FANUC drives machines to peak performance

FANUC showcases the latest generation of control and drive technology at AMB

At AMB in Stuttgart (10-14 September 2024), FANUC will focus on the latest generation of control and drive technologies for machine tools and robots. Another highlight will be the company's latest series of ROBODRILL compact machining centres, which can even produce large components highly dynamically. Visitors are also set to find out how they can automate CNC machines with robots in a user-friendly way.

At the centre of the 470 m² FANUC stand in Hall 6, Stand 6B51, will be the new CNC generation, the heart of all FANUC products. The FS500i-A convinces with numerous advantages: it is powerful, supports all machine kinematics, offers great clarity and provides graphically supported operation thanks to its sophisticated, customizable iHMI2interface. At the same time, the CNC fulfils the highest cybersecurity requirements.

The FS500i-A is one of the latest FANUC innovations and AMB visitors can see it in action on a demo machine at AMB. In combination with the drives, the new CNC generation achieves up to 2.7 times higher performance while simultaneously consuming around 10 per cent less energy.

Programming of the integrated PLC control is also now possible with IEC-structured text. The CNC Design Studio provides a central development environment for engineering. Thanks to CNC Guide 2 simulation software, users can create a digital twin via a virtual control system, supplemented by a servo model to replicate the real behavior of a machine. If required, users can freely design a custom interface for the HMI with the "FANUC Picture 2" software module.

Another highlight of FANUC’s recent development efforts is the ROBODRILL α-D28LiB5ADVPlus Y500 vertical machining centre. This compact, economical and at the same time highly efficient machine offers an automatic tool change capacity of 28 tools, a larger Y-axis travel of 500 mm and a spindle speed of up to 24,000 rpm. Such capabilities grant access to a wide range of possible applications, including the machining of complex 5-axis components.

FANUC will be demonstrating highly dynamic and precise machining on three different ROBODRILL models during the trade fair. For example, the new ROBODRILL α-D28LiB5ADVPlus Y500 will machine components from 5052 aluminium alloy using FANUC software options such as high-speed processing to maintain high path accuracy.

Case-hardened steel is also no problem for FANUC's compact machining centres, as another application on a ROBODRILL α-D21MiB5 Plus will show: the machine will produce a bore (d=40mm), an M24 thread and a full groove (Vf=6,400mm/min). ROBODRILL machines are extremely energy-efficient, partly because the hardware and drive technology come from a single source for perfect harmonization.

The third model, a ROBODRILL α-D21LiB5plus, is set to demonstrate power skiving and thus a way of massively reducing component costs, largely because the machine produces external and internal gearing in just one clamping operation on its dynamic rotary swiveling table. Meanwhile, a second operation will perform scroll machining with very high precision to demonstrate its suitability for machining heat pump or electric vehicle components.

Simple automation further enhances the efficiency and reliability of FANUC machines. The ROBODRILL, for example, features an integral "Easy Robot Interface", providing operators with a good overview so they can optimally control the robot via the machine. This fast connection of machine and robot is suitable for both small contract manufacturers and large industrial companies.

At AMB, FANUC will be exhibiting several machines with robot automation. For instance, the CRX-10iA, a lightweight collaborative robot, will support the ROBODRILL α-D21MiB5 Plus on a trolley when processing case-hardened steel.

Visitors to the FANUC stand will also be able to see a brand new robot controller: the R-50iA is probably the world's first robot controller that fulfils international cybersecurity standards - with improved performance.

FANUC is set to present a very special application that demonstrates how robots can even provide a cost-effective solution in tasks performed typically by machine tools: a robot from the R-2000 series will undertake the live milling of an aluminum component, replacing a large, complex milling machine.

FANUC's newly designed Industrial IoT platform provides an overview of the entire production process: the FIELD System Basic Package can collect, visualize and evaluate machine data independently of the manufacturer and make it available for MES systems. This capability enables energy and material savings, as well as an increase in quality.

In addition to the FANUC stand, the company's automation solutions will be present in the Smart Factory (EO 100.2) and at the Young Talent Foundation (EO 010), Entrance East.