NC (Numerical Control) refers to a method where machine tool operations are controlled with a computer. The NC data controls the motion of CNC (computer numerical control) machine tools. During the manufacturing process a machine tool or machining center drills, cuts, punches or shapes the piece of material.
After you have finished detailing a Tekla Structures model, you can export the NC data as NC files from Tekla Structures to be used by CNC machine tools. Tekla Structures transforms the part length, hole positions, bevels, notches, and cuts into sets of coordinates that the machine tools can use to create the part in a shop. In addition to the CNC machine tools, the NC files can also be used by MIS and ERP software solutions.
The data for the NC files comes from the Tekla Structures model. We recommend that you complete detailing and create drawings before producing the NC files.
Tekla Structures produces NC files in DSTV format (Deutscher Stahlbau-Verband). Tekla Structures can also produce NC files in DXF format by converting DSTV files to DXF files.
DSTV is a standard interface for geometrical description of steel structure pieces for the post-processors with numerical control. The essential aim of this interface is to be neutral, which means that with only one standard description you can manage several different NC machines. The interface standardizes the link between a CAD-program or a graphical system via a CAM file for the NC machines. The geometry of the piece is introduced completely neutrally, and after knowing the parameters of the NC machine, the post-processor is able to translate this neutral language to the NC machine language. For more information, visit https://dstv.deutscherstahlbau.de/.
| To |
Click the links below to find out more |
|---|
| Produce NC files in DSTV format. You can select the information to be included in NC files and NC file headers, and define the desired pop-mark and contour mark settings. |
Create NC files in DSTV format |
| Check the DSTV file description. DSTV file is a text file in ASCII format. In most cases each part has its own DSTV file. |
DSTV file description |
| Define settings for NC files, folder locations, part selection, hard stamps, holes and cuts, AK and IK block curve radius signs, and curve detection |
NC file settings |
| Customize the order in which information is displayed in an NC file, and add additional information on individual parts in the NC file header |
Customize NC file header information |
| Define and generate pop-marks in NC files. Pop-marks are small holes that help the shop assemble individual parts to form an assembly. |
Create pop-marks in NC files |
| Define and generate contour marking in NC files. Information on the layout and the parts that are welded together can be added to the NC files and passed on to the machine tool. |
Create contour marking in NC files |
| Create NC files in DXF format by converting DSTV files to DXF files |
Create NC files in DXF format |
| Select a correct method for cutting the end of the beams |
Fittings and line cuts in NC files |
| Create NC files for tubular hollow sections. You first need to use specific tube components to create the connections. |
Create tube NC files |
