Machine Tool Retrofit Packages

Konecranes Machine Tool Service, Springfield, Ohio, offers retrofit packages that reportedly present customers with several approaches to maximize the performance of their equipment, the company announced in a Jan. 25 news release, noting that some of their customers have discovered a retrofitted machine tool can be a better option than new equipment—at about half the cost.

"There are several economical and affordable ways we quote a retrofit to give customers access to newer technologies," explained James Thompson, sales project engineer/estimator for Konecranes. "We can do retrofits that can take place in a customer's facility with a fast turnaround utilizing our retrofit kits, with minimal impact to production. We provide retrofits that range from a control-only option to a control, motor and drive amplifier retrofit to a complete machine re-wire. Since all these can be done kit fashion from our facility, customers can obtain a quality retrofit while saving on time and travel expenses."

In a control-only retrofit, Konecranes replaces the CNC control and reuses the existing servomotors and drives as well as the wiring, electrical devices and components. A thorough electrical inspection of the machine is performed first to ensure that it is a good candidate.

Retrofitting a control, motors and drives also retains all of the existing machine wiring, electrical components and devices, but Konecranes replaces the armature and feedback cables to the servomotors and drives. This option can attain the reliability of a new CNC control system without the added cost of rewiring and replacing all the wiring, electrical components and devices, according to the company.

A third option is a complete retrofit, which involves replacing the existing control system, including new AC digital servomotors and drive amplifiers sized to match the machine’s capabilities. As a result, the machine electricity costs can be reduced by as much as 50 percent. For this option, all existing wiring is stripped from the machine and discarded. New wire is properly sized and wired to the electrical devices and components. A new operator’s pendant and control enclosure are normally part of this package.

Konecranes Machine Tool Service is experienced in servicing and integrating Fanuc, Fagor Automation, Heidenhain, DynaPath, Siemens, Allen Bradley and other control systems. The company also provides service and support for a retrofitted machine even if the machine's manufacturer is no longer in business.