Mitsubishi releases 3 CNC machines

Mitsubishi Electric has released the C70, M70 and M700 CNCs. The C70 CNC rack-based solution for manufacturing cells, transfer lines, and rotary index machines controls up to 16 axes. Using the multiple system function, the C70 CNC is capable of controlling up to seven program paths simultaneously and thus reduces overall machining line cost.

By Control Engineering Staff October 1, 2008

Mitsubishi Electric has released the C70, M70 and M700 CNCs.

The C70 CNC rack-based solution for manufacturing cells, transfer lines, and rotary index machines controls up to 16 axes. Using the multiple system function, the C70 CNC is capable of controlling up to seven program paths simultaneously and thus reduces overall machining line cost. Multiple C70 CNCs can be connected to the same rack to control an unlimited number of module machines in a control line.

Less wiring is required because of the C70’s capability of interfacing with more than 4,000 I/O via the rack and numerous field networks. The C70 CNC can connect to the new Mitsubishi MDS-D and MDS-D-SVJ3/SPJ3 line of drives and motor packages. The combination of the C70’s CPU speed and high-speed, high-accuracy drives and motors maximizes machine potential.

To accommodate a range of system requirements and complexities, the new M70 series CNC controls up to 11 axes, including NC, spindle and PLC and up to four contouring axes simultaneously. The M70 series offers two operator interface options: 8.4 and 10.4 high-visibility TFT color LCD displays. The CNC unit is mounted onto the back of the display to simplify integration.

The M70 series reduction in cycle times is attained by its 10 nanometer interpolation. Even if the part program is in micron units, the interpolation is carried out in a 10 nanometer scale. Ten nanometer interpolation means high accuracy. The high-speed machining mode can rapidly execute programs at rates of up to 33,000 blocks per minute. The setup time is shortened with the introduction of pop-up windows to free the operator of multiple screen transitions.

The M70 series is also equipped with simple programming functions, Navi-Mill and Navi Lathe. With the addition of a memory card interface (PCMCIA) and 10 Base-T/100 Base-T Ethernet, data management is simplified. The M70 series handles up to 352 DC I/O.

The M70 series offers an advanced new drive system that provides the capability of using two different platforms. Basic performance has been enhanced through the MDS-D series drives with the fast-current-control cycle. The combination of a servo motor and high-accuracy encoder, and the high-speed communication link enables shorter cycles between drives to further promote high-speed and high-accuracy machining. The new MDS-D-SVJ3/SPJ3 offers an ultra-compact drive unit with a built-in power supply contributing to the reduction in panel size without losing the capabilities of a full size drive.

The Mitsubishi 700 series dual CNC/PLC processors eliminate time delays experienced in single-processor systems when switching between controlling CNC functions and PLC functions. The RISC CPU and the high-speed optical-servo network enables high-speed, high-precision control, nano-control and five axes control. The ultra high-speed PLC engine substantially reduces cycle time.

To accommodate a range of system requirements and complexities, Mitsubishi Electric offers the M720, M730 and M750 which can control eight, 12, and 16 axes respectively, each including spindles. Both the M710 and M730 can control four contouring axes simultaneously, while the M750 can control eight axes simultaneously plus an integrated, single-board PC. Users can develop interfaces in Visual Basic or Visual C++, as well as customized screens using NC Designer software supported by a C language library for the development of more advanced screens. Large programs can be accessed directly from the hard drive, USB device or CF card. The PC also enables users to connect to networks and other peripheral devices using commercially available hardware and software.

To accommodate precise control, Mitsubishi 700 Series CNCs include a drive system. Mitsubishi drive systems offer fast current-control cycle and improved basic performance. Servo motors with high-precision encoders couple with drives to give improved overall drive performance. High-speed optical communications increases the speed of the position interpolation cycle and synchronization of the drives for greater machining speed and precision. All 700 Series CNCs can control two systems on a machining center and up to four systems on turning centers. To complete system capability, Mitsubishi includes remote machine I/O that allows for connection with up to 512 DC I/O and up to eight analog I/O.

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