FANUC Retrofit Solutions

CNC retrofits: let a new FANUC control system extend the operating life of your machine tool

A machine tool is among the most vital and costly pieces of equipment on most shop floors; a significant capital investment that must maintain its viability for many years. Retrofitting an ageing CNC system with a new FANUC control not only delivers long-term cost savings, it also boosts your machine’s productivity, uptime, reliability and efficiency. Importantly, a CNC retrofit using FANUC solutions can help you to meet evolving customer requirements.

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What is a CNC retrofit?

A CNC retrofit involves upgrading the following components:

Control system
Display unit
Servo and spindle motors
Amplifiers
Cables
l/O units, including the operator panel

A CNC retrofit costs less than a new machine

Retrofitting your machine tool with the latest CNC technologies is typically the most cost-effective and economically sustainable solution to enhance its overall performance. A retrofit project costs significantly less than a new machine, especially when taking into consideration hidden costs such as tooling, fixtures, rigging and foundations. Additionally, new machines may require additional training for operators and maintenance personnel.

Highlights of FANUC CRX Series

Graphical programming systems

User-friendly conversational programming with graphical representation makes it easy to create your part programs without G-code knowledge. Go from drawing to production part in a very short time

Fully digital drive control

To get the most from a CNC retrofit, upgrading to a high-speed digital interface is critical. If an older machine tool is communicating through a wired analogue interface to the servo and spindle system, its speed and accuracy will suffer. Modern FANUC CNCs are highly integrated and communicate over high-speed fibre optic cables.

Advanced self-diagnostic system

Continuously monitor internal operating conditions and check data. In the unlikely event of a malfunction, your machine will stop immediately, with the problem detected and displayed.

FANUC represents a single-source solution for the complete retrofit package, including control, drives, motors and I/O units. All developed and manufactured by FANUC.

Many possibilities for error compensation help you produce perfect parts every time.

Absolute motor encoders

These innovative components remember position after a power outage and offer continuous position monitoring. You no longer need battery back-up to prevent data loss.

Improve energy efficiency

New digital drives incorporate advanced electronics that regenerate electricity back to your factory when decelerating the servo and spindle motors. In combination with the low power loss devices and machining processes provided by the CNC, it is possible to reduce your electricity costs by as much as 50%.

A modern, intuitive user interface featuring intuitive menu icons, high-visibility design and animated features that remove the head-scratching from complex machining operations.

FANUC iHMI is:

For all machine tools: Lathes, turning centres, milling machines, machining centres, multi-tasking machines, transfer machines, grinding machines, EDM machines, LASER, waterjet and plasma cutting machines, etc
Easily customisable: Develop your own screens and cycles with FANUC PICTURE to reduce operator errors, simplify operator work, improve productivity, and make machine and process control easier.
Simple to automate: QSSR (Quick and Simple Start-up of Robotisation) offers simple automation from the CNC panel. The QSSR G-code feature permits personnel to program robots easily through the FANUC CNC in ISO-standard G-code format. As a result, those unfamiliar with robotic programming language no longer require additional training.
A great communicator: A new FANUC CNC offers many network functions, including the ability to upload and download programs, adjust parameters, view machine status and implement preventive maintenance strategies.

Why FANUC?

Exceptional reliability

The Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) of a FANUC CNC package (including motor, drives etc,) is over 50 years.

Number one in the world for support and service

With 270 locations worldwide, FANUC offers a dense network of customer service and technical support resources. One local contact, wherever your factory is located.

Lifetime maintenance

FANUC provides lifetime maintenance of its products for as long as they are used by customers.

Improve your machine efficiency with shorter cycle times

New FANUC CNCs feature providing Fast Cycle-time technology that can accelerate processing and reduce cycle times by as much as 50%.

Fine surface technology

A special set of functions that deals with different stages of the process chain - beginning with improved accuracy from the CAM system, through sophisticated CNC algorithms and unrivalled servo control capabilities, to the machine tool.

Network communication

Up- download programs, parameters etc., machine status, improve machine efficiency, preventive maintenance etc. Make your machine Industry 4.0 compatible!

Specialised, dedicated, FANUC-trained expert companies undertake all retrofit projects, regardless if you are replacing an existing FANUC CNC or an alternative CNC brand.

Talk to our retrofit experts today!

Jig grinding machines from the fountain of youth

Retrofit specialist imparts new properties to old Hauser grinding machines

Due to its high requirements in precision, jig grinding is a niche market. They are simply very special products for drilling or form grinding that require a high quality surface finish and have tolerances in the lower μm area. This is because jig-grinding machines are primarily deployed for the most demanding machining operations in punching-die construction and mould-making as well as for high-precision parts in optical equipment or for special precision components. For this reason, the machines are produced in small quantities, which, combined with the high precision requirements, makes prices high.