CNC & Machine Controls
Digital Readout System Features Color Screen
The Innova 40i digital readout (DRO) system is dubbed the “true vision” due to its high-resolution TFT color screen. With the color screen, it is possible to execute solid 3D program simulations right at the DRO. In addition, standard features include a pocket cycle, bolt-hole cycle, linear hole and matrix cycles.
Read MoreSoftware Enhances Machine Tool Productivity
For the job shop, new versions of ShopMill and ShopTurn software packages allow users to achieve higher productivity, simplicity and speed, the company says. By featuring easy, step-by-step, on-screen programming, job shops can quickly respond to customer demands by reducing programming, tooling and production times, the company says. The company also offers its Sinumerik 802D operator panel-based control system that combines the NC, the PLC and the HMI in a single unit.
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Linear Scales Improve Lathe Accuracy
When Ford Automotive offered a contract to this Canadian automotive manufacturer for producing rear toe links, the company found its lathes simply weren’t capable of attaining the accuracy required to complete the job. In addition to enabling the company to win the contract, installing Heidenhain linear scales on the lathes reduced scrap rates and the need for frequent operator adjustments.
Read MoreCNC For Toolroom And Small-Lot Work
Southwestern Industries’ ProtoTrak SLX CNC is suited for toolroom and small-lot work. According to the company, the advanced user interface of the CNC differentiates it from production-oriented CNCs. Users can generate complete part programs by naming the geometry required and answering prompts.
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Accuracy Gain From Linear Encoders
If the position of a machine tool’s axis is measured using a rotary encoder, then potentially the ballscrew is being asked to perform two contradictory functions. The ballscrew both drives the axis into position and indicates that position—because the ballscrew lies in between the encoder and the moving element of the machine. Control technology supplier Heidenhain calls this “semiclosed-loop” operation.
WatchUniform Control For All Product Lines
The Mitsubishi 700 series CNC is said to deliver advanced programming capabilities for high-precision machining and high productivity. All of the company’s product lines now incorporate this control, which is designed to allow greater compatibility between machines and to reduce the learning curve for machinists transitioning to new technologies. The unit is controlled on a 15" LCD touchscreen display.
Read MoreCNC Enables Fast, Constant Feed Rate
Miceli Technologies offers the constant velocity controller (CVC), a CNC incorporating a new approach to toolpath algorithms that produces a processing speed of 50,000 blocks per second. According to the company, this enables fast, constant feed rates for machining complex geometries. In contrast, CNCs with lower block-read speeds might not be able to consistently push machines at programmed feed rates.
Read MoreCNC Abrasive Metering
Bystronic offers CNC abrasive metering on all of its Byjet abrasive waterjet cutting systems. This system allows for the fine-tuning the amount of abrasive. On the fly, this amount can be changed from 0 to 1.
Read MoreProcess Systems Targeted For Smaller Applications
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a unit of GE Enterprise Solutions has released Proficy Process Systems in a 250-I/O size, single-computer offering targeted at smaller applications and OEMs. It is a fully integrated process control system that is said to improve quality, reliability, throughput, performance and efficiency. The process system allows users the freedom to architect and scale process control systems to best meet their needs.
Read MoreCNC For Five-Axis Machines
Designed for high-performance applications, the Fagor 8070 ETX CNC is based on an industrial-hardened Windows operating system running on an XP-embedded platform. A host of online software configurations can be integrated for a true open-architecture system. In addition, the control is built with a solid state disk for reliable operation in harsh industrial environments.
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