Control File for creating multi-layer wind paths

A control file can be created in the Combine Programs on the NC Post-Process Menu. This consists of a sequence of payout files that the user has generated for winding different angles and joining paths to wind from the end of one layer to the start of the next.

When the user later selects a post-process option it will ask for a payout (.pay) name. If <name>.ctl exists it will read this control file instead for looking for a payout file. It will thus process all the payout files in the control file.

The control file editor consists of an easy to use dialogue. The options are:

OPENthis option asks for the file name of and existing control file. These have the .CTL file name extension. The file is loaded and the data displayed.

ADDthis option allows the user to add a new line of data. A dialogue box pops up show all the payout files available and the user can select one. The system then asks for the number of times to repeat the program (i.e. the number of layers) and the position in the winding sequence list. The position (number) of existing items in the list is displayed on screen in the control edit dialogue.

DELETEthe user clicks on a line of data (this will highlight it) and then clicks on the delete button to remove the line

FINISHthe user is asked to enter a name for the control file to save the data to. The user can overwrite (update) the file read in or create a new file.