e-DNC Hub, MTIC (BTR), CNC Minifile and CNC Station
click here to see a clear full size shot General Description WinDCS, often referred to as EmbeddedDCS, is a true Distributed Control System that, architecturally, is the most flexible DNC system available on the market today. Conventional market thinking requires the user to focus its DNC software communications engine and operator interface to a common computer. Not so with WinDCS. The distribution of Client Software (WinDCS) and CommServer (ActiveDNC Server) is completely flexible. ActiveDNC Server (communications engine) can be distributed anywhere throughout the shop floor environment and connected to a common local area network (LAN). This is especially valuable with very large shop floors due to machine tools being great distances apart, even perhaps in different buildings. With ActiveDNC Server distributed on different computers strategically placed, or perhaps using the e-DNC Hubs, or both, WinDCS running on one or more other PCs brings the entire DNC network together. Your DNC Network Administrator will "love" that capability. Administrative duties can be performed from his/her personal workstation or perhaps from a distant remote location.
Machine List and Machine Status The display below shows a list of machines and the real-time status of those machines. Four machines are showing connected to "ednc HUB", having the following conditions:
True Client/CommServer™ Environment e-DNC Explorer introduces true Client/CommServer environment. In this environment, WinDCS operates as a remote terminal with multiple communication host computers and hubs distributed throughout the network. In addition, multiple copies of WinDCS, operating on different computers, may also interface with the same communication host computers and hubs.
The Client/CommServer™ Advantage There is no requirements to have a physical connection between the WinDCS operator console and the machine tool. The customer is in complete control of the physical architecture of his network. Therefore, the customer may choose to centralize control of the environment by having one or two consoles strategically placed on his network or he may decentralize by having a console at every machine tool or cell.
Part Library Folder Part Library Folder enables the customer to organize its files from a standard directory structure in folder groups containing the information needed to produce a particular part. The operator, having the ability to examine the Part Library Folder, is given access under the part name or number to information such as Setup Sheets, Tooling Data, Traveler, Drawings and Part Programs. The Planner builds a Part Library Folder by simply dragging and dropping the required files in a Window.
Multi-Level Security In addition to the security adopted for the Local Area Network (LAN) environment, WinDCS employs multi-level security as it applies to DNC Administrators, Operators and Machine Tools. An operator can be restricted to a single machine or given access to any number of machines on the network. Administrators are given access to communication setup parameters as it applies to machine tools.
Machine Tool Monitoring WinDCS has the capability of showing real-time status of machine tools on the shop floor. 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 an 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 will require some exploratory engineering and to make 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.
Remote Call 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 Remote Call. This feature eliminates the need for a separate PC or terminal for the operator to call up part programs. Although WinDCS does not need to be running for remote call functions, it will display the status of that activity.
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 WinDCS and given access rights to those machines. 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 WinDCS is compatible with Greco Systems hardware devices, including the MTIC (BTR), CNC Minifile, CNC Station and other Greco Box devices. These devices are designed to enhance the capability of older machine tools with provisions for connecting to a DNC environment.
Touch Screen Computer Friendly WinDCS operator's screen is touch screen computer friendly. Large buttons enable the operator to easily navigate and initiate the functions needed to control DNC operation. There are no double-clicks required and, although rare, an on-screen keyboard appears when needed to enter text information. |
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