FANUC FASBridge CNC-Tool ID Interface
Introducing the revolutionary FANUC FAS Bridge Tool ID CNC interface
The FANUC FOCAS Automation Solution Bridge (formerly known as miLink) Tool ID interface enables the BEST integration between a Balluff single reader head tool identification system and a FANUC based CNC with minimal or no programming and no additional interfaces. The FASBridge interface is flexible and configurable - the programming has been put inside the box for you. Additionally, the FASBridge is industrially hardened for worry-free, reliable operation.
Reading a Tool ID tag with the FASBridge Tool ID interface requires:
- No CNC Ladder Programming
- No Macro Executers
- And no C-Executers
The FANUC FASBridge Tool ID interface is a bolt-on solution and requires no modifications to the FANUC CNC programming to read a tool’s ID tag, cutting implementation time and costs drastically. It is configured with a PC using a built-in browser-based user interface and any of the latest W3C standard-compliant *browsers such as Firefox (*Microsoft® Internet Explorer® is NOT recommended at this time). The browser-based interface uses a template methodology to specify where the data is on the Tool ID tag, and where to transfer the data into the FANUC CNC registers. The template file stores the definitions like a memory map. Once configured*, the PC can be disconnected and is no longer needed for normal operation. This allows the FASBridge to operate as a black box solution, automatically and autonomously transferring data between the Balluff identification system and the Fanuc CNC.
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Physical installation requirements:
1. Mount¹ FASBridge and Balluff processors in electrical cabinet
2. Mount¹ Balluff read/write head² in required machine location
3. Connect 24VDC power
4. Connect RS-232 cable to Balluff processor
5. Connect Ethernet crossover cable to CNC (A hub can be used to allow simultaneous access to FASBridge for programming while leaving connection to CNC.)
¹ Balluff can recommend and provide integration services through nationally authorized integration partners.
² A handheld read/write kit is also available for external tag access. Automated reader head operation requires additional mechanical integration. |
Application configuration:
1. Set IP address of Fanuc CNC³
2. Set RS-232 parameters for Balluff processor
3. Configure template* for ID tag data and CNC registers
*Balluff recommends startup commissioning services for first time users after installation is complete. Services do not include installation. Contact Balluff for more information. |
Unrivaled access to CNC registers without custom engineering
To support your new and existing applications, the FANUC FASBridge interface provides accessibility to a large amount of CNC data registers including: Tool Life³ and Tool Management³, Tool Geometry Offsets, Tool Wear Offsets³, 2nd tool offsets, work offsets and macro variables. Data from CNC registers can also be written back to the tools ID tag using FANUC CNC interface pushbuttons, internal register triggers or external I/O. (Writing data back to the ID tags may require modification to the CNC ladder or PMC.)
³ The use of Tool Life, Tool Management, Tool Wear Offsets and possibly other CNC variables may require addition software options installed on the CNC by FANUC. Please consult FANUC or Balluff prior to purchasing the FASBridge to determine your needs.)
Fanuc CNC compatibility‡ list:
S30i-Model A (G-001/G-011/G-021, G-002/G-012/G-022, G-003/G-013/G-023)
S31i-Model A (G-101/G-111, G-103/G-113)
S31i-Model A5 (G-121/G-131, G-123/G-133)
S32i-Model A (G-201, G-203)
S16i-MB (B0H1/B0HA/B0HK, B0K1)
S16i-TB (B1H1/B1HA/B1HK, B1D4/B1D6, B1K1)
S18i-MB (BDH1/BDHA/BDHK, BDH5/BDHE, BDK1/BDK5)
S18i-TB (BEH1/BEHA/BEHK, BEH3, BEK1)
‡Consult FANUC or Balluff to confirm additional CNC controller Ethernet conformance.
Balluff Tool ID system kits
Balluff has two kits available using the BIS C line single reader head RFID part of a Tool ID system. These kits are designed specifically to work with the FANUC FAS Bridge interface. See kit part numbers in chart below.
Both kits include a single reader head BIS C serial communication-based RFID processor and an RS232 communication cable to connect the processor directly to the FASBridge serial communication port. The difference between the PK1 and PK2 kits is that the PK1 version includes a single standard 14.5mm diameter read/write head while the PK2 version includes an ergonomic “pistol grip” type hand-held grip with a single 14.5mm head mounted in it. The pistol grip provides a read/write trigger switch and a red LED for successful action feedback that can be connected and configured to the CNC’s I/O.
Consult Balluff for more information at 1-800-543-8390 or technical.support@balluff.com .