New possibilities with the new AMADA AMNC 4ie control
We have reached a time in fabricating when the changes come faster, the models of machines are updated more often, and truly amazing advancements soon become commonly accepted features.
It is somewhat unusual to highlight the control for multiple machine tools. Yet it does deserve to be in the center of the spotlight because of all the new processes that it enables and manages. While we commonly concentrate on new hardware items inside the machines, we sometimes miss the opportunity to share features that enable us to get the most from the latest machine tools.
The new AMADA AMNC 4ie control (see Figure 1, a laser implementation) is meant for AMADA’s lines of laser cutters, press brakes, laser welding units, turret punch presses, and punch/laser combination products. It is a large display (it measures 21.5 inches the long way) with very few buttons but a very flexible touch-screen setup that handles lots of different applications.
Four i’s and four e’s
There really are four i’s and four e’s to this new controller. The four I’s are:
Intelligent (it can serve multiple needs in an intelligent fashion)
Interactive (it responds quickly and appropriately to user input and has informative feedback)
Integrated (it fits well into AMADA’s connected Industry 4.0 strategy and is automation ready)
Innovative (the distributed intelligence approach is new and fits into AMADA’s new methods of manufacturing)
And the four e’s are:
Easy (Easy operation for anyone to use)
Efficiency (Remote machine operation)
Environmental (Sustainable in production)
Evolution (Evolution with our customers, always on the cutting edge)
Some AMNC 4ie highlights
AMADA’s approach to presenting control information (see Figure 2, a press brake implementation) is parallel to that of today’s most advanced aircraft. Rather than isolate feedback into separate gauges or readouts, much of the working information is displayed on a single screen. This display philosophy has proven itself in aviation and in fabricating. It saves job time and is much more convenient for the operator. A side benefit is that people trained on one AMADA laser can be trained to operate other AMADA lasers as well, very efficiently, because the control environment is so similar.
Ease of use is paramount to the design of the AMNC 4ie. Even the physical deployment of the display creates a positive experience. The display is large—large enough to run and display multiple items and give the operator a full overview of any application.
Placement is quite flexible. The operator controls the position of the AMNC 4ie by grasping the handle below the display and moving it in all three dimensions. You can also change the vertical and horizontal angles of the display. It is on a fully articulating arm so you can change your viewing direction and angle.
One of the most exciting enhancements is the HMI (human-machine interface, see Figure 3) devices—either an iPad or iPhone that allows the operator to use a subset of AMNC 4ie capabilities to control and monitor the machine. This can be done remotely, or right in front of the machine.
For remote operation, key features include machine status, job run time, live ideo, machine notifications to your mobile device, view schedule, and stop or resume operation. In front of the machine, many operators find it good practice to pay attention to the front-mounted HMI to check the bend simulator or the backgauge visualization software.
Other very noticeable enhancements include face recognition and voice recognition. Approach the AMNC 4ie, and the control automatically recognizes you and knows and uses your language. Also, your access to all the features and security of the system is entered when AMNC 4ie is set up; when you are recognized, the machine knows what you can access. If you walk away and stay away for a configurable amount of time, the machine goes into sleep mode to save energy. It reawakens when you come back.
By slipping on a headset (see Figure 4), the operator can use voice commands to communicate with the 4ie to control the machine. You can also set up the machine to ask for confirmation (this is heard through the headset) for certain actions.
Some of these new features sound undeniably futuristic; it would be hard to argue otherwise. However, even the “wow-factor” enhancements come from real-life needs among the people who utilize our advanced machine tools. The AMNC 4ie continues an AMADA tradition of evolution and growing with our customers.