Product category:
Control systems, DROs, etc, for machine tools
News Release from: Fanuc GE CNC UK | Subject: Series i Model B GE Fanuc CNC
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 03 December 2001
Latest CNC is ultra-compact, ultra-thin
GE Fanuc's Series i Model B is an ultra-compact, ultra-thin CNC, with network interface and enables fast processing of large sequence control.
Series i Model B is the designation for the new generation of GE Fanuc CNC systems Model B is best described as an ultra-compact, ultra-thin CNC, with network interface and is applicable to the all-digital GE Fanuc 16/18/21i, 160/180/210i and is series
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 27 Jul 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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In addition to exceeding the performance of its A - series predecessor, the new Model B offers many new, additional features.
Introduced specifically for use with high end applications employing the new GE Fanuc Model B 16/18/21i systems, is the PMC-SB7.
This architecture enables fast processing of large sequence control because the basic PMC instruction execution time is a mere 0.033ęs/step and the maximum ladder program size is 64,000 steps.
Further reading
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A new, easy-to-customise, machine tool operator's panel, suitable for use with Fanuc Series 16i, 18i and 21i CNC systems, has been developed by GE Fanuc.
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Several additional I/O links have become available for the Series 16i, 18i and 21i CNCs, which will benefit machine builders and users alike.
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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.
The PMC-SB7 is ideal for networking as it supports Ethernet connection with FAPT LADDER-III and combines high performance with a large capacity.
Low end applications can continue to use the PMC-SA1 developed for the original Model A systems.
Information can be exchanged between the CNC and PMC by means of a high-speed window.
Using this window, functions unique to each machine tool builder can be incorporated.
As a further aid to ease-of-use, the CNC unit includes Ladder monitoring and editing functions as standard.
The signal trace function has been improved as well in order to further enrich PMC diagnostic capabilities and help make maintenance in the field extremely easy to implement.
Among the various standard screen displays, there is a PMC management software screen as well as PMC C language screens.
Customizing machine control, where applicable, is facilitated because such programming can be executed in C language.
This is of considerable benefit to machine tool builders wishing, for example, to customize machine controls, such as for tool management or for certain peripheral controls.
Multi-tasking can be implemented under the real-time OS.
Other features include a number of CNC-embedded diagnosis functions, such as Ladder editing function as standard; Ladder display with improved symbol/comment capability; added collective Ladder monitoring function which is useful for diagnosis; and improved PMC signal trace capability.
Much in demand by European users, the Dual Safety Check system, previewed at the previous EMO exhibition, in Paris, is now emerging as a fully-fledged concept, suitably enhanced for use with Model B.
This cost-saving safety system will make it possible to demonstrate that a guard opening can be carried out safely by limiting the servo/spindle speed within acceptable limits for the protection of personnel and machine.
Work is ongoing with the Dual Check Safety concept, in compliance with EN954-1 (safety category of machine control system) to help reduce installation costs and simplify the electrical unit.
This useful function is an easy-to-customise tool management system with Open CNC or the long-standing C language executor and, as well as a tool management table, also includes a magazine management table.
The main features of this product include: tool information, such as tool offset, tool life, cutting condition data and so on, all managed collectively on the CNC; tool management table which lists all the above plus tool number, custom data etc; the magazine management table showing the relationship between tool No.
and pot No.; and easy creation of the ladder program for the tool magazine control because the CNC finds a pot No.
from the magazine management table.
A new screen, giving an instant trouble-shooting display, can now be called upon for use with the 16/18/21i -B.
In the event of an alarm occurring, a list of possible causes are presented to the operator as a flow table, so that the actual cause can be quickly identified after responding to the guidance given by simple "YES" or "NO" answers entered by pressing the appropriate soft keys.
Provision is made for machine tool builders to prepare and incorporate their own individual guidance message for display when the alarm is activated.
Other features include: a suggestion as to which troublesome unit should be exchanged; an indication of repair method to adopt to overcome the problem; various control data relating to servo and spindle immediately prior to the fault occurring automatically saved; and trouble-shooting by waveform diagnosis.
These are just a few of the many attractive features of the new generation Series i Model B CNC and this enhancement process is continuing apace. Request a free brochure from Fanuc GE CNC UK ...
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