Advanced FMS and Robotic 3D Simulation Control Systems

Fastems MMS5’s user-friendly FMS control system allows managers in all departments to have Graphical User Interface (GUI) at their fingertips for predictive scheduling combined with comprehensive resource planning.Two new software applications unveiled during EMO, were the MMS5 for flexible manufacturing and Fastsimu for off-line robotic programming.

The MMS5 control system takes what industry has come to expect from flexible manufacturing systems and expands the capabilities to include a factory-wide manufacturing execution system (MES) for total control over such functions as automatic warehousing, tool management, and robotic cell integration.

MMS5 is the culmination of the company's 30 years of experience in FMS integration. It promotes and allows for the highest level of machine utilization rates with proactive scheduling, providing quick and easy access to all production data with a standard web browser while giving the user an unprecedented level of usability with simplified touch-screen programming.

MMS5 user interfaces are optimized for the following different user groups:

• MMS Dashboard GUI (Graphical User Interface) for management
• MMS Data Manager GUI for supervisors
• MMS Station Commander GUI for shopfloor operators

MMS Dashboard provides a user-configurable reposting application that can also be supplied on info-screens. Users can configure the specific on-line reports they want to view.

MMS Data Manager provides smart tools for production management. The work list screen displays, automatically, reserved machining capacity for each machine tool. A fine-planning tool creates job lists for loading stations and machine tools, and, in addition, decides on the required tools and materials during the schedule.

MMS Station Commander consolidates all loading station operations within an ergonomic touch-screen operating panel. The operator has access to instructions and documentation, can see what jobs to perform during the day, and can control station movements and commit loading jobs using this single touch panel. Fastems FMS Autopilot automatically selects the optimal jobs for loading stations and machines.

With MMS5's predictive scheduling, the needed resources are known well in advance. MMS5 facilitates the understanding of dynamic production states by providing transparent and on-line data on all user interfaces. Better process knowledge enhances productivity and helps manage unexpected situations.

Off-Line Robotic Programming
Also introduced by Fastems, and shown for the first time during EMO, was the Fastsimu off-line robotic programming system. Fastsimu is an advanced, user-friendly software application that provides unique robotic production features, especially for machining, grinding, and deburring operations. The software is usable in conjunction with 3D CAD models, or by utilizing toolpaths created by CAD/CAM, which makes it possible to program the robot just like any other multi-axis machine tool. Fastsimu provides several easy-to-use features for direct 3D CAD model-based programming.

Robot program simulation includes:

• Near-miss, collision inspections
• Monitoring of robot joint limits, speeds and accelerations
• Singularity detection
• Tool change simulation
• Cycle time inspection

Fastsimu is unique Fastems software, based on 3DCreate and developed to enhance the line of RoboFMS products. Essentially, Fastsimu allows the user to fully simulate a cell before spending any money or even before a final part design is determined.