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Production basics

About machine operating modes, using the inch switch, and navigating machine control software

Operators should be familiar with operating modes and navigating the machine control software before running production.

About machine operating modes

Operators mostly run production in Automatic mode. However, you will need to switch modes during a production day depending on your task. Use the buttons on the Operator touchscreen unit to activate a mode.

Mode

Activation and indication

Use when...

Manual

Default mode at power-up

+ (Start + Manual buttons) are lit, solid

• Feeding/removing steel to/from roll-former

• Loading/unloading coil on/from decoiler

• Testing tools
• Turning hydraulic lipbox unit on/off
• Troubleshooting jams

Automatic

Press (Automatic Mode button)

Automatic Mode button is lit, solid

• Run production jobs
(Machine automatically performs operations
and moves steel)

Semi-Automatic

From Automatic mode:

Press (Automatic Mode button) again.

Automatic Mode button is lit, flashing

• Run production jobs with complex sticks
(Machine automatically performs operations; operator moves steel with Inch switch)

Switch back to Manual: Press + + (Pause + Software Reset + Manual Mode buttons)

NOTE! If an operator switches from Automatic to Manual while a job is in progress and uses the Inch switch or performs a manual tool operation, the current stick(s) in progress must be scrapped.

NOTE! In Manual mode, the touchscreen displays available tools. In Automatic mode, the touchscreen displays loaded production jobs.

About the Inch switch

A single-profile machine has either two or three Inch switches (depending on the specific model) on either side of the roll-former. Use an Inch switch to move steel when the roll-former is in Manual or Semi-Automatic mode.

TIP: When there is no steel in the roll-former, use the Inch switch to spin the main roller for cleaning.

Using the touchscreen during production

The touchscreen shows a left-hand Menu panel, a Main panel, and software control buttons.

Use the Main panel to enter data. Use the Menu panel to change screens. 

Screen Use this to...
Schedule

• In Automatic mode:  manage production jobs 
• In Manual mode: manually operate tools 
Setup

• Set up tools
• Purge lubricator unit and printer heads 
• Enter coil information
• Adjust machine configuration*
Info View productivity logs, event logs, maintenance data, software version and OS

* CAUTION! Most machine configuration is factory-set and does not require adjustment. Contact FRAMECAD before making any if you are not certain adjustment is required.

For software controls, press:

  • Return to go to the Schedule home screen
  • Apply to enter a new value in a field
  • Revert to keep the original value in a field
  • Log Out to log out of the machine