Factory Automation Solution Technology (FAST) Team Provides Wide Range of Custom Factory Automation Solutions and Integration Services That Go Beyond the Scope of Control Systems
Chicago, IL September 10, 2008 GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a unit of GE Enterprise Solutions, today announced a new initiative, Factory Automation Solution Technology (FAST), providing a team dedicated to help customers identify untapped ways to get more productivity from machine tools and drive Lean operations throughout their business. Many of the FAST solutions will be demonstrated at IMTS 2008 being held September 8 - 13, 2008 at Chicago's McCormick Place.
"The project and implementation teams have deep experience within all major industries and product types including embedded systems, PLC control systems, automation and production management software, and other applied solutions," said Gary Highley, FAST Manager for GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms. "It is this expertise that we have built upon to solve challenges from increasing operator efficiency to correcting mistakes on the shop floor as soon as they happen."
FAST solutions include:
o Tool ID Systems: Tool ID Systems can be integrated into manufacturing operations not only to increase the efficiency of operators, but also supply chain. They can be used to reduce defects due to incorrect tooling or tool setting, reduce time waiting for setup activities, and drive Lean requirements through supply chain inventory and transaction processing. Tool ID Systems integration can include automatic reading of tool offsets, error proofing operations, and implementing true Lean pull systems with automatic replenishment signaling.
o FANUC Robot Interface: FANUC loader robots can be integrated to CNC machines to reliably and efficiently automate key processes. Complete ladder programming and I/O interfacing are performed to match process requirements.
o Closed Loop Machining: This innovative solution allows users to catch and correct machining errors before a part is passed on to the next station or operation. With closed loop machining, users can gauge a part on the machine, update offsets, and remachine if necessary to avoid passing on mistakes that are typically not detected until the end of the manufacturing cycle.
o Live Machine Monitoring: Being able to monitor operations remotely enables focus on other business aspects, while letting machines monitor themselves, allowing adjustments from the office instead of the shop floor.
o Rotary Table Interfaces: Full turnkey installation of rotary tables allows users to add a fourth axis for productivity and use indexing to reduce setups. Installation kits are available for several machine tool - table combinations to make installation run more smoothly.
o Data Encryption: GE Fanuc can implement corporate encryption algorithms into machine tool control systems to reduce the ability of a proprietary program to be copied and utilized by a competitor.
o Bar Code Reader Interfaces: Bar code interfaces can be implemented for program selection, tool ID, part ID, and tracking purposes. These solutions can be configured to pick program and offset data from a server on your plant network for control of program revisions and setups.
o Vision System Integration: Vision systems can be configured and integrated with machine tools to enable rapid checking of an entire tooling insert instead of probing a single dimension.
o Custom M-Codes: Custom M-codes reduce setup time by integrating to automatic clamping systems, controlling external devices from the CNC and enabling manual changes of oversized tools. GE Fanuc FAST team engineers are experts at configuring CNC systems to work with external devices and enable programmed control of a wide variety of sensors and actuators.
o Adaptive Control: An adaptive control solution allows users to maximize throughput, improve surface finish and extend tool life by monitoring and adjusting tool loads when cutting parts. Adaptive control helps you find and leverage the hidden capacity in your machine tools.
o Communications interfaces: Bidirectional communication throughout the machining environment enables "smart" factories with processes that automatically monitor and correct themselves.
o Part Program Management: This solution provides management beyond just part programs to include tool offsets, parameters, pitch error compensation data, custom macro variables and workpiece origin offset data - and all of it can all be managed remotely.
o Machine Tool Probing Solutions: As an authorized provider of Renishaw Probes, GE Fanuc can deliver a best-in-class probing system that can be implemented for measuring tooling, determining part and fixture locations, or leveraged for closed loop machining applications.
o Pallet ID Systems: When pallet ID systems are integrated with program selection, users can run one-off quantities of parts with a minimum of operator intervention required and remain certain that the correct programs are loaded.
o Custom Interface Screens: Custom interface screens help companies reduce training time, increase operator efficiency, and address manufacturing concerns for special parts and processes that require non-standard machine operation. Custom user screens can allow you to input or display the information pertinent to your specific process and operation and reduce setup steps and operator intervention.
o External Sensor Integration and Data Exchange: From force sensors and voltage meters to gauges, counters, and scanning devices, improving communication with your machine tool is a specialized expertise the FAST team can bring to your production.
o Active Tooling Interfaces: Active tooling interfaces such as RF adjustable boring bars allow users to bore a hole, check the diameter, and rebore if necessary in the same machining cycle. Gauge and actuator integration can be handled in the CNC or with external processing units to match manufacturing processes.
"GE Fanuc can be the comprehensive source for maximizing the effectiveness of your production enterprise," concluded Highley. "with solutions ranging from CNCs and PLC-based automation hardware systems, to automation and production management software solutions, to world-class embedded systems."
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a joint venture between General Electric (NYSE: GE) and FANUC LTD of Japan, is a high-performance technology company and a global provider of hardware, software, services, expertise and experience in automation and embedded computing, with products employed in virtually every industry, including manufacturing automation, defense, automotive, telecommunications, healthcare and aerospace. GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms is a worldwide company head-quartered in Charlottesville, VA, and is part of GE Enterprise Solutions. For more information, visit http://www.gefanuc.com.
About GE Enterprise Solutions
GE Enterprise Solutions elevates customers' productivity and profitability with integrated solutions using sensors and non-destructive testing; security and life safety technologies; power system protection and control; and plant automation and embedded computing systems. Enterprise Solutions' high-tech, high-growth businesses include Sensing & Inspection Technologies, Security, Digital Energy, and GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms. The business has 17,000 problem-solving employees in more than 60 countries around the world.
Company Information: Name: GE Fanuc Automation Address: Rt. 29 N. & Rt. 606 City: Charlottesville State: VA ZIP: 22911 Country: USA Phone: 434-978-5000 http://www.gefanuc.com
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