Gibbs and GE Fanuc Join Forces to Ease Shop Floor CNC Programming
Shop floor programming of CNC's is easier and more portable now that GE Fanuc Automation and Gibbs & Associates plan to work together on graphical parts programming software. The shop floor programming (SFP) software is the latest addition to
GE Fanuc's suite of Open System CNC software tools. The new partnership is being announced during the WESTEC Advanced Productivity Exposition 1999 in Los Angeles, March 22-25 (Booth #2649) and at the Gibbs Booth #3167 in the south hall.
"Gibbs graphical parts programming is known for its ease of use," said John Turner, manager of CNC open systems at GE Fanuc . "Operators typically learn to use the software in a day. Another advantage: part designs can easily go from engineering to the shop floor and back, and from machine to machine. Gibbs and GE Fanuc will work together to produce graphical parts programming software that integrates very closely with our Open CNC products."
"We are really excited about our new relationship with GE Fanuc", said Bill Gibbs, President of Gibbs and Associates. "The benefits of this approach to open architecture machine controls are just starting to be realized by customers at large. With GE Fanuc involved in adopting Gibbs as a standard, it is a certainty. We are entering a new era with open architecture CNC controls and true machine to machine compatibility. The benefit of open system architecture for CNC programming - whether done online or offline is accessible without the use of G codes among different types of machines and controls. We think this makes Gibbs Shop Floor programming ideal for any company focused on high productivity and quick turnarounds.
Gibbs Shop Floor Programming uses the power of Microsoft Windows® and graphical parts modeling to create and verify the cutting of parts right at the machine. Gibbs SFP software has been specifically designed to meet the needs of the machine operator. Rather than forcing operators to learn G-coding, parts are defined right from blueprint drawings using standard process steps known to the operator: like rough machining, boring, or finish machining. Not only is it easy to define the part, but operators can see the part cut graphically to provide a quick confirmation of both part geometry and tool selection.
The software will be offered in several versions addressing applications from basic 2-axis turning, 2.5-axis milling, 3-axis milling, combined mill/turn, and 3-D solids modeling for multi-axis die mold cutting. For compatibility with other CAD systems, the software includes file conversion from IGES and DXF formats. A material and tooling library are provided for easy selection of tools, tool holders, inserts, cutting speeds and feed rates.
GE Fanuc will exploit the "open" capabilities of the Shop Floor Programming system by offering machine tool builders the choice of implementing custom post processors to enhance the unique features of individual machine tools. Custom post-processors will allow OEMs to differentiate their machines by taking advantage of the process capabilities designed into each machine.
The GE Fanuc version of the Gibbs software also employs extensions to make the software "aware" of the CNC and associated machining equipment, adapting itself to the features and software configuration of each machine. This tight integration enables the system to benefit from advanced features included in some controls without requiring the additional cost of these features if they are not required for the normal operation of the machine.
Gibbs and Associates has been a leading developer of Shop Floor Programming (SFP) and CAM software for CNC machining since 1984. The current GibbsCAM product line includes both the Virtual Gibbs integrated offline CAM system, as well as Gibbs SFP. GibbsCAM programming is widely acclaimed for its ease-of-use and productivity. It is a system with fully integrated manufacturing modeling capabilities from entry level 2D, 2-1/2 D, 3D wireframe, surface modeling, and solid modeling creation and import capabilities.
For more information about Gibbs and Associates, visit www.gibbsCAM.com or call 1-800-654-9399.