Configuration Data and DNC
HYDRA Configuration Data and DNC
Automation – The Decisive Competitive Factor
A high level of automation in manufacturing is a crucial competitive factor. Today, computer-aided production processes play a prominent role in modern production facilities.
High standards have been set to manage large numbers of NC data records and their transfer to different machines and their controls.
The HYDRA-DNC (Direct Numeric Control) module meets the many requirements of systems pertaining to the central management of NC and configuration data.
HYDRA-DNC transfers data online to and from machines via networks and / or data interfaces and thereby ensures quick access to NC programs and configuration data records.
While MES HYDRA provides common functions of DNC tools, i.e. selecting an NC program by program number or file name, it also provides additional benefits if used in combination with HYDRA-BDE (production area data). NC and configuration data do not need to be requested manually. HYDRA automatically recognizes the required data records once an order is entered and transfers them to the relevant production area terminal where they can be released.Manual data input is significantly reduced and errors can be prevented.
Interfaces to CAD / CAM
Generally, NC programs and configuration data records are generated in special CAD programs or directly at the relevant machines during the production of initial samples. Therefore, it is a central task of HYDRA to transfer existing data from the CAD system or the NC program management before it is needed at the machine for production of specific products or items.
HYDRA uses a field-tested interface for communication with CAD systems, such as Unigraphics and Edgecam. This service automatically prepares data for HYDRA NC management
based on allocated information included in source programs (e.g. item, tool, and machine numbers). Alternatively, control information may also be transferred from control files.
The same service ensures that optimized programs are returned automatically to the CAD system.
Management of NC Programs and Configuration Data Records
Since NC programs can be classified as resources for production like tools, manufacturing equipment or other manufacturing resources and tools, they are also managed via the
general HYDRA Resource Management.
Assignment to resource groups as an example from “Master Data Management”
Master data specific to DNC is recorded in addition to basic information. This may include file processing rules (such as replace, optimize, external, and so forth) or assignment tables
specifying the usability of DNC groups on specific machines or equipment.
NC programs or setting data records are managed as follows, depending on existing IT infrastructure and CAD / CAM or NC programming systems:
• Transfer to and temporary storage on the HYDRA server directly referring to products / items to be produced or
• saving a link that takes the user to the relevant storage location
Responsible employees may view data on their computers, add information such as comments, and select one or more NC files for release using a comparison editor, if multiple
program versions exist for the same item. The resource overview lists all available NC programs and configuration data records.
The current program status (released, blocked, new, optimized, etc.) is shown in addition to the defined master data.
Resource overview including the current status of NC programs
DNC at the Production Area Terminal
Released NC data records are displayed automatically when a tooling engineer or machine operator enters an order via a production area terminal. Alternatively, this may also be requested directly by inputting a program number. If several NC programs are available for download, they may be analyzed in greater detail using the comparison editor at the production area terminal. The operator then releases the NC program or the selected configuration parameters for automatic transfer to the machine control.
DNC functions that can be used by operators and tooling engineers directly via the production area terminal at the machine include the display of drawings and NC programs as well as the selection of data records to be downloaded to a machine.
The complete NC program can be displayed via a viewer if operators or tooling engineers need additional information. In addition, supporting documents, such as drawings, tooling
sheets or similar files, may be reviewed.
Comparison Editor
The comparison editor allows for automated comparisons of different NC program versions. These versions can be compared at any PC workstation with HYDRA DNC functionality
and at production area terminals to select the program that best matches the production requirements of the relevant item.
Comparison editor for NC programs and configuration data records
Machine Interface
Existing data interfaces used for transferring machine or process data from machine controls and equipment controls may be expanded to accommodate the transfer of NC data. It is also possible to implement user interfaces used solely for the transfer
of NC data. The HYDRA Process CommunicationController (PCC) serves as an all-around interface and supports all common commercially available machines and external systems.
Download / Upload of NC Programs
If the parameters of an NC program are changed by optimization during the production process, comments may be added via the production area terminal. The optimized program
version can be uploaded to the HYDRA database where it can be saved for future use and may be forwarded to the connected NC management system and linked to HYDRA.