Q: What is Pathfinder™?
A: Pathfinder is an innovative graphical folding machine controller. With Pathfinder, your operators can program parts faster and easier. It allows you to see the part you are making as you program it and determines the best folding sequence for even the most challenging parts.
Q: Will Pathfinder work on my folding machine?
A: Pathfinder can be installed on virtually any brand of folding machine, old or new. Jorns, Schechtl, Roper Whitney, RAS, etc. can all be retrofit with Pathfinder controls. Contact AMS Controls with the model number and brand name of your folding machine to learn more.
Q: Why should I use Pathfinder on my old machine?
A: Pathfinder is the best way to bring an old twentieth-century folding machine into the twenty-first century. Our touchscreen technology coupled with SmartPath™ automatic bend sequencing software will make your simple folding machine capable of more than simple folds. Radius programming, open hems, batch programming and blank size calculation is a breeze with Pathfinder. Using Pathfinder can cut your part programming time down from 20 minutes to 1 minute, giving your machine more time to actually make parts.
Q: How long does installation take? How long will my machine be down?
A: Most Pathfinder installations take around 16 hours to complete. However, some installations may take longer than others due to circumstances beyond our control. Installation also includes machine calibration and employee training.
On average, machines receiving Pathfinder retrofits are down for two days. We know that having a machine down costs you money and our technicians do everything they can to ensure your machine is up and running with Pathfinder as quickly as possible.
Q: Is it difficult to learn how to use Pathfinder?
A: Not at all. Pathfinder is so easy-to-use that anyone can program and create a part, even a brand-new operator with no experience! AMS Controls offers on-site training when Pathfinder is installed. In a couple of hours, your operators will be able to create parts, organize part libraries, and more.
Q: Does Pathfinder work with Eclipse Production Management Software and Order Desk Integration Software?
A:Yes, Pathfinder is compatible with Eclipse and Order Desk software. With all three, you can link your folding machines to your office PC. Eclipse enhances folding machine operations with order downloading, job scheduling and real-time production monitoring. However, Eclipse is not yet compatible with Pathfinder without using Order Desk. Learn more about how Order Desk can help link your folding machines to your office PC by clicking here.
Q: How do I get updates for Pathfinder?
A: Pathfinder software updates are simple and only require a common USB flash drive. Our support staff will email you the update file. From there, you simply place that file on your flash drive and upload it to your Pathfinder PC. Read more about updates.
Q: Is there an annual maintenance fee?
A: Yes, there is an annual maintenance fee. This fee covers technical support (via phone) and access to new releases of Pathfinder software.
You can download and install software updates any time for no extra fee for the first year. After that time, an annual fee of $500 will be charged to access software updates.