by laminating multiple layers of different materials, or its surface may be coated.

[0032] The information processing device 14 is a desktop or laptop computer equipped with a display 30 such as a liquid crystal display for displaying images and an input device 32 such as a keyboard or mouse for receiving various inputs, and is capable of communicating with the cutting plotter 12. The information processing device 14 may also be a portable information processing device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal equipped with a touch panel display. The information processing device 14 communicating with the cutting plotter 12 included in the processing system 10 may be more than one unit.

[0033] The information processing device 14 generates processing conditions that the cutting plotter 12 uses to perform the desired processing on the workpiece 22. The information processing device 14 then transmits the processing conditions, along with processing data indicating the shape to be cut from the workpiece 22 and the position of holes drilled on the workpiece 22, to the cutting plotter 12. The processing data is represented as a plan view corresponding to the XY plane.

[0034] The cutting plotter 12 drives the machining tools to machine the workpiece 22 based on the machining data and machining conditions. The machining data may be created by the information processing device 14, or machining data created by another information processing device may be input to the information processing device 14. Furthermore, the machining conditions do not necessarily have to be sent from the information processing device 14 to the cutting plotter 12 along with the machining data. For example, the machining conditions may be sent to the cutting plotter 12 before the machining data, and the same machining conditions may be used for multiple different machining data.

[0035] Here, the machining conditions include conditions for machining the workpiece 22 progressively deeper along its thickness direction through multiple machining passes. The information processing device 14 of this embodiment generates machining conditions for the first machining pass to machine the workpiece 22 shallower than the Nth machining pass (the second and subsequent passes).

[0036] For example, when machining a workpiece 22 to a desired depth, the workpiece 22 is machined multiple times in the thickness direction. The machining system 10 of this embodiment generates machining conditions that machine the workpiece 22 shallower in the first machining pass compared to the Nth machining pass (second pass onwards), and the cutting plotter 12 processes the workpiece 22 according to these machining conditions. That is, the workpiece 22 is machined shallowly near the surface and more deeply in the interior. Note that N is an integer of 2 or more, and for example, the depth of the first and second machining passes may be the same, while the depth of the third and subsequent machining passes may be deeper than that of the first and second passes. As a result, the machining system 10 of this embodiment can improve the quality of the machined surface of a thick workpiece 22.

[0037] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a longitudinal cross-section of the workpiece 22 when the cutting plotter 12 of this embodiment performs a cut on the workpiece 22. In the following description, the tool used to process the workpiece 22 will be referred to as the cutter 40, and the processing of the workpiece 22 will be referred to as cutting.

[0038] In Figure 2, the area indicated by the dashed line inside the workpiece 22 is the area where the cutter 40 cuts the workpiece 22 (hereinafter referred to as the "cutting area"). Within the cutting area, the position indicated by the horizontal dashed line indicates the depth cut each time. In the following explanation, the thickness direction of the workpiece 22 is also referred to as the Z direction, and the plane of the workpiece 22 perpendicular to the Z direction is also referred to as the XY direction.

[0039] A felt 42 is provided between the table 20 and the workpiece 22 of the cutting plotter 12 to prevent the cutting edge of the cutter 40 from coming into contact with the table 20. However, the felt 42 does not necessarily have to be provided between the table 20 and the workpiece 22.

[0040] In the example shown in Figure 2, the workpiece 22 is cut by seven machining passes along the Z direction. In the example shown in Figure 2, the workpiece 22 is not cut, and the cutter 40 processes to a predetermined depth shorter than the thickness of the workpiece 22 (hereinafter referred to as "workpiece thickness"). Hereafter, the unprocessed area will be referred to as the Z remaining amount.

[0041] In the first cutting pass, the workpiece 22 is cut shallower than in the second to N-th cutting passes (where the N-th pass is the 7th pass). As a result, the surface of the workpiece 22 is lightly scored, and in the second cutting pass, a deeper cut is made along the lightly scored portion.

