WORLD'S FASTEST CNC CONTROLS UP TO 40 AXES
22 October 2003 - GE Fanuc Automation CNC Europe SA

GE Fanuc has introduced the ultimate, new-generation AI Nano high precision CNC, the top-of-the-range Series 30i MODEL A. The newly developed software controls up to 40 axes, 24 simultaneously – the world's highest number of axes on a single CNC controller. This new, ultra high speed controller was recently introduced to commemorate the 30th anniversary of FANUC.

The GE Fanuc Series 30i Controller features the world's highest speed CNC hardware enabling it to execute up to 10 different CNC programs simultaneously. The in-built Programmable Machine Control (PMC) sequence controller now has execution speeds of 25 ns/step for ladder programs, and 3 ladder programs can be executed simultaneously. This performance and functionality make the Series 30i ideal for the latest high-end machines which require multi-axis, multi-path, complex and ultra high speed features. These include models for compound machining, 5-axis milling, transfer machines, and those employing linear motors.

In order to improve the cutting capabilities, new technologies were used in the controller. The 30i uses a new ultra high speed processor, a higher speed internal bus, higher speed servo current control, and 16,000,000 rev-1 pulse coders, as well as nanometre interpolation. The new technologies have enabled 8 times faster interpolation cycle times, 1000 block look-ahead for high accuracy contour control and 0.4 ms block processing times. As a result, high quality surface finishes can be realised on complex die moulds, minimising the polishing needed after cutting.

The Series 30i can be supplied with an extra large 15 inch colour LCD, or with 10.4 inch or 8.4 inch LCDs, to ensure compatibility with prior models. Any one of 15 display languages can be selected, and can be changed at any time. To facilitate large programs, such as for die mould cutting, up to 8 MB of program memory can be specified. It is also possible to use additional ATA Flash, Compact Flash Memory or connect the CNC controller to a data server. To ensure high reliability, Error Correction Code is employed for internal data processing. The Series 30i also provides higher maintainability by backing up user data into flash memory regularly, and is designed and manufactured with the high degree of quality and reliability of its predecessors.

Two open CNC models have also been introduced offering the optimum combination of CNC and Personal Computer using high-speed data transfer. The Series 300i MODEL A is a high performance open CNC which employs Windows 2000/XP, and the Series 300is MODEL A employs Windows CE.NET. Both support FOCAS2 (FANUC Open CNC API Specification version 2) as the interface between the CNC and Personal Computer.

http://gefanuc-europe.com

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