CNC platform provides machine tool manufacturers with almost unlimited configuration flexibility
Known as Flexium+, the modular safety-equipped platform enables OEMs to standardise on a single cost- and performance-optimised CNC architecture for a vast spectrum of machine types – from small machines with a few axes to large multi-cell manufacturing equipment with over 200 axes and spindles. In this way, the open architecture of the CNC platform can dramatically lower development and support costs, and speed time to market.
Flexium+ builds on the architecture of NUM’s Flexium CNC. The platform’s hardware includes new digital servodrive modules with integrated safety, a safety PLC module, safe input and output modules, and a multi-processor operator panel with touch-sensitive screen. New support software includes a precision operating system and soft automation PLC, complete with a fully customisable human-machine interface (HMI) that recognises touch gestures, an extensive suite of optional machining functions, and a powerful 3D simulator for part program verification and visualisation of machining processes.
A choice of three CNC kernels, Flexium+ 6, Flexium+ 8 and Flexium+ 68, enables machine designers to deploy technically and economically optimised solutions for different machine tool applications. Flexium+ 6 and Flexium+ 8 will control up to four interpolated axes and a spindle, where Flexium+ 8 is dedicated to machines which need a higher degree of flexibility. Flexium+ 68 supports larger and more complex machine control applications and provides up to eight CNC channels, each accommodating up to nine interpolated axes and as many as 32 spindles. In total, a single Flexium+ 68 CNC kernel can accommodate 32 connected devices, any of which can be interpolated axes or spindles. This universal control approach simplifies spindle/C-axis commutation and provides an excellent foundation for multi-spindle applications such as transfer machines.
To help OEMs implement rigorous machine safety schemes, Flexium+ introduces a comprehensive system-wide safety architecture known as NUMSafe. All critical system operations are overseen by a new safety PLC module. In conjunction with new NUM safe I/O modules and servodrives – which incorporate safe motion monitoring circuitry – the safety PLC enables machine designers to implement high integrity safety functions with very few additional components.
NUMSafe is inherently scalable, requires minimal extra wiring and uses a Fail Safe over EtherCAT (FSoE) protocol to ensure integrity of all safety-related data. The architecture complies with the EN ISO 13849-1 machinery safety standard up to PLe, and with the EN 61800-5-2 functional safety standard for variable speed drives, up to SIL 3.
Available in single- and dual-axis versions, the new digital servodrives – NUMDrive X – offer a choice of two performance levels, with outputs from a few amps to 200 Arms. Their high degree of functional integration makes them one of the smallest drives of their type on the market. To further simplify design-in, the drives’ safe motion monitoring board is available in a basic version with Safe Torque Off functionality, and in an extended version which adds Safe Operating Stop, Safe Stop 1, Safe Stop 2, SafelyLimited Speed and Safely-Limited Position functions.
Flexium+ provides a unified suite of software tools with a consistent look and feel. All CNC, servodrive, I/O, automation PLC and safety PLC functions are set up and programmed using a single tool; the automation PLC offers a choice of IEC 61131-3 compliant graphical and textual programming languages, while the safety PLC is programmed using simple function blocks and Boolean operators. Manually-written or CAM-generated part programs can be verified and optimised easily and quickly using NUM’s powerful Flexium 3D graphical simulation software on an offline PC. Alternatively, the software runs on the new operator panel, taking full advantage of its multi-core processor PC and 19-inch screen, and interacting with the machine’s CNC unit, to simulate part programs either before they are run, or simultaneously with part processing. Users can visualise the path of the tool centre point, simulate material removal and check for collisions. As standard, the software can simulate a wide variety of machining functions including grooving, thread cutting and tapping on 3- to 5-axis turning machines, milling and drilling on 3-axis machines, and contour cutting.
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