The new Mitsubishi Electric C80 CNC CPU unit mounts alongside an iQ-R Series PLC’s existing module, allowing nanometer scale control over machine tool functions. When applied as part of an iQ-R Platform it contributes toward integrated control over an entire manufacturing production line. Not only does this improve overall performance, but due to ease of integration and a common programming environment - GX Works3 it can save a considerable amount of time in the design and commissioning phase. Being faster to install and commission reduces set-up costs, while replacing on-machine controls with a full Mitsubishi Electric arrangement can also reduce hardware costs when used to control a CNC production line for example.

The new C80 CNC Series enables a full production line control system to increase its added value and reduce its Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in five key areas: improvements in productivity, ease of use, connectivity, functional safety and reliability.

The C80 Series CNC controller made its European public debut at the SPS IPC Drives show in Nuremberg, Germany, 22-24 November 2016, on Stand 391, in Hall 7.

The most important feature of the C80 CNC CPU module and iQ-R PLC combination according to Key Account Manager Frederik Gesthuysen, is the facility to manage complex production lines with a single control platform. “The advantages of integrating a powerful CNC controller with our most advanced modular PLC, the iQ-R, is clearly the performance gain you get from having both devices communicating via a high speed bus; together they are able to coordinate and manage a complete production line from the robots and machine tools to the HMIs and overhead displays. Fast data management and perfectly synchronous operation not only speeds-up production, but can improve quality and allow for more operations to be packed into a smaller space, both of which will increase profitability,” he said.  

This is a major advantage for the end user, but the benefit for automation system designers and installers is just as great: using one programming platform and components that are designed to work together completely removes any compatibility issues with using controllers from multiple vendors.  

The C80 CNC and iQ-R PLC offer a range of benefits for automotive industry, where the original development work was carried out. Where there are other gains to be made however is with other complex automated manufacturing applications that would otherwise have employed several different CNC solutions and controllers. Configured with up to 3 CPUs (21 part systems and 48 axes) for example, the C80 is capable of controlling highly complex machines.