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Fanuc Gives 'Thumbs-up' to Newall:
Newall Develops Serial Interface for Fanuc CNCs

In order to offer users of Fanuc CNCs an alternative and more cost effective option to glass based encoders when sourcing absolute feedback encoders, Newall Measurement Systems, Ltd.  has developed and acquired approval for the Fanuc proprietary serial interface. Providing machine builders, integrators and maintenance contractors of Fanuc controlled machine tools, automation systems and process plants with the right absolute encoder solution at the right price.

The Fanuc protocol for its CNC systems remains a closely guarded secret, with only relatively few partner companies having access, such as Sony and Renishaw. Martin Vaughan of GE Fanuc Automation UK takes up the story: "Fanuc has never manufactured absolute linear encoders, hence the protocol was also available to German encoder
supplier, Heidenhain and this has been the status quo for the past few years. So when we had an approach from Newall asking if we would release the protocol to them, we saw an opportunity to offer buyers of Fanuc systems a wider choice in terms of absolute linear encoders. Also, this choice was not simply another encoder based on glass scale technology the Newall inductive system is a real alternative the two are like chalk and cheese in comparison."

Newall encoders employ a precision inductive technology as opposed to the optical-based systems offered by competitors. While this technology has many advantages, such as enhanced resistance to contamination, vibration, shock and temperature fluctuation, Newall realized that due to the fundamental differences involved, a special serial interface would require developing for trial and approval by Fanuc.

Following initial discussions, Newall made the short trip from Leicester to the UK headquarters of Fanuc at Milton Keynes. "We put a portfolio together and made a presentation to Fanuc UK that included a technical appraisal of the project and a corporate profile of Newall," explains Newall's Technical Director Dr. Mark Hudman. "The corporate profile explained things like the type of products we manufacture and our position in the marketplace."

Suitably impressed, Martin Vaughan at Fanuc UK, who project-managed the Newall application for protocol, was then able to introduce Newall, firstly to Fanuc's European headquarters in Luxembourg and then to the company's parent in Japan. Good news followed shortly with Fanuc agreeing to release their protocol to Newall for the development of their serial interface.

"Work subsequently began in earnest at Newalls Leicester facility. Although the serial data for both our technology and glass scale encoders is the same, the interpretation of error codes is different and this was one of the first criteria we had to address," says Dr. Hudman. "The difference is in the way the data is sent the manner in which the encoder talks to the control system," concurs Mr. Vaughan. "The trick is knowing how to do that."

Dr. Hudman, however, insists that this was relatively easy in the scale of things, saying that more challenging problems involved the modification of hardware, software, electronics and the application of suitable processing power. "The evaluation of how to implement the project and bring it into line with the Fanuc protocol proved a challenge, albeit one that we were up to."

"Once a prototype serial interface had been developed it was sent to Japan for trial and evaluation on Fanuc's test platforms. Naturally there was a period of mutual modification for the further enhancement of the product, after which Fanuc granted full approval. The serial interface is now finished, approved and ready to go in fact it is soon to be listed on Fanuc's own intranet," says a delighted Dr. Hudman. "Everything is integrated into the reader head of the encoder, which plugs directly into the control it couldn't be simpler for the machine or system builder."

Dr. Hudman goes on to explain that this development is suitable for both OEM and retrofit applications and he is naturally excited about the situation that Newall has created for itself. "It's a superb opportunity for us," he says. "Fanuc is one of the largest CNC manufacturers in the world, with a very high global market share. On top of that, there is the kudos of being associated with such a world leading brand such as Fanuc."

Absolute means that the machine or system knows its true position from the moment it is switched on, without having to execute lengthy datum checking procedures. This obviously appeals to many OEMs looking to gain advantage over competitors. However, the growing trend of using absolute feedback encoders in association with Fanuc CNC's has been thwarted to a certain extent by the premium cost associated with glass scale variants. Now that Newall can offer a cost-effective alternative, this obstacle has been removed, giving OEMs plenty of reasons to cheer.