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CNC platform is customisable and scalable |
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Saturday, 15 December 2007 |
NUM is launching a new CNC platform for machine tool manufacturers. Called Flexium, the modular platform is claimed to have unprecedented scalability that can be applied economically on a machine with a few axes, or as many as 200 or more.
This is combined with open programmability that gives users complete freedom to customise the man-machine interface (MMI) and add value.
Flexium provides machine builders with a common platform for all system building activities, from standard machines to special-purpose equipment such as transfer machines and integrated production lines. Underpinning the platform is the exceptional fidelity and control accuracy that is made possible by NUM's complete product line and proprietary communication interfaces - from controller to motor - and decades of intellectual property in designing machine tool control systems and software.
At the heart of the new platform is an advanced new CNC kernel. This is at least four times more powerful than the fastest version of NUM's existing Axium controller, which is a popular choice today in a number of machine tool applications including tool grinding, gear manufacturing, woodworking, high-speed cutting, and transfer and special-purpose machinery.
Two versions of the CNC kernel are available. Flexium 6 is a compact system that is cost-optimised for standalone machines with up to five axes of motion. The more powerful Flexium 68 handles up to 32 interpolated axes, divided into as many as eight co-ordinated groups. If more axes are required, to support very large equipment projects such as a multi-cell production line, then Flexium 68s may be interconnected using a real-time Ethernet link. Canopen interfaces provide additional system expansion capability, including positioning drives, I/O and handwheels, and operator panels. This enables the Flexium 68 system to be expanded to control over 200 interpolated axes, as well as further positioning axes and I/O.
The CNC kernels are complemented by a range of system building blocks including an industrial PC front end with soft-PLC functionality, MMI panels, I/O modules, drives, and a broad choice of servo and spindle motors.
Software flexibility has been at the core of NUM's development project. The resulting Flexium platform gives machine tool OEMs complete control over the look and feel of the machine. The system's PLC is programmed according to IEC 61131-3 standards, and offers a choice of development software, providing machine control programming environment in forms to suit individual programmers. Flexium's man-machine interface is also completely adaptable, and can be easily programmed using standard tools such as HTML, Java Script, or one of the PC-based rapid software development environments such Visual Basic, Delphi, Visual C or C++. This flexibility, which enables users to add their own 'look and feel' branding to each machine, is in stark contrast with some competitive platforms, which have fixed user interfaces that may only be modified by the vendor.
Jan Koch of NUM states: "NUM's CNC technology has been developed and refined over decades to the point where it is a leader in some machine tool segments. We have always complemented this with strong engineering support, and a partnership ethos where we work alongside the machine tool company and take complete responsibility for the control system. Flexium greatly widens the applications potential, giving the machine tool industry a platform with almost unlimited applications scope. We expect it to appeal to small and mid-sized OEMs, providing a common platform for any size of machine. It can be completely tailored to their needs, and has great software flexibility for adding value and building a distinct brand."
http://www.engineerlive.com/news |
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Animatics Corp. acquires Harmonic Linear Drive (HLD) LTD |
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Saturday, 15 December 2007 |
Animatics, Pioneers of the Fully Integrated Servo, or “SmartMotor” has acquired United Kingdom based Harmonic Linear Drive LTD. “When we discovered the HLD technology, we had to buy the company” says Robert Bigler, Animatics’ CEO, further commenting: “The HLD belongs with the SmartMotor”.
The Harmonic Linear Drive, or “HLD”, is a traditional linear belt actuator that circulates the belt in a unique way. This circulation technique, with patents applied for in 31 countries, yields substantial gear reduction inherently, without the need of a gearhead, or the cost. Using the Harmonic Principle, this reduction is accomplished without introducing backlash, and the reduction is also resistant to back-drive, further eliminating the need and cost of a brake in most vertical applications. Bigler notes, “It delivers Ball Screw performance at a Belt Drive price, and with no practical length constraint”. HLD units can be delivered several meters in length.
Jim Hawkins, President of Animatics states “The elimination of so many components and their costs make the HLD a natural extension to the SmartMotor The further elimination of the Gearhead and Brake costs put our customers even further in front of their competition by getting them to market faster and with a lower engineering AND manufactured cost”.
Previously sold only in the United Kingdom, this consolidation will make the HLD available globally, through Animatics other offices in Europe, Asia and the United States. The HLD units are manufactured in multiple grades ranging from low-cost rollers to dual profile rails for maximum moment loading. Financial terms of the acquisition are not disclosed.
While the manufacturing sector is still in the doldrums, Animatics and other Integrated Motor manufacturers continue to be fast growing because the technology of combining the controller, amplifier and motor has won global acceptance. Machine builders are now permitting themselves to enjoy the many benefits like faster development times and the dramatically improved reliability inherent to systems with reduced component counts.
The SmartMotor-HLD union delivers a linear actuator without the cost and failure modes related to separate controller, amplifier, gearhead and brake, as well as all of the associated cables. In addition to being dramatically lower in cost, the resulting actuator is smaller, faster and far more reliable than more traditional solutions.
About Animatics Corp.
Animatics Corporation is the world leader in integrated motion control.
Animatics is located in the heart of Silicon Valley and designs, manufacturers, and markets motion control products for industries ranging from semiconductor, nuclear, automotive and machine tool to traditional industries such as CNC.
http://www.automation.com/store/p1030details25289.php |
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SAS Automation - Introduces New Rail Degater |
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Saturday, 15 December 2007 |
SAS introduces a compact, modular degating system for fan gates that willRail Degater optimizes cut quality for fan gates. greatly enable companies to reduce their finishing labor costs, and more importantly, provide consistent clean cuts for fan gates. Mounted on a rigid frame, this degating unit can be designed to trim either straight or curved fan gates. Radiuses as small as one inch (25.4 mm) can be achieved for curved fan gates.
If and when necessary, the cutting blade can be heated using solid state controls thus requiring less force to make the cut. The cutter blade driving mechanism can be selected from either a pneumatic cylinder or belt driven from a motor drive. In addition to a floor mount, this degating unit can also be easily mounted to a gantry robot beam for more complex degating.
According to SAS Automation, General Manager, Richard Petz, "The SAS Rail Degater incorporates innovative modular systems that provide precision cutting for either straight or curved fan gates. Processors will appreciate reducing finishing costs, and the user friendliness of this degater. Increasing speed to market with better cutting -- is a driving force behind the many degaters designed by SAS. We are proud to present such a labor efficient degater."
About >SAS< Automation
>SAS< is a leading supplier of modular EOAT components & robotic gripper systems - capable of servicing any part and any robot. >SAS< manufactures "get a grip!", and distributes "nip it!" Nile sprue nipper line, and "GRIP IT!" Asian chucking/gripper line. >SAS< is ISO 9001:2000 Quality Certified. Specialists in robotic end-of-arm tooling & gripper systems, sprue nippers, CNC degating & Insert Mold tooling for manufacturing, packaging & plastics industries. Sales, service and support to: USA, Canada, Mexico, Europe.
http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/537153 |
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