Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] fanuc 6mb

In a message dated 7/25/02 12:39:29 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
elson@... writes:

> ptkent01 wrote:
>
> > I have been offered an Hitachi bed mill with a Fanuc 6MB controller.
> > I am told it has paper tape. I would like to know if anyone knows
> > anything about this controller. I would like some opinion as to it's
> > usefulness, and capabilities. If it can be updated, etc? I know
> > nothing about this controller, any help would be a very welcome.
>
> It probably can't be 'updated' cheaply, from Fanuc. But, it is probably
> a pretty capable controller. You CAN easily hook up a PC for program
> storage and downloading, and retire the paper tape unit. I found this
> like that has a lot of info on serial hookup :
>
> http://www.g-zero.com/G0Help/MiscComm/CNC-Setup/CNC-FANUC6MB.htm
>
> I also saw some photos of machines with the 6MB, and it looks like a
> pretty sophisticated, relatively late-model control.
>
> It should be able to take RS-274D code from most CAD software.
>
> Jon
>
>
>

The FANUC 6Mb has been around for a while and is an extremely capable and
reliable controller, as are most all FANUC controllers. Almost every CAD/CAM
program out there will support a FANUC controller as they are the reigning
king in CNC controls and have been for years. I agree with Jon, the best
thing to do is link a PC with the unit via the RS232 interface and use it
instead of the paper tape reader. It wouldn't surprise me if the tape reader
is non-functional anyway as most people changed over to using the serial line
after a while and the tape readers were not maintained therefore they got
dirty and just don't work. The one thing you do need to find out is if the
"Executive" software, or control parameters are available on disk so you
don't have to enter those by hand if they get corrupted or have been deleted
for whatever reason. If the machine and control parameters are still in the
control and have not been corrupted, that is the machine will still run a
program that is in the control, then you should be able to upload those to
your PC for safe keeping.

I hope this helps a little.


Regards,

Randy Abernathy
4626 Old Stilesboro Road
Acworth, GA 30101
Phone / Fax: 770-974-5295
E-mail: cnc002@...
We service, install and repair industrial woodworking machinery
Specializing in SCM / SCMI CNC Panel Saws and Routers


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