Machine Control System offers plug-and-play functionality.
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Press Release Summary:
FlashCNC(TM) allows hardware, software, and peripheral components to be upgraded without reengineering existing machine logic. System includes processor, 15 in. TFT XGA color flat panel touchscreen, digital machine interface, power cable, dual Ethernet ports, and preinstalled OpenCNC or WinMotion machine control software. Supporting up to 256 I/O and managing up to 10 axes of machine motion, system is offered with 512 MB flash drive or 20 GB hard drive.
Original Press Release:
New Machine Control System Offers Easy Integration
An extremely compact and easy-to-use digital machine interface provides high performance, high speed, and increased flexibility.
MDSI, Manufacturing Data Systems, Inc., Ann Arbor, MI, developer of OpenCNC® and WinMotion® machine control solutions will demonstrate at IMTS Booth D-4315 its new FlashCNC(TM) complete machine control system which combines MDSI's high-speed open architecture software, extremely compact hardware, and easy-to-use digital machine interface.
The new plug-and-play control system is simple to install and is said to dramatically reduce the time and cost typically required to integrate a machine and control.
"The time-saving installation is a key advantage to our FlashCNC/Motion products," said Michael Mason, MDSI managing director. "Users get the benefits of an open architecture control with ease of installation; power, flexibility and reduced integration time."
As with previous MDSI products, the new package will permit machine builders and end users to easily upgrade hardware, software, and peripheral components without having to reengineer existing machine logic. Capital dollars may be preserved while control improvements lead to increased productivity.
The new FlashCNC package-only 4.5" deep--includes an energy efficient processor, bright 15" TFT XGA color flat panel touchscreen, machine interface components, a single power cable and preinstalled OpenCNC or WinMotion machine control software-all configured and pre-tested. OpenCNC and WinMotion general motion control products provide high performance, high speed, and increased flexibility.
The software runs on Microsoft® Windows XP® embedded. The new control can support up to 256 I/O and can manage up to 10 axes of machine motion. Users can choose between the standard 512 MB flash drive or an optional 20 GB hard drive. FlashCNC is provided with dual Ethernet ports suitable for real time Ethernet I/O, and easy networking. There is a one-year warranty on all parts and labor.
MDSI's OpenCNC is an open-architecture machine control that includes software driven CNC, a soft programmable logic controller (PLC), and an intuitive human-machine interface in a single application. A key feature is that the control may be upgraded by changing software, not expensive proprietary hardware, unlike other CNCs. The standard MDSI soft PLC supports all common languages, and is scalable, able to run most types of machines-lathes, mills, grinders, and more.
Machine productivity is improved over conventional CNC due to highly efficient soft motion, adaptive look-ahead, and high-speed machining. Real time machining data is available through MDSI's significant events(TM) reporting capability.
Manufacturing Data Systems is a subsidiary of Tecumseh Products Company, a $2 billion global manufacturer of compressor, gasoline engines, and pumps. MDSI supplies open architecture factory automation solutions that increase flexibility and enable agile manufacturing for the CNC and general motion control markets. MDSI software has logged millions hours of successful metalcutting production in the aerospace, construction, agricultural and machine tool industries.
