Leading Technology and Innovation
The performance of Mitsubishi Electric's CNC controller is remarkable for productivity, intuitive operation and impressive functionality. Its development drew on the company's entire breadth of skills. For instance, to achieve a decisive leap in processing speed, simple optimisation of the semi-conductor production process was not enough; instead Mitsubishi Electric's in-house semi-conductor expertise was called upon to develop entirely new and innovative technologies.
The goal was finally reached when, after maximising the processor potential and overcoming countless hurdles, a new ultra high speed CNC-specific CPU (central processor unit) was developed. This not only enables increased processing speed, but also reduces the number of other components required - which in turn reduces the number of possible error sources and so increases product quality.
The significantly increased fine-segment processing quality enables shorter cycle times for program processing. The communication capacity between the CNC and the drive, via fibre optic cable, has been optimised and is now drastically faster. This enables significantly more precise machining thanks to the system's increased responsiveness.
Intuitive operation through advanced design
As well as the new CPU, this year's EMO has also seen the European premiere of the M800W controller's new 19-inch touch-display. The advanced construction, widely used in smartphones and tablets, of the capacitive touchscreen with its flat profile and thickness of only 9.5 mm, permits state-of-the-art machine design.
The real benefit however is the dual display in which the standard CNC screen is displayed in the top half, while the bottom half can be used for user-defined applications.
This flexible display enables machine builders the scope to greatly increase the added value of their machinery with tailored displays to meet their own preferences or the preferences of their customers. In addition, the split screen allows the independent display of different windows, e.g. software keypad, document viewer or other applications. Different features and operating menus are represented by easily-assigned icons so that users can navigate to specific program sections or select a menu with a simple swipe rather than time-consuming key strokes. Tool icons display the tool type, right or left cutting side, service life and other information at a glance.
These tool icons illustrate the tool shape and bit direction clearly and simply, making operation far easier for inexperienced and experienced operators alike. The expanded 3D graphical test supports both the turning and milling operation so that even complex processing programs can be tested with the help of the 3D simulation.
Another feature of the new M800/M80 CNC series, called "Access entitlement-based data security", permits the user to set up different levels of access entitlement. Operators can each be assigned access to their own specific areas in relation to their own activities. This can be a highly effective means of avoiding operating errors and other human errors.
High-speed, high-accuracy, high-quality cutting through the new SSS-4G control
The M800/M80 Series offers SSS 4th-generation (SSS-4G) control, enabling high-speed, high-accuracy, high-quality machining. SSS-4G control provides features that are effective in reducing contact time, including optimal acceleration/deceleration suited to each axis' characteristics. In addition, SSS-4G is capable of reducing machine vibration during high-speed cutting. SSS-4G control allows for greater cutting accuracy in the same length of time, or shorter cutting time with the same degree of accuracy when compared to previous models.
New software tools
Mitsubishi Electric has also provided a number of software tools to help in the development of the final product. NC Designer2 provides a developmental environment where the machine tool builder can customise screens easily. Two types of screen development methods are available; the interpreter system (programming without C++) for simple screen development, and the compiler system with a complex controller which involves programming with C++.
NC Trainer2 plus supports customisation development. It helps the machine tool builder develop and debug the ladder programming for the user PLC and checks the operations of customised screens. This application is for operating the CNC screen and machining programs on a computer without the CNC control unit or a special display unit. It can also be used for learning CNC operations and checking machining programs. Furthermore, any machining programs that are created using NC Trainer2/NC Trainer2 plus can be used on actual CNCs.
