FANUC America Highlights Robotic and CNC Education Solutions at AACC Convention
FANUC highlights robotics and CNC education solutions at AACC 2016, supporting STEM learning with hands-on training for manufacturing careers.
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ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., April 8, 2016 – FANUC America Corporation, the leading supplier of robots, CNCs and factory automation, will highlight robotic and CNC solutions designed for the education market at the 96th annual American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) convention in Chicago, April 8-12.
“Now more than ever, manufacturers use automation to maximize their productivity,” said Paul Aiello, director, FANUC Certified Education Training (CERT). “That’s why high-paying careers in advanced automation are in demand today. Our CERT program provides manufacturers and educators a STEM-based curriculum centered on robotics and automation training, preparing students for high-tech careers in advanced manufacturing.”
FANUC offers a wide range of education solutions, including:
FANUC CNC Simulator
The FANUC CNC simulator is the perfect addition to the classroom and provides maximum exposure to FANUC CNC controls when actual machine time is limited. Based on the FANUC 0iF platform, students can learn programming, navigation and operation on the world’s most popular CNC control. The FANUC CNC Simulator can operate in milling or turning configuration to provide students with a variety of experience.
Simple configurations make it easy to learn how to operate and edit data on a modern FANUC control. The FANUC MANUAL GUIDE i conversational programminginterface allows users to graphically generate programs that are simulated in 3D, and then convert the programs back to conventional NC programs for use on machine tools using FANUC controls. Students use Flash ATA and USB interfaces to upload and download (read and punch), and DNC functions are supported by Ethernet and Flash ATA card.
Dual Check Safety (DCS) Fenceless CERT Cart
At the show, attendees will be able to safely approach and interact with a FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4S robot in the DCS Fenceless Zones CERT Cart demonstration. The LR Mate 200iD/4S operates with no safety fences surrounding it. Instead, it uses DCS and a series of area scanners to safely monitor robot motion area and speed, and any intrusions into each zone surrounding the robot.
Ergonomic features of this highly portable education unit include a fold up tabletop that is easy to expand and collapse, locking caster wheels, and easy power on with a simple wall outlet plug. The open tabletop design of the DCS Fenceless Zones CERT Cart offers the robot over 180 degrees of movement. This wide robot motion range offers greater programming flexibility and operation. Additionally, the robot’s end-of-arm tool comes with many options, further adding to the product’s flexibility.
In the DCS Fenceless Zones CERT Cart, the robot moves at normal speed when no operator is in the monitored zones. If an operator approaches the “slow down zone,” area sensors detect the intrusion and the robot slows down. If the operator enters the robot motion area or “stop zone,” the robot comes to a complete stop. An integrated safety stack light indicates zone activity.
“The area sensors surrounding the platform create a virtual wall around the robot, allowing an operator to load or unload parts to the part tray,” said Aiello. “This allows for convenience of easy part changeover and interaction between the instructor or student and the robot without the need for safety fences.”
Levil WL-F-400B Mill
The Levil WL-F-400B Mill is a portable, compact industrial machine designed for use in the classroom to familiarize students with milling practices, including machine programming, setup and operation.
The mill uses the world-renowned FANUC 0i-Mate MODEL D control, runs on a standard single-phase 110vAC outlet, and can be moved from class to class through standard doorways.
“The FANUC CNC mill offers a small footprint allowing it to easily fit into student labs,” said Dean Steadman, manager, CNC education development, FANUC America. “For those new to milling operations, hands-on learning on our smaller equipment is much less intimidating than the larger machines.”
At the show the Levil milling machine will produce an aluminum business card holder with engraving, highlighting its three-axis milling capabilities.
About FANUC America Corporation
FANUC America Corporation is a subsidiary of FANUC CORPORATION in Japan and provides industry-leading CNC systems, robotics, and ROBOMACHINEs. FANUC’s innovative technologies help manufacturers maximize productivity, reliability, and profitability. Headquartered in Rochester Hills, Michigan, FANUC America has facilities throughout North and South America. Learn more at www.fanucamerica.com or explore collaborative robots at crx.fanucamerica.com.
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