Flex Wireless System

Networking your CNC machines just got even easier!

Predator Software is leading the way with Wireless DNC™ technology. Since 2000, Shop Floor Automations has installed over 1,000 CNC Machines via Wireless Technology.

Using Wireless means the cost of stringing cable is removed, machines with overhead cranes, traveling gantry's or those that are simply too far to cable can be quickly, efficiently and reliably networked. Should you want to move machines there is no need to change cable or re-configure the software. Best of all just about any CNC machine can be connected to wireless DNC and being wireless doesn't cost extra!

System Features:

• Uses a standard IP Address / Communication Port.
• Basic Model with 128 bit Encryption, Plus Model with WPA Support!
• Need Protocol Support or high speed baud rate? Use our Flex/W Plus Model.
• Standard 110v power pack included or wire directly into your CNC power from 9-30vDC 
• Protect your investment and place the unit inside your machine cabinet and use our external antenna!
• 6 Foot RS232 cable included from Wireless Unit to Machine's RS232 Port.
• Works with Predator DNC Software or CNC Editor (Comm Port Required).
• Access Points sold separately and can be provided by SFA. Can also be integrated with clients existing Access Points, contact SFA for recommendations.
• Add benefits of a wireless system:
  • - Integrate wireless bar code readers to swipe bar codes to download or save programs to PC.
  • - Use laptops on the shop floor to transfer files or access existing shop floor documents.
  • - Prevent data lost with using short RS232 connections to the CNC - 6ft from Wireless CNC Adapter!
  • - Eliminate hardware repairs on your CNCs - no RS232 surges or blown ports!
  • - Generally IT Departments are familiar with the concept and can help with integration / support.
  • - Quickly establish high-speed connectivity between buildings without the inconvenience of installing cable.

How does it work?

Predator Wireless DNC™ is run over an IEE 802.11b wireless Ethernet network. This is made up from one or more access points (shown below) which are networked to your existing LAN/WAN to a DNC server. The Wireless Access Point (WAP) directs the NC data to each CNC machine's unique Wireless Client address / comm port. The WAP can be located in the office or out on the shop floor depending on the manufacturing environment. One or more of the Wireless Access Points maybe required based on your plant configuration. SFA can provide Access Points that will cover 300 feet from 1 unit assuming direct line of sight to the WAP.

Each CNC machine has a wireless device (shown right) mounted on it that links to the Wireless Access Point to form a virtual cable. The Wireless Client (WC) receives the NC data, transmits the program into the CNC machines serial port via a short serial cable. Typically, we recommend the unit to be mounted inside the CNC machine cabinet and linked to an external antenna mounted on the top of the machine (like a CB Antenna). The WC can be powered by the 110v power supply or wired directly into the CNC Machine 3-9 volt power source.

As part of this wireless network, any PC with a WiFi compliant network card can be configured to access the wider PC network. Of course all data is secure thanks to 128bit encryption or WPA with our Flex/N Plus Models. Using encryption and spread spectrum technology means wireless DNC is now the most secure and most interference resistant way to network your CNC machines.

Still Not Convinced Wireless Is For You?

Tired of re-running cable when you move CNC machines? Looking to move to more of a lean environment? The Predator Wireless DNC system is your answer. Affordable wireless DNC is possible since Predator uses industry standard wireless Ethernet (802.11) which allows for an affordable installation or to leverage an existing wireless Ethernet infrastructure.

Concerned about data integrity of CNC programs with wireless Ethernet to serial conversion? Predator uses wireless CNC adapters connected to each CNC with built in buffering and the ability to still use flow control. This unique solution allows specialized CNC protocols to still be used and doesn't hinder the advanced features such as the ability to drip feed to the CNC over the wireless network. All other standard and advanced DNC functionality is also available include remote request.

Worried about setting up a wireless network? SFA can help you determine the best network and DNC configuration based on your current network infrastructure, security policies, and shop floor usage. The options will vary depending partly on the capabilities of the firewall being used and the IP architecture, but there are a few options listed below as examples.

One possible solution is to use a firewall to separate the wireless shop floor network from the office network where sensitive information is stored. The DNC server and the CNC programs are located on the wireless shop floor network.

Another solution is to have the DNC server and the CNC programs on the secure office LAN and just the CNC machines on the wireless shop floor network.

A third option is to use a firewall to completely separate the wireless shop floor network from the office network. The DNC server is dual homed (two network cards) to allow access to both the wireless shop floor network and the office LAN.

There are many other options as well. SFA can help figure out the best solution to fit your business needs.

For more information, pricing or FREE onsite survey, contact us via Email or call us directly, toll free, at 877-611-5825.

Shop Floor Automations and the Shop Floor Automations logo are trademarks of Shop Floor Automations, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.