Let’s first have a look at the hardware configuration. The NUM CNC system basically consists of a Real-Time Kernel (RTK), which integrates PLC and CNC, servo drives (NUM DrivePro), servo motors, a PC, and various accessories. The use of a NUM CNC industrial PC is recommended but not mandatory. Both the RTK and the servo drives use the latest system-on-chip technology with an ARM multi-core processor. The resulting extremely high degree of integration leads to an enormous reduction in components, which positively affects the reliability and availability of the system. In addition, the computing power has been massively increased compared to the Flexium+. The FlexiumPro NUM CNC is more than 10 times faster than the Flexium+. All data, such as the PLC program, workpiece programs, machine configuration, calibration data, etc., are stored on a replaceable microSD card, and the safe shutdown of the NUM CNC system is ensured, even in the event of a power failure, by a built-in super-capacitor.

The peripheral devices, such as I/O modules or safety components, are identical to those of the Flexium+. The servo drives (NUM DrivePro), when equipped with the NUM CNC -SAMX option, have all the required safety functions: Safe Torque Off (STO), Safe Stop (SS1/2), Safe Operating Stop (SOS), Safe Limited Speed (SLS), Safe Limited Position (SLP), Safe Direction Monitoring (SDM), and Safe Cams (SCA). In addition, the Safe Brake Control (SBC) function is available as default. The size of the NUM CNC system has been significantly reduced. For example, the fanless RTK is now only half the width of the Flexium+, and a quad-axis version is available for the servo drives in addition to the mono-axis and bi-axis versions.

The software of the NUM CNC system consists of various components. All software modules have been adapted and optimized for the modern hardware architecture, allowing maximum performance to be extracted from the hardware. For example, to avoid latency and overhead, the servo drives completely dispense with an operating system between the CPUs and the “actual software” – it is pure hardware programming. As a result, even with the quad-axis module (4 axes), a sampling time in the position control loop of only 50 µs is achieved.

Although the FlexiumPro is a completely new control generation, particular care has been taken to ensure that it is as compatible as possible with the Flexium+ for the user, allowing for seamless migration. This also means that the FlexiumPro has all the functions and flexibilities of the Flexium+. For example, the PLC programming languages and environment of FlexiumPro (CODESYS V3) are identical to those of Flexium+, and the part programs are upward compatible.

The HMI of the FlexiumPro system differs from that of the Flexium+ system and focuses on interoperability with the user (touch, keyboard, and hardware buttons). Another significant strength of the new HMI is its flexibility. Thanks to a powerful SDK (Software Development Kit), the FlexiumPro HMI can be customized, extended, modified, and personalized. Users can easily integrate customized FlexiumPro HMI modules into the HMI or customize the predefined plug-in HMI components according to their needs. Multi-HMI configurations (one machine with more than one HMI) are also supported, as is the Flexium 3D simulation software. During the simulation of the part program, the user can see the simulation of machine movements, material removal from the workpiece, and possible collisions during the simulation of the part program, the user can see the simulation of machine movements, material removal from the workpiece, and possible collisions between machine components, workpiece, and tool.

The NUM CNC IIoTgateway, which is based on modern Industry 4.0 technologies, also enables seamless integration of FlexiumPro into the manufacturing environment.

Thanks to its flexibility, scalability, and configurability, as well as its high energy efficiency, the FlexiumPro system is suitable for automating a wide range of machines. This spectrum almost certainly includes your machine, whether it is a retrofit or a new machine. Our subsidiaries will be pleased to support you in the investigation and automation of your machine.

With NUMROTO X, NUM AG is unveiling the future iteration of its renowned CNC software package, NUMROTOplus, tailored for tool production and resharpening. This extensively revamped software stands out for its enhanced flexibility, precision, and user-friendliness.

For over 60 years, NUM AG has been at the forefront of providing customized automation solutions for the machine and tool industry, establishing itself as a premier NUM CNC company for high-end applications. Renowned for its continuous innovation in hardware and software solutions, NUM has become a preferred partner for international machine manufacturers worldwide.

