MEMEX - Machine Data Collector

Advantages of migrating from serial to Ethernet communications on the shop floor

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As published in Canadian Metalworking magazine, March 2010.

There is a technological shift going on out on the shop floor that is allowing machines to communicate directly with corporate information systems, generating big benefits for companies by increasing their operational efficiency. Applications are available that provide real-time machine monitoring, acquisition of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) metrics, dynamic computer-aided machining, automatic synchronization of part programs, DNC, work order
scheduling, and central control of machine operations.

Why Make the Leap?

The Internet has changed how the world gets its information: it’s all about easy access. Manufacturing machines that communicate via serial ports run the risk of being not connected to the information highway and consequently being an unproductive asset. If these machines could be refurbished with advanced communications technology, a company could avoid spending millions on new machines. Furthermore, extracting operational information from all its machines, both new and old, would permit a company to optimize its manufacturing processes. Companies that have moved to the Ethernet report a significant improvement in efficiency and cost savings.

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Memex Automation Supports Industry

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Memex has worked with industry to share information and knowledge with customer showcase events, speaking engagements and articles written and published. We are a corporate citizen.

See the attached articles for sample details.

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“Internetworking” the factory floor to your World

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Original article posted online by Canadian Tooling & Machining Association (Winter, 2009).

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Machine Monitoring & Control with OEE+DNC Enables Flexibility for Manufacturing Productivity

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Integrated machine monitoring and adaptive control with OEE+DNC has been demonstrated using a robot to aid loading a CNC machine, offering automation for manufacturing flexibility and productivity that can increase profitability.

A showcase hosted by the Canadian Tooling & Machining Association at the New Age Robotics site, demonstrated an ABB robot loading and unloading various materials integrated with a CNC machine to manufacture several discrete parts. The two machines were controlled by one Memex Ax9150 Universal Machine Interface (UMI) board. The Memex ProductionACE OEE+DNC (Overall Equipment Effectiveness + Digital Numerical Control) server software was connected to the UMI board, which in turn was connected to the robot and the CNC machine. OEE software monitored the machines in real-time and determined production status linked to the scheduled work orders. When the CNC machine was ready, the command was given to the robot to begin the load sequence for the material defined in the work order. The CNC machine was then given the specific DNC part program to be loaded, also referenced in the work order, and the command to begin machining. The mixed production material was loaded by the robot and the different parts were dynamically machined by the CNC. It was a masterful demonstration of flexible manufacturing, with all the benefits of an expensive FMS system done on a budget.

Manufacturing today demands both the adoption of new practices and new technology. “In order to improve productivity, including unmanned production shifts, machines on the shop floor need to be analyzed continuously and adapted to real-time conditions. If you can measure it, then you can manage it. This plug-and-play technology reduces the cost of integration.” said Memex President & CEO Dave McPhail. The Ax9150 UMI offers CNC machines real-time OEE machine monitoring and DNC control. As a co-processor installed next to the CNC control, the Ax9150 UMI provides local memory, on-board DNC and embedded OEE, and effectively “listens” to the heartbeat of the machines, reporting and logging what is happening inside. Because it has both data inputs and outputs, the Ax9150 UMI can pre-process machine instructions (G-Code) and then post-process real-time machining data in order to adapt to changing conditions at the machine. In short, Memex has succeeded in implementing adaptive control on existing CNC machines – a low cost upgrade that offers significant productivity improvements.

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Machine Monitoring for Productivity Improvement

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The Canadian Tooling & Machining Association hosted a tour of Rice Tool & Manufacturing which is a highly regarded manufacturing facility with specialties in high volume, quality production machining and assembly; manufacturing of special and custom tooling and dedicated equipment; design and development of prototypes; short run precision-machined components. Over the past 35 years, Rice Tool has developed a number of strategic partnerships with Tier 1 manufacturers allowing them to become an integral part of their supply chain. Rice Tool uses machines that are unique in Canada as well as 8-axis special production machines with unique differentiator as being an early adopter of manufacturing processes for higher efficiency. Memex will demonstrate their Ax9150 UMI controls that have been installed on Rice Tools’ machines, performing integrated OEE+DNC.

Following the tour and dinner, the CEO of Memex Automation Inc., gave a talk on “MACHINE MONITORING FOR PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENT”
Automate your automation using Ethernet connectivity to “InterNetwork” all your machines on the factory floor. Using a Universal Machine Interface, computerized networking for machine monitoring and control can provide manufacturers with relevant OEE metrics and production information in real-time, boosting efficiency by up to 20 percent with minimal capital investment and thereby enabling lean manufacturing techniques.