Overview

VTube-LASER can exchange bend data with VLB benders running the VLB3D control software over the VLB Supravision Network. Once a program is open on the bender, VTube-LASER can either request the bender's current program coordinates or send measured correction data back to it.

On the bender side, incoming data always goes through a comparison screen first. The operator reviews VTube-LASER's data beside the current program and decides whether to apply it, so nothing changes on the machine without operator confirmation.

Before you start

• The VLB bender is running VLB3D and is reachable from the VTube-LASER computer over the shop network.
• The VLB bender is selected and configured as the bender in VTube-LASER's bender setup.
• The bend program you want to measure or correct already exists on the bender.
• The tube on the measuring arm was bent from that same program.

Open question: add the VTube-LASER menu path and network fields (IP address, port, shared folder) used for the VLB connection.

Step 1: Open the program on the VLB bender

1. On the VLB3D screen, select Programs management in the top menu.
2. Open the program you intend to calibrate (use Last or Programs).
3. Confirm the program name, tube, and general configuration in the DEFINITIONS panel on the right.

With the program open, the bender is ready to communicate. VTube-LASER can now request the program's coordinates or send corrected data to it.

Step 2: Send or request data from VTube-LASER

When VTube-LASER sends data, the bender displays a message asking whether to read the sent data. The operator accepts it to open the comparison screen.

If the automatic transfer is not used, the operator can load the file manually. Press Import Supravision, the third button in the DEFINITIONS panel, next to Verify program and Save program.

Step 3: Compare and apply the data

The comparison screen shows the incoming data beside the current bender program, so the operator can check every bend before anything changes.

Use the buttons along the bottom of the screen:

After Apply to Program, check whether the program must also be saved with Save program to keep the changes.

Open question: VLB's manual describes Apply Data only briefly; confirm its exact behavior with VLB before publishing.

Tips and troubleshooting

• No message appears on the bender. Make sure a program is open in Programs management; the bender only accepts data with a program open. Then check the network connection between the two computers.
• The data doesn't match the program. Compare the program name, tube diameter and thickness in both panels. If they differ, the wrong program is open on the bender; press Leave and open the correct one.
• Different number of bends. If the FILE and PROGRAM panels list a different number of bends, don't apply the data. Confirm the measured tube was bent from this program.
• Automatic transfer isn't working. Load the data with Import Supravision instead.