What does it Take to Internet-Enable Machine Tools? The Right CNC.

See MDSI's innovative software CNC, OpenCNC, plus a manufacturing Web server, factory interconnectivity and more, in Booth 4214 at IMTS 2000

ANN ARBOR, MI—What does it take to Internet-enable machine tools? The answer comes straight from the heart of a machine tool: the right CNC. Only an open-architecture, software CNC with automatic real-time data collection and an open application programming interface provides the flexibility, motion, and access to machine information required for the Internet age. MDSI, the leader in Internet-enabled software CNC and software motion control technology, will show how it's done in Booth #4214 at IMTS 2000, Chicago, September 6-13, 2000.

Visitors to MDSI's booth will see how OpenCNC^® software enables factory Internet/Intranet interconnectivity via a live demonstration inside the booth. Connectivity to a machine tool, Internet diagnostics with live video and Web-based production monitoring will be demonstrated.

Whether end-user or machine tool builder, join us and view a custom installation of OpenCNC controlling a new South Bend Lathe in the booth. The installation will showcase OpenCNC's all-software flexibility in allowing the easy integration of third-party technology, as well as the strength of MDSI's Certified Solution Partners (CSPs) and machine tool builders in taking advantage of the complete freedom OpenCNC gives them to develop custom control solutions for both retrofits and new machines.

Latest version of OpenCNC software

MDSI will also show the latest version of its software, OpenCNC 5.1, which features groundbreaking new technology that gives manufacturing engineers, for the first time, the ability to modify their standard NC part programs to capture and send data without requiring outside or network integrators, expensive hardware add-ons, or machine downtimes.

Foundation technology: soft motion that's configurable across all industries

MDSI, which recently announced a major joint technology partnership with Advantech Automation to incorporate MDSI's soft motion control into a new Advantech product solution for the General Motion Control (GMC)/industrial automation market, will demonstrate its foundation software motion technology for CNC, GMC, and data collection at IMTS.

MDSI Certified Solution Providers (CSPs)

The company will also showcase the depth of its team of MDSI Certified Solution Partners who sell, install, and support OpenCNC. Representatives from Advanced Technology Services, Agile Technology Partners, Ampion Corporation, Willenborg Associates, and Uptime Corporation will be in the booth.

Willenborg Associates, (Imlay City, Michigan)

Willenborg Associates brings a new South Bend Lathe with a custom OpenCNC control to the booth. Willenborg's OpenCNC installation includes:

• Handheld control with position display
• Automated Job Loading and CAD/CAM tie in

Willenborg will also demonstrate the expertise that has made the company a skilled remanufacturer of machine tools since 1983, and the service division of Leblond Lathe Co.

Advanced Technology Services (ATS) (Peoria, Illinois)

ATS is a leading $100 million dollar, full-service factory maintenance company with over 1,000 employees, four facilities, and approximately 90 locations. ATS representatives will be on hand at MDSI's booth to discuss the company's representation of MDSI's OpenCNC, as well as the full line of ATS factory services.

Uptime Electronics, Inc., (Whittier, CA)

Uptime Electronics will demonstrate OpenCNC's remote diagnostic capabilities. In addition to being a very powerful CNC, OpenCNC has a unique ability to communicate with the outside world in a variety of ways. Uptime will show how technicians from a remote site can diagnose problems using remote control software. Uptime Electronics, founded in 1977, has over 25 dedicated machine tool experts who can repair, retrofit, or rebuild equipment.

Ampion Corp (Royal Oak, Michigan)

Ampion Corp, a provider of CNC machine tool and industrial automation services since 1989, is an enthusiastic supporter of OpenCNC and MDSI's vision for the future of motion control. At IMTS, Ampion will demonstrate its installation of OpenCNC on a variety of traditional mills and lathes, as well as more unconventional applications like automatic screw machines, punch presses, and material handling/AGV systems.

Agile Technology Partners (Bakersfield, CA; Holt, MO)

At IMTS, Agile Technology Partners will show its INTEGRATEDCNC operator workstation as part of the company’s suite of flexible software and hardware solutions for firms employing math-based manufacturing strategies. The workstation is part of a package of turnkey OpenCNC and system integration services especially suited for integrated product and process environments where time-to-market and production throughput are improved by closing the information loop directly between enterprise applications and CNC machine tools.

MDSI's OpenCNC software CNC and software motion is leading-edge foundation technology for CNC and General Motion control for the Internet age. In an industry dominated by proprietary hardware CNC/GMC solutions, MDSI has already proven that high-end, multi-axis CNC machine tools can be controlled entirely from software—without any motion control cards or proprietary hardware—all from a single operating system, Microsoft® Windows NT®, running from a single processor. MDSI's patented core motion technology provides a common control across all machine types, including single- and dual-turret lathes, single- and multi-spindle precision drills, routers, mills, grinders, gear hobs, dial index machines, and gantry machines—while its patented real-time data collection technology allows machine information to be collected, viewed, and distributed across a factory network or the Internet.

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.

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.