Machine control goes wireless

A totally independent method of communicating between the control systems of computer controlled machinery and machine tools and a centralised remote PC has been developed by Seiki Systems.

A totally independent method of communicating between the control systems of computer controlled machinery and machine tools and a centralised remote PC has been developed by Seiki Systems of Brighton for distribution and control of machining programs and machine production data.

The Wireless DNC system overcomes what can become a major inconvenience and cost incurred when machine tools are moved or wiring connections for data transfer are particularly awkward to set up.

The system is able to integrate with RS232 interface ports through a serial interface module which in turn, is connected to the control system of the machine by RS232 cable.

For the system to operate, all that is required is for a central wireless access point to be installed in an Ethernet network integrating with a remote PC.

Each machine is then equipped with a wireless access point.

Seiki Systems Direct DNC software, which operates from the host PC can then support up to 32 machine installations enabling high efficiency downloading and return of edited programs with all transactions recorded.

The system will also enable simultaneous drip feed of long programs.

Program request is performed at the machine control and the host PC includes the NC editor which can be used to create programs and compare changes once edited on the shop floor.

In addition to Direct DNC, Networked DNC, Program Manager as well as Networked Manufacturing System software modules can be supplied by Seiki Systems to operate through the wireless network.

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