English version

2014-Ⅲ
Photo of Mt. Fuji viewed with a forest in autumn color taken on November 10, 2014
IMTS 2014
IMTS 2014 was held at the McCormick Place Convention
Center in Chicago, IL, USA, for a six-day period from
September 8 (Mon) through 13 (Sat).
The trade show attracted a flock of visitors from day one,
with the total attendance reaching 114,147, up 14 percent
from the last show in 2012. The number of exhibitors
increased 45 percent to 2008 companies over the same
period. The popularity of the event reflects the booming
US economy.
The FANUC booth, with a familiar yellow airship balloon floating above it, featured the catch phrase: "Reliable, Predictable,
Easy to Repair." The benefits of FANUC's products, such as high reliability, operability and usability, were demonstrated to
users in an easy-to-understand manner.
To stress the integration of Factory Automation, ROBOTs and ROBOMACHINEs, the exhibit showed the ROBODRILL status
display, synchronous operation of the ROBODRILL and top-loader robot using a servo door, and a system consisting of the
ROBOSHOT and the Genkotsu-Robot, demonstrating the collaboration between Factory Automation, ROBOTs and
ROBOMACHINEs.
At IMTS 2014, both the number of CNC units exhibited and the number of robots exhibited, excluding those robots
installed at manufacturers' own booths, hit record highs of 829 (FANUC accounted for 58.5 percent) and 208 (FANUC
accounted for 82.7 percent), respectively.
Number of CNC units exhibited at IMTS by manufacturer
Company I
Company D
2.5%
Company D
Other
2.3%
119
14.4%
10.0%
Company B
3.1%
485 units
58.5%
6.3%
(13 units)
FANUC
Company B
11.5%
1.9% (4 units)
Company H
441 units
57.6%
2.9%
Company A
Company J
3.7% (5 units)
Company H
2.2%
(3 units)
FANUC
82.7%
(172 units)
Company I
4.4%
(6 units)
FANUC
77.8%
(105 units)
Company A
IMTS2014
829 units in total
2
11.9%
9.5%
FANUC
Company J
2.4%
(5 units)
Other
Company C
Company C
Number of robots exhibited at IMTS by manufacturer
(excluding those installed at manufacturers' own booths)
15.8%
IMTS2012
766 units in total
IMTS2014
208 units in total
IMTS2012
135 units in total
JIMTOF2014
The 27th Japan International Machine Tool Fair (JIMTOF) was held at Tokyo Big Sight from October 30 (Thurs) through
November 4 (Tue). With 865 companies from 25 countries participating this year, the event was successful, drawing
136,196 visitors during the six-day period.
The FA section exhibited FANUC CNCs, servo motors and
laser oscillators - products designed to realize high levels
of usability and machining performance. Numerous
functions to promote factory automation were presented,
attracting the attention of many visitors.
Before repair
After repair
The Services section showed the services that FANUC
provides at more than 230 customer service locations in
45 countries around the world. Many visitors highly
praised the "before repair & after repair" exhibit for lifelong maintenance.
In the ROBOT and ROBOMACHINE section, diverse lines
of products of both categories were exhibited. In addition,
FANUC's unique concept of the integration of Factory
Automation, ROBOTs and ROBOMACHINEs was presented
and was a focus of much interest.
Many VIPs visited the FANUC booth and saw the latest
products. (The photo above shows former Prime Minister
Yasuo Fukuda touching the Collaborative Robot.)
On the first night of JIMTOF2014, FANUC organized a convivial party. Invited guests delivered congratulatory speeches,
and many participants had a good time, enjoying the food and having pleasant conversations.
Yoshiharu Inaba
President and CEO
FANUC Corporation
Mr. Kiyoshi Sawaki
Director, Industrial Machinery
Division, Manufacturing
Industries Bureau, Ministry of
Economy, Trade and Industry
Mr. Jiro Makino
Vice Chairman,
Japan Machine Tool
Builders’ Association
Dr. Hiroyuki Yoshikawa
Grand Emeritus Advisor,
National Institute of
Advanced Industrial
Science and Technology
Mr. Akihiro Teramachi
President and CEO
THK Co., Ltd.
