Software-based CNC Expands Capabilities-
CNC controls have been based on
proprietary hardware for decades, with the PC used only for operation,
visualization, and data processing. But over the past several years, automation
vendors have demonstrated that increasing levels of path control are also
possible as a pure software solution. One example is the TwinCAT CNC from
Beckhoff Automation LLC (Minneapolis, MN), which offers complete CNC
functionality as a pure PC-based software solution. Beckhoff has been supplying
software-based CNC systems since the late 1980s —first supporting point-to-point
motion with camming/gearing and later adding groups of three interpolated axes
and support for auxiliary axes. But with the release of TwinCAT CNC, the company
now offers the complete range of CNC capability, three levels of integrated
motion capability, plus an integrated IEC-61131-3 PLC and support for the PLC
open motion
control function blocks.
Newmark Systems Boosts Capacity, Quality with
Automated Machining -
Designing and manufacturing
highly precise motion control systems for laser eye surgery, missile tracking,
and helicopter target acquisition doesn’t leave a lot of room for error. The
motion system is critical —and is even a life safety issue —and every part must
be extremely accurate. Founded in 1995,Newmark Systems builds motion control,
vibration control, and positioning equipment solutions for the medical, defense,
automotive, and semiconductor industries, among others. According to Mark Filho,
Newmark’s president, parts machining including turning and milling played a key
role in a production turnaround at the company.
Shaping
the Airbus- Composite
materials have decisive advantages over metals for use in aircraft production,
proponents say. What makes composites so attractive, they say, are better
resistance to changing conditions of use, lower material fatigue, and distinct
reduction in weight and/or range. During the introduction of the first CFC
“carbon fiber compound ” for the new Airbus A 380,,Forest-Liné introduced its
Linear Atlas tape-laying machine. Forest-Liné cooperated with Airbus and Siemens
to develop the tape-laying machine to apply the composite material, with which
all of the components of the middle wing unit will be constructed. The machines
are tailored to the specific requirements of aircraft production, and feature
linear motors and one Sinumerik 840D controller from
Siemens.
Don’t
Just Do Something Stand There- Not
every machine shop is running out to buy the latest and greatest tools. Smaller,
independent shops are finding that it ’s sometimes hard to justify the cost —and
the payback period. Take Precision Tool Shop in Oak Ridge, TN. Engineer Mark
Anderson says that yearly upgrades to existing machinery aren’t worth it for
that medium-sized shop. If existing equipment can get the job done, he says,
he’ll stick with it. To prove the point ,he cites a 1960s-vintage grinder on the
factory floor. He says the Okomoto grinder is still among the best tools
available, though he admits it doesn’t hold tolerances as well as a brand new
grinder would.
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