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eNETDNC Machine Monitoring |
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For many companies the concept of communicating CNC
files between programming and shop floor machine controls has long
been accomplished using a DNC system. Distributive numerical control
(DNC) is technology that has been utilized to enhance the productivity
of machine shops worldwide. However, PortCNC has introduced eNETDNC,
which arms companies with a new tool to improve productivity and
machine utilization. True Machine Monitoring is now available using
the eNETDNC system. The machine-monitoring feature provides instant status
of any CNC machine in the shop and allows for collection of real-time
production data directly from the machine controls. Using the DNC
connection to the machine tool and a special monitoring board, the
eNET system is able to monitor the CNC control activity and provide
production relevant information about the machine operation.
The machine monitoring system has the ability to monitor controller-generated data. Based on this information the system determines the machine status. Either the machine is active and running production parts, it is the set-up mode or the machine is idle. If the machine is idle operators are required to report why the machine is idle. This portion of the monitoring system allows companies to configure the system to track data most relevant to their operation. The flexibility of the eNET system will help create focus on the non-production time and track the causes. The monitoring set-up screen allows companies to select items critical to their operations. One example would be waiting for support activities. Whether it is quality, engineering or other activities we all know that too often machines wait for support personnel. The eNET system will allow companies to quantify the amount of time being lost, investigate the reason for the losses and finally put solutions in place that will eliminate these problems in the future. Machine monitoring also creates accountability in labor reporting. A longtime enemy of production planning is the accuracy of labor reporting. Because the machine monitoring system can determine the exact number of machine cycles that have been run, the system can also determine exactly how many pieces the machine made. While the monitoring system cannot determine the number of pieces that were made scrap it does give management a starting point to reference. To often material for 500 pieces worth of material has been issued to the floor and only 450 pieces were reported in the data collection system. Machine Monitoring closes the loop in labor reporting. By monitoring when the spindle is running and how many times the program cycle started, management is able to gain valuable information into machine utilization. This information is independent of the shop floor data entry and use of the machine monitoring system is sure to increase the integrity of your manufacturing data. The machine monitoring option in eNETDNC allows management to determine which data is important to their operations. The system can be configured to collect a variety of information including; downtime related to set-up, maintenance, first piece inspection and quality issues. If the machine is equipped with a bar feed system operators can be paged when stock is low. Cycle times, machine loads and part counts can all be reviewed remotely using the Machine Monitoring feature and your existing network. The graphical display allows for easy review of data. For more sophisticated data analysis the information can be uploaded into Microsoft Excel or similar products. Finally, data collected via the machine monitoring system can be used directly with your shop management software package again increasing the accuracy of your manufacturing data. Machine Monitoring provides management with another tool to optimize their operations. Call JMR Systems Toll Free 888-228-6430 For more information. "A Machine
shop cannot be lean without CAD/CAM and DNC" |
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