Mid tape DNC

[Scott_bob]

Isn't DNC a pain in the rear!

It would be a better day when we never have to deal with RS232 again...
No more slow data transfer, completely non-value added... The CNC can't be "used" for anything else during an up or down load.
No more data starvation, no more stuttering motion.
Wouldn't it be great if you could just open a very large, no very, very large file, just by opening it from your network or a hard drive on your PC?
No more data communication software.
Can you imagine having practically no limit to file size?
Or even thinking about the hassle of breaking up programs into smaller pieces.

We don't have any of these issues with the PC based control on our Fadal.
This one has a 250 MB Ram disk (no moving parts), but you could opt for the 20 Gig hard drive if you think you need that much memory.

I must admit reading about your mid tape start up
Program reminds me of why we went this way...
I love this thing for all the best reasons, accuracy, and speed...
It's great to be stopped in the middle of a huge program say by single block.
Then after replacing the tool and resetting it, with just 3 keystrokes a mid program start up is almost instantly started.

Then one of the best parts, this control has another axis available for blending in the Z direction called W axis. With this activated you can move this axis up or down by jog button in .1 or .01 or .001 or .0001 increments WHILE THE MACHINE IS RUNNING. It makes is really easy to blend from the area where the last tool was still good within tenths...

Really, really cool,

[Neal]

Just for everyone's knowledge, the New 104D control has 4 gigabyte of program storage memory thereby negating the need for DNC in the first place.

[nervis1]

Hey Neal, is that 4 gig on the hard disk or 4 gig working RAM?

While I have you here can I ask one more?

I called Fadal two or so months ago asking for part numbers and a quote for all the components I need to add a fourth axis. After being transferred around a couple times I was told I'd get a call back. Never did.

What do I need besides the rotary table itself to add a fourth?
More importantly whats a round figure for cost for all of that CNC goodness?

[Scott_bob]

I asked, and unless Fadal has changed their mind it is not an option.

You can get a Fadal with a Fanuc 18 control though.
Now why would Fadal offer this on their new machines if they had a control of their own that could compete with a Fanuc?

Ansewer: because they don't.

[Neal]

Nervis1--
The memory allocation is 4 gig on an 80 gig hard drive. As for the 4th axis, you'll need an amplifier and wiring harness plus a controller card. As far as the cost, I don't have any data on that.

Neal

[Neal]

Scott-bob
We also offer a Siemens 840D and 810D. So now our customers have a choice of four controls to allow them more flexability in their decisions.

Neal

[nervis1]

Thanks Neal. Soon as I get some $ together I'll give Fadal a call.

[Scott_bob]

Neil,

As a customer of Fadal Engineering for over 10 years.
What are my options for upgrading my older Fadal DC drive CNC machines?

What about the slightly newer AC drive CNC machines?

I mean, can I get one of those controls you mention on any of my older CNCs?