b'Its Personal By Joshua Swainstonustomization often starts with the question, Is there C an easier way to do this? A manufacturer might need to change its clearances on a series of part files by a Customize waterjet software with scripting. fraction of an inch. A prototype shop could look to integrate a robotic arm for loading material. A fabrication shop may have to guarantee the alignment of an upcoming order.The answer frequently is, yes, there is an easier way. Exter-nal programming known as scripting extends applications in a machine tools CAD or CAM with custom capabilities, includ-ing new commands, file filters and automation. Scripting also can be used to create stand-alone applications that broaden the possibilities for how a waterjet works as part of a shop floor. IntelliMax software fromOmaxCorp.,Kent, Washington, enables cus-tomization through script programming.Omax Scripting is a com-plete but basic program-ming environment, com-piler and execution system built right into Omaxs Intel-liMax Layout and IntelliMax Make. Scriptings purposeOmaxis to allow third parties to easily extend software to do new things, such as write commands for Layout, modify a path in Make, create an interface for a third-party plug-in or even cre-ate applications.ScriptingScripts can be run by themselves in CAD software, bundled for easy distribution and installation by anyone as plug-ins or used to create stand-alone applications.Scripting is a way for people to externally access the code that runs inside the controller software, said Custom Soft-ware Supervisor Jerry Thomas. Instead of clicking a button to draw a line, you have code that does it for you. You provide start point, endpoint, bow, quality, etc., and the code will draw the entity you described. For a single line, this isnt very use-ful. But as part of a script that opens multiple files, adjusts and Changing specific dimensions in a series of parts is quick and easy using scripting (left). When piercing brittle material using a static pierce operation, a programmer must divide the tip of every lead-in approximately 0.025 mm away from the endpoint (above).Omaxctemag.com/cteguide.com21AbrasvieWaterjets.indd 21 5/14/20 12:36 PM'