Secure Connectivity for Windows-Based CNCs, CMMs and Shop Floor Equipment
Leadership, boards and customers are asking for stronger security, and IT teams are turning those expectations into corporate policy that applies across the whole business, shop floor included. Your production still depends on proven machines. Predator Secure DNC and SFA helps you meet both goals, using the Ethernet infrastructure you already have. Bring every Windows-based machine on your floor into alignment with corporate IT security policy, without replacing the equipment that keeps you producing.
Predator Secure DNC was designed to need as little as possible, so your CNCs, CMMs, robots and test stands are not affected by its use.
There is no installer to add requirements. Simply copy one file, add a startup shortcut, run it and test a transfer. With SFA as your manufacturing integrator, expect simplicity:
| Equipment types | CNC controls include | CMM and inspection software includes |
|---|---|---|
| Mills | Fanuc Open CNC | Hexagon PC-DMIS |
| Lathes | Hurco WinMax | Zeiss Calypso |
| EDMs | Mazak Mazatrol | Nikon CMM-Manager |
| Lasers | Okuma P-Series | Mitutoyo MCOSMOS |
| Waterjets | Siemens 840D | PolyWorks Inspector |
| Routers | Mitsubishi M700 / M800 | Renishaw MODUS |
| Grinders | Fagor 8060 / 8065 / 8070 | |
| Punch presses | Bosch Rexroth IndraMotion | |
| CMMs | Hypertherm EDGE Pro | |
| Tool presetters | Sodick | |
| Gages | and more | |
| PCBs |
Install Predator Secure DNC on the same machine as Touch HMI, Secure HID, DNC Connect or PRemote, and combine it with MDC objects, the VBScript Link and Predator Import Service.
No domain, workgroup or homegroup membership needed. It works in mixed environments of all three.
No domain, workgroup or homegroup membership needed. It works in mixed environments of all three.
Removes the need for Windows shares, SMB, CIFS, FTP, DNS, WINS, NETBUI and IPX/SPX within shop floor VLANs, WANs and subnets.
Support for Windows 95 through Windows 10 reduces or eliminates the need for Windows upgrades and service packs on CNCs, CMMs, robots and test stands.
No file shares to maintain and no users or passwords to manage on each machine.
One common application and communication protocol across all your equipment, over wired or wireless Ethernet using standard TCP/IP.
No operator or technician interaction required, and no changes to the machine control.
| Client operating systems | Server operating systems |
|---|---|
| Windows 10 | Windows 2016 Server |
| Windows 8 and 8.1 | Windows 2012 Server |
| Windows 7 | Windows 2008 Server |
| Windows Vista | Windows 2003 Server |
| Windows XP | Windows 2000 Server |
| Windows ME | Windows NT 4.0 Server |
| Windows 98 | |
| Windows 95 |
All editions and service packs are supported, including embedded editions.
The Secure DNC Terminator gives you control over how programs travel to and from each machine.
A multi-threaded Terminator communicates with multiple machines simultaneously.
Keep your CAM extensions, such as .TAP or .NC. Predator changes them to what the control needs, like .MIN for Okuma or .EIA for Mazak.
Send subprograms, offsets and parameters to their own folders on the machine.
Optionally delete selected file types before a send, so the machine holds only what the current part needs.
Upload every file a part requires from the machine to the server in one step.
Optionally delete files after a successful receive, turning it into a file move.
Move 1+ GB files, such as STL files for 3D printing, at roughly 95 seconds per GB. Performance varies with network and Windows version.
Run your own batch files before or after a transfer for collation, compression or parsing.
A multi-threaded Terminator communicates with multiple machines simultaneously.
Keep your CAM extensions, such as .TAP or .NC. Predator changes them to what the control needs, like .MIN for Okuma or .EIA for Mazak.
Send subprograms, offsets and parameters to their own folders on the machine.
Optionally delete selected file types before a send, so the machine holds only what the current part needs.
Upload every file a part requires from the machine to the server in one step.
Optionally delete files after a successful receive, turning it into a file move.
Move 1+ GB files, such as STL files for 3D printing, at roughly 95 seconds per GB. Performance varies with network and Windows version.
Run your own batch files before or after a transfer for collation, compression or parsing.
Shop Floor Automations has been providing DNC software to communicate to CNC machines since 1998.
Connections are authenticated and encrypted automatically, with compression for efficient transfers.
Defaults of 8190 and 8191 can be changed, monitored and restricted within your IT policies.
All connections originate from the secure, trusted domain PC running Predator DNC or Predator DNC Enterprise.
No third-party communication libraries, applications, certificates or services are used.
Network port scans return a Predator Secure DNC identification, so your IT team knows what it is looking at.
Developed with input from Fortune 500, military and government locations, and it has passed all security reviews.
The Shop Floor Automations Process for CNC Connectivity Success
Your current machines, networks, workflows and goals are reviewed for the creation of a practical implementation roadmap.
The unique configuration of Predator DNC is determined based on your CNC mix, operators, engineering workflows, regulatory environment and IT requirements.
All legacy and modern equipment is connected, communications are validated and reliable transfers are confirmed.
You can expect to receive hands-on guidance for your teams to ensure consistent, reliable and productive DNC communications.
With SFA, you’re embarking on a long-term partnership from a manufacturing integrator that understands both CNC controls and shop floor realities.