[0042] More specifically, the cutting plotter 12 first causes the cutter 40 to cut into the workpiece 22 to the depth set for the first cutting pass, and cuts the workpiece 22 by moving the cutter 40 in the X-Y directions, which are the planar directions of the workpiece 22, in accordance with machining data. Next, the cutter 40 is caused to cut into the workpiece 22 to the depth set for the second cutting pass, and the workpiece 22 is cut by moving the cutter 40 in accordance with the machining data. The cutting plotter 12 machines the workpiece 22 by repeating such cutting for the number of times set in the machining conditions.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a machining condition input screen 50 for setting machining conditions. The machining condition input screen 50 is displayed on the display 30 of the information processing device 14, and a user inputs various parameters and the like via the information processing device 14.

[0044] The machining condition input screen 50 includes a station input box 52, a tool input box 54, a workpiece thickness input box 56, a scoring amount input box 58, a remaining Z amount input box 60, a cutting number input box 62, a cutting depth input box 64, a blade type input box 66, a speed input box 68, and a Z speed input box 70.

[0045] The station input box 52 is a box for selecting a station to which a machining tool to be used is attached.

[0046] The tool input box 54 is a box for selecting a machining tool to be used.

[0047] The workpiece thickness input box 56 is a box for inputting the thickness of the workpiece 22 to be machined.

[0048] The scribing amount input box 58 is a box for inputting a scribing amount. The scribing amount is the depth to be cut in the first processing. The scribing amount is input based on, for example, the material of the workpiece 22, and a recommended value may be predetermined based on the material of the workpiece 22 and the like. Further, when the surface of the workpiece 22 is coated, the thickness of the coating may be used as the scribing amount. As described above, since the depth of the first processing is set by the user, an appropriate depth of the first processing for the workpiece 22 can be set.

[0049] The Z remaining amount input box 60 is a box for inputting a Z remaining amount. As an example, a value based on the bottom surface of the workpiece 22 is input for the Z remaining amount. The bottom surface of the workpiece 22 is the surface of the workpiece 22 that comes into contact with the table 20 or the felt 42 of the cutting plotter 12. The Z remaining amount is specified to be 0 or more and less than the thickness of the workpiece 22. When the processing tool penetrates (cuts out) the workpiece 22, the Z remaining amount is set to 0.

[0050] The number of cutting times input box 62 is for inputting the number of times cutting is performed. The number of times input to the number of cutting times input box 62 does not include the first cutting.

[0051] The cutting depth input box 64 is for inputting the cutting depth per cutting operation. The depth input to the cutting depth input box 64 is the cutting depth for the Nth and subsequent cuttings, and does not include the depth of the first cutting (the scribing amount).

[0052] Note that only one of the input of the number of cutting times and the input of the cutting depth can be selected by the user. Therefore, when the user inputs the number of cutting times, the cutting depth cannot be input, and when the user inputs the cutting depth, the number of cutting times cannot be input.

[0053] In other words, in this embodiment, the user sets the number of cuts in the thickness direction of the workpiece 22 or the cut depth from the Nth cut onward. The information processing device 14 calculates the cut depth based on the set number of cuts when the user has set the number of cuts. The information processing device 14 also calculates the number of cuts based on the set cut depth when the user has set the cut depth.

[0054] For example, if the number of cuts is entered, the uniform cut depth from the second cut onward is calculated based on the thickness of the workpiece 22, the amount of Z remaining, and the amount of marking. More specifically, the cut depth from the Nth cut onward is calculated based on the following formula when the number of cuts is entered: Cut depth from the Nth cut onward = (Thickness of workpiece 22 - Amount of marking - Amount of Z remaining) / Number of cuts

[0055] The blade type input box 66 is used to input the type of blade for the cutter 40. The blade type refers to things like the length and width of the blade, and information that identifies these (such as the blade model number) is entered into the blade type input box 66.

[0056] The speed input box 68 receives input for the movement speed of the machining tool in the XY plane of the workpiece 22 (hereinafter referred to as "cutting speed").

[0057] The Z-speed input box 70 receives input for the movement speed of the machining tool in the Z-direction of the workpiece 22 (hereinafter referred to as "Z-speed").

[0058] Note that the cutting speed and Z-speed have pre-set maximum values, and it is not possible to set speeds exceeding these maximum values. These maximum values ​​are pre-set according to the type of machining tool, etc.

[0059] Then, when the user clicks the generate button 72, the information processing device 14 generates processing conditions including the input parameters and sends them to the cutting plotter 12. If the user clicks the cancel button 74, the processing conditions input screen 50 is closed without generating any processing conditions.

