FANUC showcased its latest CNC, machine tool and robotic solutions at EMO Hannover 2023

The headline act on FANUC’s 1,444m2 stand at EMO Hannover 2023 was a sneak preview of the company’s new FS500i-A series CNC which is currently in development.

Offering performance and ease of use, the new FS500i-A series includes a number of innovations. For instance, a new HMI simplifies use for experienced and new FANUC operators alike. For every task, all interactions can be handled on one screen so that there is no need to jump between several of them. In addition, the PMC (programmable machine control) can be programmed with Structured Text and the CNC supports any machine kinematics.

Although the new CNC is still under development, some of its many features are already available: The enhanced versions of FANUC’s existing advanced FS30i/31i/32i-B Plus and standard FS0i-F Plus CNC solutions already include functions for energy saving and carbon neutrality, as well as digital twin technology, which will also feature in the FS500i-A, providing direct end-user benefits.

The new CPU, combined with newly introduced features and capabilities, improves basic performance and drives cycle time reductions.

Automated production cell for automotive industry

Central to the FANUC ROBOMACHINE display at EMO was a complete production cell involving two ROBODRILL α-DiB Plus series machining centres, a FANUC M-20iD/25 robot on a linear rail for machine tending, an AGV (automated guided vehicle) for exchanging raw and finished part pallets, a CMM (co-ordinate measuring machine) for part measurement, and sensor and connectivity technology to provide feedback from the CMM to the ROBOMACHINEs, for example. Two ROBOCUT α-CiC wire EDM machines were also part of the system, altogether three ROBOCUT machines were on display at EMO.

This production cell simulated the machining of a complex EV (electric vehicle) part in four and five axes, including turning operations using new high-speed rotary tables DDR-HSiB. Among further technologies were FANUC’s iRVision, a 24” FANUC iPC for HMI and FANUC FsbP (FIELD system basic Package) to collect, manage and visualise data. Visitors were able to overlook this fully automated factory from a bridge. Another highlight was the new FANUC ROBODRILL α-D28LiB5ADV Plus Y500 machining centre, which features an ATC with 28-station automatic tool-change capacity and a longer 500 mm Y-axis stroke. Making its debut appearance in Europe, the machine at EMO featured a rotary table to help simulate the cutting of a large EV aluminium inverter case.

Further ROBODRILL α-DiB Plus series demonstrations at EMO will include the actual five-axis machining of an aluminium part, served by a load/unload FANUC CRX-10iA/L collaborative robot. Visitors were also able to see a ROBODRILL α-DiB Plus series performing live heavy-duty milling, drilling and skiving, highlighting the machine’s power. In addition, a ROBODRILL Education Cell was present, encompassing machine, in-process measurement, two-axis table, work holding.

Elsewhere on the stand, FANUC showcased a ROBOSHOT α-S50iB injection moulding machine using a 16mm diameter screw to produce a smartphone precision lens holder, served by a FANUC LR Mate 200iD/7L. A ROBOCUT α-CiC wire EDM is set to complete the cell, producing the lens holder mould inserts.

ROBOCUT demonstrations at EMO included a ROBOCUT α-C600iC with rotary table that will be wire-cutting injectors for the aerospace industry. A FANUC CRX-10iA/L is set to serve as the load/unload function, with ROBOCUT LINKi providing energy monitoring.

Making its world premiere at EMO was the FANUC ROBOCUT α-C800iC wire EDM, an 800 mm X-axis stroke machine that completes the ROBOCUT α-CiC family. At the show, this large-format machine was set to simulate the wire cutting of a complex aerospace turbine part.

Robots within reach

Aside from many robots in the ROBOMACHINE area, FANUC had a dedicated area featuring multiple robots of different sizes and capacities. All are suitable for both beginners and experienced programmers, either using the traditional iPendant or a tablet TP.

Numerous live demonstrations showed how flexibly FANUC robots can be used. In the blink of an eye, these reliable production helpers remove containers, take over palletising or assembly, transfer large castings or handle heavy batteries. Three demonstrations involved FANUC iPC Box (industrial PC), offering high computing power and numerous advanced vision functions that enhance performance and task reliability.

Among new FANUC robots making their debut appearance at EMO was the CRX-25iA collaborative robot in 30 kg payload option, the FANUC M-710iD/50M with its curved arm and the CR-35iB collaborative robot in heavy-duty 50 kg option.

FIELD system: Data analysis on premise

FANUC’s IoT highlight at EMO was the introduction of a new ‘FIELD system’ version. FIELD system Basic Package is an on-premise platform (no Internet connection required) that allows manufacturers to collect, analyse and utilise data from connected machines and devices, offering compatibility with FANUC products up to 20 years old and extending its support to third party products. It offers fast set-up, easy-to-use templates and regular update capability which enables users to realise continuous production improvements in line with Kaizen strategies.

Last but not least, EMO visitors were able to discover more about the company’s latest service offer enhancements, including new features of the FANUC Assisted Reality (FAR) remote support tool. For instance, the company showed tablet-sharing on a CRX collaborative robot with direct call capability to FANUC. In addition, there was an overview of the company’s service portfolio, FANUC Academy training courses and FANUC Care, a new full-service package that is similar in effect to an extended warranty.

For more information, please visit http://www.fanuc.eu.