3
Introduction to New Products and Functions (FA)
■ New product Smart overlap
Overlap
Smart overlap is a function that starts the execution of a
subsequent block before the current block ends, reducing the
cycle time of machining, and contributing to increasing
productivity.
Applicable models: Series 30i/31i/32i-MODEL B and Series 0iMODEL F
G00
G00
G01
Workpiece
Program-specified path
Overlapping path
- An overlap can be provided not only between two rapid
traverse (G00) blocks and between a cutting feed (G01) block
and a rapid traverse (G00) block, but also between a cutting
feed (G01) block and an auxiliary function (M, S, T, or B)
block.
- Since the machining time reduction screen automatically
displays the path error (theoretical value) caused by an
overlap at a corner section, it is easy to adjust the amount of
overlap.
Path error
display
■ New product Enhancement in short-time output of the spindle motor and spindle smart
load meter
Enhancement in short-time output
A spindle smart load meter has also been developed that
provides an easy-to-view display of the spindle output status.
Both the allowance remaining before the maximum output is
reached and the allowance remaining before the continuous
rated output is reached can be perceived. Since the meter also
displays the time that machining can be continued under the
current cutting load conditions, the operator can comfortably
make the most of the spindle's performance .
20
Output[kW]
The cutting performance and acceleration/deceleration time
of the spindle are mainly determined by the output that the
spindle motor can provide in a short time. By enhancing the
short-time rated output of the spindle motor, an improvement
in the cutting performance and a reduction in the cycle time
have been achieved.
15kW
（S3 15%）
15
10
5
0
Acceleration time
100%UP
7.5kW（S3 40%）
1500
0
2000
4000
6000
2.11 sec
1.59 sec
8000 10000 0
Motor speed（min‒1）
Spindle smart load meter
−25%
0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
Time [seconds]
Current output
(compared to rating)
Maximum output
(compared to rating)
Allowable continuous
machining time
■ New product 3-kW CO2 laser FANUC LASER C3000+-MODEL C optimized for sheetmetal cutting
The FANUC LASER C3000i-C is a 3-kW CO2 laser that is optimized for sheet-metal cutting without sacrificing the thick
plate cutting performance. With the new 3-kW C3000i-C added to the lineup of the LASER C Series i-MODEL C, which
now supports a range of output from 1 kW to 6 kW, users can select a laser oscillator that meets their specific needs.
- The laser output and beam quality have been optimized for
cutting plates as thick as 1 mm. As a result, sufficient cutting
speed and machining quality can be attained for a sheetmetal cutting laser machine.
- The highly stable laser output enables the cutting of highgrade stainless steel as well.
- The LASER C3000i-C is a high-efficiency high-speed axial
f low laser and features a power saving function. High
maintainability enabled by longer-life consumable parts and
a power failure restart function minimize down time and
increase operability. These features make it possible to build
a laser cutting system with low running cost.
4
LASER C3000i-MODEL C
Introduction to New Products and Functions (ROBOT)
■ New function 2D vision sensor function that does not require calibration work
A new version of iRVision, the built-in vision sensor function for FANUC robots, is now available, that requires no
calibration work. In the past, before using a robot with a vision sensor, preparatory work, including the calibration of the
camera, was necessary. This new function enables the robot to measure the work area automatically using a camera,
completing the settings that were formerly conducted manually to calibrate the camera. Once this is done, the robot
automatically moves to above the workpiece and picks it up while making measurements with the camera. The new
function minimizes the amount of work involved in the setup of the vision sensor, so that just by following a very simple
procedure, a robot system that picks up a workpiece by seeing with a vision sensor can be realized.