[0060] Note that the machining condition input screen 50 shown in Figure 3 is just an example, and other parameters may be input, or machining conditions may be generated without inputting some parameters.

[0061] For example, instead of setting the remaining Z-axis depth, the Z-axis depth may be set. The Z-axis depth is the final depth to which the workpiece 22 is machined, based on the top surface of the workpiece 22. The Z-axis depth is specified to be greater than 0 and less than or equal to the thickness of the workpiece 22. When the workpiece 22 is cut out by the cutter 40, the Z-axis depth is set to be the same as the thickness of the workpiece 22.

[0062] Furthermore, the number of machining passes or the depth of each pass may be set based on the type of machining tool. This makes it possible to set machining conditions according to the machining tool.

[0063] The type of machining tool includes, for example, the type of blade if the machining tool is a cutter 40. The type of blade refers to, for example, the length and width of the blade. In this example, depending on the type of machining tool, for example, the minimum or maximum depth in a single machining pass is predetermined, and the number of cuts or the cutting depth for each pass is calculated based on the predetermined value, the workpiece thickness, the amount of marking, and the Z-axis remaining amount. The calculation results for the number of cuts and the cutting depth are automatically entered into the number of cuts input box 62 and the cutting depth input box 64. The calculation results entered into the number of cuts input box 62 and the cutting depth input box 64 may be made editable by the user.

[0064] Furthermore, the cutting speed included in the processing conditions may be set in more detail. For example, the cutting speed for the first cut used for marking may be set to be different from the cutting speed for the second and subsequent cuts. For example, it is conceivable to set the speed of the first cut to be slower than that of the second and subsequent cuts. This can improve the quality of the processed surface in the first cut. Also, the cutting speed for the second and subsequent cuts may be different as appropriate. For example, the cutting speed for the second and subsequent cuts may be gradually increased.

[0065] Furthermore, the cutting speed of the final cut may be slower than that of the preceding cuts. For example, the cutting speed of the final cut may be the same as that of the first cut, and slower than that of the other cuts. If necessary, the cutting speed may be reduced from a predetermined number of cuts prior to the final cut.

[0066] You can combine these variations in cutting speed. For example, you could gradually increase the cutting speed as the number of cuts increases, and gradually decrease it as you approach the final cut.

[0067] Furthermore, the type of workpiece 22 can be input, and other parameters may be automatically set according to the type of workpiece 22, the workpiece thickness, and the type of processing tool. The type of workpiece 22 refers to the material and surface treatment of the workpiece 22, etc. Parameters that are automatically set include, for example, the amount of marking, the amount of Z remaining, the number of cuts, the cutting depth, the cutting speed, and the Z speed. In particular, if the workpiece 22 is composed of multiple layers, the amount of marking, the number of cuts, and the cutting depth may be set according to the layers that make up the workpiece 22.

[0068] Furthermore, parameters set via the processing condition input screen 50 may be saved. This allows the user to retrieve previously saved parameters, input them into the processing condition input screen 50, make modifications, etc., and generate new processing conditions.

[0069] Furthermore, parameters such as the pressure applied when the machining tool processes the workpiece 22 may be set. The pressure may not be a specific numerical value, but rather set as, for example, strong, medium, or weak.

[0070] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram relating to the generation of processing conditions by the information processing device 14 of this embodiment. The information processing device 14 includes a display 30 and an input device 32, as well as a calculation unit 80, a storage unit 82, and a communication unit 84.

[0071] The calculation unit 80 is a processing unit that includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and comprises a parameter acquisition unit 86 and a processing condition generation unit 88. The functions of the parameter acquisition unit 86 and the processing condition generation unit 88 are realized by executing a program stored in the storage unit 82 of the information processing device 14.

[0072] The parameter acquisition unit 86 displays the processing condition input screen 50 on the display 30 and acquires each parameter entered in the text boxes, etc., on the processing condition input screen 50.

[0073] The machining condition generation unit 88 generates machining conditions based on the parameters acquired by the parameter acquisition unit 86. The generated machining conditions are stored in the storage unit 82. In this embodiment, as described above, the machining condition generation unit 88 generates machining conditions for the first machining operation that machine the workpiece 22 shallower compared to the second and subsequent (Nth) machining operations.

