Industrial CNC Control Versus Windows PC

Our Experience with a Windows Control

We tried using a WINDOWS based, PC control system on our machine to keep costs down. When we got our first WINDOWS blue screen, realized the servo feedback loop was not constant, and spent frustrated hours with all forms of PC unpredictability, we ended this strategy.

Industrial Controls with Windows

Few or no industrial CNC machines actually use WINDOWS to be the CNC controller. Most machines with a PC front end have a dedicated motion control behind it. The WINDOWS part is only for a user interface to the machine.

Windows Complications

WINDOWS has too many layers of activity to be dependable as a machine tool controller. WINDOWS is not a true multi-tasking operating system. Yes, you can run multiple application, and yes, it looks like you're multi-tasking. In actuality, WINDOWS is parsing out time in very small increments to the running applications, so there are small time periods when it is not communicating with the control software. That situation was not acceptable for FMT.

Fagor Functionality

The FAGOR 8035 has no WINDOWS. It's only task is running the machine. Yes, it can be hooked up to your network, and yes, it has a USB port so you can load programs via a memory stick. It is also designed for dirty machine environments unlike a standard PC computer. There are no anomalies. All the functions work. You never get a blue screen. Back-up is easy, and updates are infrequent. You buy the system and it runs your machine tool for life.

Dreaded Windows Update

WINDOWS upgrades are killers. Will your software work? It is definitely going to be a surprise. Does your control software provider have to provide an update? What happens when your computer crashes? How fast can you expect to be back in operation? What if you get a virus? These are all mysteries if you use a WINDOWS PC control system. The FAGOR has none of these issues.

Easier to Operate

The FAGOR 8035 is easy to use. At least as easy as any WINDOWS control software, and I would wager it is easier. Don't be fooled by the salesmen who says “you know WINDOWS and it will be easier to operate”. Compare first, believe second. The FAGOR is easy to learn and operate, has far fewer screens to worry about, and many users we have trained will testify to that fact.

Do You Get a PC?

Many of the CNC routers in this class don't even come with the PC. You, the buyer, have to buy your own PC, install a card and make the machine run. Do you want to do this? Patriot machines are fully assembled and tested before they are shipped. When you receive the machine, you just add power and air. No other hidden surprises are waiting.

Controlling The Windows Control

A PC does not have a cycle start or cycle stop button, or feed hold dial like the FAGOR 8035. You as the operator have to hope you mouse onto the right button while the machine is crashing into the table. On some of the WINDOWS control software the feedhold mouse button doesn't stop the machine for two or more blocks, or doesn't work at all. The FAGOR, like all industrial controls, has a cycle start and cycle stop button, which can't be missed. The feed hold dial allows you to quickly and easily slow the machine down during your operation or bring it to a complete halt instantly. I think I can speak for most machine operators when I say, “this has saved my butt many times”!

Can Windows Control Software Do This?

The FAGOR 8035 has backlash compensation tables. We laser calibrate every Patriot machine. I don't think any of the WINDOWS control software packages offer this kind of feature. If they do, the first question is: does it work? We have a block of code that can go in the file that can change your block look ahead and manipulate your Acc/dec performance on the fly. These are just a few things Industrial controls can do because they're not trying to be everything like WINDOWS.

Click here for information on the Fagor 8035 Controller

Click here for information on the Fagor 8037 Controller