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Onsite Services Special

Onsite Services Special

Looking to improve communication to your CNC machines? We are offering onsite services to fine-tune your existing DNC system. We constantly have special discounts for our services.

Add cabling to a new machine, troubleshoot, move the system to a more reliable PC, or provide onsite training and consulting. We will make sure everything is set up properly and that your shop floor workers are trained before we take one step out of your shop and label the job as “done.”

We also have remote assistant services available, if you don’t have the time or current resources to bring one of our friendly techs to your shop. We have many references, via our Customer Testimonials page. We also have many customer success stories you can watch on YouTube. Call us toll free at (877) 611-5825 if you are ready to go!

What some customers have to say about Shop Floor Automations:

Your team did an excellent job getting us out of a jam with recent damage to our Extreme DNC PC which got zapped by lightning. Within minutes after its arrival, only about 14 hours after my phone call to your tech named Guy, my guys had it working to load programs into our CNC machines. -Matt Slay, Jordan Machine Co.

I am very happy with the software and it is having a positive impact on our productivity. Shop Floor Automations had been somebody that we worked with really before we acquired it 13 years ago. We had Predator and some of the software you supplied. Recently, we added the Scytec DataXchange stuff a few years ago, and you guys are just good problem solvers for us! There was minimal startup cost and it requires little software management on the user end. Significant increases in machine utilization, better information flow between engineering guys and programming guys, quality guys, shop floor guys, and us as owners! Knowing what’s happening on the shop floor. I would recommend you, and I have – we’re big proponents of the software and you have been a really good resource for us. We’re happy to use cloud-based solutions like Scytec DataXchange! -Jerry Halley, Tech Manufacturing LLC

Our Predator DNC system is running so well, that after over 2 years, I have moved the keyboard and monitor off my desk and into a corner. It requires no maintenance and provides us with a trouble-free system. – Mark Chambers, Tech Manufacturing

Shop Floor Automations Newsletter – March 2011

Shop Floor Automations NewsletterShop Floor Automations March 2011 Newsletter

The following is an archive of the Shop Floor Automations Newsletter from March 2011.

Our focus is building lasting partnerships with customers and striving to understand what customers manufacture, what production tools and methods they currently utilize, and in what ways we can help improve their manufacturing processes.  Are you ready for us to help you with our shop floor solutions?

* Onsite Service Special *
Looking to improve communication to your CNC machines? We are offering onsite services to fine tune your existing DNC system up to 50% off our normal rates.  Add cabling to a new machine, troubleshoot, move the system to a more reliable PC, or provide onsite training and consulting. Visit our website and complete the online form or call us for details.

* Add Ethernet to your CNC*

The LANCNC controller brings Ethernet functionality to any CNC machine tool with serial capability. Program files can be sent to/from the LANCNC data server and any CNC. Large files that will not fit in the memory of the CNC can be drip fed (DNC) directly from the data server.
Control and manage which files are available to operators on the shop floor from CNC programming stations or Engineering department. Works with Microsoft’s  Windows Explorer. Setup with ease and connect to virtually any CNC control on the market.
*Got PC Based Controls?*

PC based controls have become the standard for new CNC machines and for good reason.  For the first time, PC based controls allow CNCs to be truly integrated into a manufacturer’s overall enterprise in the same way that other PCs already are. The advantages of integrating CNC controls into an enterprise network are many, but so are the possible issues.

Link to original newsletter HERE

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Add Ethernet to your CNC

A CNC machine and USB Connect Pendant Display with an ethernet symbol overlaid on top. Ethernet functionality to any CNC machine

The LAN Connect Controller adds Ethernet functionality to any CNC machine tool with serial capability. Send programs files from a LAN server to CNCs through the regular and Remote models. 

Drip-feed (DNC) large files from the data server that do not fit in the memory of the CNC. Control and manage which files are available to operators on the shop floor from CNC programming stations or Engineering department.

Works with Microsoft’s Windows Explorer. Because setup is easy, connect to virtually any CNC control on the market. This device will help you add Ethernet to your CNC.

Call us toll free at (877) 611-5825 to learn more. More info on our Ethernet Connect solutions:

Your CNC machines have RS232 ports & SFA can connect them to your network. With our Wired CNC Connect, Wireless CNC Connect & LAN Connect, you have many options available. Leverage your current IT infrastructure on the shop floor & replace the long RS232 runs of older style hubs. Take advantage of your company’s wireless network & get rid of cables all together!

The benefit to using Ethernet is that it allows multiple PCs to be able to access machines on the shop floor. Ethernet can go longer distances, which keeps the RS232 connection short, & that means more reliable DNC communication. Wireless CNC Connect devices stay mounted to the machine – confirm you have a dependable wireless signal, move your CNC machine, & it is always connected to the DNC system.

Corporate networks expand beyond front offices & engineering departments on a daily basis. Network backbones are found on 80 percent of manufacturing shop floors.

If you are looking for a wired Ethernet Connect solution, we have this option available in 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 surge protected ports. We also have Wireless Connect solutions, if you are interested in getting rid of wires.

Shop Floor Automations Newsletter – February 2011

Shop Floor Automations Newsletter

Shop Floor Automations February 2011 Newsletter

The following is an archived copy of our Shop Floor Automations Newsletter from February 2011.

