Network construction method of NC MONITOR CNC machine tool monitoring network

Abstract: This paper introduces a novel and practical CNC system monitoring network based on the "NC MONITOR" monitoring software. The key technologies for network construction and parameter settings are discussed, and the usage of the "NC MONITOR" software is explained.

Keywords: NC MONIITOR, CNC system monitoring network, M70 CNC system
1. Networking requirements for CNC equipment
With the widespread adoption of CNC equipment, even small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) typically have a dozen or more CNC machining machines in their workshops. More and more customers are requesting networked control of CNC machine tools. Therefore, establishing a cost-effective CNC machine tool monitoring network is a concern for both SMEs and CNC machine tool manufacturers. Recently, based on Mitsubishi Electric's "NC MONITOR" software, I built a practical CNC machine tool monitoring network. This network is simple, practical, safe, and reliable. After a year of use, it has received positive feedback from users.
2. Hardware configuration and network structure of NC MONITOR numerical control monitoring network
2.1 Hardware configuration for establishing a CNC monitoring network:
1.) One computer for monitoring
2.) One router
3.) Several network cables
4.) Controlled Objects – Several M70 CNC Systems
2.2 Construction of CNC System Monitoring Network

The construction of the CNC system monitoring network is shown in Figure 1. Three CNC systems are networked in the figure. Required:
One router and four direct connection cables.
When connecting to the network, connect network cables to the Ethernet ports on the monitoring computer and each NC controller via a router. Note that each network cable should be connected to ports 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the router.
3. Using NC MONITOR software
NC Monitor is a widely used monitoring software developed by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation for networked monitoring of CNC systems. Its computer hardware requirements are as follows:
3.1 NC MONITOR Operating System Environment

3.2 Installation of NC MONITOR
3.2.1 Insert the "NC MONITOR" installation CD;
3.2..2 Double-click the “NC MONITOR.EXE” file.
Once the 'installation icon' appears, click the icon and follow the prompts to install step by step.
3.3 Main Working Screen of NC MONITOR

The main screen of NC MONITOR software is shown in Figure 2. Its basic structure is the same as that of conventional application software, with a common WINDOS screen, including a "menu bar" and a "toolbar".
The difference lies in
1. The left side of Figure 2 is the "NC list area".
This area displays the networked CNC systems; it shows the name, serial number, and IP address of the networked CNC systems; it also displays the IP address of the monitoring computer; as shown in Figure 3.
2. The right side of Figure 2 shows the "Working Screen of the Selected CNC System".
This area displays the current working screen of the CNC system selected by the monitor and located within the networked area.
This area can simultaneously display the working screens of 10 CNC systems.
3.4 How to use NC MONITOR
3.4.1 Display of the Networked CNC System
Once the hardware connection is complete, all connected CNC systems will be automatically displayed in the "Connected CNC System List Area". Each CNC system will be displayed.
1.) Name
2.) Serial Number
3.) The IP address does not require any special configuration.
3.4.2 Select the online CNC system you wish to monitor <br />Execute the command in the [Operation] menu.
[Operation]---- Connect
Click on the CNC unit that needs to be monitored, and the working screen of that unit will appear in the screen window on the right.
3.4.3 [Disconnect the monitored CNC unit]
Perform the operation from the [Operation] menu.
[Operation]----disconnect
Performing this operation will disconnect a CNC system from online monitoring. The operating screen of that CNC system will not be displayed on the screen.
3.4.4 [Change CNC System Name]
Perform the operation from the [Operation] menu.
[Operation]---[Change NC name]
This operation can be used to change the name of a CNC system under online monitoring.
3.4.5 [Refresh]
Perform the operation from the [Operation] menu.
[Operation]---[Update(U)]
This operation is used to refresh the content of each CNC system connected in the CNC monitoring network.
3.5 Monitoring Operations Available with NCMONITOR <br />Using NCMONITOR, the same operations can be performed on the monitoring computer as if on the CNC machine tool site.
1.) It can call up various machining programs from the NC's memory, serial port devices, and CF card on the NC front panel. It can edit the machining programs in these storage devices and perform input/output processing on them.
2.) Parameters can be set on the monitoring screen. Variables can be set.
3.) It can perform operations such as "automatic start" and "automatic pause".
4.) You can directly observe each alarm screen and alarm information.
5.) You can directly observe the "I/F" diagnostic screen and monitor the working status of the peripheral equipment of the CNC machine tool in real time.
6.) It can monitor the number of workpieces processed by each CNC machine tool.
7. It can perform SRAM backup, ALL BACKUP, AUTOMATIC BACKUP, and other operations.
3.6 Limitations of using NOMONITOR
1.) You cannot open two NC MONITOR software programs at the same time.
2.) The NC MONITOR display can show up to 10 working screens of networked CNC systems.
3. The PLC ladder diagram cannot be displayed on the 'F0 screen'.
4. Key Technologies and Settings for Network Construction
4.1 Hardware Connection <br />Note that each network cable must be connected to port 1, 2, 3, or 4 of the router. The network cable of the monitoring computer must be connected to one of the ports 1, 2, 3, or 4 of the router, and cannot be connected to the "Main Working Port".
4.2. IP Address Configuration: (Router IP: 192.168.1.1)
Configure the monitoring computer's local IP address: 192.168.1.5
Configure the IP address of the first NC (parameter #1926): 192.168.1.1
Configure the IP address of the second NC (parameter #1926): 192.168.1.2
Configure the IP address of the third NC (parameter #1926): 192.168.1.3
The remaining Ethernet parameter settings for each NC are as follows:
#1925=1;
#1927=255.255.255.0
#1928=0.0.0.0
After setting up, power off and then power on again; the set parameters will then be valid.
Make sure to turn off your computer's antivirus software and Windows firewall.
4.3 Other parameter settings
On the M70 CNC system side, parameter #8931 must be set, and the setting of this parameter has an important impact on the operation of the NC MONITOR software.
1.) Set parameter "#8931" = "0":
It can display the various work screens of the selected CNC unit. Parameter settings and operations can be performed using the NC monitor.
2.) Set parameter "#8931" = "1":
It can only display the work screens of the selected CNC unit. Parameter settings and operations cannot be performed using the NC monitor.
3.) Set parameter "#8931"="2":
Network monitoring is not possible.
When the connected CNC system is a Mitsubishi M70, to operate the memory card (such as searching, editing, and input/output), select the [DS] menu. To format the memory card, select [DS Format].
5. Conclusion: The NC MONITOR-based CNC machine tool monitoring network targets Mitsubishi M700/M70 series machines. This CNC machine tool monitoring network features simple network setup, low cost, ease of use, and real-time monitoring. After one year of use by the customer, it has proven to be stable and reliable.
Author: Fu Qin Address: Room 301, Building 1, Unit 2, Champs Elysees, Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone, Wuhan, Hubei Province
Recipient: Fu Qin Phone: 13971556611
Postal code: 430056
Email: [email protected]