Moldmaking Software Communicates With 256 CNCs

Shop Floor Automations’ Predator DNC software allows moldmaking applications to communicate with as many as 256 CNCs simultaneously from a single PC. While other applications are running, the software works in the background, to drip-feed large programs typically used by mold makers. The software also includes a Server Safe mode to protect against lost data in the event of a network crash during drip-feed transfers. Baud rates as high as 256,000 bps allow for fast throughput to the machine to avoid “starving the control,” which is common when running at lower baud rates, the company says.

The DNC restart functionality allows the operator to restart mid-tape should a tool break in the middle of the program. The user can also specify a string of text to be inserted at the beginning of the CNC program being sent.

The company says the software comes standard with protocols including Bridgeport Easylink, Brother Dialog, Fagor, Heidenhain Blockwise, Okuma B and Xmodem for error-free communication.