Timed perfectly for GrindingHub 2024, the second edition of the grinding technology industry gathering scheduled for mid-May, NUM AG is introducing the new NUMROTO X product line to the public for the first time. This brand-new software, meticulously crafted by NUM CNC to oversee tool manufacturing and resharpening processes, harnesses the latest technologies to modernize the trusted NUMROTO brand, preparing it for the challenges of tomorrow.

Similar to NUMROTOplus, NUMROTO X is a desktop application accessible both on the grinding machine and a workstation PC. Leveraging established concepts like multi-user databases, 3D simulation, collision checking, and product documentation with NUMROTO-Draw, NUMROTO X elevates the user experience to new heights. The focus during NUMROTO X’s development initially centered on production of complex standard milling cutters. This goal is achieved with excellence, thanks to flexibly configurable geometry elements and innovative options for production and process planning. The introduction of sequences, enabling the organization of individual work steps, facilitates the straightforward configuration of intricate yet clearly displayed production processes.

Furthermore, NUMROTO X seamlessly integrates a newly developed, integrated job manager. This feature empowers users to modify and expand job lists both during work preparation and ‘on the fly’ at the machine, ensuring uninterrupted production under any circumstance.

In crafting the new user interface, NUMROTO X places a strong emphasis on intuitive user-friendliness and clarity. Through real-time tool visualization, users can promptly and accurately observe the effects of any parameter adjustment in pixel-perfect detail, even at various zoom levels. While default values streamline the creation of new workpieces, users retain the flexibility to tailor these settings to their specific needs at any juncture.

Introducing a new feature in NUMROTO X, the kinematics module takes charge of calculating machine movements, now extending support to 6-axis movements. This advancement brings about enhanced efficiency and optimizes axis control during transition movements between grinding operations.

To bolster precision further, NUMROTO X implements new algorithms, ensuring optimal results, for example in flute calculation, even under particularly demanding conditions.

“NUMROTO X will successfully lead the production of complex standard milling cutters into the future,” explains Massimiliano Menegotto, CEO NUM Group. “NUMROTO X and NUMROTOplus will remain available in parallel so that our customers can always use the optimum range of functions during the continuous further development of the new software.”

From simple to complex NUM CNC switching cabinets – we design according to your specifications, take over the software development and build the switching cabinets for you, which are thus optimized exactly to your needs.

The NUM CNC switching cabinets are individually adapted to the requirements (number of axes, design, compliance with special regulations, etc.). They can be single or series cabinets.

Regardless of the individual solution, all cabinets are extensively functionally tested and the appropriate software is loaded onto the system so that you can just connect the cabinet to the machine.

For machines with integrated NUM CNC switching cabinets, we naturally offer solutions with mounting plates.

Engineering translates into maximum customer benefits

When the goal is optimizing complex production processes, it is no longer enough to combine powerful components such as machines, NUM CNC controllers, servo drives, motors and measuring systems. To make a production solution profitable in the practical operation, a software that is perfectly optimized for the specific production procedures is required. And it requires an experienced team of engineers with diversified skills who know the industry-specific requirements in detail and are able to pursue a clear goal in order to optimize the overall production process and to ensure long-term successful operation using the latest technological advances combined with superior support.

This is what we mean when we say “engineering!“ We can offer this to our partners!

This is exactly how NUM CNC has earned its excellent reputation in the tool and machine industry. NUM CNC supports you in your projects exactly as it is ideal for you, your business and your infrastructure. However, the aim of our cooperation is always the same: to find the best possible solution for your project together with you. We develop the highly complex, customized NUM CNC automation solutions to provide the machine manufacturers as well as the machine users with the highest added value in the industry.

Dynamic, precise, versatile, safe

The NUM CNC NUMDrive servo drives with their modern design are the ideal counterpart to the powerful CNC control (Flexium+ & NUMDrive X; FlexiumPro & NUM DrivePro).

