This feature is very similar to Even Spaced Punching except the spacing is calculated based on a desired spacing and a distance between two points on the part. The spacing will vary based on part length.

This feature requires an Eclipse Update to support UART Command version 3.56 or higher. The controller will report an error on the first attempt at reading the status indicating an updated Eclipse version is required.

Three new Operation References were added.

1. Proportional Min. This reference will attempt to space Holes greater than or equal to the programmed offset.
2. Proportional Max. This reference will attempt to space Holes less than or equal to the programmed offset.
3. Proportional Limit. This reference will place an upper or lower limit on the calculated spacing that will be allowed depending on which of the two Proportional Spacing references was used. If the limit is not appropriately above or below the selected Proportional Spacing reference an error will be displayed that references which pattern is at fault. If the calculated spacing is not within the selected spacing reference and the limit an error that references the pattern and part length will be displayed.

The programming method of Proportional Spacing is very similar to the Even Spacing program method. All operations must contain the same tool, shape or macro ID. The table below shows the required order. With the exception of the Proportional Max or Min operations, all of the others are optional and can be removed from the pattern. If both a Proportional Max and a Proportional Min are present in the pattern, they will be treated as independent operations. All of the rules will be applied to each of them independently.

Tool Reference Offset nnn Leading Edge 12.000 nnn Proportional Min 12.000 nnn Proportional Limit 20.000 nnn Trailing Edge 12.000

The example above will place one hole 12.000 from the leading edge and one 12 from the trailing edge. It will calculate how many holes will be required to space holes at least 12.000 apart and then it will calculate the required spacing. If the spacing is less than or equal to 20.000, it will make the part.

If the Leading Edge reference is removed, the leading edge of the part will be used to calculate the number of holes and the spacing. The first hole will be at the calculated spacing distance from the leading edge.

If the Trailing Edge reference is removed, the trailing edge of the part will be used to calculate the number of holes and the spacing. The last hole will be at the calculated spacing distance from the trailing edge.

If the Proportional Limit reference is removed, no limit will be placed on the calculated spacing, min or max, depending on the Proportional Spacing reference selected.

If a Proportional Max referenced were used in the above example, the Proportional Limit would need to be less than 12.000 or removed. The calculated spacing would be less than or equal to 12.000.