Barcode Interface for New Control

Calmotion, a motion control engineering organization, has announced a barcode interface to its 527F CNC control that automates many aspects of CNC machine tool operation. Most commonly, it is used in conjunction with the networking capability of the control to load files from a server anywhere on the network. Files of up to 8 GB can be imported from a server or cloud storage location. Typical uses of automatic file transfer include using bar codes as part of a set-up sheet to load the correct file into a CNC in order to prevent an operator from accidentally running an unintended program. Tool and fixture offset tables can also be imported by scanning barcode labels resulting in significant time savings compared to manually typing data into the CNC. Custom macro operations are possible by creating bar code strings that are translated by the controller and executed with a single read of a bar code scanner. In addition, commonly used keyboard commands can be emulated using barcode data.

"The barcode interface of the 527F is a compelling example of how machine shops can vastly improve the efficiency of their CNC machines by automating the exchange of data between programmer and operator resulting in time savings as well as reducing the complexity of setting up a job for production," said Glenn DeCaussin, President of Calmotion LLC.

The 527F CNC is a full featured digital retrofit control for CNC's made by Fadal Machining Centers. "The form factor of the 527F minimizes the installation time and can often be done in minutes. In addition to a familiar look and feel resulting in little to no training, compatibility with legacy programs protects intellectual investments for customers with large libraries of part programs. With faster block processing and advanced ramp control, part finish and accuracy can be significantly improved for a fraction of the cost of typical retrofit solutions," said a company spokesperson.

USB and Ethernet are standard features along with 8 GB of program storage. The 527F can operate as a wireless server with the addition of a low-cost wireless router that cuts the substantial cost of installing Ethernet wiring between the server and machines. Additionally, for shops that frequently move machines, it cuts the time and cost of rerouting cables.

For more information contact:

Walter Calmette

Calmotion LLC

21720 Marilla Street

Chatsworth, CA 91311

818-357-5826

www.calmotion.com