Blank / Stock Selection

Blank / Stock Selection

In this stage, the user has the option to create new stock files and/or choose from a library of partially used stock.

At the top of the window, the minimum thickness is indicated. This value is derived from the height of the tallest part imported into the job. Utilizing this information, the user can decide whether there is a partially used stock file that can be reused or if they should opt for a new disc from inventory to create a new blank in MillBox.

The materials available are presented in a list organized by size/thickness. Initiating the creation of a new stock is done by selecting the green + symbol next to the material size. If there are partially used stocks available, a number will be displayed to the right of the material size, indicating the quantity of partially milled discs that are accessible for selection.

Creating New Stock

When the green + symbol to the left of the material size is selected, the user will be prompted to enter information related to the new stock file.

NOTE: Information input at this step will be stored directly within the stock file.

Scale Factor

For materials that require the application of a scaling factor, the CAM will prompt for this value. If the material does not utilize scale factors, the field will not be displayed.

Note:

• Scaling Factors can be entered using numerical factor IE: 1.25 
• Shrinkage Factors can be entered directly IE: 21.2% or 21.2 (MillBox will assume a larger value is percentage) 
• Amann Girrbach Shrinkage Factors codes are readable by MillBox IE: F6.8

NOTE: If your materials utilize x,y and z (3) scaling factors, this must be modified under the stock settings for the specific block in the configuration menu (Ctrl+D).

Stock / Blank Name

This field is not mandatory, but it is recommended to assign a unique name to your new stock for easy reference in subsequent jobs. The stock/blank name will be visible whenever you are reviewing the list of partially used materials, providing a convenient way to identify and locate specific files.

When Specifying a Stock Name, avoid using special characters with the sole exception of dashes ( - ) and underscores ( _ )

Lot Code

This field is optional. Manufacturer lot codes can be assigned to new stock.

NOTE: All of these values can be populated and printed on the Job Report for tracking.

When the Check Mark is selected - the New Stock will be created and automatically imported into the Job. The parts will be Auto-Nested into the material.

Selecting Partially Used Stock

When there are partially used stock files available, this will be indicated by a number displayed to the right of the material size.

This number indicates how many of a particular material size is available as partially used stock.

To see the list of partially used stock files available for a particular material size, the user can select the number to the right of the material size.

When the the partially used stock number is selected, the user will be prompted with the following window:

NOTE: Partially used stock is presented in descending order based on the amount of material that has been utilized. This arrangement ensures that you use your most used stock first before opening or nesting in new material. The stock file name is generated according to the values configured in the MillBox preferences. By default, it includes the Diameter, Material, Thickness, and the Stock Name assigned to the file when it was initially created.

When another partially used stock file is selected, MillBox will automatically generate a nesting preview based off of the parts that have been imported into the job. This nesting preview is displayed at the top of the window.

In the event that there is not enough room for the parts to be automatically nested into a selected used blank, the user will be notified directly in the nesting preview pane:

When the Check Mark is selected, the partially used stock will be imported into the job and the parts will be auto-nested according to the Nesting Preview.

Barcode Printing & Scanning Hardware

When you are creating a new disc / stock file to be used for milling, you can choose to print one of 3 different barcode labels for adhesion to your material.

Here are some baseline requirements in order to use these features:

Barcode Printer:

Tested and validated to work: LINK

Barcode Scanner:

Tested & validated to work: LINK

OR

Webcam Reader:

Here is a video of how to print your barcode during material / stock creation:

OPTIONS

Print Small Label
Print 40 x 9mm Sized Barcode

Print Big Label
Print 80 x 19mm Sized Barcode

Print Stock / Blank Name
Print out Stock & Blank Name on pre-defined page / printer.

Here is a video showing the entire process from Printing to Scanning of the barcode using a generic label printer and barcode scanner.