Production Machining - Your access to the precision machining industrial buyer.
Issue link: https://pm.epubxp.com/i/144459
SYSTEMS & SOFTWARE :: Using LNS e-Connect, fexographic press maker Nilpeter runs 40 diferent parts such as these through a machining cell. with the overall manufacturing control system, we add even greater value through our e-Connect system, which is a multi-functional Ethernet communications platform capable of communicating with many diferent protocols and systems." Facilitating Communication Te e-Connect system provides a number of opportunities to utilize real-time data for greater process control. When linked to the factory network, for example, if the bar feeder senses a problem and triggers an alarm, e-Connect automatically sends the fault notifcation via email to authorized PCs or mobile devices for instantaneous analysis and response. By conveying this precise information to ofsite experts, companies reduce downtime, travel time and other expenses. Most important, this instant notifcation allows the manufacturer to quickly check the production line, which can be especially valuable during unattended operations. Perhaps one of the greatest advantages of the e-Connect system is the ability to share real-time data between the CNC controller and an LNS bar feeder while using the LNS parts library function. Te parts library can store 500 parts programs, each of which has a unique identifying number. Trough the e-Connect system, the bar feeder automatically detects the part program currently in use by the lathe and loads the correct setup data for that part from the 42 PRODUCTION MACHINING :: AUGUST 2013 parts library to change-over on the fy without operator intervention, thereby eliminating downtime. Tis processing of information enables the manufacturer to run a large family of parts, or even a group of unrelated parts with little or no operator involvement after the initial setup. While this is a boon during daytime shifts, it's especially useful when running lights out. Beyond this ability to save operator time and throughput, e-Connect can also signifcantly reduce material costs by utilizing the capabilities of the data transfer function that enables the bar feeder to continuously tell the machine tool how much barstock is available for machining. After each part is machined, the CNC machine tool's production scheduling program checks the remaining parts to be produced and determines if there is adequate barstock available for the next scheduled part to be made. If not, the system scans the production list for another part that could be made from the remaining material. Manufacturers can even set priorities for each part in the schedule, in which case the system identifes the highest priority part that can be machined from the remaining barstock. Te machine tool's production scheduling program then loads the appropriate part program to the lathe. Te bar feeder recognizes the new program, recalls the associated part data from the parts library and automatically changes over to the new confgurations. If the new part requires a change in barstock diameter or profle, e-Connect can send an email message to a remote computer or mobile device, alerting that a mechanical adjustment is required. If the system determines there is no part in the schedule that can be made from the remaining stock, the remnant is ejected, and the system confrms the next part to be made, makes any adjustments necessary, and the next bar loads into the bar feeder. All of these communications between the LNS bar feeder, the machine tool and the production scheduling program are virtually instantaneous and require no operator assistance. Applying the Technology One LNS customer who benefts from this material-savings aspect of e-Connect is A. Y. McDonald Manufacturing Co. (Dubuque, Iowa), which makes submersible water pumps with pumping rates that range from 5 to 90 gallons per