Overview

This document details the technical specifications and features of Fagor Automation's Programmable Positioning Numerical Controls (NCs) designed primarily for press brakes, shears, saws, and simple handlers. Fagor Automation is a globally recognized leader in CNC systems with over 20 years of experience, ISO 9001 certification, and a strong international presence.

Product Range and Applications

• NC Models: NC 10 S1/S2 (single axis), NC 20 S1/S2 (two axes), NC 200 PB, and NC 203 PB (specialized for press brakes).
• Applications: Press brakes, shears, saws, simple handlers, and other industrial machinery requiring precise positioning control.

Technical Specifications

General Features

• Positioning resolution selectable from 1 mm down to 0.0001 mm with correction factors.
• Display of actual position in millimeters or inches.
• Inputs include hardware limits for X and Y axes, home switches, emergency stop, footswitch, shear controls, and position sensors.
• Outputs cover axis enables, fast/slow speed controls, direction signals, analog outputs for open/closed loop control, shear controls, sheet holder activation, pressure valve control, and footswitch relay.
• Mechanical backlash compensation implemented with a unidirectional approach.
• Automatic home search and software/hardware travel limits for safety and precision.
• Manual jog movement or preset position control modes.

Programming and Memory

• Editor supports up to 10 programs with 10 blocks each, storing XY positions and repetition counts.
• Batch programming capability to optimize production cycles.
• Memory capacity of 200 blocks and support for 9 tool sets (punch + die).
• Programming available in mm or inches with selectable resolution correction.
• Supports 6 predefined languages plus one user-defined language.

Safety and Communication

• Emergency input and error codes for out-of-limits and emergency conditions.
• Software and hardware travel limits enhance operational safety.
• RS-232-C serial communication enables program and tool table upload/download for maintenance and updates.

Special Features for Press Brakes (NC 200 PB and NC 203 PB)

• Control of X and Y axes position and depth with advanced parameters.
• NC 203 PB supports linear encoder input for intermediate ram position control, eliminating the need for mechanical travel limit switches.
• Editor allows defining up to 9 punches and 9 dies with detailed parameters such as punch height, die height, die opening, and edge radius.
• General data programming includes active punch-die set, material type, thickness, and resistance.
• Block-specific data includes XY bending position, bending angle, sheet metal length, top dead point, and attributes.
• TEACH-IN mode enables step-by-step editing and angle correction for precise programming.
• Manual mode allows keyboard control of X distance, Y depth, or bending angle with selectable movement types (continuous, incremental, free) via external switches.
• Execution mode supports synchronized block transitions using pressure gauges, electronic transducers, encoders, or potentiometric transducers.
• Direct programming of bending angle with compensations for tool wear, sheet metal elasticity, thickness, resistance, and machine deformation.
• In-cycle corrections possible by storing new data per sequence to maintain accuracy.

Linear Encoder (MTD-xxx-P-2I) for Press Brakes

• Specifically designed for press brakes with an independent side guide to compensate for machine deflection.
• Measurement on hardened glass with 20 µm pitch, accuracy ±10 µm/m, and system resolution of 5 µm.
• Reference marks at each end or coded distance for precise positioning.
• Output signals are differential TTL.
• Available measuring lengths: 170, 220, 270, 320, 370, 420, and 470 mm.
• When paired with NC 203 PB, mechanical travel limit switches for ram positions are unnecessary.
• Detects key ram positions such as speed change, sheet metal contact, end of bend, and top dead point.

Dimensions and Physical Characteristics

Dimensions for various components and encoders are provided in millimeters and inches to ensure compatibility with diverse machine setups.

Company and Quality Assurance

• Fagor Automation is part of the Mondragón Cooperative Corporation, a major European industrial group with over 60,000 employees and sales exceeding $8 billion.
• ISO 9001 Quality System Certification guarantees product reliability and quality.
• Global presence with offices and service centers across Europe, Asia, and the Americas ensures worldwide customer support.

Summary of Critical Parameters and Best Practices

• Ensure proper configuration of hardware limits and emergency inputs to maintain safety.
• Use the MTD-xxx-P-2I linear encoder with NC 203 PB for enhanced ram position control and to eliminate mechanical travel limit switches.
• Leverage TEACH-IN and manual modes for precise programming and angle corrections.
• Utilize batch programming and memory features to optimize production efficiency.
• Regularly update programs and tool tables via RS-232-C communication for maintenance and improvements.
• Apply compensations for tool wear, material properties, and machine deformation to maintain bending accuracy.