Control Systems

Hands-on and online learning bring growth opportunities. Programmers, operators and maintenance professionals can maximize results with a Siemens CNC to become indispensable on the shop floor and in their careers. Owners can maximize ROI in all areas of investment: machines, people and operations.

Siemens' new Sinumerik MC controller is a universal, open, industrial PC-based CNC system. Its optimized motion control, high-performance automation and integrated Windows 10 operating system make it a suitable control for fabrication and specialty machines, including woodworking, stone-cutting, laser and even conventional basic grinding machines. With an open operating concept, this new control system is also suitable for certain additive manufacturing, metal forming, adhesive applications, plate cutting, grinding and laser or waterjet cutting.

Okuma America Corp. announces new standard warranty programs for new machine tool purchases. The new, standard warranty includes coverage for all Okuma core and high tech products, as well as OSP and FANUC controls.

Heidenhain Corp.'s Acu-Rite brand introduces new software for its versatile 300 series digital readout (DRO) that now allows users to control a sinker EDM. This new development broadens this established DRO’s use to include all of the most common manual shop machines such as milling, turning, grinding and now EDM in a single DRO.

In a collaborative effort to best enable 5-axis machining for users with Heidenhain TNC controls and Mastercam CAD/CAM software, a new collaborate post-processor is now available.Called the Heidenhain TNC 5X Mill post-processor, CNC Software Inc., developers of Mastercam software, introduced it after coordinating development efforts between the two companies. Collaboration also included beta testers and industry resellers in order to best meet the worldwide demand of providing a consistent, high-quality Heidenhain translation post.

Every new Eldorado gundrilling machine now features an updated operator control panel. While still using a PC-based system featuring Beckhoff controls, both the hardware and software have been improved with job shop operators in mind.

The XC2 PWM digital drive is a small form-factor, high-performance, single-axis motor drive designed for motion control applications. It is compatible with the Automation 3200 motion platform utilizing the HyperWire motion bus. The XC2 can control brushless DC, brush DC, voice coil or stepper motors at up to 100 VDC operating voltage and 10 A peak current capability.

Mazak Corp. has enhanced the already exceptionally productive VTC-200C vertical machining center with the addition of the MAZATROL SmoothG CNC and its suite of SMOOTH TECHNOLOGY software solutions. The control complements the VTC-200C’s full traveling-column design, automatic toolchanger and 40-taper spindle, all of which combine to enable fast cycle times and accurate machining for extremely long and heavy workpieces in industries such as construction, agriculture and energy production.