System Description
Based on the WebAccess/SCADA system, Advantech has introduced WebAccess/CNC, a networking software application designed specifically for the machine tools market. As a networking solution for machine tools, WebAccess/CNC provides networking interfaces for four major CNC controller suppliers (i.e., Fanuc, Mitsubishi, Heidenhain, and Siemens), allowing users to directly collect information from networked CNC machines without having to customize the machines or install a sensor. With its many software functions, WebAccess/CNC can automatically generate reports on equipment status, production utilization, alarm history, machining program management, parameter compensation settings, tool spindle status, and preventive maintenance, thus enabling the visualization of machine information. Users can view this information in real time, not only from the control room but also through mobile devices, thus realizing the full potential of intelligent production management.
Most current CNC machine tools are produced by Japanese or European manufacturers, and machines from different brands typically have their own communication protocols. Using closed network architecture to collect and integrate information is both difficult and costly. The most common approach is to install additional sensing devices to obtain equipment information, but this requires removal of the cabinet and some electrical work, both of which can result in long downtimes in order to successfully network the a CNC machine tool.
Advantech’s
WebAccess/CNC equipment networking solution overcomes
the limitations of extant practices. It
comes preintegrated with the network protocols of the four aforementioned CNC
controller suppliers, giving
manufacturers and system integrators direct access to the controller parameters and machine
processing information via
the software settings. With this approach, it only takes approximately
1 day for CNC machine tool networking.
WebAccess/CNC is designed under the WebAccess/SCADA architecture, meaning that it offers the same powerful monitoring and management functions in addition to its flexible configuration and seamless integration capabilities. Supporting various communication protocols also allows users to connect to other industrial equipment (e.g., programmable logic controllers, human–machine interfaces, and I/O devices), enabling complete integration into the same monitoring system.
In
addition to integrating factory production facilities, WebAccess/CNC can be combined
with Advantech’s intelligent
video management system, WebAccess/VCM, to enable monitoring production in
real time through its built-in
intelligent image analysis functions (e.g.,
unauthorized access detection, motion detection, and camera tampering detection).