National Sales Director, Factory Automation Division, FANUC America
With the start of the new year, now is an ideal time to evaluate your current
operations. You may be considering new equipment to keep up with demand or
pursue new business opportunities. However, purchasing a new machine tool
often requires a significant capital investment, which is why many
manufacturers choose to keep their existing equipment running as long as
possible. But even the most durable machines show signs of wear after decades
of continuous use.
Fortunately, not every aging machine needs to be replaced. For machine tools
that could cost a million dollars or more to swap out for a new model, a CNC
retrofit is a cost effective alternative worth serious consideration.
Why Retrofit?
Retrofitting an aging CNC machine with a modern control system can
significantly reduce long term costs by improving uptime and boosting
efficiency. A CNC retrofit helps manufacturers adapt to evolving production
requirements and customer expectations, such as parts meeting tighter
tolerances.
Retrofits typically involve integrating new
controls,
motors,
industrial panels, and other
components. Customers who invest in CNC retrofits often experience benefits
such as:
- More precise machine performance
- Streamlined and cybersecure operations
- Increased reliability
- Improved overall productivity
What to Consider When Choosing a CNC System for Retrofitting
Retrofitting is a major undertaking, so selecting the right CNC platform for
your legacy machine tool is essential. Here are ten questions to ask when
evaluating controls for your retrofit:
1. Industry track record: Does the control system have a
strong reputation and proven performance
in the industry?
2. Ease of use: Is the CNC system user friendly and
easy to program?
3. Support guarantee: What type of
support is offered, and how long is it guaranteed?
4. Machining functionality: Does the system offer a wide
range of
CNC functions? Features like high speed machining and
automatic chip shredding
can help optimize operations.
5. Longevity: What is the CNC platform’s average
mean time between failure, and does it meet your expectations?
6. Future compatibility: Can the
system integrate
seamlessly with robotic automation?
7. Connectivity capabilities: Does the CNC platform support
Ethernet technology for
connecting shop floor equipment
and enabling data exchange?
8. Training requirements: Are your operators already familiar
with the system, or will
training
be required?
9. Global support network: Does the CNC manufacturer provide
a wide reaching service and support infrastructure?
10. Component availability: Are
controls,
motors,
amplifiers,
etc. readily available and tailored to your needs?
Best Practices for CNC Retrofits
When retrofitting a machine tool, choose a CNC system with a strong industry
reputation, proven reliability, and widespread adoption. Ensure that every
component—from controls to motors and amplifiers—is high quality and backed by
a robust support network. The right CNC platform can deliver superior
reliability, exceptional product quality, and maximum productivity.
For more information about FANUC’s CNC range and products that can make your
machine tool retrofit even more worthwhile, visit:
https://www.fanucamerica.com/solutions/industries/retrofitting