The manufacturing environment is changing and automation is here.  New solutions have slowly moved out to the shop floor and it may be time to revisit this area. A true network solution ensures the latest CNC programs are pulled from your file server and when changes or revisions occur the edits are stored back on your file server. The entire process will become more reliable and everyone will become more productive.

* Shop Floor CNC Communications *
CNC communication software is designed to network all of your CNCs, robots and PLC based machines. DNC systems manage your CNC programs, offsets and parameters. It supports a wide range of CNC communications for drip-feeding, downloading, and uploading via parallel, RS232, ethernet, and wireless.

* Add Wireless to your CNC*

The Wireless CNC Adapter acts as an interface between any CNC control with an available RS232 or ethernet port. The machine tool control can send from CNC memory to the Adapter, Adapter to CNC memory or drip-feed (DNC) from the Wireless CNC Adapter. The extended antenna allows for the unit to mounted internally or externally on the machine and powered by various power sources.
The Wireless CNC Adapter is available with 1 or 2 serial ports, comes with a lifetime warranty, and includes a serial cable for the specific machine.  The advantage of using the device is that it delivers high speed communication to the CNC controller while using 802.11B/G wireless technology.  The unit supports various encryption standards and has a web-based interface for quick programming.
* About Shop Floor Automations *
Shop Floor Automations (SFA) is committed to providing our customers individualized solutions for their manufacturing automation needs. By offering an extensive collection of shop floor software and hardware products, SFA can scale its automation solutions to customers of any size, regardless of needs.  Give us a call to learn how we can help you today!

See what customers are saying about wireless DNC:

“Wireless DNC provides a shop floor with added flexibility to move machines without reconfiguring software or cable layout – this is particularly beneficial when using machines with overhead cranes, traveling gantries and those too far to cable quickly and efficiently. Plus, wireless DNC provides high data rates over long distances.”

Tim – Houston, TX

Link to the original newsletter HERE 
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Add Wireless to your CNC

Wireless CNC DataAdd Wireless to CNC machines

Through Wireless Connect solutions, add wireless to CNC machines with SFA’s industrial grade wireless devices with quick installation to connect to your CNC machines. Consumer level devices, like DLink or Netgear products, cannot withstand the manufacturing environment. Our products allow you to connect your RS232-based machines to your existing wireless network & we can even help if you lack an existing wireless network!

Costs of stringing cable will vanish. Machines with overhead cranes, traveling gantries, or those simply too far to cable are efficiently & reliably networked. Want to move your CNC machines? No need to change cables or reconfigure software. Best of all, nearly any CNC machine can be connected using wireless! Any PC with a WiFi compliant network card on this wireless network can be configured to access the wider PC network.

The Wireless CNC Adapter acts as an interface between any CNC control with an available RS232 or Ethernet port. The machine tool control can send from CNC memory to the Adapter, Adapter to CNC memory or drip-feed (DNC) from the Wireless CNC Adapter.

The extended antenna allows for the unit to mounted internally or externally on the machine and powered by various power sources. The Wireless CNC Adapter is available as 1 or 2 port and comes with a lifetime warranty and includes a serial cable for the specific machine.

The advantage of using the device delivers high-speed communication to the CNC controller while using 802.11B/G wireless technology. The unit supports various encryption standards and has a web-based interface for quick programming. Add Wireless to your CNC. Call (877) 611-5825 for more info!

Shop Floor Automations Newsletter – January 2011

Shop Floor Automations Newsletter

January 2011 Shop Floor Automations Newsletter

The following is a January 2011 Shop Floor Automations newsletter archive.

As we move forward in 2011, we are excited about the rebound in the manufacturing industry.  Business is improving and the economy is getting stronger.  We have a few new products that will help to keep American manufacturing companies organized and competitive.

* Machine Monitoring and Data Collection *
Collect data real-time data from the shop floor on every piece of equipment including CNC machines network-based, RS232,  wireless or existing PLC interfaces.  Instantly capture cycle, idle, alarm, setup and more.  Even better view the data across the web or on your Smart Phone.

* Add USB Memory to your CNC*

The USB Connect device acts as an interface between commercially available USB flash memory and any CNC control with an available RS232 port. Machine tool files can be sent from CNC memory to the USB key, USB key to CNC memory or drip-fed (DNC) from the USB key. Flexible DNC firmware is built into the USB Connect unit allowing connection to just about any machine tool CNC control.
The USB Connect is also available as a pendant or portable model and supports the Mazak CMT format.
Shop Floor Automations (SFA) is committed to providing its customers individualized solutions for their manufacturing automation needs. By offering an extensive collection of shop floor software and hardware products, SFA can scale its automation solutions to customers of any size, regardless of needs.  Give us a call to learn how we can help you today!
To keep manufacturing going, we have established new lower service rates.

If you need cabling, hardware installation, troubleshooting of legacy systems or upgrades to Predator Software, give us a call.  We want to do what we  can to keep the industry strong and keep the machines running.

Because Shop Floor Automations is passionate about bringing your legacy machines up to date, we also realize that social media is a growing and helpful tool in the manufacturing industry. We would love to connect and be added by you on our Shop Floor Automations social media channels!
Check out the original newsletter HERE