Add Ethernet to Any CNC

RS232 to Ethernet for Any CNC Machine

Do you need an RS232 to Ethernet interface? Any CNC controls with RS232 ports can easily be upgraded to the LAN Connect device. Machine tool files can be sent from CNC memory to the device.

Achieve USB stick to CNC memory actions, or drip-feeding (DNC) from the USB. Flexible CNC communication firmware is built into the unit so you can connect to just about any machine tool control.

The device contains all the necessary hardware to integrate a universal display onto a CNC machine tool pendant. The controller is DIN rail mountable inside the pendant or can be reverse-mounted on the display.

A small capacity USB drive is included from Shop Floor Automations. You can upgrade to any size or brand desired to support larger NC programs or storage capacity.

The LAN Connect eliminates having to use DNC software. It also removes the struggles of RS232 cabling.

The device is assigned an IP address and connects to any standard Ethernet cable from the corporate network. Load files from the USB at the machine via a Microsoft Windows Operating System or FTP software.

You can select the file to transfer to the machine using the LCD display. Run at a maximum baud rate by connecting the device to the CNC controller. This also prevents the operator from having to run back and forth from PC to machine to begin machine operation.

The benefits of this device has been said to reduce the cost of adding DNC Software required to communicate to machines. Ease of implementation and connection to the machine can be accomplished with IT Departments whom normally resist interfacing with CNC machines using serial cabling.

The cost to add Ethernet functionality to any machine from the machine tool builder can be very expensive. This third party upgrade is a minimal cost in comparison.

The LAN Connect device works with any CNC control on the market with a serial port. Some compatible brands are Haas, Fadal, Mazak, Hurco, Yasnac, Cincinnati, Bridgeport, Mitsubishi, Mori Seiki, Siemens, Okuma, and more.

For more information, contact our sales department by calling (877) 611-5825 

USB Emulator Replaces Floppy Disk Drive

Floppy Emulator YouTube

USB Emulator Replaces Floppy Disk Drive

Update, as of 2016 – the FD Connect is now known as the Floppy Emulator from the Floppy Connect line.

Shop Floor Automations has introduced its new FD Connect solution, which will eliminate floppy disk media and drives on the manufacturing floor.

Floppy disks are easily damaged in the shop environment due to dirt, oil and grime and are becoming impossible to replace. The FD Connect solution eliminates the need for floppy disks making it an ideal program and data storage solution for industrial equipment and machine tools.

The device is a simple plug in a thumb drive that allows easy transfer of files to the Floppy Connect. Users simply remove the existing drive and the FD Connect plugs directly into the ribbon and power cables of the old drive. It is compatibility with 720K or 1.44MB systems.

For more information, contact our sales department at (877) 611-5825. Read more below.

Read more

Shop Floor Automations Newsletter – May 2012

Shop Floor Automations NewsletterThe following is an archived copy of the Shop Floor Automations Newsletter – May 2012.

Machine Monitoring for as low as $45 Per Month!

Scytec’s Hosted DataXchange is the most cost efficient and simple method of Machine Monitoring available. It can scale for those with limited budgets up to sophisticated 200+ machine shops with assembly lines and robotics.  DataXchange allows customers to collect machine data remotely and store in a secure offsite location. It is available starting at $45 per machine per month and includes volume discounts.

You may have seen our advertisements in the press and on the web! Act now while our setup fee is discounted through May 31st.  Schedule an online web demo or onsite visit by contacting our sales department.

Tech Tip
#4 of 4 Mistakes Manufacturers make:

Working extra hours of overtime to create a cushion that can be called upon for hot jobs

Overtime labor is expensive. Not every employee wants to work overtime, either. If you know that a large order is imminent and you want to clear your schedule to accommodate the order, then perhaps working overtime makes sense. But, what if the order does not arrive when it is expected? What if the order requires manufacturing resources you didn’t plan to deploy?
The JobPack Master Scheduler is a real‐time finite capacity scheduling tool that loads production jobs to maximize the use of machines and other resources and immediately identifies what resources will be overloaded. This allows you to adjust the production schedule to reduce the overloads and meet your customer delivery promises. Add overtime if you need it. Move jobs to other machines or work centers. Schedule jobs into the future as far as your lead times require.

Link to original newsletter here.