Product category:
CNC and Motion Controllers
News Release from: ACI (UK) | Subject: Anilam CNCs
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 10 March 2004
CNCs now include workpiece probing
cycles
Anilam, a division of ACI Europe, is to show upgraded two-axis and multi-axis CNC systems at MACH.
In addition to announcing how tool and workpiece probing cycles are now standard on the Series 6000M CNC system for vertical machining centres, Anilam, a division of control and measurement specialist ACI Europe, is mounting a comprehensive display of two-/multi-axis CNC systems, including the recently upgraded Commando CNC for boring mills With the two-/three-axis milling Anilam series 3000M and the three-/four-/five-axis analogue 5000M series CNC also on show alongside the two-/three-axis 4200T turning system, the stand will forcibly demonstrate how Anilam CNCs feature a minimum of 8Mbytes of RAM (up to 64Mbytes) and networking capability that boasts auto-sensing at 100Mbit per second for data transmission
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 23 Aug 2000 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Anilam CNCs give trainees useful experience
Glasgow's Anniesland College's School of Engineering has upgraded CNC milling and turning facilities through the retrofit of Anilam 1100M and Anilam 1200T CNC systems
Control systems prove popular on machine tools
The popularity of Anilam control systems with machine tool builders and distributors as well as end users has been borne out again recently with comments from Gate Machinery International
The result is that users can gain improvements of up to 50 per cent in program verification, and performance improvements of 15 per cent in the processing of 8,000-block programs featuring 0.003inch step-over increments.
The introduction of probing functionality (accommodating all industry-standard probes) is in response to user demand and, while standard on the Anilam 6000 Series, is optional on the Anilam three-/four-/five-axis 5000 Series CNC and the two-/three-axis 3000 Series CNC.
As is usual with all Anilam control functions, the new probe cycles are easy to use through a graphical/conversational screen.
After a cycle is selected, the appropriate variables are input via simple question and answer routines.
The tool measurement cycles include: * Tool probe calibration; * Tool length and diameter offset preset; * Manual tool length and diameter measurement (for special tools); and * Tool breakage, length and diameter wear detection.
Further reading
Linear encoders for most metalcutting processes
Anilam manufactures a comprehensive range of glass precision linear encoders with resolutions from five microns to 0.5 micron for most metalcutting and forming processes
Digital readout plays key role at Dyson supplier
An Anilam Wizard digital readout system is playing a key role in maintaining the necessary quality levels required in the manufacture of the Dyson Contrarotator washing machin
Glass linear encoders for length machine retrofits
A low-cost retrofit digital readout and glass linear encoder package from Anilam is enabling SIP (UK) to boost the productivity of ageing SIP length measuring machines
The workpiece measurement cycles embrace: * Edge find - single surface measure/edge; * Corner out/in - outside/inside part corner find; * In/out boss - inside/outside hole or boss find; * In/out web - inside/outside web or slot find; * Probe move - protected positioning; and * Skew comp - skew error compensation or angle find.
The ACI display will also highlight how the multi-axis 6000 Series CNC is increasingly gaining approval by original equipment manufacturers and importers of vertical machining centres.
The control combines Anilam's conversational Machinist's Language programming routines with G Code programming to create a CNC that has an unrivalled level of functionality and user-friendliness within a single system.
It is supplied as a complete OEM package with a range of nine axis motors rated from 3Nm to 20.5Nm and ten spindle motors covering the power range 4.5kW to 22kW.
These suit the high traverse speeds of up to 30m/min and the up to 10,000revs/min spindle speeds common on such machines.
The CNC boasts a powerful 586 DX4 133 PC processor and 16Mbytes of RAM, plus a 12inch TFT screen.
The control has enhanced mould and die capability (scaling, mirror image, modal corner rounding/chamfering, for example) as well as a host of canned cycles including mould rotation and draft angle.
It also features a CAM programming mode for interactive programming using icons (moves shown as they are being programmed), menu-driven tooling, tool compensation and interference checking, as well as built-in post-processor.
Simulation graphic functions embrace rapid, feed and compensated moves (colour differentiated) isometric views, auto part fit, window zoom and static tool display, for instance.
Canned cycles include: * Irregular pockets - a simple routine of prompts produces clearances of irregular shapes; * Geometry - the geometry calculator, for determining points, lines and circles, automatically forms the program foundation; and * Bolt hole pattern and drill cycles are created by simple question and answer routines.
The control also features Anilam's Integral Programmable Intelligence, so there is no need for a separate PLC unit and, compared to older CNC systems accompanied by a separate bank of drives, these are now housed in one compact module.
For lathes, the 4200T turning control's functionality includes create, delete/undelete, list, copy, rename and print, and the system also features constant surface speed as standard, to help guarantee consistent surface finish and extended tool life.
Also, the control can run in several operational modes - including teach mode achieved via single or dual handwheel operation with dual axis interpolation.
The Anilam 3300 MK three-axis milling CNC on show also features the Machinist's Language coupled with a wide range of standard cycles such as peck drilling, bolt-hole patterns, pocket milling and face milling; advanced cycles including ellipse, spiral, helical, tapping, irregular pocket milling and profile milling, as well as special cycles that include counterboring.
Designed specifically as a cost-effective retrofit system that fills the gap between manual and full CNC operation, Anilam's Commando has for 25 years been synonymous with transforming the performance of manual borers.
In its new, updated guise, Commando harnesses the ease-of-use capabilities of Machinist's Language in a Series 3000 CNC system.
In its new format driven by 8.1Gbyte Intel hard drive, Commando complements its ability to automate machine positioning with the offer of on-screen editing and help graphics as well as DXF and G-code conversion to further save operator time and increase machine productivity.
Using Anilam precision glass linear encoders for highly accurate feedback - positioning is +/- 0.004mm and measuring system repeatability is +/- 0.002mm - Commando can also: * Enable sub-routines and repetitive tasks to be performed at any point on the workpiece; * Allow operators to review tool paths, and check and modify programs prior to machining; and * Store programs for repeat jobs.
Most manual boring mills are suitable for Commando upgrade, including Butler Elgamill, Cincinnati Gilbert, DeVlieg, Giddings and Lewis, Kearns Richards, Mecof, Pratt and Whitney and Sacem.
The MACH display being staged by ACI Europe will also feature examples from the Anilam DRO/precision glass linear encoder range, as well as Acu-Rite DROs and Millpwr CNC in addition to Quadra-Chek DROs for measuring applications.
• ACI (UK): contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Engineeringtalk email newsletter
• Engineeringtalk Home Page
