Product category:
Control systems, DROs, etc, for machine tools
News Release from: ACI (UK) | Subject: Digital 6000 Series
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 10 September 2001
Machinist language combined with G-Codes
Anilam has combined its conversational Machinist Language programming routines with G Code programming and created a multi-axis CNC that gives high levels of functionality.
Anilam has broken new ground in machine tool control technology by combining its conversational Machinist Language programming routines with G Code programming and created a multi-axis CNC that is unrivalled in the level of functionality and user-friendliness available within the same system Designed for vertical machining centre applications, the new three- to four-axis digital 6000 Series is supplied as a complete OEM package with a range of nine axis motors rated from 3 Nm to 20.5Nm and ten spindle motors covering the power range 4.5kW to 22kW
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 30 Sep 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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These suit the high traverse speeds of up to 30m/min and the up to 7,500 revs/min spindle speeds common on such machines.
The 6000 Series is the latest in a long line of control developments that have established Anilam as a market-leader in CNC and DRO technology.
In CNC terms, this is based on the user-friendliness of the Anilam-developed conversational Machinist Language, which on the 3000 Series systems quickly established the company in the two- and three-axis milling machine market.
Further reading
Tool/workpiece probing cycles added to controls
ACI is including tool and workpiece probing cycles as standard features on its Anilam 6000 Series multi-axis CNC system.
Milling in two/three axis cost-effectively
Demonstrations of a two-/three-axis CNC for intuitive knee-type milling operations will highlight the system's cost-effectiveness and user-friendliness.
Measuring distance and position accurately
As well as demonstrating four-axis DROs, a range of linear scales will also serve to reinforce both the accuracy and performance benefits of its glass linear encoder technology.
Then came conversational G Code-based controls - the 4200T for two- and three-axis turning, and the analogue-based 5000 Series for vertical machining centre applications.
With a digital platform, the new 6000 Series boasts a powerful 586 DX4 133 PC processor and 16 Mbyte of RAM, plus a 12 inch TFT screen.
The control has enhanced mould and die capability (scaling, mirror image, modal corner rounding/chamfering, for example) as well as a host of canned cycles including mould rotation and draft angle.
It also features a CAM programming mode for interactive programming using icons (moves shown as they are being programmed), menu-driven tooling, tool compensation and interference checking, and built-in post-processor.
Simulation graphic functions embrace rapid, feed and compensated moves (colour differentiated) isometric views, auto part fit, window zoom and static tool display, for instance.
The canned cycles also include: Irregular pockets - a simple routine of prompts produces clearances of irregular shapes; Geometry - the geometry calculator, for determining points, lines and circles, automatically forms the program foundation; and Bolt hole pattern and drill cycles are created by simple question and answer routines.
The control also features Anilam's Integral Programmable Intelligence, so there is no need for a separate PLC unit and, compared to older CNC systems accompanied by a separate bank of drives, these are now housed in one compact module.
Prior to launch, Anilam put the new control through its paces on an automotive test piece requiring a series of blended straight lines, slopes, curves and angles.
Using a 10mm ball nose cutter at a spindle speed of 8,500 revs/min and feed rates from 4 to 7m/min, the part was completed in 12 mins - compared to 24 mins using an earlier generation CNC - while meeting the user's surface finish tolerance requirements of +/-10 microns.
All straight line machining was performed at 7m/min, while the control utilised its 30-block look-ahead capability to slow the feed down to 4 m/min to achieve the required tight curves and sharp angles.
An intermediate speed of 6 m/min was used to process the remaining round edges and curves.
The result was a test piece machined at high speed to the user's satisfaction.
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