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Llantrisant, South
Wales-based FSG Tool & Die is taking advantage of yet another advance in
technology, with the implementation of a wireless communications system for its
turning, CNC grinding and high-speed CNC machining sections.
FSG MD, Gareth Jenkins, had been considering installing
a wireless communication system for key machines in the toolroom for some while,
and the company’s recent relocation to new premises proved to be an ideal spur
to action. It was essential, during the move, to create the minimum disruption
to production and the CNC machines needed to be working as soon as they were
installed in the new factory, with no downtime whatsoever. In order to ensure
that all went smoothly, FSG called on the services and expertise of DNC
specialists J2com Ltd.
CIMCO UK reseller Jeremy Sobey of J2com, takes up
the story; “We were asked to prepare proposals for both cabled and wireless
installations, clearly detailing the benefits of each, so that FSG could select
the most appropriate solution. While the cabled solution was cheaper initially,
it was clear that, in the longer-term, the wireless solution would provide
greater cost savings because of the flexibility to move CNC machines about the
shop-floor, commission and run jobs again, without the need to re-cable. There
would also be less machining downtime.”
The installation at FSG consists of wireless serial
device port servers for the turning and grinding machines, while the high speed
machines utilise Ethernet wireless clients. The maximum distance of 100m from
the Wireless Access Point to the CNC machine (depending on obstacles) gives
plenty of opportunity to reconfigure the toolroom to accommodate new CNC
machines at a later date. An additional benefit of the new system is that data
can be stored in a more easily controlled way, as a central database now looks
after all three machining sections on one server.
The installation and implementation was timed to suit
the relocation, with some of the equipment being tested while the CNC machines
were still in their original locations and then going live as they were moved
into the new premises, at a rate of two to three CNC machines per week.
CIMCO DNC-Max V5.1 software is used to communicate
remotely with various CNC machines in the turning and CNC grinding areas, while
for the high-speed CNC machining sections either FTP or NFS Ethernet server
software was used, depending on the type of CNC machine.
FSG MD, Gareth Jenkins comments; “We had a demonstration
of the software and were very impressed – it was clearly the way to go. We had
initial concerns about the security of the wireless system, but with wireless
data encryption we are confident there will be no problems on that score.
Altogether we are delighted with our move to a wireless environment and are
thinking of moving to wireless machine monitoring – manufacturing data
collection.”
As FSG has already purchased the DNC-Max Wireless
system, the implementation for the MDC-Max, Manufacturing Data Collection, can
be integrated to provide “Real-time Data Collection”, analysis data in the form
of real-time reports and graphs, including Overall Equipment Effectiveness
(OEE).
FSG Tool & Die
Ltd.
Founded in 1961, FSG is the market leader
in design and manufacture of precision toolmaking. The company’s expertise is
focused on the automotive markets, metal and plastic packaging, hot forging and
press tools. A world Class accredited ISO9001 Company, with over 80 employees
that offer the very latest in 3D CADCAM facilities and automated manufacturing
processes. FSG is a highly focussed business that offers excellent customer
service and product quality.
FSG Tool & Die Limited
www.fsgtoolanddie.co.uk
Reseller J2com Ltd
www.j2com.co.uk
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