Although there wasn’t anything new at this event – that opportunity will apparently come in a few months’ time at MACH – it was a good chance to see the new Max 5 control package, launched in September 2015, up close. It was shown on both machining centres and lathes at the show.
As part of the Max 5 package, two side-by-side screens now come as standard on the high-end VMX range of machining centres (although only a single screen typically comes with entry-level VM10-VM30 units, users can flick between the two). As in Max 4, one screen displays codes for running programmes (the NC software, WinMax 10, has not changed) while on the other are displays of the part being created using the conversational control, or being cut in real time. But both have grown to full size, 19 in, up from 12 in, and they are held in place by a patented bracket that folds one against the other, clamshell style, when not in use. And the graphics touchscreen interface has been refreshed too.
With the large twin-screen displays, and new keyboard and trackball mouse sliding out from underneath the now-tiltable control panel, the Max 5 control aims to provide a comfortable environment for CNC programming.
“It’s getting more like sitting at a PC with a CAM system, almost like bringing that experience to the shopfloor,” Hurco applications engineer Andy Roberts tells me.
The Max 5 controller can store up to 15 NC programmes. This allows operators greater ability to integrate CAD programmes written offline – perhaps of a part to be machined from a customer – with conversational programmes written on the control. (It can also accept Autodesk .dxf files).
The beauty of this system, explains Roberts, is that it offers greater control over NC programs. If NC programs are written to cover just a single tool, around them operators can insert conversational pattern blocks that are relatively quick and easy to edit, without having to go back to an offline CAM system and having to re-post process the programme. Such an arrangement also increases speed of cutting, because programmes can be sent to the machine piecewise to reduce idle times.
Also, Hurco’s conversational programmes are written in its so-called Universal Language that ensures that the program runs correctly on machines with different configurations, for example different axes of fourth-axis movement. In contrast, post-processed CADCAM files are machine-specific.
A final selling point of Max 5 is a detacheable corded hand pendant control, now available across all Max 5 machines, of particular use when setting jobs. It offers a handwheel controlling travel along all powered axes, powered jog control even when the door is open (provided the operator presses a dead man switch at the back), LED torch, datum position set button, and can also incorporate an LCD travel position readout.