This function can be utilized to create a simple robot system that does not use a workpiece fixture or any other apparatus,
in various robot applications across a vast range of fields.
2D vision sensor that anyone can use with ease
■ New products FANUC Robot M-710+C/12L and M-710+C/45M
For the M-710iC Series, highly acclaimed as medium-size
handling robots, FANUC has developed and released new
models: the long-arm hollow wrist type FANUC Robot
M-710iC/12L and the middle-arm type M-710iC/45M.
- The M-710iC/12L is a robot with a slim arm and a wide
motion range that can carry a weight of up to 12 kg. Since
the wrist and J3 arm have a hollow structure, the cabling
needed for arc welding and other applications can be run
through the arm. This not only enables welding work to
be done in a narrow, tangled space but also helps
leng t hen t he ser v ice life of cables. Hav ing a long
3.1-meter reach and a wide motion range, this robot is
suitable for welding large building equipment and
materials, and carrying long objects.
- The M-710iC/45M is a robot of the middle arm type that
can carry payload of up to 45 kg. Its reach, 1.3 times
longer than that of the M-710iC/50, makes this robot
suitable for conducting work that requires a wide motion
range, such as separating goods in a warehouse or
unloading workpieces from a large platform. With the J6
wrist inertia being 1.8 times greater than that of the
M-710iC/50 and having a wide motion range, it can be
used to carry large panels.
- The M-710iC Series robots have a full cover structure
that prevents the cables and motor from being exposed to
the outside. Being dust-proof and water-proof at an IP67
rating level, these robots can be used in various work
environments.
M-710iC/12L
M-710iC/45M
5
Introduction of New Products (ROBOMACHINE)
■ New function Support of high-pressure center through coolant (7 MPa) for the FANUC
ROBODRILL α -D+A Series
For the high-reliability, high-performance ROBODRILL α
-DiA Series, we have developed a center through coolant
system capable of withstanding pressures of up to 7 MPa.
- The sealing structure and material of the spindle have
been improved for the center through coolant system to
withstand pressure of up to 7 MPa, and have ample
durability to withstand that pressure.
- The high-pressure center through coolant system
enables non-step peck drilling, as well as peck drilling
using a small-diameter drill with a narrow passage, which
has formerly been difficult to perform.
- A broader range of ROBODRILL applications is now
supported in the areas of mold machining and automotive
part machining.
ROBODRILL
α -D21M+A5
Material：SKD11（50HRC）
Hole diameter：φ6
Depth：150mm（25D）
Non-step drilling
Example of peck drilling
(cross-section view)
■ New product FANUC ROBOSHOT α -S130+A and α -S220+A
We have developed the FANUC ROBOSHOT α-S130iA and
α-S220iA, both of which are ideal for molding automotive
parts.
- The tie bar spacing is the widest in this class of molding
machines. Since the vertical and horizontal dimensions
are the same, a large metal die can be mounted in any
direction desired.
- The machine is compact in total length and has a low
center of gravity with its height kept flat at the center.
This design reduces the installation space required and
offers greater workability.
- FANUC's latest control unit and its servo technology
providing high precision and high reliability enable
precise and stable molding.
ROBOSHOT α -S130+A
ROBOSHOT α -S220+A
■ New function Core joint function for the FANUC ROBOCUT α -C+A Series
For t he h igh-reliabi lit y, h igh-per for ma nce FA N UC
ROBOCUT α-CiA Series, we have developed a core joint
function that holds the slug (core) of a workpiece.
- The core joint function holds the slug of a workpiece
with brass, a material used in wires. A slight shock given
by a hammer drops the slug, significantly reducing the
work time.
- When the core joint function is used, automatic wire
feeding is required in the machining groove at the time
of wire cutting. For the ROBOCUT, we have also developed
a tapered cutting point wire feed function that enables
automatic wire feeding even in a tapered machining
groove.
- The new function is effective for die molding and
achieves a high machine operability rate.
