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.