Remote control for machine diagnostics

Technology is continually changing the manufacturing process. Part manufacturers improve quality and accuracy while increasing machining speed and efficiency, which happens when they embrace new technologies. These technologies make the manufacturing process more integrated but also more complex.

Components of the process no longer stand alone; they are part of a complete manufacturing system. To make a system work, information is directly fed from one component or device to another. This information sharing is the core of process improvement.

As manufacturing processes grow more complex, service initiatives must also grow so manufacturers can embrace new technologies without being overwhelmed by their complexity. Providing a means to share information accurately and quickly is a pivotal part of maximizing machine uptime and minimizing unplanned downtimes. That’s why Okuma developed Constant CARE (Constantly Available Resource Experts) software.

The software provides an advantage when diagnosing issues and preventing or limiting machine downtime. With Okuma’s THINC open-architecture CNC, all an end user needs is an Internet connection, and, when something goes wrong, a service specialist can be connected directly to a machine by pressing a button. This level of connectivity eliminates wasted time when diagnosing a problem. Confusion is also eliminated and troubleshooting can begin immediately.

Constant CARE comes standard with every Okuma machine equipped with the THINC-OSP P-200 control. The software enables a remote desktop connection with the company’s service specialists, who can access the machine control to diagnose and, in some cases, correct the issue. A service specialist remotely sees everything the operator sees. And with express operator permission, a service specialist can take control of the machine’s computer to review parameters, check programmable logic control status and perform other diagnostic operations.

Courtesy of Okuma America