Detailed Explanation of the Connection Methods between Machining Centers and Computers
In modern manufacturing, the connection and transmission between machining centers and computers are of crucial importance, as they enable the rapid transmission of programs and efficient machining. The CNC systems of machining centers are usually equipped with multiple interface functions, such as RS-232, CF card, DNC, Ethernet, and USB interfaces. The choice of connection method depends on the CNC system and the types of interfaces installed, and at the same time, factors such as the size of the machining programs also need to be considered.
I. Choosing the Connection Method Based on the Size of the Program
DNC Online Transmission (Suitable for large programs, such as in the mold industry):
DNC (Direct Numerical Control) refers to direct digital control, which allows a computer to directly control the operation of a machining center through communication lines, realizing the online transmission and machining of machining programs. When the machining center needs to execute programs with large memory, DNC online transmission is a good choice. In mold machining, complex curved surface machining is often involved, and the machining programs are relatively large. DNC can ensure that the programs are executed while being transmitted, avoiding the problem that the entire program cannot be loaded due to insufficient memory of the machining center.
Its working principle is that the computer establishes a connection with the CNC system of the machining center through specific communication protocols and transmits program data to the machining center in real time. The machining center then performs machining operations based on the received data. This method has relatively high requirements for communication stability. It is necessary to ensure that the connection between the computer and the machining center is stable and reliable; otherwise, problems such as machining interruption and data loss may occur.
DNC Online Transmission (Suitable for large programs, such as in the mold industry):
DNC (Direct Numerical Control) refers to direct digital control, which allows a computer to directly control the operation of a machining center through communication lines, realizing the online transmission and machining of machining programs. When the machining center needs to execute programs with large memory, DNC online transmission is a good choice. In mold machining, complex curved surface machining is often involved, and the machining programs are relatively large. DNC can ensure that the programs are executed while being transmitted, avoiding the problem that the entire program cannot be loaded due to insufficient memory of the machining center.
Its working principle is that the computer establishes a connection with the CNC system of the machining center through specific communication protocols and transmits program data to the machining center in real time. The machining center then performs machining operations based on the received data. This method has relatively high requirements for communication stability. It is necessary to ensure that the connection between the computer and the machining center is stable and reliable; otherwise, problems such as machining interruption and data loss may occur.
CF Card Transmission (Suitable for small programs, convenient and fast, mostly used in product CNC machining):
The CF card (Compact Flash Card) has the advantages of being small, portable, having a relatively large storage capacity, and fast read and write speeds. For product CNC machining with relatively small programs, using a CF card for program transmission is more convenient and practical. Store the written machining programs in the CF card, and then insert the CF card into the corresponding slot of the machining center, and the program can be quickly loaded into the CNC system of the machining center.
For example, in the processing of some products in mass production, the machining program of each product is relatively simple and of moderate size. Using a CF card can conveniently transfer programs between different machining centers and improve production efficiency. Moreover, the CF card also has good stability and can ensure the accurate transmission and storage of programs under normal usage conditions.
The CF card (Compact Flash Card) has the advantages of being small, portable, having a relatively large storage capacity, and fast read and write speeds. For product CNC machining with relatively small programs, using a CF card for program transmission is more convenient and practical. Store the written machining programs in the CF card, and then insert the CF card into the corresponding slot of the machining center, and the program can be quickly loaded into the CNC system of the machining center.
For example, in the processing of some products in mass production, the machining program of each product is relatively simple and of moderate size. Using a CF card can conveniently transfer programs between different machining centers and improve production efficiency. Moreover, the CF card also has good stability and can ensure the accurate transmission and storage of programs under normal usage conditions.
II. Specific Operations for Connecting a FANUC System Machining Center to a Computer (Taking CF Card Transmission as an Example)
Hardware Preparation:
Firstly, insert the CF card into the CF card slot on the left side of the screen (it should be noted that the positions of the CF card slots on different machine tools may vary). Ensure that the CF card is inserted correctly and without looseness.
Hardware Preparation:
Firstly, insert the CF card into the CF card slot on the left side of the screen (it should be noted that the positions of the CF card slots on different machine tools may vary). Ensure that the CF card is inserted correctly and without looseness.
Machine Tool Parameter Settings:
Turn the program protection key switch to “OFF”. This step is to allow the setting of relevant parameters of the machine tool and the operation of program transmission.
Press the [OFFSET SETTING] button, and then press the soft key [SETTING] at the bottom of the screen to enter the setting interface of the machine tool.
