CNC controllers have come a long way, much like the evolution of the personal computer. With improved capabilities and more consistent outputs, CNC machines have been boosting production speed, accuracy, and safety since their inception in the 1950s. What was once revolutionary has become commonplace in shops of every size, but the design and capabilities of controls continue to improve. Today, advanced CNC controls are empowering machine operators and driving productivity with intuitive, customizable interfaces that make it simple to go from idea to finished part. Advancements like user-friendly designs, standardized tasks, and easier setups enable operators to get more out of their machines. User-Friendly Designs New innovations are making CNC controllers similar to consumer applications — which are known for their user-friendly interfaces and intuitive designs. In addition to boosting the productivity of existing operators, these advances are accelerating the training process for new machine operators. It no longer takes months for an operator to get up to speed on a machine, and experienced operators can easily transition to a new task. Controls are now much like playing a game on an iPad or other device. With just a few taps and swipes, operators are ready to build any part they can imagine. Standardized Tasks Both beginners and professionals will benefit from new controls with integrated tools that improve reliability. Integrated training videos make it easy for operators to learn as they go. Users can also save standardized tasks that will only be available to them under their specific login. Easy Setups Setups are also greatly simplified thanks to the use of 3D models, advanced probing, and collision monitoring. Modern controllers take the guess work out of set ups and help avoid costly mistakes with integrated quality control measures. An Exact Example During a recent meeting of AMT – The Association of Manufacturing Technology’s Technology Issues Committee, hosted by Denison Industries at their facility in Denison, Texas, Kevin Lang, a CNC applications engineer with Heidenhain, spoke about the company’s advanced controllers. Heidenhain’s latest controller, the TNC 7, features capabilities for milling, turning, and grinding, as well as distinct user profiles, tool management, and real-time process monitoring. The many innovations built into the controller enhance efficiency and reliability while reducing energy use, tool damage, and machine downtime. “It’s just the beginning of the future. The TNC 7 is so easy to work with, and it can be individualized both by OEMs and individual users,” says Lang. “All an operator has to do is log into his account and all his setups will be there — everything that meets his specific needs. The controller can also detect errors in the machine in real time, helping to avoid downtime or machine damage.” With demand only increasing, CNC controllers will continue to integrate advanced capabilities and offer progressively more user-friendly designs. All of these improvements ultimately empower operators to think bigger and do more with the machines on the shop floor. Increasingly, if an operator can imagine it, they can build it. Information presented during AMT’s Technology Issues Committee Meeting.
Advanced CNC controls are empowering machine operators and drive productivity with intuitive, customizable interfaces that make it simple to go from idea to finished part.
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