6
Affixed with brass
ROBOCUT α -C600+A
Example of an application
of the core joint function
Acquisition of Land for a New Factory
On September 2 (Tue), FANUC signed a letter of intent with the Tochigi Prefectural Government regarding the acquisition
of land for a new factory in the prefecture for the purpose of increasing the capacity to produce its main products
including CNCs, servo motors and servo amplifiers.
Information on the acquisition of land
1. Site: Mibu-Hanyuda Industrial Park in Mibu-machi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi Prefecture
2. Area of the land to be purchased: Approx. 69.4 ha
3. Current owner of the land: Tochigi Prefectural Government
4. Purchase period: From September 2014
Pursuant to this letter of intent, we acquired approximately 37.7 ha of developed land on September 19 (Fri). The
remaining pieces of land will be purchased as soon as they are developed.
This fourth manufacturing base, following the factory at headquarters, Tsukuba Factory (Chikusei-shi, Ibaraki Prefecture)
and Hayato Factory (Kirishima-shi, Kagoshima Prefecture), has been named Mibu Factory. Preparations are now underway
to put the factory into operation two years later.
The factory will become a cutting-edge robotized factory which consolidates FANUC's technological strengths.
Bird’s-eye view of the site of Mibu Factory
(photo provided by the Public Enterprise Bureau of the Tochigi Prefectural Government)
CNCs, servo motors and servo amplifiers to be produced at the new factory
7
Third Milling Factory
Machining factory using robot cells
At the Third Milling Factory, robot parts are machined. A total of 11 FANUC robot cells are used to enable long hours of
continuous unattended operation.
A FANUC robot cell consists of multiple machining centers and a setup station whereby machined parts are attached to
and detached from tools by an intelligent robot. The intelligent robot is capable of handling machined parts of various
sizes by using a servo hand, and attaching machined parts precisely by measuring the position of a part with a vision
sensor. FANUC robot cells enable unattended operation not only during weekday nights but on weekends and holidays as
well, thus achieving high machine operability.
Parts machined by a FANUC robot cell are carried to the deburring cell of an intelligent robot, where deburring is
performed by the intelligent robot, instead of by a human operator. The FANUC robot cell automatically recognizes the
part (edge) to be deburred by means of a vision sensor and generates the robot path. It also controls the pressing force of
the tool so that the force is constant, by using a force sensor. These functions have made it possible to adapt to changes in
burrs of machined parts, resulting in better quality.
Every machined part that has been deburred and cleared of turnings is carried to a 3D measuring robot cell, where an
intelligent robot attaches it to 3D measuring equipment for automatic size measurement.
Intelligent robots are deployed in the processes of machining, deburring, and inspection, in order to automate the
machining factory.
Robot cell
Deburring cell of an intelligent robot
The Third Milling Factory uses FactoryTalk View, software from Rockwell Automation, to monitor all the processes in the
factory. The status of the machine of each robot cell, the progress of machining, and the robot operation status are
monitored from a factory operation monitor in the factory office.
Monitoring of the factory operation status using FactoryTalk View
8
Monitoring of the machine status and the progress of machining
Exhibition Information
●Tokyo International Packaging Exhibition (TOKYO PACK 2014)
Period: October 7 (Tue) - 10 (Fri)
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight
Exhibits:
Sorting system for supply conveyors
Gift packaging system
Food packaging system
Container sorting system
Cart-conveyor container transfer system
●International Plastic Fair 2014 (IPF 2014)
Period: October 28 (Tue) - November 1 (Sat)
Venue: Makuhari Messe
Exhibits:
Stable molding of precision lenses for smartphones
Stable molding of ultra-thin light guide panels
High-speed cycle molding of food containers
Stable molding of medical containers
Stable molding of precision connectors and testing/
sorting systems
Space-saving all-in-one molding system with a built-in
compact robot
Bimaterial molding system connecting two molding
machines via a robot
Bimaterial molding system equipped with a second injector
Film insert molding system for automotive interior parts
Centralized four-site management system using the FANUC ROBOSHOT-LINK+
Four Seasons of FANUC
Here are photos of FANUC's forest taken during the short fall season before the oncoming long winter.
