Need Help!- Predator DNC 4.1 and Mazak Integrex 200

[stuartjoel]

Hello All;

I am the Sysadmin here where I work and need to connect a Mazak Integrex 200 with the Matrix Nexus control to our Predator network. All our machines connect to Predator through rs-232, and I was able to get our Mazak Quickturn 300 w/ the Matrix Nexus control to do the same (more later).

To get the Quickturn to run rs-232, I had to get a usb-to-rs-232 adapter and get that to punch correctly. There was a lot of trouble getting that setup so the control would receive the .eia program when pushed from the Predator workstation. I never was able to get it to receive a program from Predator DNC when pulled.

For the Integrex, my local Predator Tech said I should use FTP Server Terminator portion of predator . . . which I set up, but, that won't work with easily enough for a shop floor operator to do it without thinking. (I have to use FTP through the embedded XP) Mazak doesn't support anything except standard windows fileshares. . . which won't work in an FDA regulated facility.

If anyone has any suggestions with how to get Predator DNC NC(eia) programs to both be pushed and be pulled from the control, please let me know.

Thanks in advance!

[psychomill]

If got the 300 to work, why not the 200? Is it just because of the USB hub?

FDA regulated.... file sharing is tough....

[dcoupar]

IMHO, USB to Serial converters are not reliable for DNC. I've had the manufacturer tell me, "they're not as robust as our PCMCIA RS-232 adapters." Isn't it possible to get a serial port for that machine?

[stuartjoel]

As for the 300, the operators that run the QT300 found one extra step in their process was too much to handle. . . so they didn't do it, they didn't do their jobs. When I say they didn't do it . . . they didn't export their adapted NC programs, even though I wrote a clear and concise work instruction and showed all of them how to properly do it.

What ended up happening is that the Programmer responsible for the QT300 was given the responsibility to check after every job is run to see if the program has changed, document his actions, and submit a report.

Serial ports, according to Mazak, aren't supported with the Matrix Nexus controller. I got it to work, punch, properly, but that is not the direction they want us to go from now on. Especially since they (management) is buying several integrex units.

Many of the so-called modern machines are using embedded Xp controllers, w/ the exception of our Fanuc Robodrills. All of which need to be connected to the ethernet network.

The main problem w/ the XP (embedded or otherwise) is that they still act as Windows computers. They can be used to surf the web and get virus attacked. Here, they are blocked from accessing the full network.

Serial communication is also considered "too SLOW" for modern NC program drip feeding. The Fanuc Robodrills we have were initially connected via serial, but that was inadequate for a 10,000 rpm mill. We actually had to install their data servers.

Serial communication programming is also considered archaic by modern programmers. Since it is viewed that way, there aren't many programmers left that know how to program for the interface. There have been many a time when I had to make a new serial adapter to correspond to their pin arrangements.

What it comes down to is bleeding edge progress. . . with the vulnerabilities and security abilities of computer networking.

BTW -- Mazak USA doesn't recognize Versioning when in comes to NC programs important. Otherwise, they would be able to guide me.

What I am going to do is Set up the Predator FTP server terminator on the workstation . . . On the control, I will use Internet explorer and lock it to only goto either the original or revised directories on the FTP server. THis might work?

Then, like everything else, training will be required and complaints and they will not even follow their procedures. . . Again, I get blamed for a poor management decision.

Thanks for your input. When I get this completed, I will make a work instruction for our use here, but if anyone might want one, PM me. I will flesh it out some so you know my thought process behind my actions.

[psychomill]

OK then..... a couple more options....

1) Predator is capable of ethernet hookups so why not just use it?

2) Why do you need a DNC system? If you have a Matrix, depending on the age, you have a minimum of a 2gig drive with an 8meg main memory space. How big are your programs for a QT?? I would think that you should have oodles and oodles of storage space to not have to use a DNC system and you can run directly from the machine's hard drive. If you need to retreive or load new programs use a memory stick and forget the file sharing protocols...

[sammer003]

Stu,
did you ever solve this issue? I am in the same position. I can't punch a CMT program back to the computer using Predator. The Matrix controller does not have a PUNCH CMT button anymore - only READ CMT.

Thanks.