Production Machining

MAY 2016

Production Machining - Your access to the precision machining industrial buyer.

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Millennial Multitasking Made Easy By Richard Parenteau, Contributor ICON MENU MENU BUTTON The main menu key button is located on the right-hand side of the touch- screen for easy access. SHORTCUT FEATURE Frequently used icons can be added here. :: CNC control software is being designed with features to better ft the tendencies of younger operators. :: An icon-driven menu provides access to many diferent screen views, including a special hot button feature that allows operators to customize the display to their preferences. M achine tool controls are much diferent today than even 10 years ago, when operators needed to have a background knowledge of G-code programming to feel comfort- able when navigating a CNC control. But thanks to new software program- ming technology from Nakamura- Tome, visual-minded, icon-oriented operators who are unschooled in G code can easily operate complex machine tools such as multitasking turning centers. Tis approach is especially advantageous for shops hiring young operators who may lack the experience and knowledge on CNC machining, but are comfort- able with intuitively designed, icon-rich software programs. Nakamura-Tome has introduced a "Smart X" operating system for its PC-based control that includes a FANUC 31I-A5, fve-axis control. Tis control includes many new Nakamura features such as an icon menu, production monitoring, trouble guidance and an operation-level control function. Te main control has a 19-inch LCD touchscreen with Projected Capacitive Touch (PCT), similar to an iPad. Te control runs on Microsoft Windows 8.1, with an icon- driven menu for easy access to many diferent screen views, including a special hot button feature that allows operators to customize the display to their preferences. Tis feature works like an icon on an iPad, so operators can be comfortable quickly moving from diferent displays and can only display what is important to them. Tese features are designed to make younger operators feel more comfort- able with the machine control. TECH BRIEFS 30 PRODUCTION MACHINING :: MAY 2016

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