Press Release
September 2015
Echternach – Getting even better use out of the FANUC CNC controls: For this goal, we engineered a new human-machine interface (HMI). First illustrative models will be shown at the EMO 2015 in Milan (hall 3, booth E02/G01). Product roll-out is scheduled for early 2016.
Much more than just a face lift: The new HMI boasts a completely re-designed hardware and user interface. The entire design is very flat; the keys are ergonomically positioned. The Fanuc R&D made sure that the dimensions of the operating panel with its monitor are compatible for installation alongside the existing units. This means that the new operating units can be seamlessly integrated with existing machine concepts. In spite of the re-designed look, the well-known brand is recognizable in the new interface. The uncluttered appearance makes working with the interface even more efficient.
The HMI and the underlying operating concept premiered at FANUC's Open House in Japan. The first reactions and comments of customers and users were very positive. It is true that the productivity of a CNC unit primarily depends on its machining performance, but its operation must be as ergonomic and intuitive as possible to get the best possible use out of the unit. The easier the setup of control options such as "High-Speed Smooth TCP" or "Machine Condition Setting Function", the more often they will actually be used by the operators – so that the goal of premium-quality machining in optimized cycle time can be reached.
Faster and smoother reaction of the keys provides for improved manual data input (MDI). Now with IP67F/65F rating, the front end of all controls in all sizes offers better protection against cooling lubricants.
By the way, the new HMI has been designed in accordance with the same "Seamless Concept" as the interfaces of all other FANUC controls. The new controls make life easier in particular for machine tool manufacturers with modular-design series, starting with the mounting and layout in the control cabinet: As all Fanuc CNC units now have identical dimensions, they all fit into the same slot in the control cabinet. The family is so much alike that all products use the same connectors. In terms of the conceptual design, FANUC made consistent changes from the CNC 0i-F up to the high-end controls of the 30i-B series. Graphical functions such as the indication of operating screens or program simulations, for example, used to run on the CNC processor. With the new LCD monitors, these functions are transferred to the processor of the monitor. This frees up resources on the CPU of the CNC.
Olaf C. Gehrels, President and CEO of FANUC Europe, is convinced that the company is once again well prepared for the trade show in Milan: "In the development of our products, our focus is equally on technology, operator friendliness, and reliability. We are looking forward to the EMO because we will show a wide range of unique new features which will benefit our customers."
