Product category:
Plantwide control
News Release from: NEE Controls | Subject: WinAMC virtual panel
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 23 February 2000
Create custom machine controls with
virtual panels
How WinAMC virtual panel software allows panels to be created to suit the various levels of operator
Recently launched WinAMC virtual panel software allows panels to be created to suit the various levels of operator Each machine could also have its maintenance, tool-setter and supervisor versions of panels
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 23 Feb 2000 at 8.00am (UK)
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WinAMC can run on PC's and touch-screens.
A library of virtual switches, buttons and display components can be assigned to specific functions to build the exact functionality for the machine tool application.
Unique touch keys for jogging, together with feed-rate over-ride, toolsetting and MDI Input are all available from the PC.
For laser and plasma cutting machines, the panels include commands for pulse rates, dry run, fast and slow reverse through the program.
A shapes library is also a feature where a graphic view of the shape chosen changes as the shape dimensions are entered, so that jobs are "seen" before loading into the controller.
A big feature of WinAMC is the Trace feature, where the jobs can be plotted out as it is running so the operator can see the progress made.
A text trace is also available where the lines of program are scrolled during job execution and if the job is stopped the line number is highlighted.
Both the graphic and text area sizes are chosen by the panel creator to suit the application/user.
A wide range of icons are available to illustrate the on/off functions of clamps, coolant, vacuum and many more.
Progress bars and meters show analogue values such as spindle speeds.
The users own company logo and other bitmaps can be imported into WinAMC to add a personal touch or to enable an OEM to badge the Panels.
WinAMC uses a high speed serial link to all the AMC range of controls to send and receive data.
Thus direct control and machine monitoring can take place from a PC or Touch-screen.
The newly packaged book case version of the AMC controller gives a very compact control solution, giving smooth, high feed rate interpolated movements from ISO G and M Codes, HPGL, ESSI and GPS Languages (GPS is NEE's own programming package).
The AMC B can be configured for the full range and mix of drives now available Stepper, AC and DC brushed and brushless.
A multi-language feature is now available by using one of the standard AMC panels, the operator readout can switch between English, French, German or Spanish.
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