Embedded e-DNC Hub? Thin-Client DNC System
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Greco Systems' embedded e-DNC Hub is a Thin-Client asynchronous router for connecting machine tools to a Local Area Network (LAN) to Upload and Download part programs at the machine tool. e-DNC Hub is a total DNC ( Direct Numerical Control / Distributed Numerical Control ) solution that includes the client software with no additional license requirements and the customer is free to run as many copies as needed. The e-DNC Hub joins Greco DNC using 25 years of acquired technology connecting machine tool controls to part program management systems that includes the DNC hardware and DNC software.
Accessible by any PC on the network
This accessibility is especially advantageous for companies with professional IT Departments in that administrative functions can be performed from a remote location. DNC Hubs distributed throughout the shop floor and connected to a Local Area Network are accessible by one or more PCs connected to the network. DNC software packages such as WinDCS, e-DNC Explorer and WinDNC, supplied with e-DNC Hubs, enable one or more users to invoke DNC communications, examine real-time status of the machine and review Text Messages transmitted by the operator from the control in order to gain attention to potential issues relating to the machine or job.
Machine Tool Communications
The e-DNC Hub communicates with the machine control via wireless adapter, RS-232C cable or BTR device such as the Greco MTIC. Machine Tool Serial Protocols execute locally at the Hub and can provide status and control of the DNC environment to any PC user on the network. This is the ideal architecture in attaining excellent bandwidth with minimal latency between machine control and communications device. Part programs are stored on any server accessible on the network.
Drip feed is a built-in function of the e-DNC Hub. Early controls have limited memory to execute long part programs and therefore revert to a drip feed operation. The part program is metered out the the control as needed to perform its cutting operation. Because the machine tool protocol firmware resides in the e-DNC Hub, local buffering in the hub makes the drip feed a reliable operation with extended latencies experienced on the local area network.
4 / 8 Machine Tool Connectivity and wireless CNC
The Embedded e-DNC Hub is a total DNC solution and is offered in 4 or 8 port configurations, connecting to the machine tool control via RS-232C. There are up to 8 RS-232C ports included on the e-DNC Hub. The unit is fully licensed and comes with all the necessary software to administer and control the the DNC environment from PCs attached to the network. Multiple Hubs are strategically positioned throughout the network and appear as a single list of machines to the software controlling the network.
The e-DNC Hub can co-exist in a wireless CNC environment and/or can be connected to a local area network using a wireless CNC adapter. This allows easy placement of the e-DNC Hub where machines are localized and cat 5 cable connection is not readily available. Greco Systems offers in its Greco DNC offering RS-232C wireless CNC adapters and through the use of one or more access points, the e-DNC Hub and wireless CNC may co-exist.
Machine Tool Monitoring
The e-DNC Hub has the capability to monitor logic states for each machine connected. An Opto-isolated monitor/modem is available from Greco Systems that can be installed in the machine control to monitor one or more digital points. The state of the machine is monitored in real-time by the e-DNC Hub and made available on the PCs connected to the network running WinDCS or e-DNC Explorer. Connecting directly to the machine to pick up digital points requires some exploratory engineering and discrete connections to the machine. Therefore, we recommend consulting with Greco Systems' Technical Support personnel before attempting to hook up machines for monitoring. Greco also utilizes partners that will go to your facility and perform the installation.
Client software
The e-DNC Hub is compatible with Greco DNC products WinDNC, WinDCS and e-DNC Explorer. e-DNC Explorer is primarily a machine and DNC network monitoring package, where as, WinDCS offers the advantage of organizing your files relating to the fabrication of a part in specific folders. WinDNC is the conventional standby DNC client, providing the operator with a very simple user interface. All three packages, WinDNC, WinDCS and e-DNC Explorer, enable administrative tools for the e-DNC Hub, as well as, DNC standard functions such as upload and download. Also, e-DNC Hub fully supports both download to memory and drip feed operation.
DNC Remote Call
DNC Remote Call is a feature that enables the Machine Operator to invoke upload and download of part programs at the machine control. A part program is identified by its file name on the server. Directory information can also be obtained using DNC Remote Call. This feature eliminates the need for a separate PC or terminal for the operator to call up part programs.
Text Messaging
Text Messaging is an enhanced feature of Remote Call. The operator is given the ability to transmit a short text message in order to notify other departments or supervisors of issues relating to his machine or job. The message is displayed on all of the PCs running a software package such as e-DNC Explorer. Messages such as MACHINE DOWN or TOOLING NEEDED would help expedite recovery in getting a machine back into production.
Compatible with Greco Systems' Devices
The e-DNC Hub is compatible with Greco Systems hardware devices, including the MTIC (BTR), CNC Minifile and CNC Station. These devices are designed to enhance the capability of older machine tools and have provisions for connecting to a DNC environment.
Rugged enclosure and no moving parts
The e-DNC Hub is made of standard off-the-shelf components and self-contained in a rugged steel enclosure. There are no moving parts such as fans and hard drive to cause early system failure of the device. The unit is designed for many years of trouble free operation, setting a new standard for DNC hardware.
Installation, Configuration and Testing
When thinking about Direct Numerical Control ( or Distributed Numerical Control ), one should take into consideration the cost to support and maintain the environment. Greco Systems paid close attention to cost of ownership during the development of e-DNC Hub. The thought was to avoid the high cost of installation and integration that can literally run thousands of dollars while leaving the customer with an annual costly support reliance on its vendor. Direct Numerical Control / Distributed Numerical Control is a critical operation for companies that tend to rely on the inter-connectivity of their machine tools with a local area network.
Installing the e-DNC Hub is easier than installing conventional DNC software and DNC hardware. Conventional DNC systems require the integration of a computer, communications card, operating system, drivers and DNC software. The e-DNC Hub is fully integrated and self-contained, making installation effort little more than plugging it in. Many of our customers, having adopted Greco DNC, install their own e-DNC Hubs, utilizing telephone technical support to guide them through troubled areas relating to configuration and testing.
The following manuals are provided online for your convenience:
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