INDIANAPOLIS – A new feature developed by Hurco makes
automation for high-mix manufacturing practical because it runs right on the Hurco control eliminating the need for machinists to learn how to program robots, it has automatic calibration to the CNC machine making it easy to move the system between
Hurco machines, and it has probe part/workholding location feature that reduces part changeover to less than five (5) minutes for new jobs and just seconds for previous jobs.
The
Automation Job Manager is only available on Hurco CNC machines and is part of the Hurco Practical Job Shop Automation package that includes the control software and all the equipment needed for CNC tending automation including collaborative robots, parts trays/cart, dual-servo grippers, collaborative auto door, and more.
The unrivaled flexibility of the
Hurco control powered by WinMax® allows shops to determine which programming method is best for each job: Conversational; Industry Standard NC; or NC/Conversational Merge.
- As the inventor of Conversational Programming, Hurco is dedicated to continuous innovation to maintain its status as the easiest control to program and add functionality that helps customers increase productivity and profitability.
- The NC side of the Hurco control follows the industry standard, which means shops can use their existing programs and don’t have to change their current processes.
- NC/Conversational Merge is a feature Hurco developed that lets the user apply Conversational features, such as pattern operations, scaling, tool probing, part probing, and unlimited work offsets, to existing NC programs. Patterns include loop rotate, loop translate, loop linear, loop angular, pattern locations, scale, and mirror image.
Whether the machinist decides to use Conversational, NC, or NC/Conversational Merge programming, there are multiple control features that are independent of the type of programming and tagged as the most popular by customers: Advanced Verification Graphics with 3D Solid Rendering, Data Block Search, the True Interrupt Cycle are just three examples.
- Advanced Verification Graphics lets the user view a solid rendering of the tool path that displays dynamic rotation, tool cut simulation, and dynamic view manipulation. This feature reduces scrap, programming time, and proves out the part program.
- The Hurco control also simplifies the tedious task of searching for a data block or line of code during the editing process with its Data Block Search feature. Users can easily touch the selection they need to edit on the graphics screen, and the cursor will jump to the corresponding program selection.
- The True Interrupt Cycle eliminates the need to teach the control the path the tool takes when it retracts and returns to the part. When the Interrupt button on the control is pressed, the spindle stops cutting, the coolant shuts off, and the tool automatically retracts to Z home. The operator can jog the machine in any direction to check the part or change tool inserts. Then, simply press two buttons and the cycle automatically resumes right where it left off–at the speed you choose.
Beyond its flexibility and numerous features, the integrated Hurco control provides robust technical specifications standard instead of charging extra. The
Hurco control is equipped with a 128GB solid state hard drive, 10,000 block lookahead, a 2.7GHz dual core processor, 4GB RAM memory, and an intuitive graphical user interface. To make sure every customer gets the full benefit of Hurco control technology, all 75 models of Hurco CNC machines utilize the same control. Additionally, the Hurco control is upgradeable, which allows customers to stay up to date with the latest control technologies.