Select the mode to MDI (Manual Data Input) mode. In the MDI mode, some instructions and parameters can be manually input, which is convenient for setting parameters such as the I/O channel.
Set the I/O channel to “4″. This step is to enable the CNC system of the machining center to correctly identify the channel where the CF card is located and ensure the accurate transmission of data. Different machine tools and CNC systems may have differences in the setting of the I/O channel, and adjustments need to be made according to the actual situation.
Turn the program protection key switch to “OFF”. This step is to allow the setting of relevant parameters of the machine tool and the operation of program transmission.
Press the [OFFSET SETTING] button, and then press the soft key [SETTING] at the bottom of the screen to enter the setting interface of the machine tool.
Select the mode to MDI (Manual Data Input) mode. In the MDI mode, some instructions and parameters can be manually input, which is convenient for setting parameters such as the I/O channel.
Set the I/O channel to “4″. This step is to enable the CNC system of the machining center to correctly identify the channel where the CF card is located and ensure the accurate transmission of data. Different machine tools and CNC systems may have differences in the setting of the I/O channel, and adjustments need to be made according to the actual situation.
Program Import Operation:
Switch to the “EDIT MODE” editing mode and press the “PROG” button. At this time, the screen will display information related to the program.
Select the right arrow soft key at the bottom of the screen, and then select “CARD”. In this way, the file list in the CF card can be seen.
Press the soft key “Operation” at the bottom of the screen to enter the operation menu.
Press the soft key “FREAD” at the bottom of the screen. At this time, the system will prompt you to input the program number (file number) to be imported. This number corresponds to the program stored in the CF card and needs to be input accurately so that the system can find and transmit the correct program.
Then press the soft key “SET” at the bottom of the screen and input the program number. This program number refers to the storage number of the program in the CNC system of the machining center after it is imported, which is convenient for subsequent calls during the machining process.
Finally, press the soft key “EXEC” at the bottom of the screen. At this time, the program starts to be imported from the CF card into the CNC system of the machining center. During the transmission process, the screen will display corresponding progress information. After the transmission is completed, the program can be called on the machining center for machining operations.
Switch to the “EDIT MODE” editing mode and press the “PROG” button. At this time, the screen will display information related to the program.
Select the right arrow soft key at the bottom of the screen, and then select “CARD”. In this way, the file list in the CF card can be seen.
Press the soft key “Operation” at the bottom of the screen to enter the operation menu.
Press the soft key “FREAD” at the bottom of the screen. At this time, the system will prompt you to input the program number (file number) to be imported. This number corresponds to the program stored in the CF card and needs to be input accurately so that the system can find and transmit the correct program.
Then press the soft key “SET” at the bottom of the screen and input the program number. This program number refers to the storage number of the program in the CNC system of the machining center after it is imported, which is convenient for subsequent calls during the machining process.
Finally, press the soft key “EXEC” at the bottom of the screen. At this time, the program starts to be imported from the CF card into the CNC system of the machining center. During the transmission process, the screen will display corresponding progress information. After the transmission is completed, the program can be called on the machining center for machining operations.
It should be noted that although the above operations are generally applicable to most FANUC system machining centers, there may be some slight differences among different models of FANUC system machining centers. Therefore, in the actual operation process, it is recommended to refer to the operation manual of the machine tool to ensure the accuracy and safety of the operation.
In addition to CF card transmission, for machining centers equipped with RS-232 interfaces, they can also be connected to computers through serial cables, and then use corresponding communication software for program transmission. However, this transmission method has a relatively slow speed and requires relatively complex parameter settings, such as the matching of parameters such as baud rate, data bits, and stop bits to ensure stable and correct communication.
As for Ethernet interfaces and USB interfaces, with the development of technology, more and more machining centers are equipped with these interfaces, which have the advantages of fast transmission speed and convenient use. Through Ethernet connection, machining centers can be connected to the local area network of the factory, realizing high-speed data transmission between them and computers, and even enabling remote monitoring and operation. When using the USB interface, similar to CF card transmission, insert the USB device storing the program into the USB interface of the machining center, and then follow the operation guide of the machine tool to perform the program import operation.
In conclusion, there are various connection and transmission methods between machining centers and computers. It is necessary to choose appropriate interfaces and transmission methods according to the actual situation and strictly follow the operation instructions of the machine tool to ensure the smooth progress of the machining process and the stable and reliable quality of the processed products. In the continuously developing manufacturing industry, mastering the connection technology between machining centers and computers is of great significance for improving production efficiency, enhancing product quality, and also helps enterprises better adapt to the market demand and competition.