CNC controls offer communications, data

Gathering data for increased productivity

CNC Engineering, Enfield, CT, has been providing leading edge technology solutions to the CNC manufacturing industry for over 20 years. Through the joint efforts of its Controls Group and its Software Group (formerly CNC Innovations) the company has developed products with a new twist in utilizing CNC control data to increase productivity.

Recognizing the tremendous value of properly collected CNC data, and the unique needs of each customer, the company focuses on building modular software that can be easily linked and modified to provide individualized solutions. “The majority of our work does not revolve around finding a standard solution. Our customers have requirements, they know what they want, and they come to us to help them get it,” says Tracy Allen, sales and marketing.

The company will present several new software applications at Eastec 2003 including In-Process Part Acceptance, an automated inspection process that ties inspection to one or more CNC controls. With this package, measurements are automatically taken from parts at the control eliminating the need to take measurements off line. The software compares these measurements against customer-defined acceptance criteria, creates an inspection database and e-mails designated individuals when inspection discrepancies are found. Another application is Manufacturing Event Monitoring. “Event monitoring is not a new concept, but it currently takes form in software that is installed out of the box,” says Allen. “Ours is a modular package, with customized models to meet customer’s needs.” Through the use of open database tools and standard report utilities, CNC Engineering’s products provide the end user with the capability to independently customize their systems. For more complex changes, or if the end-user does not wish to make their own changes, CNC Engineering offers cost-effective applications development services.

Both applications are run from a PC and use the latest technology to extract data from the control. “Computers, properly linked to CNC controls, have the potential to gather a lot of data. The challenge is to put that data into a format that is meaningful and useful for the end user. This is precisely what our applications do.” Allen says. 

In addition to its innovative software, CNC Engineering offers machine control retrofits through its Certified Pre-Assembled Retrofits (CPR) program. These retrofits, provided directly by CNC Engineering or by one of the company’s Retrofit Integration Partners, updates older machine tools with higher performance controls, like GE Fanuc, thus improving functionality and operator interfaces. Full support through the entire process is provided by the company.

CNC Engineering,
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Siemens opens Center of Competence

If new product development and investment in service capability are signs of an improving economy, Siemens Energy and Automation is doing its part. The new Center of Competence for 3D Contouring has been created by the Motion Control Systems business unit of Siemens Energy and Automation in Elk Grove Village, IL. 

“The rapid growth of the Sinumerik business in the US over the last several years has created the need for increased expertise in 3D contouring, particularly in mold and die applications,” says Steve Czajkowski, project manager of the Center. “With the Center, we have combined resources from several departments as well as the company’s hadquarters in Germany to better support Sinumerik customers in North America.”

The 150-square-meter Center houses two machining centers along with a linear motor test stand which are networked to a CAD/CAM equipped PC workstation. The Center has already been used by OEMs including Hardinge, Fadal, Cincinnati Machine, Henry Line, and Ingersoll to improve cutting 3D contouring performance. 

The Sinumerik family of controls uses direct curvature interpolation, a feature that allows smooth machining of a surface, rather the linear block interpolation of conventional CNCs, which yields cuts that are linear and choppy. With direct curvature interpolation, CAD geometry passes through CAM to the CNC without having to be converted to the geometry of linear interpolants. The Sinumerik can be configured to many applications—from simple 2-axis manual turning to complex machining. The control still supports the use of traditional G-Code.

At Westec 2003, Siemens introduced its Sinumerik 802C-MM, a variation of its 802C CNC for conventional turning machines. Its simple conversational software and plug-and-play modules enable quick machine setup in new or retrofitted machines. The complete 802C-MM CNC package of hardware and software controls up to two axes plus a spindle. 

The company also displayed its new TP 012 operator touch panel. The 12.1” touch TFT color display has a 800 x 600 resolution with a front-mounted USB connection, allowing use of a PC keyboard, mouse, or other device.

Siemens Energy and Automation,
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Second operating system allows easy communications

In large facilities, anything that makes communication easier between the executive office, the CAM designer’s computer, and the shop floor is a welcome savings of time. Heidenhain Corporation’s new CNC control for the machine operator, the iTNC 530, has been updated, to include the Windows 2000 operating system. Combined with the control’s processor architecture, high-speed cutting in short block processing times and optimum path control can be achieved.

The control can be integrated into the company’s intranet, where browser-based applications can be used to find information such as CAD drawings, tooling sketches, and tool lists. Windows-based tool databases can be accessed, which can include tool data such as cutting speeds or permissible plunge angles. 

The fast, paperless exchange of information over an intranet between designers, process planners, and the machinist reduces non-productive time. The control now includes a complete PC keyboard with touchpad and a high-resolution 15" color flat panel display. Standard PC devices such as a mouse and drives are easily connected to the control over two USB interfaces.

Heidenhain Corp.,
www.rsleads.com/305tp-201