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Limitless Optimization of Machine Tool Performance

Limitless Optimization of Machine Tool Performance
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Limitless Optimization of Machine Tool Performance - 1

Limitless Optimization of Machine Tool Performance Open architecture THINC system provides upgradable tools to increase productivity without costly CNC overhaul ® Executive Summary Capital investments on machine tools often come with some heavy baggage. While short term gains are measurable and impactful, the use of a proprietary control system may close the door for future system improvements. It is essential to have the ability to control and upgrade the various inputs in order to impact the overall manufacturing or cutting capabilities of the machine. The challenges of today's aerospace industry create a need for smarter, more flexible solutions. Open architecture control systems provide a platform for customization and ongoing upgrades that provide users with the kind of controls they need to maximize lean performance. This keeps the door open for continuous process improvement, greatly increasing the lifetime return on investment. Any machine tool can cut metal, but one of the keys to improving the process is to capture and analyze the data associated with the processing and cutting. The machine control plays a critical role in being able to capture that data. A Windows®-based, openarchitecture system provides connectivity, traceability and adaptability. This enables end users to continuously improve processes, impart management control, reduce costs and improve quality. All machine controls allow you to operate the machine - turning, cutting, drilling or milling - whatever the machine capabilities might be. However, machine functionality provides only one part of the production picture. To truly improve machine tool performance, it is essential to have the ability to control and upgrade the various inputs in order to impact the overall manufacturing or cutting capabilities of the machine. True Optimization Can Only Be Achieved When the End User Has Control of Their Controls THINC (THe Intelligent Numerical Control) is the aerospace industry's first limitless control platform that grows with emerging technology even after a machine is on the factory floor. Its true PC compatible motherboard runs all aspects of the machine, including real-time motion as well as all Windows applications. Because of its single processor design,

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Limitless Optimization of Machine Tool Performance - 2

Limitless Optimization of Machine Tool Performance ___________________________________ The THINC Fluid Platform • True PC compatible motherboard • Upgradable single processor • Independent memory upgrade capability • Standard PC Ethernet • Multiple USB ports streamline integration ___________________________________ it can easily be swapped to remain technically current over time. Memory can be upgraded independently by the end user, eliminating expensive memory options and providing the ability to use any preferred off-the-shelf technology. The standard PC-compatible Ethernet and multiple...

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Limitless Optimization of Machine Tool Performance - 3

Limitless Optimization of Machine Tool Performance to connect an Okuma Captain L370MW lathe with live tooling, a FANUC robot and a conveyor. This transformed a process that formerly involved five steps to a continuous process that can run unattended. Demands for Traceability Create a Need for Smarter Controls Real-World Applications Traceability of product and processes is important in many industries for a variety of reasons: compliance with regulatory directives, product recall risk aversion, quality intelligence, or to build customer trust. Especially with government regulations in the...

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Limitless Optimization of Machine Tool Performance - 4

Limitless Optimization of Machine Tool Performance - Reworking of the part - Other human intervention to determine cause and resolution Adaptive Control Software monitors software and sensors within the machine to make automated, real-time decisions regarding feed rate and depth of cut. Applying predetermined parameters, the control makes adjustments such as decreasing the depth of cut when an increase in horsepower is detected, or increasing the feed rate with a decrease in horsepower. Monitoring and measurement through the control provide end users with robust, adaptable tools to reduce...

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