Modular in design, compact in their dimensions and with a low power consumption, they are ideally matched to the needs of modern systems. The family of NUM CNC drive units offers maximum precision even under difficult conditions, especially in combination with NUM CNC motors. An outstanding feature of the NUMDrive X and NUM DrivePro is their high power density. The servo drives offer an enormous amount of computing and drive power within a very small space and thus one of the best power/space ratios. The low power consumption and the resulting low heat radiation reduce the necessary cooling power of the switching cabinets. The wide range of power modules and scalable control units, available in single-axis, dual-axis or quad-axis versions, enables the technically best and most economical solution to be implemented. For the maximum contour precision, speeds and cost-effectiveness, the NUMDrive servo drives can be exactly adapted to the particular machine and application.

The safety solutions available (NUMSafe) even allow the user to implement complex systems safely and with little effort. The NUM CNC DrivePro can be integrated directly into the machine’s safety concept using a secure bus, providing considerable benefits. It allows all of the most important safety functions to be implemented without the need to install a large amount of additional wiring.

Available now, the latest version of Flexium software from CNC specialist NUM CNC includes an enhanced RTCP (Rotation Tool Centre Point) function with tool vector programming that significantly simplifies the usage of five-axis machine tools.

As one of the original developers of RTCP, NUM continually enhances the function to meet the changing needs of machine builders and end-users. The company’s implementation of RTCP includes twenty-four predefined kinematic configurations and its Flexium+ CNC systems can accommodate different kinematics on the same machine – for example, when different milling heads are needed.

NUM’s basic RTCP function, invoked by ISO code G151, offers a number of user-specified variants. The function can be activated with an inclined coordinate system or after a positioning move. In either case, the NUM CNC system automatically calculates the mechanical offset to ensure that the tool centre point is always in touch with the defined workpiece surface while the rotary axes are moving. The RTCP function can also be activated by the actual positions of the rotary axes.

Until now, programming 5-axis machines has often been considered an onerous task. The rotary axes are usually programmed directly with their angular position, which has the advantage that the position of the machining head can be imagined when viewing the part program. The disadvantage, however, is that the part program depends on the kinematics of the machine, and cannot be transferred to another 5-axis machine without modification.

The tool vector programming option of NUM’s RTCP function enables the direction of the tool to be determined by the vectors’ components along the X,Y and Z axes, rendering the part program independent of the machine kinematics.

In some circumstances, aligning the workpiece to be processed on the machine can be a complex procedure. In these cases, to increase productivity, instead of moving the workpiece, NUM’s Flexium+ CNC system can now compensate for positioning deviations (including angles) by applying appropriate correction values. The workpiece remains misaligned, but the NUM CNC system is aware of the deviations and compensates for them automatically.

NUM’s Flexium software, version 4.1.00.00 or higher, now features a special HMI (Human-Machine Interface) to allow the corresponding correction values to be entered. The coordinate system resulting from the shifts and rotations is called a ‘Balanced Coordinate System’ (or BCS) and the compensation function is known as 3DWPC (3D workpiece compensation).

Additionally, the software now includes a function to help machine users accelerate the roughing operation’s tunings and then achieve optimal surface finishes. Invoked by ISO code G732, the new function simplifies parameter optimisation and automatically computes pre-settings for roughing and finishing, with adjustable smoothing levels. The machine operator can select a range of attributes – such as profile tolerance, permissible chordal error and segment length – and invoke an optional smoothing algorithm to reduce mechanical shock and smooth the workpiece surface.

To further help machine operators achieve optimal results, NUM CNC has also introduced a new algorithm that keeps the pivot point at constant speed. Part programs generated by CAD/CAM systems invariably comprise a multitude of small G01 segments – in the case of rotary axes, these are often distributed inhomogeneously – resulting in speed variations which affect surface quality. The new algorithms maintain constant speed at pivot points during the movement of rotary axes, allowing the discontinuities to be smoothed, resulting in an improved surface.

Background information for Editors

Five-axis machining, in which the tool is oriented in relation to the machining surface, has really come to the fore in the last few years. Machine tool builders are increasingly developing new kinematic configurations that capitalise on this technology, to help end-users further improve the performance of their machining operations.

