As part of its OpenFactory CNC initiative, the company, in conjunction with its recent acquisition of CimWorks, Inc., has designed CimWorks MCS, a flexible, easy-to-use and cost-effective bundled software solution. CimWorks MCS provides a comprehensive package of CNC operator station functions, including document organization, part program management, machine monitoring and networking capabilities to increase productivity for end users and OEMs, large and small.

CimWorks MCS adds useful features to the CNC in the form of cost-effective, built-in productivity tools and networking capabilities, the company says. Additionally, MCS allows users to connect the shop floor to their business information systems for seamless data sharing and communication.

The software provides production scheduling, electronic documentation, part program management and production and productivity reporting, as well as maintenance scheduling and monitoring, CNC operator/maintenance interface and Shop Floor Programming (SFP) via the following software components:

VisualDocs electronically manages and distributes manufacturing documents by connecting an off-line system directly to the shop floor and providing a pathway for organizing and sending information to and from the office directly to the shop floor. VisualDocs supports a wide variety of documents, such as work instructions, tool lists, part programs, drawings and manuals, and organizes documents by subject, machine, job and part.

VisualDNC is a flexible system of DNC software that enables manufacturers with CNC equipment to download part programs from local area networks. VisualDNC features a Windows part program editor for multiple program viewing, color-coded program comparisons, global find and replace, global offsets, calculator, and sequence and re-sequence program.

VisualMEM helps manufacturers gather machine performance information by recording machine events and placing the information in a database for real-time or periodic analysis of the data, such as uptime/downtime, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair scheduling. VisualMEM not only tracks machine productivity and performs production reporting, but also provides a productivity and fault history database.

Visual MOI integrates the machine tool operation with the production scheduling and electronic documentation. It is the core operator interface for machining information such as position, tool, offset and part program data. This component provides separate functions for operation, maintenance and administrative users. The inclusion of a Windows-based ladder editing package allows maintenance users to monitor the CNC-to-machine tool interface for diagnostics and troubleshooting and to edit and debug Ladder programs.

SFP allows users to easily create or modify CAM data to produce G-code programs for lathe and milling applications. SEP was specifically designed for ease of use on the factory floor.

MCS also seamlessly connects with the new Cim Works Suite version 1.4 to integrate production planning, administration and reporting.