Shop Floor Automations (SFA), one of the largest independent CNC Automation Suppliers for Predator Software, has released Predator Touch HMI, a new addition to its software line. The company has also introduced The Floppy Drive emulator, FD Connect, to replace an existing drive allowing the operator to still use the floppy interface commands but with a USB drive.
Touch HMI Software
This new Windows application is a touch first Human Machine Interface (HMI), designed to replace shop floor bar code readers, QR code readers and hand held terminals. "The simplicity of this new software allows machinists and operators to control with ease and little training. The communication to CNC controls allows operators to remotely command the machines," said a company spokesperson.
The touch first interface simplifies real-time manual data collection and direct numerical control. Touch HMI also supports data collection for machine downtimes, scrap reasons and more. "Running on almost all Windows editions, Predator Touch HMI is easy to install and begin improving manufacturing processes and operations," said the spokesperson.
Predator Touch HMI has many features including the ability to create an unlimited number of shop floor applications. This software also includes three different button types with the touch-optimized interface. Additionally, there is no install required and it can be integrated with other Predator applications as well as other third party apps.
Touch HMI has the ability for wired or wireless support as well as configuration to communicate with CNCs, CMMs, test stands and other devices.
CNC Controls with FD Connect Switches to USB Drive
Shop Floor Automations (SFA), offers a variety of hardware solutions to add USB technology to a CNC controller. The Floppy Drive emulator, FD Connect, replaces an existing drive and allows the operator to still use the floppy interface commands with a USB drive instead of the obsolete floppy disks.
The FD Connect works in CNC machinery including Haas, Mazak, Okuma, Prototrak, Fadal, Mitsubishi, OmniTurn, Sodick, Centroid, robots, flame cutters, Greco disks or other devices that still use floppy drives including PCs.
A CNC control that still uses a floppy drive can easily switch to using a USB drive with SFA's FD Connect. "An analogy for this can be seen as a VCR that is reconfigured to play DVDs instead of cassette tapes. Manufacturers can keep their old CNC controls (VCR) by replacing the floppy drive (cassette tape) with a USB drive (DVD)," said the spokesperson.
Floppy disks are quickly ruined by the shop floor environment. Magnets or contaminants such as dust, liquid or oil will compromise a floppy disk where as a USB devices is much more reliable.
The FD Connect enhances the CNC control in order to save the equipment from becoming obsolete. This drive will work with almost any existing 720k/1.44MB capacity IBM format floppy drive. Also, 28 or 32 pin ribbon cables systems are available and will connect to the existing power and data cables.
"Although SFA offers the FD Connect solution for all of the machines listed above, Hass is the most popular and now has a lower price," said the spokesperson.
For more information contact:
Greg Mercurio, President
Shop Floor Automations, Inc.
5360 Jackson Drive, Suite #202
La Mesa, CA 91942
877-611-5825 / 619-461-4000
info@shopfloorautomations.com
www.shopfloorautomations.com