Mid-Range CNC Machine Extends Hardware and Software Solution Alternatives

Siemens Corp. now offers its mid-range CNC machine, the Sinumerik 828D, with a version 4.8 operating system, which extends the array of hardware and software solutions for its integrated Sinumerik portfolio. This includes integrated industrial software and automation technology for full productivity potential in mid-range control.

Sinumerik 828D is a compact, panel-based CNC, offered in vertical and horizontal models for flexible machine design integration. Advanced Surface and Top Surface technologies ensure optimum surface finishes with 80-bit nano floating-point accuracy. Siemens’ standard Shop-Mill and Shop-Turn graphical programming with interactive input assists via animated elements. Up to 10 axes of motion with two auxiliary axes are possible, as well as color displays in sizes 10.4” or 15.4”.  

The Sinumerik CNC 4.8 software release 4.8 is said to make a range of new functions available for improved speed, precision and safety of intermediate milling, turning and grinding machine tools, with simplified ISO code programming. Features of version 4.8 include facility for compensating unwanted axis-nodding movements and protection against machine, tool and workpiece collisions. Nodding compensation (NoCo) is used to compensate for dynamic position deviations in one or more linear machine axes caused by acceleration processes; these position deviations are caused by mechanical compliance within the machine. Siemens says NoCo compensates for the dominant position deviation by initiating a corrective movement in the relevant machine axis, enabling improved machining quality simultaneously with higher jerk and acceleration values.

Nodding compensation can be used in conjunction with any technology, such as milling, multi-tasking, tapping, laser machining or water jet machining. NoCo is available in two variants: Eco and Advanced. The Eco variant is designed for dominant acceleration effects in which the compensation axis is combined with one influencing variable. Where there are several influencing variables which require several compensation axes, the Advanced variant is the option of choice.

The Sinumerik software release 4.8 also features collision protection: Collision Avoidance Eco and Collision Avoidance Advanced. The Eco version enables machine protection by preventing collisions of the machine body with its own components within the work area. To achieve this effect in real-time, the assemblies which need protection are calculated as simple geometric bodies. This collision monitoring system is available in all three operating modes: JOG, MDA and Automatic. The protected areas can be engineered and visualized as a 3D image at the control interface. The Advanced variant includes full machine, tool and workpiece protection.

Software provided by Sinumerik product partner, ModuleWorks, runs via an interface integrated on an external PC and works together with the Sinumerik CNC in real-time to ensure that the machine, tool and workpiece can be continuously monitored and are dynamically protected during the stock removal process. The workpiece and tool data required is made available to the system during setup. Collision Avoidance provides safety during operation.