A new, easy-to-customise, machine tool operator’s panel, suitable for use with Fanuc Series 16i, 18i and 21i CNC systems, has been developed by GE Fanuc.

A new, easy-to-customise, machine tool operator’s panel, suitable for use with Fanuc Series 16i, 18i and 21i CNC systems, has been developed by GE Fanuc.

Offering a really neat design for the overwhelmingly successful i Series CNCs is a pair of machine operator’s panels using detachable key tops, instead of the previous type of panel, where all keys are covered by a rubber sheet.

Until now, any machine tool builder requiring a bespoke panel, had to request GE Fanuc to develop a customised key sheet and possibly incurred a time delay in receiving it.

Now the machine tool builder can customise its own keys and produce an original key layout in-house.

Two types of unit are available: an integrated type incorporated into the full alphabet key Machine Data Interface (MDI) and a stand-alone type.

The new pads can be laid out in either horizontal format or vertical format to suit the overall panel design and different matching versions of separate panels for mechanical switches, such as an emergency stop switch, can be added.

Sufficient interface for a pendant box is provided and incorporates the following features: * 55 operation keys plus LEDs for status display.

* General purpose DI: 32 points for rotary and other switches.

* General purpose DO: eight points.

* Manual pulse generator interface: three units.

The machine operator’s panel is easy to customise because all key tops are detachable.

By using the pre-marked key tops any desired layout can be arranged and the additionally supplied blank key tops can be marked with any special inscription peculiar to the customer’s own application.

Transparent key tops can be overlaid to provide protection to the markings on the key labels themselves.

This is yet another example of how GE Fanuc strive to afford machine builders the greatest possible freedom of choice in customising their own products.

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