Advancements in CNCs, software

Forming the latest addition to NUM’s Flexium+ CNC platform is the dual-channel Flexium+ 8 CNC kernel, which provides a high level of control flexibility. At any time, either CNC channel can be used to control a spindle motor and four simultaneously interpolated axes, and control can be passed on the fly from one channel to the other. This simplifies the design of complex machines with multiple synchronization requirements, such as thread or gear cutters, and in many cases eliminates the need for a second CNC kernel.

NUM also offers functional safety architecture, known as NUMSAFE, which is compatible with all NUM Flexium+ CNC systems. It provides machine builders with a flexible way to implement safety functions and can be scaled to suit almost any type of machine tool, regardless of complexity or the number of axes. Key benefits include minimal additional hardware and wiring – the safety PLC and safety I/O modules can be contained within the same standard terminal as other elements of the control system – and simple software development using the same powerful tools that are used to commission the CNC, PLC, drives, and I/O modules.

Also available from NUM is a new version of its NUMROTO tool grinding software, which now includes functions for complex geometry tools such as multi-helical end mills with variable-width flute areas. In addition, the software now accommodates several new types of gash out on drills and form cutters, allowing the grinding wheel to follow the tool’s ball nose- or corner-radius in order to create a defined rake angle along the radius and the gash out. The software’s integrated automatic product documentation function has also been enhanced so that it can import detailed views from the Flexium 3D simulator, to create extremely realistic drawings of the tool.

NUM Corp.
www.num.com