Common Productivity+™ topics

Compatibility

PC specifications and graphics cards

For optimum performance of your Productivity+™ application, ensure that your PC and graphics card (not applicable to users of the Productivity+™ GibbsCAM® plug-in) meet or exceed the recommended specification.

Machine tool controller support

Machine tool controller support is provided by a series of post processors. A list of currently supported machine tool controllers is available in the Productivity+ Active Editor Pro data sheet.

Solid model compatibility

Productivity+™ allows users to import solid models which are then used to simplify program generation. A variety of file types and formats are supported but, as with all CAD-based software, it is possible that users will experience import issues.
(The help pages of the Productivity+™ Active Editor Pro application also contain information on solid model compatibility.)

Multi-axis machine support

Productivity+™ applications support a range of 3-, 4- and 5-axis machine tools.
Before proceeding with multi-axis operation it is advisable to review relevant support documentation:

• Basic use of multi-axis functionality
• Use of multi-axis functionality with GibbsCAM® (GibbsCAM® plug-in application only)

As supplied, Productivity+™ applications are configured for 3-axis machine tools. In order to use the available multi-axis functionality, it is necessary to modify the post processor (.RenMF) file. Instructions on performing these modifications are provided in the relevant ‘Getting started with your post processor' guide. For additional information and support, contact your local Renishaw representative.

Opening program files with newer software installations

When opening Productivity+™ program files created with older versions of the software application, users need to consider the compatibility of software and program file versions.

Licensing and installation

Installation and activation

Productivity+™ applications incorporate an InstallShield wizard to guide users through the installation and activation process. Further assistance is available in the Installation and activation training module (H-4007-0030) and within the Productivity+™ installation guide.

Multiple installations

The Productivity+™ software licence permits installation onto a single PC. Should you wish to install the software onto another PC, it must first be un-installed and de-activated from the current PC.

Where applicable, it is possible to install more than one version of a Productivity+™ application onto the same PC. In such instances it is recommended that the oldest product version is installed first followed sequentially by the remaining versions. Various support documentation exists for such scenarios including Considerations when using multiple installations and Backwards compatibility.

Users of the Productivity+™ GibbsCAM® plug-in may find it necessary to configure the plug-in to work with multiple installations if they operate several versions of GibbsCAM® on a single PC.

Editing post processors

Having installed the relevant post processor (.RenMF) file for your machine controller type, it will need to be customised to suit your machine configuration. Instructions on performing these modifications are provided in the relevant ‘Getting started with your post processor' guide. For additional information and support, contact your local Renishaw representative.

Before a program created using the Productivity+™ GibbsCAM® plug-in can be post processed, the GibbsCAM® post processor (.pst) file must be modified to make it ‘probe enabled'. Users should contact their GibbsCAM® re-seller to obtain a copy of the .pst and associated .txt file. (It is still possible to generate probe routines using the GibbsCAM™ plug-in before the .pst file is modified, however they will not post successfully.)

Integration

Integration of probe cycles into machining programs

A number of methods exist by which users can integrate probing cycles into machining programs.

Communications with CNC machines

Productivity+™ applications use post processors to ‘translate' the generated program files into G-code that can be read and executed by a CNC machine tool. Post processed programs contain all required machining and inspection commands, and all necessary macros. Once generated, simply load to the machine tool as normal using USB, Flash card, RS232 or other method as appropriate.

Upgrades

Where to access downloads

Maintenance customers can access the latest version of their Productivity+™ application using a My Renishaw account, sign in at the top of this page. To access downloads, users will need the log-in details provided on their maintenance certificate.

Post processor upgrades

Users of Productivity+™ applications which have been configured for more than one rotary axis who subsequently upgrade to an application with multi-axis capability will see a .RenMF Upgrade Warning dialog. Whilst various .RenMF file modifications are outlined in the relevant ‘Getting started with your post processor' guide, it is recommended that in such instances, users contact their local Renishaw representative to arrange manual configuration of machine kinematics within their .RenMF.

Upgrading and retaining your current version

If required, users can upgrade to the latest version of their Productivity+™ application and retain installations of any previous versions. Various support documentation exists for such scenarios including Considerations when using multiple installations and Backwards compatibility.