FANUC America Corporation will introduce CNC innovations designed to improve machining performance, ease of use and maintenance. These include: introduction of the new Series 0i-F CNC with new commonality of design and 15" display option; a new CNC platform with built in Bluetooth technology; and digital servo adapter with new EtherCAT interface. FANUC America will also introduce the FANUC Certified Education CNC Training program for schools in North America.
FANUC's new Series 0i-F CNC is the latest generation of the Series 0i CNC that now has commonality of design to the versatile Series 30i CNC and a 15" display option. The Series 0i-F features common operability, maintainability and networking options as the Series 30i CNC, along with having a highly compatible PMC ladder. "This translates to easier operation and maintenance across the plant floor," said a company spokesperson. "The seamless combination of using the same motors, amplifiers, peripheral devices (safety machine operator's panel, I/O module/unit, iPendant, interface unit for handy machine operator's panel) as the Series 30i further simplifies the ease of use and maintenance of the Series 0i-F." Seamless and common PMC functions among both the 0i-F and 30i-B CNCs include: multi-path PMC, ladder dividing management, function block, multi-language comment and I/O Link i. With an increased axis number of nine total controlled axes for a one path system for both 0i-MD (milling) and 0i-TD (turning) and a two path system now available on the 0i-MF with 11 total controlled axes, the Series 0i-F is more versatile to improve machining performance. Additional new features on the Series 0i-F include: 15" display, I/O Link i, FSSB high speed rigid tapping, function for loader control, tolerance control, axis name expansion, program folder management, quick program restart, flexible path axis assignment, multi-path PMC function, ladder dividing management, EtherNet/IP and PROFINET.
FANUC's new standard CNC platform allows for enhanced CNC functionality using PC technology. Built in Bluetooth on the CNC allows for the use of wireless technology that can operate a CNC by keyboard or mouse. So, via remote desktop it is possible to transfer data between a tablet and CNC. Advanced PC applications such as CAD/CAM or NCGuide are now available on the CNC remotely without leaving the machine. This improves functionality and use of the CNC. Other new features of FANUC's new standard CNC platform include: enhanced 3D graphics with MANUAL GUIDE i, new data server with larger storage and use of peripheral devices such as keyboard and mouse.
FANUC's Digital Servo Adapter with new EtherCAT interface is designed to add more power to applications needing high speed and high accuracy. The Digital Servo Adapter allows for FANUC servo motors to be run from a separate controller over EtherCat. From one to eight axes can be controlled, including a spindle interface and multiple large servo motors - up to three large servo motors at a time for industrial machines. "The Digital Servo Adapter can replace hydraulic and other brand servo drives with high accuracy and high performance FANUC servo motors," said the spokesperson. "The EtherCat interface is ideal for industrial machines such as servo press machines, wire saw machines and electric injection molding machines."
CNC Training Program for Schools
FANUC America Corporation will introduce the FANUC Certified Education CNC Training program for schools in North America, designed for students to graduate with the knowledge and real-world skills to be productive right out-of-the-gate to run a CNC mill or lathe.
"The FANUC Certified Education CNC Training program ensures that students learn the skills that industry demands from FANUC certified instructors, using a FANUC approved curriculum on FANUC CNC equipment," said the spokesperson. "FANUC's comprehensive curriculum teaches the critical aspects of CNC machine set-up, operation and programming using industry-leading equipment and providing sufficient repetition to ensure effective learning. Student certification requires passing both an academic and practical skills test to ensure competence."
With FANUC's Certified Education CNC Training program, students will first write, edit and proof programs using 3D solid model animation in NCGuide software running on a PC. Using a USB memory stick, they then transfer the part program from NCGuide to the CNC on the machine either in the classroom and/or a workshop and then perform set-up and testing. If this is done on a portable Certified Education CNC Training Cart, when they get to the workshop students are already experienced in set-up and operation, so equipment is utilized more effectively, reducing the number of machines required.
Building on the FANUC Certified Education Robot Training, the addition of Certified Education CNC Training makes a comprehensive FANUC CERT manufacturing program available to schools, high schools, trade schools, community colleges and universities with manufacturing diploma programs or STEM curriculum. "Enhancing the existing FANUC America Robotics training program with the CNC training program really takes our CERT program to the next level," said Paul Aiello, CERT Robotics Education Director at FANUC America. "FANUC has incorporated over 30 years of expertise to design an industry training program that underscores our commitment to a true partnership with education and manufacturing."
"FANUC ROBODRILL CNC machines are ideal CNC workshop equipment to provide students adequate hands-on time," said the spokesperson. "FANUC also works with the world's leading machine tool builders and a variety of commodity machine tools that are ideal for education and are now available at education friendly prices. A portable industrial quality CNC milling machine, manufactured by Levil Technology, brings the machine tool into the classroom at an affordable price. The Levil CNC Milling Certification Cart, with FANUC Series 0i Mate-MODEL D CNC, may be rolled into any available classroom and then kept in a storage area between classes, eliminating the need for a dedicated workshop." FANUC ROBODRILL CNC machines and Levil CNC Certification Cart are sold through FANUC Education Authorized Resellers.
"The success of our country's economic competitiveness is a real concern, and it is clear that STEM competencies are important drivers to business performance and success," said Aiello. "As more companies incorporate robotics and CNCs into their operations, the demand for qualified workers is increasing. That is a major reason why schools across the country continue to integrate FANUC training into their STEM curriculums."
IMTS attendees can learn more about the FANUC CERT program and see the FANUC ROBODRILL CNC machine, Levil Certified Education CNC Training Cart and FANUC's Certified Education Robot Training Carts in action at the Smartforce Student Summit.
For more information contact:
FANUC America Corporation
3900 West Hamlin Rd.
Rochester Hills, MI 48309-3253
888-FANUC-US (326-8287)
www.fanucamerica.com
IMTS 2014 Booth S-8919