The latest and most powerful yet user-friendliest CNC system – Hartford’s Hartrol Plus – will be demonstrated at MACH by T W Ward CNC Machinery (Ward CNC).
With two Hartford vertical machining centres on show, visitors to the stand will be able to see for themselves how this innovative ‘Intelligent NC’ control breaks new ground with integrated features and a multitude of applications for unmatched levels of user-friendliness and enhanced machine productivity and machining management data.
Available in 15 or 19 inch versions, the touch screen CNC is built around a 32 Gbyte Mitsubishi core and, as standard, incorporates a raft of applications for improved operator use and in-built machine monitoring/diagnostics, including:
[] Program analysis – with estimated machining times
[] Machining path simulation
[] 2,700-block look-ahead functionality
[] Five-face and Z axis workpiece calibration
[] Real-time spindle monitoring
[] Automatic feed control
[] Machine/operator daily/monthly utilisation levels.
The Hartrol Plus system incorporates sub-groups of functionality for different tasks throughout the manufacturing process, including program preparation, operator machining aids and production statistics.
For example, in addition to inputting via the screen any shape or contour for machining, the control also accepts two-dimensional DXF drawings from which it will automatically create programs (using the NAVI MILL function). All this can be done while the machine is in-cycle, with therefore no disruption to the machining process.
Also, operators can quickly access an M Code list and a routine that calculates cutting conditions – required/suggested speeds and feeds which can be easily altered to suit, depending on material being machined, for instance. This information can be stored and easily recalled for future use, decreasing the time to program forthcoming jobs.
Integral with this is program simulation – for example, backlash and curvature radius analyses – showing actual in-cut times and tool paths as well as possible collision points, decreasing the potential for costly and time-consuming damage to workpiece and machine.
In addition to spindle load monitoring and automatic feed control, the CNC system’s machine monitoring cache also incorporates a tool location display plus a work schedule management function (that integrates with the Hartnet machine/operator utilisation routines).
The machine management functionality also embraces tool lists and alarms for maintenance, as well as CCD imaging so users can view operating status without stopping the machine/opening doors and also take stills for reference and incorporation into route sheets for future batch runs. Compatible with Industry 4.0 technology, this eliminates the need for printed route sheets and instead provides up-to-date, real-time process steps.
In addition to the two Hartford vertical machining centres on display – the Pro-1000 and the heavy-cutting HCMC-1682 – Ward CNC’s MACH stand will also showcase the AXILE G8 five-axis overhead gantry-type vertical machining centre alongside five Hyundai-Wia machines – LM1800TTSY turning centre, L2000LSY slant bed CNC lathe, the award winning XF-2000 five-axis vertical machining centre, LV-450 compact VTL and iCut 400TD twin-pallet/dual table vertical machining/tapping centre.
