An industry-wide program introduced by FANUC is designed to improve part quality and increase production speed by aligning workflows with modern machining best practices.
ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich.—FANUC Corporation reported in August that it is introducing a new industry‑wide program designed to help CNC machine tool builders, CAD/CAM companies, and manufacturers improve part quality and increase production speed by aligning their workflows with modern machining best practices. The company is a prominent supplier of industrial robots and factory automation.
The FANUC 5‑Axis Integrated Technology Initiative aims to improve efficiency, accuracy, and repeatability in the production of complex components on CNC‑based machines. (Image: FANUC/PRNewswire)
The FANUC 5‑Axis Integrated Technology Initiative is intended to improve efficiency, accuracy, and repeatability in the production of complex components on CNC‑based machines.
“Because the FANUC control has been the industry’s gold‑standard for CNC systems for decades, many manufacturers developed their machining processes years ago,” said FANUC America Executive Director of Aerospace Rick Schultz, in a company release. “As a result, they may not be taking advantage of the latest CNC technologies, which can prevent them from achieving the most optimal outcomes. The FANUC 5‑Axis Integrated Technology Initiative is designed to train the entire industry on new methods, new technologies, and more efficient ways to machine parts.”
Addressing challenges of outdated processes
According to FANUC, many production issues arise from outdated programming and machine‑specific workflows. In traditional environments, each CNC machine tool often requires its own programming approach—a time‑consuming and expensive process. Programmers may be required to manually calculate complex multi‑axis movements for a single machine, resulting in part programs unique to a specific part on a specific machine.
The new initiative is reported to provide a structured path toward modernized, machine‑agnostic processes. By adopting FANUC’s recommended best practices, industry partners can shift from machine‑dependent programming to part‑specific programming. This can greatly reduce setup complexity and improve scalability across multiple machines, the company said in the release.
“This methodology significantly reduces the ‘art‑to‑part’ development time because the program is the same regardless of which machine is used,” said Schultz. “Instead of designing a part, posting a program, testing it on a machine, and then adjusting the post processor or program for that specific machine, manufacturers can rely on a consistent process that works across machines.”
Creating alignment across the manufacturing ecosystem
A core objective of the FANUC 5‑Axis Integrated Technology Initiative is to ensure alignment between the CNC machine, the post processor, the CAD/CAM system, and the simulation environment. The initiative includes guidelines for proper machine setup and emphasizes the importance of optimized post processors within CAD/CAM systems, the company said.
As part of the initiative, machine tool builders and CAD/CAM partners must produce a standardized 5‑axis evaluation part to demonstrate that their machines, software, and settings conform to FANUC’s recommended modern practices.
“The goal is to establish alignment between the machine, the post processor, the CAD/CAM system, and the simulation,” added Schultz. “Manufacturers need a high level of performance to support today’s modern workflows. After designing a 5‑axis part in their CAD/CAM system, the toolpaths must be developed accurately so the program outputs correctly when posted—resulting in consistent part production across every machine.”
FANUC America Corporation, a subsidiary of FANUC CORPORATION in Japan, provides CNC systems, robotics, and ROBOMACHINEs. The company stated that its “innovative technologies and proven expertise help manufacturers in the Americas maximize productivity, reliability, and profitability.” Headquartered in Rochester Hills, Michigan, FANUC America has facilities throughout North and South America.