New 'Factolink' from GE Fanuc

Citation

(1999), "New 'Factolink' from GE Fanuc", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 71 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1999.12771aab.013

New 'Factolink' from GE Fanuc

New "Factolink" from GE Fanuc

Keywords Computer numeric control, GE Fanuc, Software

Fanuc informs us that by adding an Ethernet PCB to any of the newly-introduced GE Fanuc Series 16i, 18i or 21i CNCs, direct network connection becomes a reality. The powerful network functions thus unleashed are believed to have opened the way to advancing productivity to higher levels than ever before.

A GE Fanuc Factolink, formed by the aid of an Ethernet PCB connecting an i Series CNC to a network, enables communication speed to be increased substantially in comparison with current methods using the old RS-232-C converter (Plate 8). The CNC can then be used as a terminal unit of the host computer, which could even be sited remote from the manufacturing site. The host computer can manage several machines based on the feedback information being received from the CNC.

Plate 8. The new "Factolink" from GE Fanuc

Programs, drawing information, parameters, machine status etc. can all be transferred readily and safely up and down the network, making productivity improvements easy to achieve, by using the GE Fanuc CNC as an interactive terminal through Ethernet. Sharing production information, machine work-rates and so on, between the workshop and management offices, leads to greater operational efficiency and understanding.

Programming an application software is simplified by using the easy Script language and a text calculating software which can run in a PC. The new GE Fanuc Automation Series 16i, 18i and 21i CNCs are ideally suited for this method of operation.

Furthers details can be obtained from GE Fanuc Automation. UK ­ Tel: +44 (0) 1908 844000; Fax: +44 (0) 1908 844001. European HQ ­ Tel: +352 72 79 79 222; Fax: +352 72 79 79 315. Web site address: http://www.gefanuceur.com