Replace Paper Tape Readers and Punches on Legacy CNC Equipment with BTR
Modernize Legacy Machines • Eliminate Paper Tape • Reliable CNC Program Transfer
Improve productivity and extend the life of your legacy CNC and NC equipment by replacing outdated paper tape workflows with modern digital program transfer methods. Many older machines still produce excellent parts, but aging paper tape readers and punches can introduce reliability issues, lost programs and unnecessary downtime.
BTR by Shop Floor Automations (SFA) provides a practical modernization path by replacing or bypassing paper tape systems and enabling communication through RS232 or DNC-based connections. Manufacturers can send, receive and drip-feed CNC programs while preserving existing machine controls and workflows.
Obsolete Paper Tape Systems Create Downtime and Program Management Issues
While CNC machines with paper tape readers may still produce quality parts, paper tape technology poses challenges that undermine productivity.
If your teams are experiencing these issues, outdated tape systems can become a direct cause of production inefficiencies:
Failed paper tape readers and punches
Damaged, lost or deteriorating paper tapes
Long setup times when locating or loading programs
Limited machine memory prevents large program execution
Manual hand typing G code into the machine
Production delays caused by sourcing obsolete components
Operator dependency and inconsistent workflows
BTR Hardware, Integration Services and Manufacturing Expertise Under One Partner
As a hardware solution from Shop Floor Automations, BTR provides a straightforward path to modernizing legacy machine communication.
Replace Obsolete Paper Tape Systems
- Eliminate paper tape readers and punches
- Modernize without replacing the machine control
- Preserve existing machine functionality
Enable Digital Program Transfer
- Send and receive CNC programs electronically
- Transfer programs directly from your PC
- Leverage USB technology with a BTR card
Support Drip Feeding for Limited Memory Machines
- Run large CNC programs on machines with limited memory
- Improve productivity on legacy equipment
Industrial Reliability
- Remove failure-prone mechanical components
- Reduce downtime caused by aging hardware
- Increase long-term equipment availability
One Manufacturing Integration Partner
- The right BTR card for your CNC
- Proven communication solution
- Documentation and training assistance
- U.S.-based technical support
Key Features of BTR
Tape Reader Replacement
Allows machines to communicate digitally instead of relying on paper tape.
Drip Feed Support
Supports continuous program loading for large CNC files. Included 2MB of memory.
Legacy Machine Compatibility
Supports many older CNC and NC controls.
Minimal Machine Changes
Plug and play installation
DNC Integration
Works with DNC systems or standalone hardware
CNC Compatibiliy
Fanuc, Cincinnati, Allen Bradley, General Electric, Okuma, Yasnac
Tape Reader Replacement
Allows machines to communicate digitally instead of relying on paper tape.
Drip Feed Support
Supports continuous program loading for large CNC files. Included 2MB of memory.
Legacy Machine Compatibility
Supports many older CNC and NC controls.
Minimal Machine Changes
Plug and play installation
DNC Integration
Works with DNC systems or standalone hardware
CNC Compatibiliy
Fanuc, Cincinnati, Allen Bradley, General Electric, Okuma, Yasnac