p The HMI for the Mazak SmoothX CNC
looks advanced—and is.
New Control Tech
One of the most important parts of any
modern machine tool is its controller,
especially as workpieces become more
complex and cycle times must become
ever-more optimized. What's more,
multi-tasking machines can add their
own sets of challenges.
So Mazak (mazakusa.com) has come up
with a new CNC control technology for
its equipment and has packaged it in its
MAZATROL SmoothX CNC. According
to the company, its processing
capability is four times faster than its
own previous-generation controller, and
it claims that it is "the world's fastest"
machine tool control.
There are a variety of functions
provided by the SmoothX CNC like
Seamless Corner Control, which
shortens cycle times by making cutter
path adjustments when the cutter
is going into a 90° corner. That is,
there is a preset radial tolerance uses
as the cutter moves into the corner,
thereby eliminating any dwell from
the deceleration that is typical during
corner cutting. There is Variable
Acceleration Control, which maintains
optimum acc/dec rates throughout the
machining process in multiple axes.
There is Intelligent Pocket Milling
that maintains both a constant tool
engagement angle and cutting loads,
which contributes to up to a 35%
improvement in cutting times.
Programming time is faster, too, as it
allows 3D CAD input. The controller
features a 19-in. screen and can be
used like a smart tablet. The number
of inputs required to create programs
has been minimized, but there are
simulation capabilities that provide
assurance that the programming has
been effectively performed.
What's more, any single control can
monitor five additional machines.
And while this isn't a technical fea-
ture, the SmoothX CNC really looks
cool, too.
Using technologies developed for the multi-award
winning REVO
®
, the new compact PH20 from
Renishaw changes CMM touch-trigger probing
forever, with fast, in nite, 5-axis positioning.
PH20 reduces the effect of CMM dynamic errors
by only moving the probe head and eliminating
indexing for a 3-fold increase in throughput.
See the new PH20 in action: Renishaw.com/PH20
Renishaw Inc Hoffman Estates, IL www.renishaw.com
Eliminate measurement constraints with the new
infi nite positioning PH20 CMM touch trigger system.
cmyk
pms
black
reverse
the infi nite
possibilities
of process control
AD&P; > November 2014 > FEATURE > Some New Tech for Manufacturing > Gary S. Vasilash > gsv@autofieldguide.com
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