[0074] The communication unit 84 transmits and receives information with the cutting plotter 12. In this embodiment, the communication unit 84 transmits processing data and processing conditions indicating the processing details for the workpiece 22 to the cutting plotter 12.

[0075] The memory unit 82 stores a program for generating processing conditions, as well as various other programs and data.

[0076] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the machining condition generation process performed by the information processing device 14. The machining condition generation process is performed by a program stored in the storage unit 82 of the information processing device 14.

[0077] First, in step 100, the user operates the information processing device 14 to display the cutting condition setting screen on the display 30 and inputs the name of the new processing condition, thereby issuing a command to start generating the processing condition.

[0078] In the next step 102, the parameter acquisition unit 86 displays the processing condition input screen 50 on the display 30 in response to the user's operation on the settings screen.

[0079] In the next step 104, the user enters parameters into the processing condition input screen 50.

[0080] In the next step 106, the parameter acquisition unit 86 determines whether or not the generate button 72 included in the processing condition input screen 50 was clicked. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 108; otherwise, it returns to step 104.

[0081] In step 108, the processing condition generation unit 88 generates processing conditions based on the parameters entered in the processing condition input screen 50 and stores them in the storage unit 82.

[0082] In the next step 110, the communication unit 84 transmits the generated machining conditions to the cutting plotter 12, and the machining condition generation process ends. Upon receiving the machining conditions, the cutting plotter 12 processes the workpiece 22 placed on the table 20 based on the machining data and machining conditions.

[0083] Here, the processing data may consist of multiple layers, each containing different processing data. For this reason, processing conditions may be generated for each layer that makes up the processing data. For example, processing condition A corresponding to layer A, processing condition B corresponding to layer B, and so on. In this case, the cutting plotter 12 processes the workpiece 22 according to layer A and processing condition A, and then processes the workpiece 22 according to layer B and processing condition B.

[0084] (Second Embodiment) Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing a longitudinal cross-section of the workpiece 22 in this embodiment. The cutting by the cutting plotter 12 in this embodiment is divided into a start cut region (first processing region), which is the region where processing is performed at least once in the thickness direction of the workpiece 22; an intermediate cut region (second processing region), which is the region located deeper than the start cut region; and an end cut region (third processing region), which is the region located deeper than the intermediate cut region.

[0085] In other words, in the machining conditions, a start cut region, an intermediate cut region, and an end cut region are set along the thickness direction of the workpiece 22. The start cut region only needs to include at least the first machining, and two or more cuts may be performed on the start cut region. Each of the start cut region, intermediate cut region, and end cut region is subjected to at least one cut. In this embodiment, by dividing the workpiece 22 into three regions along its thickness direction for machining, more precise settings for machining become possible, thereby improving the quality of the machined surface of the thick workpiece 22.

[0086] Furthermore, if the workpiece 22 is formed of multiple layers of different materials, the start cut area, intermediate cut area, and end cut area may be set to correspond to the materials. For example, if the workpiece 22 is composed of three layers, the start cut area may be set to correspond to the first layer, the intermediate cut area to correspond to the second layer, and the end cut area to correspond to the third layer.

[0087] Furthermore, the user only needs to set the number of cuts and the cut depth for each cut for at least one of the start cut area, intermediate cut area, and end cut area. For example, by specifying the number of cuts for a certain area, the cut depth for each cut in each area will be set to be uniform.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at least one of the depth-direction lengths of the start cut region and the end cut region is set to be shorter than the depth-direction length of the intermediate cut region. That is, the length of the intermediate cut region is longer than the lengths of the start cut region and the end cut region. This relationship between the lengths of each region makes it possible to achieve both improved surface quality and high processing speed for thick workpieces 22.

[0089] Next, we will explain an example of setting the cut depth in the start cut region.

[0090] For example, the start cut area may be cut to the same depth as the first cut when making subsequent cuts, or it may be cut to a depth greater than the first cut when making subsequent cuts.

[0091] Furthermore, the cut depth in each cut of the start cut region may be shallower than the cut depth in each cut of the intermediate cut region.

[0092] Furthermore, the average cut depth of the start cut region may be shallower than the average cut depth of the intermediate cut region.

