Calmotion says its Lancnc controller provides fast drag-and-drop, bi-directional file transfers between virtually any CNC and PC on a network without additional software. Also, the controller uses a 2-GB secure digital (SD) card to store programs at the CNC, allowing access to program information without using network resources. In the event of a network outage, operations such as file transfer and DNC are unaffected. Using the SD card, files can be transferred from the machine to the server without requiring network resources.

The controller operates with standard PC software, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer. A programmer can drag and drop a file from a PC to the controller. Once loaded on the controller, an operator can load the file into CNC memory or drip feed a program directly from the file server. Also, programs can be saved from CNC memory to the controller.

Should the network crash, machine operators can add new files by plugging the controller’s SD memory card into the PC for an update. The memory card can then be reinstalled into the controller for immediate use. Off-the-shelf SD cards are available for additional storage capacity.

File selection and transfer are accomplished via an LCD display with a keypad module, which is mounted on the CNC pendant. This eliminates the need to coordinate file transfer with a remote PC on the shop floor. A search and mid-tape start function allow users to start the program at a specific location. For example, if a tool were to break, the program can be restarted at the exact location where the break occurred. Prior to executing a mid-tape start, preparatory data can be entered. Also, X-Modem protocol is available to ensure the highest level of data packet transmission communication with the CNC.