Product category:
Control systems, DROs, etc, for machine tools
News Release from: Fanuc GE CNC UK | Subject: PLC technology for machine tools
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 28 May 2002
Latest PLC controls 'fastest lathe in
the world'
Claiming to have the fastest lathe in the world, a Swiss manufacturer has achieved this by applying the latest PLC technology to control the machine tool.
According to the Swiss company Esco, it manufactures the 'fastest lathe in the world.' And GE Fanuc PLC technology is used to control this machine Swiss machine tool manufacturers are well known for high quality and innovative product development
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 27 Jul 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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This applies to Esco, a manufacturer of lathes on which the tool rotates around the work piece and not the other way round.
The benefits of this technique are smaller machines as well as better and more precise cutting.
Esco offers four types of machine and accessories, three of which, are equipped with GE Fanuc control systems.
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Harrison says that a huge untapped market exists among conventional lathe users for a basic CNC model like the Alpha T equipped with the latest GE Fanuc Power Mate 'O' control.
Two of these use CNC technology while the third, the Escomatic D2 Flex Speed, uses PLC technology.
Successful lathe - the first Escomatic D2, a follow-up model to the original Escomatic, was sold at the end of 2000.
Over 5,000 Escomatic machines have been sold throughout the world, the main markets for this lathe being the USA, Europe and Asia.
Typical applications include the manufacture of watch components, dart tips, jewellery and medical devices, all of which are straightforward mass-produced parts.
This kind of production requires cost-efficient lathes capable of producing large quantities in a short time.
With a production capacity of up to 120 pieces per minute, the Escomatic D2 Flex Speed is ideally suited to meet these requirements.
The speed benefits are mainly the result of the curve-controlled machine.
For each work piece to be manufactured, a separate set of curves is created and later used as a master for mass production.
A GE Fanuc PLC enables stepless speed control for curve shaft segments, with individual speed settings possible for up to 20 sections.
This allows, for instance, feed to be increased when turning, or decreased when cutting.
As a consequence, job time is no longer determined by the slowest process.
In addition, spindle and straightening speeds can be continuously adjusted, thus allowing further optimisation of the processing parameters for individual operations.
With a GE Fanuc Datapanel operator interface, the machine is very easy to run, without the need for expensive operator training.
One-stop-shop - Esco attached great importance to having all the control products supplied by a single manufacturer.
Esco did not hesitate to select GE Fanuc as their control system supplier based on its positive experience of the quality and reliability of GE Fanuc products.
In addition to a Series 90-30 PLC, the lathe includes a Datapanel 160 as operator interface as well as a servo motor and amplifier, all from GE Fanuc.
The core component of the PLC is the DSM module which offers excellent functionality for motion and positioning applications.
The DSM module controls the lathe speed, positioning and acceleration, as well as other parameters.
When asked about programming the PLC, Thierry J?quier said, on behalf of Esco, "GE Fanuc's programming software is very practical and it has made our configuration tasks much easier.
Its diagnostic functions have proved particularly useful." The control concept was developed by Esco in close cooperation with GE Fanuc.
According to Thierry J?quier, "Local support was excellent, reliable and fast.
Whenever we had a technical question, GE Fanuc engineers were there to provide competent assistance." As an export-oriented company, Esco also attaches great importance to worldwide service.
And with GE Fanuc's global service net, Esco has everything a machine tool manufacturer can possibly ask for. Request a free brochure from Fanuc GE CNC UK ...
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