CNCs are suited for entry-level machine tools.
Press Release Summary:
Series 0i-Model C, for 4-axis machines, features conversational part programming with Manual Guide i, which provides step-by-step, fill-in-the-blank programming and allows for single-screen machine operation. Probing screens allow programming tool setting and spindle probes without knowledge of G-code and without special macros. Operators can insert PC memory and LAN cards into PCMCIA slot in front panel of LCD for additional functionality. Series 0i Mate-Model C controls up to 3 axes.
Original Press Release:
GE Fanuc Introduces Next Generation of World's Most Popular CNCs for Entry-Level Machine Tools
New Series 0i Proves to Be a Worthy Successor with More Standard Features and Faster Speeds, Remaining Cost Effective and Highly Reliable with a Whole New Generation of Appeal
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - September 8, 2004 - When it comes to CNCs, there are more FANUC/GE Fanuc Series 0s serving machine tool users than any other CNC in the world. The story on this CNC family began more than 20 years ago, when FANUC developed state-of-the-art technology that changed the way machine tools were built - making controls faster, more cost effective and highly reliable. Today, at IMTS 2004, GE Fanuc Automation Americas, Inc., a unit of GE Infrastructure, proudly introduces the next generation of Series 0 controls - which brings the same revolutionary jump in technology and machining performance that the original family brought to the entry-level machine tool marketplace years ago. The new Series 0i CNCs offer an even greater level of cost-effective, reliable control with more standard, high-end features. With an easy upgrade plan and an exceptional price/performance ratio, this innovative family is now positioned to remain the world's most popular CNC - with outstanding value for both new machines and machine retrofits.
"GE Fanuc is the industry leader in high-performance, high-reliability CNCs, and our advanced microchip technology makes the Series 0i compact and cost effective yet powerful and rugged. This evolution of the acclaimed Series 0 addresses today's manufacturing needs for even faster control, smaller, sleeker automated systems, and revved up functionality to help drive Overall Equipment Effectiveness," said Douglas Peterson, vice president, CNCs and lasers, GE Fanuc Automation. "With more than 200 standard features, the Series 0i can immediately increase the productivity of a machining workshop and continue to deliver results over the life of the user's investment - creating a whole new generation of powerful, technology-driven controls for entry-level machines that serve users for decades."
GE Fanuc is showcasing the new Series 0i-Model C and Series 0i Mate-Model C CNCs at the Emerging Technology Center, IMTS 2004, September 8-15, Chicago, Booth S1000. The Series 0i-Model C can be used with GE Fanuc αis and βis Series AC servo motors and αi and βi Series AC spindle motors, and the Series 0i Mate-Model C with GE Fanuc βis Series AC servo motors and βi Series AC spindle motors. By combining reliability and functionality in a compact design, the new Series 0i-Model C offers exceptional cost-effective control of four-axis machining centers, milling machines, lathes, and grinders. Other applications include milling machines with three basic axes plus an additional axis, and two spindle lathes that can then offer extended system applications and thus higher performance and productivity. The Series 0i Mate-Model C CNC controls up to three axes.
Faster Part Program Development
For quick and easy part program development, the Series 0i-Model C features GE Fanuc's easy-to-use, conversational part programming - Manual Guide i - which provides step by step, fill-in-the-blank programming, allowing rapid part program development and single screen machine operation. Simulation of the machining process in 3D helps to reduce the time for part program verification and virtually eliminates errors. Manual Guide i provides for quick and simple development of part programs for lathes, milling machines or machining centers.
"Many CNCs with shop floor programming only provide text-based operator prompts on the CNC screen. Manual Guide i, on the other hand, not only provides users with an appealing graphical interface, but it also offers expert guidance throughout the process," Peterson explained. "This functionality saves users time and reduces setup and operational costs. Due to this popularity, we are introducing a new version of the Manual Guide i software this year at IMTS to permit off-line programming on a PC, using exactly the same user interface. This new version will permit training of machine tool operators around the world in programming development and operation."
The latest version of Manual Guide i also includes other new features to help reduce setup time on machines. For example, new probing screens allow the operator to quickly program tool setting and spindle probes to set tool geometry offsets, tool offsets and work offsets, without any knowledge of G code programming and without special macros that usually need to be loaded into the CNC.
Greater Ease of Use
An easy-to-use graphic display allows enhanced operation to increase machine tool productivity. In combination with Manual Guide i software, programming errors can be quickly corrected without cutting expensive material. A History and Help function makes it possible to display, at any time, the history of operation of the machine, as well as the list of alarms that have occurred. The CNC system automatically monitors and archives this operational data. For further assistance, extensive help screens provide insight to operators when faults occur and are useful when operators are not familiar with a particular function.
Additionally, for improved ease of use, machine tool operators can insert PC memory and LAN cards into a PCMCIA slot in the front panel of the LCD. Memory cards enhance ease of use by enabling NC programs, and parameter and tool compensation settings to be uploaded or downloaded. Alarm and operation histories can also be retrieved easily via a memory card. When the CNC is connected to a PC via a LAN card, the servo motors can be adjusted to match the machine tool. This is made possible by using a software tool, GE Fanuc SERVO GUIDE, running on the PC.
The Series 0i-Model C and Series 0i Mate-Model C CNCs from GE Fanuc are now available.
About GE Fanuc Automation
GE Fanuc Automation, a joint venture between GE and FANUC LTD of Japan, delivers automation hardware and software designed to help users reduce costs, increase efficiency and enhance profitability. With solutions and services catering to virtually every industrial segment, GE Fanuc Automation provides a diverse array of capabilities and products, including controllers, embedded systems, advanced software, motion control, CNCs, operator interfaces, industrial computers, and lasers. Headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, GE Fanuc Automation is a part of GE Infrastructure and combines the diverse global strengths of the GE family with the local presence customers need to design, develop and maintain their automation investments.
For more information, visit www.gefanuc.com or contact: GE Fanuc Information Center, P.O. Box 8106, Charlottesville, VA 22906, Phone: (800) GE FANUC, Fax: 434-978-5205, e-mail: gefanuc@gefanuc.com.