■ Miyamauzura
■ Tamagodake mushrooms
(photo taken in front of the Robot Factory
on September 1)
This year again, the bright red mushrooms
appear after rain to add color to the forest.
(photo taken in front of the Nature Hall on
September 26)
Though demure compared to the Tamagodake
mushrooms, these mushrooms are a fixture of
fall in FANUC's forest.
■ Yamaguri chestnuts
■ Naginatakoju
■ Maple trees and the Tsuriike Pond
(photo taken in front of the Robot
Factory on September 1)
The blurry white flowers look like a ghost
lurking in the dark.
(photo taken in front of the Nature Hall
on October 8)
Small as they may be, the Yamaguri
chestnuts taste very sweet. They have
grown in abundance this year, as always.
(photo taken in front of the Nature Hall on
October 8)
The plant has only one side of its spike
covered with flowers and gives off a unique
scent.
■ Hanaiguchi mushrooms
(photo taken at the Tsuriike Pond on
October 24)
The fall season at FANUC is characterized by the
bright contrast of the blue sky, colored leaves,
and the factory buildings painted in yellow.
9
Visit to a User
FANUC FA Products
Hitachi Ltd.
Power Systems Company, Hitachi Works
We visited Hitachi Works, which plays a central part in the
electronic power systems and power distribution business of
Hitachi Ltd., one of the world's leading electronics companies.
Hitachi Works has five factory complexes in Hitachi City
(occupying a total of 1,084,000 square meters of land). At its
Rinkai Factory, a towering machine tool machines metal
containers (metal casks used to transport used fuels). Hitachi
Works develops sophisticated production facilities like this
internally.
What kind of product are you currently
focusing efforts on?
Chief Engineer Hirai: We produce products like electric
power distribution equipment and power plants in the field of
social infrastructure. For consumer use and industrial use, we
manufacture medical devices like proton beam therapy
systems and MRI machines, nuclear fusion devices and
particle accelerators, and industrial motors.
We are focused on new energy sources in particular, such as
solar light and wind power. For wind power generation, we
use the down-wind method, which is suitable for Japan, a
mountainous country surrounded by sea that is often hit by
strong winds and storms. We have the top share of the
Japanese market for 2-MW wind power generation systems. It
is expected that there will be a growing need for offshore
wind power generation in the future that has fewer limitations
in terms of location, landscape, noise, etc. At Hitachi, we are
currently developing a 5-MW wind power generation system.
The system received this year's Good Design Award. Such a
system will be installed on the ocean where conditions are
unstable, not on land. So we are going to repeat tests using a
demonstrator and then proceed to further development.
The proton beam therapy system precisely locates the exact
po sit ion of a c a ncerou s t u mor i n a l iv i ng orga n a nd
concentrates the proton beam energy to that part to treat
cancer. Compared to conventional radiotherapy and surgery,
this system does not cause much physical damage to the
patient. This eliminates the need for the patient to be
hospitalized, allowing him or her to continue therapy while
maintaining the quality of life (QOL). The system is used in
many medical institutions around the world.
From right to left: Senior Engineer Chiba (in charge of CNC hardware and
robots); Chief Engineer Hirai, Assistant Section Manager Ishiguro and
Senior Engineer Chiba (in charge of CNC software)
special production facilities and systems as well. For example,
if an expensive machined part like a rotor shaft is defective, it
will result not only in higher cost but also in the deadline
being missed. We have developed a cutting error prevention
system that stops the machine if any possibility of a cutting
error is found during the machining process.
One of the Hitachi Group's advantages is that we have
divisions dedicated to the development of materials and new
tools. This makes it possible for us to internally design tools
suitable for cutting new materials developed by the laboratory,
and tool paths best suited to use those tools.
