Tool Tips
March 2019
Entering the world of networked CNC machines is a bit like discovering a Christmas tree laden with presents. Or winning Lotto. Or finding money down the back of the sofa. Suddenly you have access to riches in the form of unprecedented and, possibly, unexpected amounts of data. Data that’s pooled together from all your machines and available to you on a single system. Your machines are no longer single entities that require individual, manual review. They have become a cohesive working group with you in control - not from the floor, but from the production office.
How to network your CNC machines
You’ll find newer machines on the market are already network ready. But if you’re using older CNC machines, it’s still possible to get them connected. The best way to connec to the internet is through a manufacturer-supplied WIFI adaptor. To do this, check with your manufacturer and make sure the drivers for the Wi-Fi adaptors are whitelisted and supported.
It’s also possible to network your CNC machines using LAN cables. This is a cheaper option but, in our opinion, not the safest workaround Drawing long cables between machines and across the factory floor creates unnecessary mess and safety issues.
The benefits of networking your CNC machines
Once your CNC machines are networked you’ll be able to send and receive data from them from a single data management suite you can access from a computer in your production office or anywhere else you have the internet.
There are some obvious benefits of connecting your machines. You’ll improve your visibility and increase production efficiencies. But there are also some more surprising benefits you may not have considered.
1. Improved visibility
Wouldn’t it be nice to know exactly what’s going on with every machine, at any moment? Once the networking is in place, that’s exactly what will happen. You’ll have a full overview of what’s happening with each machine in real time and be able to send and receive information to them whenever you want.
2. Less reliance on humans
In the disconnected world, every action is manual and requires staff to physically load production files, check tool quality and extract data.
In the networked world this can all be done from your production office. All updates, production file uploads and machine checks can be done from a single computer. It’s faster, more accurate, and much of the work can be scheduled in advance.
3. Less need to be onsite
By networking your CNC machines you can maintain complete control over production, without having to be on site. Or even in the same country. You have the ability to talk to multiple machines at once and can plan orders and virtually send production files.
4. Healthier machines
No one likes unplanned maintenance. With greater visibility over your machines comes the ability to check their health and reduce downtime. Your data will provide live insights into machine performance and help you to find the most efficient time to order parts and schedule maintenance.
5. Reduced production costs
The best way to highlight this benefit is with an example from the real world. We had a Swiss customer who ran three shifts to cover overnight and weekend production. Since installing a networked solution they have been able to run unmanned for 50 hours, and still change tool types. Their production costs have halved.
6. Better working conditions
The knock-on effect for their workers has been an improvement to their working conditions. Their shift workers now only work Monday to Friday. The client decided against reducing their staff income and is instead upskilling his workers.
The end result is that his workers are happier with the more family friendly hours and the client has found that women are more likely to take on those roles.
7. Your factory is portable
With your CNC machine data available via the cloud, you can access it anywhere you have the internet. If a machine has an issue, your data technician can log on from the other side of the country and still be able to review the issues and possibly fix it, without stepping foot on the factory floor.
8. Data security
If you choose to store your connected data in the cloud you will more than likely be accessing a cloud management suite that provides data encryption, automated back-up and data centre-grade security. You’ll also have control over who has access privileges and complete visibility over who accesses your data and when.
Networking your CNC machines improves productivity, reduces production costs and gives you control, no matter where you are in the world. In fact, it is the first step towards unmanned factories. Now where could that take you and your business?
Considering shifting your cnc machine manufacturing into the cloud? Read our free guide to understand the risks, rewards and practical steps for making the most of the move.
20 June 2019