12-09-2010, 09:05 AM
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| | | Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: USA
Posts: 158
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Power Mates are usually a single or dual axis control (very similar to CNC) usually controlling auxilliary axes or motion on a non-CNC machine (e.g. T shirt printing machine). They also used to be used for auxilliary axis control (e.g. tool changer) on some older CNC controls. The Power Mate H and iH actually can handle up to 6 axes, though. In the case of a Power Mate D, it supports 1 axis (2 optionally) and up to 1 spindle. Can make a small drill machine out of it or any other simple motion application. The Power Mate D uses S-Series, C-Series, or alpha amplifiers/motors, depending on vintage and configuration.
Many of the Power Mates don't have a typical CNC machine type operator panel. The OEM often minimizes the no. of operator devices and some are set up to only select few part programs, as in isotel's posted message. They would use the Workpiece Number Search PMC signals (G-bits) to call up a specific part program. So, in order to add more part program selections, the PMC logic would normally have to be edited. Not technically difficult, but you'd have to have the appropriate equipment. It is much easier to edit the PMC Ladder on the PowerMate D if it already uses an LCD or CRT interface. Can also edit the ladder if they only have the DPL/MDI unit but it is a beating. Best to edit the PMC Ladder offline and transfer it via RS232 if it does not have the LCD or CRT unit.
As with most PMC changes, the most important thing is that they'll need to engage someone with knowledge of FANUC PMC development that also has access to the correct development equipment in order to implement the changes requested.  |
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