DGSHAPE Mills - Streaming files to VPanel (Explained)

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Stream Job to Mill or Save Toolpath in MillBox for DGSHAPE Mills

Should you stream your MillBox jobs directly to the machine or save .PRN files for later? 

Choosing the right method can optimize your production and keep your mills running smoothly.
Let’s dive into the differences between streaming and saving .PRN files to help you make informed decisions and boost efficiency! 🚀

⚠️ Hint: Streaming every case isn’t the way to go—here’s why and when to choose each option.

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How It Works

MillBox handles calculations differently depending on whether you stream or save .PRN files. Here’s what’s going on behind the scenes:

  • Stream Job To Mill: Breaks a job into individual operations, calculating them sequentially. 
    • Completed operations queue in VPanel, allowing milling to start quickly (within 30 seconds to 1 minute), but calculations are slower since they don’t fully utilize CPU cores.
      • Run-Time Impact: Streaming adds slight delays (a few seconds) between operations due to safety positions in the machine’s controller, making milling slightly slower compared to a single .PRN file.
  • Save ToolPath: MillBox uses all available CPU cores to calculate multiple operations simultaneously, speeding up the process. 
    • For example, a crown with 10 operations (e.g., Roughing 180 External, Finishing 180 Internal, Engraving) is computed at once, leveraging your hardware’s full power.

How to Choose: Stream or Save ToolPath

Follow these steps to decide which method suits your production needs:

  1. Assess Your Job Size
    1. Small Jobs (1–3 Units): Save .PRN files for faster calculation (2–3 minutes) and batch processing.
    2. Large Jobs (Full Arch/Disc): Stream to start milling quickly (30 seconds–1 minute) while calculations continue in the background.
  2. Check Your Setup:
    1. For streaming, ensure MillBox and VPanel are installed on the same PC, with VPanel running and the machine door closed.
  3. Consider Production Flow:
    1. Batch small jobs (e.g., 5–10 units or a full disc) to minimize setup times (20–30 seconds per job) and maximize efficiency.

    2. Stream large cases (e.g., bridges) first thing in the morning to get the mill running while you prepare other jobs.

  4. Monitor Calculation Time:
    1. Saving .PRN files is faster for multiple units due to parallel processing.

    2. Streaming prioritizes quick mill startup but may extend total calculation and milling time.

Why It Matters

Choosing the right method delivers:

  • Maximized Mill Uptime: Strategic streaming and saving keep machines milling instead of idling.

  • Faster Calculations: Saving .PRN files harnesses your PC’s full power for batched jobs.

  • Streamlined Workflows: Batching small jobs or streaming large ones optimizes daily production.

  • Production Flexibility: Adapt to varying job sizes and mill availability with ease.

Tips for Success

Optimize your workflow with these best practices:

  • Batch multiple units (5–10 or a full disc) when saving .PRN files to reduce setup time overhead (20–30 seconds per job).

  • Stream large cases only when the mill is idle and you need immediate milling to avoid downtime.

  • For mixed workloads, save .PRN files for small jobs first to keep the mill running, then prepare larger cases while the machine operates.

  • Regularly check your PC’s specs, as CPU performance significantly impacts calculation times for both methods.

By mastering when to stream or save .PRN files, you’ll keep your MillBox workflow efficient and your mills at peak performance!