Dostek DNC™

LITE/PROFESSIONAL EDITIONS

Dostek DNC Lite Edition and Dostek DNC Professional Edition are a suite of software applications that work together to simplify CNC communication and file management. Any number of CNCs can be connected to one computer, or a separate computer can be used for each CNC or for each work cell.

With Lite/Professional editions, the CNC operator uses the computer to initiate file transfers. For applications requiring "remote call-up" (CNC operators upload, download and drip feed directly from their CNC, without going to the computer), please see Dostek DNC MultiPort Edition.

For an overview of Dostek DNC features and benefits, please see Dostek DNC Main Page.

To download a free trial copy of the Dostek DNC software (all editions), please click the following button:

F E A T U R E S

Versatile, modular design. Dostek DNC Lite/Professional editions include an enhanced explorer-style file manager, a powerful program editor with side-by-side file comparison (Pro only) and a CNC communication application. Each software module can operate independently or together. For example, you can manage or edit files while simultaneously loading or drip feeding to several CNCs.

How it works. To load or save a file, the CNC operator clicks the 'Send' or 'Receive' button on the computer, then executes a read (input) or punch (output) command on the CNC.

Enhanced explorer-style file manager. The Dostek DNC file manager has the familiar look and feel of Windows Explorer, but is easier to use and provides many enhancements and security features. For example, access can be restricted to specific folders and file types, multiple files can be selected with convenient check boxes, files can be searched or selected by name or by file contents such as part number, and user-defined "QuickButtons" or menus provide shortcuts to frequent commands or to other applications.

Drip feed large files. With Dostek DNC Professional Edition, you can easily drip feed large files to 4 or more CNCs at the same time. With Lite Edition, you may drip feed one file at a time. You can preview and search the file before you start, and you can start or restart at any line in the file. You can even set the multi-tasking priority to the highest level Windows allows so other applications won't interfere with drip feeding.

Edit multiple files. Professional Edition's powerful editor lets you simultaneously open multiple files of virtually unlimited size. You can copy text between files, search and replace text, undo and redo changes, as well as expand, compress, re-sequence and reformat CNC programs.

Side-by-side file comparison. (Professional/MultiPort editions only) The editor includes convenient side-by-side file comparison to help you find any differences between two versions of a file. For example, you can compare an original file with a copy that was modified on the shop floor to confirm changes made by the CNC operator. While most CNC file comparison software shows you which lines are different, Dostek's also highlights the area of difference in each line and provides options to ignore N-block numbers, spaces and blank lines.

Find information fast. (Professional/MultiPort editions only) The Dostek DNC file manager lets you search for files by name, date, content (text inside files), or by any combination. When the list of matching files is displayed, you can choose to select all the files, jump directly to any file or print a list of matching files. And similarly, when you're viewing or editing a file you can find all lines containing specific text and jump directly to any matching line.

Save time, eliminate errors. Dostek DNC provides several automatic features to simplify file uploads and downloads, save time and eliminate data entry errors. When receiving from the CNC, files can be named automatically according to the CNC's program number or a file name you include in a comment on the first line of the file. When sending files to the CNC, Dostek DNC automatically starts sending as soon as you press the Read key on the CNC. This means one person can get the computer ready to send a file, then walk to the CNC and complete the operation. And you can select multiple files and load them all in one operation. Files are displayed on the screen before you send them to let you can verify you've got the right files. Customizable instructions pop up on the screen to tell the operator what keys to press on the CNC (or any other information you like). And Dostek DNC can automatically select the communication setup according to the file location (folder). When you organize files by machine, this feature saves time and prevents operators from saving files to the wrong location or loading files to the wrong machine.

Configurable security. Dostek DNC features configurable security that lets you protect data and comply with quality procedures. You can protect original program files from modification, limit access to specified folders and disable commands that upload or modify files. File folders can be associated with specific machines to prevent loading of files to the wrong machine, and events that modify or transfer files can be recorded in a log for audit or analysis.

Flexible file storage. With Dostek DNC, you can access files on local disk drives, network drives, a "work in process" folder or a file archive.

No experience required. Operators can use Dostek DNC effectively with only minimal Windows experience. The standard operator interface provides clear, simple forms with ergonomic features such as status bars and "tool tips". Automatic triggering, automatic naming of received files and customizable on-screen operator instructions make uploading and downloading fast, simple and convenient.

Access setup sheets and CAD drawings. Dostek DNC provides operators with convenient shop-floor access to documents associated with a particular NC program file, such as CAD drawings, setup instruction sheets, diagrams or photographs. Optional file viewers are available for all popular document formats.

Touch screen and bar code support. Dostek DNC works with touch screen computers and bar code readers so you can eliminate computer keyboards and minimize operator data entry.

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