[0093] Furthermore, the starting cut region may have a gradually increasing cut depth over multiple cuts. That is, in the starting cut region, the cut depth of the first cut < the cut depth of the second cut < the cut depth of the third cut, and so on.

[0094] Next, we will explain an example of the cut depth in the end-cut region.

[0095] In the end-cutting region, the cutting depth for each cut may be shallower than the cutting depth for each cut in the intermediate-cutting region. This ensures that machining is performed more reliably according to the Z-axis remaining amount setting. In addition, when cutting out the workpiece 22, it is possible to suppress contact between the cutter 40 and the felt 42 or the table 20.

[0096] Furthermore, the average cut depth in the end-cut region may be shallower than the average cut depth in the intermediate-cut region.

[0097] Furthermore, the end-cut region may have progressively shallower cut depths over multiple cuts. That is, in the end-cut region, ... the cut depth of the (N-2)th cut > the cut depth of the (N-1)th cut > the cut depth of the Nth cut may be set.

[0098] Furthermore, the intermediate cutting region may be further subdivided in the thickness direction of the workpiece 22, and a cutting depth may be set for each subdivided region for each cut.

[0099] Next, we will explain an example of setting the cut speed.

[0100] In this embodiment, the machining speed of the machining tool is set for at least one of the start cut area, the intermediate cut area, and the end cut area. The machining speed is at least one of the cutting speed, which is the movement speed of the machining tool in the planar direction of the workpiece 22, and the Z speed, which is the movement speed of the workpiece 22 in the thickness direction.

[0101] Therefore, the cutting speed may be set differently in the start cutting area, the intermediate cutting area, and the end cutting area. For example, the average cutting speed in the start cutting area may be slower than the average cutting speed in the intermediate cutting area. Also, the average cutting speed in the end cutting area may be slower than the average cutting speed in the intermediate cutting area.

[0102] The various parameters in this embodiment are set by the user using the processing condition input screen 50. In this case, some parameters may be set by the user entering values, while other parameters may be calculated and set according to the user's input values.

[0103] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the embodiments above. Various modifications or improvements can be made to the embodiments above without departing from the spirit of the invention, and such modified or improved forms are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0104] In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the information processing device 14 generates processing conditions was described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the cutting plotter 12 may have the same functions as the information processing device 14 and generate processing conditions.

[0105] In the above embodiment, a configuration in which a cutter 40 is used as the processing tool was described, but the present invention is not limited thereto and may also be applied when processing the workpiece 22 with other processing tools such as a drill.

[0106] (Effects of the embodiment)

[0107] (1) The processing system 10 of this embodiment includes a cutting plotter 12 that processes a workpiece 22 with a processing tool according to processing conditions, and an information processing device 14 that generates processing conditions, wherein the processing conditions include conditions for progressively deepening the workpiece 22 along its thickness direction through multiple processing passes, and the information processing device 14 includes a processing condition generation unit 88 that generates processing conditions for processing the workpiece 22 shallower in the first processing pass compared to the Nth processing pass (where N is an integer of 2 or more). As a result, the processing system 10 of this embodiment can improve the quality of the processed surface of a thick workpiece 22.

[0108] (2) The machining conditions of this embodiment include a condition to machine to a predetermined depth that is shallower than the thickness of the workpiece 22. As a result, the machining system 10 of this embodiment can machine the workpiece 22 without penetrating to the bottom of the workpiece 22.

[0109] (3) The processing conditions of this embodiment include a start cut region, which is the region where processing is performed at least once along the thickness direction of the workpiece 22; an intermediate cut region, which is the region located deeper than the start cut region; and an end cut region, which is the region located deeper than the intermediate cut region. This allows the processing system 10 of this embodiment to achieve higher quality on the processed surface of a thick workpiece 22.

[0110] (4) In the machining system 10 of this embodiment, the depth of the first machining pass is set by the user. This allows the user to set an appropriate depth for the first machining pass for the workpiece 22.

[0111] (5) In this embodiment, the processing system 10 allows the user to set the number of processing steps along the thickness direction of the workpiece 22 or the processing depth from the Nth step onward. The information processing device 14 calculates the processing depth based on the number of processing steps when the number of processing steps is set, and calculates the number of processing steps based on the processing depth when the processing depth is set. This allows for more precise settings for processing, thereby improving the quality of the processed surface of the thick workpiece 22. It also enables the generation of intuitive processing conditions for the user.

