Method of controlling a sheet metal machining line and apparatus for controlling the same

摘要

A cell controller is provided that analyzes each unit machining schedule, which is referred to for manufacturing products, prior to the start of the assigned unit machining schedule. The data items in the schedule are analyzed include identification numbers of machining programs, the use or non-use of such identification numbers, the number of workpieces to be machined, and a presence or absence of predetermined procedures (e.g., for exchanging metal molds, etc.) that are referred to for manufacturing the products. An operator is notified of any foreseeable schedule alarm condition, that will force the operation of the line of manufacturing products of a specific item to be suspended, so that the operator may be informed of the situation in advance. The foreseeable schedule alarm condition may arise for reasons such as an insufficient number of available workpieces and/or preparatory work to be done (e.g., an exchange of metal molds, etc.).