New software from Coventry-based NUM (UK) Ltd (www.num.com) has been designed to enable CNC machine tool builders and retrofitters to provide easy-to-use machine set-up and real-time control facilities for precision grinding applications.

Forming the latest application-specific addition to NUM’s FXCAM suite of CNC software, the new NUMgrind package simplifies machine tool programming for tasks that include external and internal cylindrical grinding, surface grinding, wheel shaping and dressing.

NUMgrind helps create G-code programs for CNC machine tools through the use of an intuitive graphical HMI, conversational-style ‘fill in the blanks’ dialogues, or a combination of the two; and unlike conventional CAD/CAM work-station tools for generating CNC machine-tool control programs, NUMgrind is intended for use in the production environment.

The software works in conjunction with embedded CNC grinding and dressing cycles, and it can be configured for a variety of machine layouts.

Featured in the cylindrical grinding package are OD/ID cycles (including inclined-axis capabilities) for two-axis (X and Z) horizontal or vertical grinding machines.

Standard forms or profiled wheels can be dressed with single-point, double-point or roller-type dressers.

For surface grinding, NUM offers full grinding cycles for three-axis (X, Y and Z) machine configurations with built-in wheel-dressing capabilities similar to those of the OD/ID cylindrical grinding package.

Machine production time is said to be efficient, due to HMI pages that guide the operator through a step-by-step process to set up the machine for each part.

As soon as data entry is complete, the program is generated automatically, stored and made ready for execution.

NUM’s entire FXCAM software suite, including the new NUMgrind package, is designed for use with the company’s latest-generation Flexium+ CNC platform.

This comprises a modular and scalable CNC solution for a variety of machine-tool control applications, and it includes the company’s Safe PLC option and Safe motion control facilities.