Open Factory Bolt-On package offers Open CNC functionality

-- Control Engineering, 4/1/2000

Charlottesville, Va.-GE Fanuc Automation, in conjunction with its new acquisition CimWorks Inc., has assembled a bundled hardware and software package, Open Factory Bolt-On. The product enables open CNC capabilities, including networking and productivity tools, without investment in a new CNC and without the technical difficulties typically associated with add-on products. Open Factory Bolt-On includes a DuraTouch industrial PC, GE Fanuc's Shop Floor Programming, and CimWorks' software suite that quickly connect to an existing CNC.

The DuraTouch PC, a totally enclosed PC complete with mounting bracket, quickly and easily mounts directly to the operator's CNC station, supplementing the CNC's existing operator interface. From the DuraTouch PC, the operator can access GE Fanuc's Shop Floor Programming, a graphical parts program that uses the power of Microsoft Windows and graphical parts modeling to create and verify the cutting of parts right at the machine. Parts are defined right from blue print drawings using standard process steps. Operators can see the part cut graphically to provide a quick confirmation of both part geometry and tool selection.

CimWorks' software suite includes VisualDocs, VisualDNC, and VisualMEM. If the user already employs a GibbsCAM programming system, VisualDocs can tie the offline system directly to the shop floor, providing a pathway for organizing and sending information to and from the office directly to the shop floor. VisualDNC is designed for older GE Fanuc or third party CNCs and can link these CNCs to the office for transfer of parts programs directly to the CNC. Finally, VisualMEM enables the user to analyze CNC data for productivity reports and production data, including uptime/downtime, and troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair.

GE Fanuc Automation
www.gefanuc.