January 27, 2020
CNC lathing machineSince 1980 Officine Meccaniche Marcucci has created high-precision mechanical components from clients' drawings, from sample products to series production, specialising in small-medium batches. We combine maximum-efficiency automated CAD-CAM systems with CNC automated lathes. Since we can be sure of the maximum respect for the work parameters extrapolated by the CAM from the client's final project with the support of CAD software, the precision of the final product is extremely high.
SIMPLIFYING THE CNC LATHE WITH 5 APPS
CNC lathing, like all machine manufacturing, involves mechanical manufacturing that differ from standard lathes by the presence of electronic systems that control is movements. It is these systems that give this type of machine its name "computer numerical control", better known as CNC.
The movements of the machine are pre-set by specialised software, allowing for high-precision work; the operator sets the programme and lays out the raw metallic pieces - intervention is only necessary in the event of problems or when corrections are necessary. The software runs on the same Microsoft Windows platform that runs most personal computers, which means that CNC programmes can use the same software as any other Microsoft computer, including the applications similar to smartphone applications.
CNC manufacture with the help of applications
So there are also specifically-designed applications for CNC machines, many available for free via the app-store of the tool machine producers, and available for download. These applications have been developed with the help of users and the production companies invite their clients to participate in the development of new CNC functionality.
The most useful CNC lathe applications are:
Variable Manager
This allows novice operators to modify common variables in the parameter control section without making mistakes. It only offers the most common variables, which can be extracted from the CAM. All the variable slots can be labelled for greater convenience and efficiency of operation, and there is also a "revert" function that can rapidly re-set all the previous values in the event of error.
MDI Tool Call
Sometimes, CNC lathing operations can become particularly complex; no less than eight instruments can be inserted into the same tower (four for the main mandrel and four for the secondary), and each needs its own offset. This requires manual shifts to be made with great precision for each instrument. MTCall renders all this much easier, with just a few clicks. The operator opens the app, inserts the number of instruments, indicates which needs a new offset and presses "start" to move the Y-axis to the correct position.
Easy Adjust
This application offers operators a simple interface of four slide-bars, each corresponding to the offset for a specific cut instrument. Clicking on "more" or "less" allows us to change the offset by a pre-establised quantity. When the operator moves the buttons, the bar changes colour according to how close the regulation is approaching the preset minimum and maximum limits.
MTConnect
An open-source communication protocol that renders the communication between CNC tool machine and other production machines easier. Basic information on the state of each machine can be displayed on two 50-inch TV screens visible in the whole office. Green indicates that a machine is functioning, orange is used for an inactive machine and red for a potential problem.
Machine Alert
This free app sends pre-set information on the state of the CNC processes, via email or text, every time that specific conditions specified by the user are met. An operator can, for instance, receive a call while working on something one of the CNC machines, hence identifying the problem that has come to light.
