Mathematic Capabilities of WoodWOP

When creating a panel layout using WoodWOP, the programmer has two very basic decisions to start the programming process.

Choice 1: Will this design need to change or evolve using Variables?

If this program will produce only one size, one shape or remain constant, then the program may be created using absolutely no variables or at a minimum it may use standard panel size variables, L, W and T.

Choice 2: If the program needs to change or evolve using Variables, should the program control machining functions be calculated using mathematics?

Variables in WoodWOP can be very simple or may contain very complex mathematic equations. The complexity of the math is directly related to which machining functions need controls and how we control them. Many variables are used as switches to turn functions on or off. Does the cabinet design have a toe kick, yes or no.

Create the variable Dowel, set the value to ‘1’, and insert the word Dowel=1 in the Conditional Statement box (green question mark).

We have created a variable that will turn the construction dowel boring ON and OFF by changing the Variable value for Dowel from ‘1’ to ‘0’.

This example is a basic use of Variables used to control the design of the panel and the WoodWOP program. WoodWOP provides us many more tools to control the machining elements or the overall design of a particular product.

Basic mathematics utilized by WoodWOP

WoodWOP understands all of the basic math functions:

• / Division 
• * Multiplication 
• – Subtraction 
• + Addition

The program also understands and uses the Order of Operation. Math operations are carried out by: division then multiplication then subtraction and lastly addition. So the order of operation may be very important to arrive at the desired value. As an example:

1 * 2 * 3 + 4 = 10 (1*2=2, 2*3=6, 6+4=10)

However,

(1 * 2) * (3 + 4) = 14 (1*2=2, 3+4=7, 2*7=14)

In order to properly calculate this, use parenthesis: ( )

WoodWOP understands the use of parenthesis, but it does not understand brackets: { } or [ ]

We can also use: < > = (less than, greater than and equal to)

To summarize the basic math functions: / * – + ( ) < > =

Let’s talk about the other mathematic functions:

This is the famous Pythagorean theorem used to resolve the sides of right triangles, A² + B² = C². The Pythagorean theorem can be used in WoodWOP but must be written using the caret function ^ . This is located above the 6 on the computer keyboard. The statement would then look like:

A^2 + B^2 = C^2

What about Trigonometric functions?

WoodWOP also has the ability to use the functions associated with Trigonometry: Sine = SIN Cosine = COS Tangent = TAN

The equation for any of the Trigonometry operations are written with the angle value contained in parenthesis: SIN(45)

The programmer can also use the inverse or reverse functions: ARCSIN ARCCOS ARCTAN

To calculate the Square Root of a number, the statement would look like: SQRT (165)

What’s Next?

Enroll in the MC-300 Advanced Weeke Machining Center Programming course and learn how easy it is to increase machine capabilities, Parametric programming and effective use of aggregate tooling.

Audience: Intermediate Machine Process: Weeke
Written by: Phil Rasey, Stiles Education’s Machining Center Specialist