Coventry-based Fanuc UK Ltd (www.fanuc.eu) showed its latest automation capabilities, alongside its next-generation robotics, Robo-Machines, drives and controls on its ‘fully connected’ stand at MACH 2018; it used a single software platform — MT-Linki — to collect, monitor and display the data of every machine on the stand in an ‘easy to digest’ format.

MT-Linki can connect up to 100 machines per server. The data obtained, which can be collected via dedicated PC software, can subsequently be used to optimise production processes, maximise machine usage or diagnose potential problems — all without having to visit the factory floor.

Three of the cells on the stand were connected by MT-Linki and demonstrated Fanuc’s RoboMachine capabilities in EDM and vertical milling.

The RoboCut C800iB — the largest of Fanuc’s wire-cut EDM machines — made its UK debut as part of a gear-cutting and hole-drilling cell; it was also equipped with a Fanuc CCR rotary table.

Meanwhile, Fanuc’s two RoboDrill machining cells showcased the company’s industry partnerships.

For instance, the RoboDrill D21LiB machining centre was integrated with a Nikken 5AX-DD200BF2 direct-drive five-axis unit and shown cutting a special-edition World Cup trophy out of brass.

The α-DiB5 ADV, which represents the latest RoboDrill series, was paired with a Fanuc robot and a Renishaw Equator gauging system that demonstrated ‘no fault forward’ functionality by analysing machined parts and correcting any decline in part quality — without disrupting production.