[0112] (6) In this embodiment, the machining system 10 is configured such that at least one of the number of machining passes and the depth of each machining pass is set based on the type of machining tool. This makes it possible to set machining conditions according to the machining tool.

[0113] (7) In this embodiment, the machining system 10 has a set machining speed for the machining tool. This makes it possible to improve the quality of the machined surface of the thick workpiece 22.

[0114] (8) In the machining system 10 of this embodiment, at least one of the length in the depth direction of the start cut area and the length in the depth direction of the end cut area is shorter than the length in the depth direction of the intermediate cut area. This makes it possible to improve the quality of the machined surface of the thick workpiece 22 and to achieve both improved machining speed.

[0115] (9) In this embodiment, the machining speed of the machining tool is set for at least one of the start cut area, the intermediate cut area, and the end cut area. This makes it possible to improve the quality of the machined surface of the thick workpiece 22 and achieve both high machining speed.

[0116] (10) The processing tool in this embodiment is a cutter 40. This makes it possible to improve the quality of the cut surface of the thick workpiece 22.

[0117] 10 Processing system 12 Cutting plotter 14 Information processing device 22 Workpiece (medium) 40 Cutter (processing tool) 88 Processing condition generation unit (generation means)

Claims

1. A processing system comprising: a cutting plotter that processes a medium with a processing tool according to processing conditions; and an information processing device that generates the processing conditions, wherein the processing conditions include conditions for progressively increasing the depth of the medium along its thickness direction through multiple processing passes, and the information processing device includes a generation means for generating the processing conditions for processing the medium more shallowly in the first processing pass compared to the Nth processing pass (where N is an integer of 2 or more).

2. The processing system according to claim 1, wherein the processing conditions include conditions for processing to a predetermined depth that is shallower than the thickness of the medium.

3. The processing conditions include a first processing area, which is an area in which at least the first processing is performed along the thickness direction of the medium; a second processing area, which is an area located deeper than the first processing area; and a third processing area, which is an area located deeper than the second processing area.

4. The machining system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the depth of the first machining is set by the user.

5. The processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the user sets the number of processing steps along the thickness direction of the medium or the depth of processing from the Nth step onward, and the information processing device calculates the depth of processing based on the number of processing steps when the number of processing steps is set, and calculates the number of processing steps based on the depth of processing when the depth of processing is set.

6. The machining system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least one of the number of machining passes and the depth of each machining pass is set based on the type of machining tool.

7. The machining system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the machining speed of the machining tool is set.

8. The machining system according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the length in the depth direction of the first machining region and the length in the depth direction of the third machining region is shorter than the length in the depth direction of the second machining region.

9. The machining system according to claim 3, wherein the machining speed of the machining tool is set for at least one of the first machining area, the second machining area, and the third machining area.

10. The machining system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the machining tool is a cutter.

11. An information processing device for generating processing conditions to be used in a cutting plotter that processes a medium with a processing tool, wherein the processing conditions include conditions for progressively deepening the medium along its thickness direction through multiple processing passes, and the device comprises a generation means for generating processing conditions for processing the medium more shallowly in the first processing pass compared to the Nth processing pass (where N is an integer of 2 or more).

12. A cutting plotter that processes a medium with a processing tool according to processing conditions that process the medium in stages along its thickness direction by processing it multiple times, wherein, according to the processing conditions, the first processing is performed to a shallower depth than the Nth processing (where N is an integer of 2 or more).

13. A method for generating processing conditions to be used in a cutting plotter that processes a medium with a processing tool, wherein the processing conditions include conditions for progressively deepening the processing of the medium along its thickness direction through multiple processing passes, and the generation means generates processing conditions for processing the medium more shallowly in the first processing pass compared to the Nth processing pass (where N is an integer of 2 or more) based on parameters input by the user.

14. A program for generating processing conditions to be used in a cutting plotter that processes a medium with a processing tool, wherein the processing conditions include conditions for progressively increasing the depth of the medium along its thickness direction through multiple processing passes, and the program causes a computer to function as a means for generating processing conditions to process the medium more shallowly in the first processing pass compared to the Nth processing pass (where N is an integer of 2 or more), based on parameters input by the user.

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