The Smallest Mid-Range Computer Numerical Controls in the World

When space is at a premium and power is a must, the Series 16i and Series 18i CNCs from GE Fanuc are the CNCs of choice for you. State-of- the-art VLSI and surface mount technologies have ingeniously been applied to create CNCs so compact they mount right behind the flat-panel display. The entire CNC is just 60 mm (less than 2.4 inches) deep— making the Series 16i and the Series 18i CNCs the smallest in the world!

These rugged CNCs offer power and versatility. They will control up to three independent part program paths with up to eight servo-controlled axes per path at increments as low as 0.1µm. They support up to four spindles and an additional four independent axes may be controlled with the loader option.

Both CNCs come with a full range of features suitable for turning, milling, laser, punching, and grinding applications. Machine precision can be improved remarkably through such features as stored pitch error compensation which corrects for lead-screw pitch error and other mechanical positioning errors. Ease of cutting can be achieved by using the automatic corner override feature which prevents over-cutting at corners. The list of features is second to none!

High-Speed Programmable Machine Control for Reduced Cycle Time

Overall machine tool productivity is ensured with the Series 16i and the Series 18i CNCs. Both CNCs include a dedicated high-speed PMC processor for executing the machine tool builder’s ladder and stepsequence programs. Ladders up to 32,000 steps execute at 0.085µS/step. Fast processing eliminates bottlenecks and improves machine tool cycle time.

The Series 16i and the Series 18i CNCs support a number of PMC programming options, including step-sequence and C language programming. Step-sequence programs allow complicated sequence control procedures to be partitioned into smaller steps and transitions. This simplifies debugging and enhances the maintainability and reliability of the machine. One-step sequence programs can be written in ladder diagram and sequential function chart formats, both of which conform to IEC 1131-3, the international standard for programmable controller languages.

C language programming opens the way for sophisticated customization. Real-time multitasking can be performed by an independent 32-bit C language processor which operates in parallel with the PMC ladder program execution.

In addition to offline PC based ladder development tools, all GE Fanuc controls have the ability to create, view, and edit relay ladder logic built into the control.

High-speed Connectivity for Exceptional System Performance

The Series 16i and the Series 18i CNCs move data at top speeds throughout the machine tool using the least possible number of cables. Cabling for the i Series CNCs requires just four cables: power, spindle, servo, and I/O. The result is a simpler and much more compact control that is easier to maintain. The unique FANUC Serial Servo Bus (FSSB) connects the CNC to multiple servo amplifiers over a single high-speed multi-drop fiber optic connection. Up to eight traditional cables are replaced by a single fiber-optic cable, which promotes an added bonus: fiber-optic cables are more noise immune than electrical cables.

Another high-speed daisy-chained connection, the I/O Link, connects the CNC to I/O and operator station units as well as to optional robots and auxiliary axis controllers, which may be distributed throughout the machine tool. Up to 1,024 input and output points may be serviced on a single I/O Link.

The CNC That’s Open for Business

For those who require a more sophisticated operator interface, who need to collect SPC data, or who simply wish to use CAD/CAM and other off-the-shelf software tools right on the machine tool, GE Fanuc offers an open solution featuring the Series 160i and the Series 180i CNCs. A credit card size Pentium® PC is mounted behind the LCD unit and optional ISA extension slots may be installed for added functionality. This integrated PC functions in tandem with the CNC’s processors rather than replacing them. In cases where an external PC is desired, GE Fanuc’s High-Speed Serial Bus (HSSB) interface connects the CNC with industry standard PCs, communicating at 25Mbps.

All GE Fanuc open CNC solutions can be interfaced with other software to enhance productivity. Our comprehensive CNC APIs for Visual Basic® and Visual C++® permit custom development and integration with custom software. The Basic Operations Package (BOP) provides standard CNC, PMC, and maintenance displays for your personal computer. These applications are fully customizable and integrate with off-the-shelf products using Microsoft’s OLE 2® interface. GE Fanuc’s CIMPLICITY® HMI product further extends usability with simple screen design tools and preconfigured networking to other CNCs, PLCs, or host computers.

Keeping You Informed

The Series 16i and the Series 18i CNCs are available with a full selection of monochrome and color LCD displays. The 10.4 inch color LCD rivals quality previously only available in CRTs, featuring a brightness of 200cd/m2 and viewing angles of 140° horizontal by 110° vertical. But no matter what your choice, you’ll enjoy superior VGAstyle graphics that help make the preconfigured screens for servo setup, machine operation, and waveform display exceptionally easy to follow. The periodic maintenance screen and the maintenance information screen, for instance, contain information that will contribute to regular, comprehensive maintenance, while the alarm and operation history screens record all alarms and operator responses, providing valuable data for troubleshooting. You can also create your own screens and, if you like, choose a touch screen option to simplify the operator interface even further.

Easy Integration with Your Network

The full range of communications options from GE Fanuc make it simple to integrate the Series 16i and the Series 18i CNCs into your network, offering DNC2, FTP, and Profibus connections. A host of thirdparty hardware and software is available to integrate the PC-enabled Series 160i and the Series 180i into the machine tool environment.

Infinitely Customizable CNC

The Series 16i and the Series 18i CNCs can be customized precisely to your specifications, so you get exactly the functionality you need for your application. Programming in C language can provide real performance gains by customizing the machine control for your needs. In addition, screen displays and their operation can be customized with the built-in C language executor. As a result, end users can benefit from customized screens and even multi-window displays created especially for their applications.

But the list of customizable options doesn’t end there. Using GE Fanuc’s macro executor, it’s a snap to create canned cycle or measuring cycle code. The macro executor supports machining program creation control as well as data input/output. And you can run specially developed software in realtime on an optional board featuring a high-speed, 64-bit RISC processor.

PCMCIA for Quick Updates

It’s easy to install new software in the Series 16i and the Series 18i CNCs or to troubleshoot from remote locations. That’s because the Series 16i and the Series 18i CNCs feature a PCMCIA card slot integrated on the front of the LCD unit. Simply insert a memory card, and you can transfer part programs, parameters, and ladder logic. Insert a modem card, and you can download programs, troubleshoot, and complete routine maintenance.