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CNC Pro-Tip 392

How will you get information from your machine tools?

We place machine tools in 3 connection classes.

Ready to Connect
Connectable
Legacy

  • Ready to Connect

    For this, you only need to drop an Ethernet cable to the equipment or connect a wireless adapter, plug it in and set your IP and port configuration.

  • Connectable with the addition of OEM hardware and software option provided by the control vendor or MTB.

    For up-gradable equipment like this, you can buy Ethernet hardware, and software options such as MTConnect, OPC-UA, and OPC-DA. Contact your machine tool or control system vendor to get the hardware and software components installed. Budget about $2800/ per machine; some bulk discounts may apply.

  • Legacy

    Legacy equipment may have a simple or outdated control system. You could upgrade the controller, or add an appliance by wiring it directly to your equipment to provide data from your machine tool to your system. You can expect to get critical data like:
    POWERED ON
    IN CYCLE
    STOPPED (ALARMED)
    WAITING
    PRODUCTION COUNT
    SPINDLE RUN TIME
    In some cases more information is available with an appliance. We use an appliance that is Information system ready.

Think first of your goals

What information do you want from your machine tools?

  • Do you want to know if your machine is running or when it is stopped?
  • Maybe you want to know if your equipment is running at speed.
  • You may be looking for more advanced data that can help you understand the health of your assets.

Different goals require different levels of connectivity, but you can accomplish a great deal by simply understanding when your equipment is running, and when it is not. 

Need help? Set a time to talk.