MDSI's OpenCNC Software CNC Chosen for New Line of High-Speed Machines

OpenCNC for OEMs improves performance, increases flexibility

ANN ARBOR, MI—Manufacturing Data Systems, Inc. (MDSI), consistently the leader in software CNC and software motion control technology, announced that its OpenCNC® software has been selected by WISSNER GmbH (Göttingen, Germany), an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), as a standard control on a new line of Wissner Gamma 303 high-speed cutting machines. Wissner mills with OpenCNC are already shipping as part of the multi-year agreement.

Unlike traditional CNC controls, OpenCNC requires no proprietary hardware or motion control cards. Combining a soft CNC, soft PLC and HMI in one application, OpenCNC reduces engineering costs and enables OEMs to bring products to market faster, because it leverages standard software development tools and standard off–the–shelf hardware. And because the CNC is open–architecture software running on Microsoft® Windows NT®, OEMs can integrate third–party technologies and provide value-added competitive features of their own to customers.

At metaV 2000, Düsseldorf, Germany, in June, OpenCNC demonstrated its speed and precision on two new WISSNER mills. On one, a high–speed machine for mold-making and model–building, OpenCNC showed its suitability for cutting hardened steel, copper and graphite. The other WISSNER machine at metaV demonstrated OpenCNC's ability to integrate third-party technologies—in this case a lubrication system—while processing parts made of aluminum, hardened steel and copper at high speed.

"Our benchmark test showed that OpenCNC is twice as fast as Siemens or Heidenhain controls," said Rolf Wissner, CEO of Wissner GmbH.

OpenCNC's Adaptive Look-Ahead Logic™ provides high-speed machining via a 'smart CNC' software program that looks ahead only the number of blocks necessary for each individual application and adapts the cutting speed accordingly.

About MDSI

Manufacturing Data Systems, Inc. supplies web-based shrink-wrapped software motion control applications that increase manufacturing flexibility and enable agile manufacturing for the Computer Numerical Control (CNC), General Motion Control (GMC), and electronics equipment markets. The company's soft motion and soft CNC products reduce machine tool control costs, increase productivity, extend the productive life of machine tools, and leverage the Internet for real–time data collection and remote diagnostics. Unlike traditional hardware or proprietary–based motion controls, MDSI’s soft motion solutions use no proprietary hardware or motion control cards.

MDSI's business strategy emphasizes technological and price/performance leadership, hardware independence and comprehensive customer-support. The company’s customers, spanning many industries, include Boeing, Caterpillar, Cessna Aircraft, Dana, Detroit Diesel, Emerson Electric, Ford Motor Company, General Electric, General Motors, Lockheed–Martin, Marconi Precision Aerostructures, Tecumseh Products Company, Teledyne, Textron, and Vickers. For more information, visit MDSI's web site at http://www.mdsi2.com.

For more information about WISSNER GmbH, visit their web site at www.wissner-gmbh.de.

MDSI, the MDSI logo, and OpenCNC are registered trademarks of Manufacturing Data Systems, Inc. Significant Events and OpenEvents are trademarks of Manufacturing Data Systems, Inc. Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, Visual Basic, and Visual C++ are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.