Maintenance of CNC units is also performed internally.
What do you think of FANUC CNCs?
Chief Engineer Hirai: At Hitachi, we internally develop
Chief Engineer Hirai: Currently, we have over 100 machine
tools, and more than half of them are equipped with a FANUC
CNC. The primary reason that we use FANUC CNCs is their
high reliability. Because of the nature of our products,
machining errors are not tolerated. We have to use the
machine tools in an environment where the temperature can
be as high as 40 degrees in summer, but FANUC CNCs work
just fine.
Assistant Section Manager Ishiguro: We sometimes
transfer the machine tools that we use in Japan to factories in
foreign countries like Indonesia. I think that FANUC CNCs are
awesome because they almost never fail.
Chief Engineer Hirai: As the policy of Hitachi Works,
maintenance of CNCs is performed internally. By focusing on
FANUC CNCs, we are consolidating know-how and knowledge.
When we develop or introduce a new kind of machine or
function or when we replace foreign-made CNCs, we get a lot
Yamate Factory we visited for this article
Internally developed tool for cutting hard-to-cut materials
You manufacture cutting-edge facilities in
many different areas.
10
FANUC CNC mounted on a huge turning center
Machining of a power generator shaft
of support from FANUC. We have a maintenance contract with
them, and they are doing a good job in terms of service as
well.
Assistant Section Manager Ishiguro: The maintenance
contract is well devised. Their fast, sincere service is really
helpful. The service is available 24/7, and there have been
cases that we had the maintenance personnel come over at
night. Also, FANUC's manuals provide detailed information,
which makes internal maintenance easy.
Senior Engineer Chiba (in charge of CNC software): I
assist members of the factories in CNC programming, so I
read FANUC's voluminous yellow manuals all the time. I think
it would be great if we could view the manuals on the Web.
Chief Engineer Hirai: I'm interested in automation and
robotization. We manufacture a wide variety of large products
in small quantities, and it is impractical in terms of space
efficiency for robots to work inside safety fences. I think it
would be nice if we had a collaborative work environment
where robots do their jobs in one area and human workers do
theirs in another area in a well concerted manner, including
safety checks. I expect that the Collaborative Robot that
FANUC announced the other day will meet this request.
Do you have any requests to FANUC?
Senior Engineer Chiba (in charge of CNC hardware
and robots): I have been in charge of FANUC CNCs since the
FS15 Series. These CNCs are highly reliable, and we can use
them with an easy mind. So I would like them to continue to
produce high quality CNCs as they have in the past. Of course,
we would like price cuts, too (laughter).
(Interviewed by Kyoko Takatsugi, Manager of the Public
Relations and Advertisement Department)
Offshore wind power generation system
Proton beam therapy system
(Wind Power Kamisu 2nd Offshore Wind Farm of Wind Power Co.,
(PROBEAT-RT delivered to Hokkaido University)
Ltd.)
Hitachi Works, Power Systems Company, Hitachi Ltd. (www.hitachi.co.jp)
▶Address: 3-1-1, Saiwai-cho, Hitachi-shi, Ibaraki Prefecture, 317-8511 Japan
▶Phone: 0294-21-1111　▶Number of employees: Approx. 3,700　▶General Manager: Kenji Urase
▶Headquarters:
▶Address: 1-6-6, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-8280 Japan
▶Phone: 03-3258-1111　▶President and COO: Toshiaki Higashibara
▶Sales: 2,070,147 million yen　▶Founded: February 1, 1920
11
Collaborative Robot
that works safely
with human workers
FANUC News 2014-Ⅲ Oshino-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture, 401-0597 Japan
http://www.fanuc.co.jp
Phone: 0555-84-5555
Fax: 0555-84-5512
Person in charge of publishing:
Kyoko Takatsugi, Manager of the Public Relations
and Advertisement Department
©FANUC CORPORATION February 1.2015 Printed in Japan