The developments on the software and control side have continued over the past few years, which benefits the S141. Thus, measurement, contact detection, loading and handling systems are linked to the FANUC controller, thus enabling it to be controlled directly from within the user interface. Wolfgang Labus explains: "FANUC gives us the opportunity to fully integrate our gauging and sensor technology for process monitoring as well as contact detection and automatic balancing systems into the controller, which allows for user-friendly, standardised programming of the various systems."
The 15" touchscreen of the FANUC 31i-B also facilitates the intuitive operation and programming of the machine. All control elements are usefully arranged clearly and ergonomically. For easy set up close to the grinding process, Studer has developed a process-adapted hand operation device which seamlessly works with the FANUC CNC.
Advanced drive technology
The S141 also stands out thanks to its advanced drive technology – with linear motors in all axes. "Unfortunately, not from FANUC", as Wolfgang Labus notes. "It would naturally be ideal if everything came from one company and was installed in the switch cabinet by a group of suppliers. But it also demonstrates that in exceptional cases, FANUC has the capability of allowing third-party products and makes the relevant technical parameters available in order for all the drive elements to be optimally matched to the controller."
High performance density
During the development of the S141, there was not yet a matching linear drive available from FANUC. But that could change in the near future, mentions Antoine Ferrari, the FANUC Sales Engineer responsible for Studer: "The LiS D1 linear motor series we just developed has a considerably more compact footprint and therefore a higher performance density. The new 4500 N-model, for example, is 50 mm slimmer than the previous model."