A key factor behind the success of five-axis machining was the introduction of the Rotation Tool Centre Point (RTCP) function for CNC systems. NUM was an early developer of this function, which makes interpolated points track correctly by applying real-time compensation for the motion of the rotary axes.

NUM SERVİCE TURKİYE  NUM CNC SERVİS
HASAN OĞUZAY
COMPUTER CONTROL ENGINEER
Msc METU
Tel         :  0538 425 66 11 – 0532 2025043
E-mail :  [email protected]
[email protected]
ADRES : Feyzullah cad. Beyaz köşk  Apt. 17 / 12   Maltepe / İSTANBUL

CNC Software – Any type of HMI can be developed according to customer specifications

The standard HMI for NUM CNC systems provides comprehensive functions for operating a wide variety of machines. The 3D simulation it features ensures the operator can maintain an overview at all times, even of hidden processes. Easy operation of complex machines is of central importance for working efficiently. The HMI can therefore either be adapted or replaced completely by a different HMI. The NUM CNC systems feature standardized server functions which the HMI uses to exchange all the necessary data with the CNC system (CNC kernel, PLC, drives, motors). This means the adaptations can also be developed by the customer or by NUM.

CNC Software – Functions as unique selling points

Scalability is a must

NUM offers a wide range of products for the automation of CNC machines. The modern, scalable and high-quality hardware ensures high availability and long-lasting investment. Should a product be missing in our portfolio, we will procure the pertinent information if the customer so requests, and integrate it into the overall solution.

It is increasingly important to make a mark in the market through unique selling points. These features are achieved more frequently using specific functions optimized for one application of the machine. A CNC system developed by NUM provides distinct advantages in this area.

NUM CNC systems traditionally have an open and powerful software that adapts to the respective needs of the machines to be automated. The adaptability is not limited to the PLC programs or HMI adjustments. Specific functions can, for example, also be integrated to the real-time system of the CNC control. But it is never the case that the system is only a building block. The system represents a complete and ready CNC, which can be modified at will. The functions realized this way can of course be encrypted and protected against unauthorized copying.

The CNC control itself is a key element of the solutions and systems of NUM. Powerful processors with high computing speed and an intelligent layout with potential for expansion ensure high preservation of value. The PLC is programmed according to IEC 61131-3 and the modern development environment provides new tools for development, commissioning and servicing.

With a capability of more than 200 axes, over 40 channels, 4000 IOs, more than 1 GB of PLC memory and more than 30 MB of user memory, Flexium+ can easily control the most demanding applications. Thanks to the full scalability, small configurations can of course also be optimally represented.

The FlexiumPro fits in seamlessly here and impresses with even greater computing power. On this controller, the System on Chip technology is used, whereby the quality can be further increased due to a reduced component count. In contrast to the Flexium+, the FlexiumPro does not require an industrial PC. The RTK (Real Time Kernel) combines the CNC and the PLC on one piece of hardware.

Control panels for industrial environments

Various control panels are available, which can be combined freely with the CNC controllers. The control panels are delivered either with an integrated PC or are intended for operation with an external PC. The control panels can be supplemented by machine control panels, which contain important operating elements for controlling the machine. For FS192 / FS192i, the machine control panel can be kept very simple, because it is integrated into the screen as a “virtual” control panel.

Using the nPad, the machines can be operated using a small and lightweight hand-held terminal.  

The FS154i, FS184i and FS194i control panels, which are equipped with an integrated PC, are available in a large range of different performance classes.

Should the control unit and the PC be separated, corresponding industrial PC variants can be found in the NUM product portfolio. The so-called BoxPC is available in different power levels.

NUM SERVİCE TURKİYE  NUM CNC SERVİS
HASAN OĞUZAY
COMPUTER CONTROL ENGINEER
Msc METU
Tel         :  0538 425 66 11 – 0532 2025043
E-mail :  [email protected]
[email protected]
ADRES : Feyzullah cad. Beyaz köşk  Apt. 17 / 12   Maltepe / İSTANBUL