Articles in this section

How to Collect Data using FANUC FOCAS

Jesse Mayhew
  • Updated
Follow

FOCAS is the standard protocol for collecting data from FANUC Controls. FANUC controls are used worldwide by many well-known machine tool brands, including Tsugami, Citizen, STAR, Doosan and Matsuura. Because FANUC controls are so common and utilized by a multitude of machine tool companies, FOCAS is one of the most frequent integration methods employed by MachineMetrics. When a machine is equipped with a modern, FOCAS-enabled FANUC control, it is MachineMetrics' preferred method for data collection.

Article Topics

This article contains the following topics:

What is FANUC FOCAS? 

FOCAS is a set of library files (dll), that, when embedded inside a Visual Studio application, can access almost all of the information inside of the CNC. The FANUC FOCAS libraries access the CNC using either Ethernet or HSSB. MachineMetrics uses these libraries to access information directly from the control via ethernet.
 
A FOCAS integration does not require the use of any additional hardware or software adapters that are often necessary for older, legacy equipment. In fact, connecting to machines via FOCAS is so simple, it can often be accomplished without the aid of MachineMetrics on-site technicians. Machines equipped with FOCAS just need an Ethernet cable run through the machine's body and into the port behind the operator screen.
  

FOCAS-enabled Controls

FANUC controls that are 10-15 years old or newer typically support FOCAS. Controls with an "i" series designation may support FOCAS. Most i-Series controls that do not include FOCAS can have it added as an option by FANUC for around $1000/machine. This includes software and hardware (FANUC FAST ethernet card). The control model is sometimes written on the top of the display screen next to the FANUC logo. If not, look on the back of the control or inside the main electrical cabinet. The sticker on the yellow FANUC control box should indicate the control model.

The following FANUC controls come equipped with FOCAS by default: 

  • 0i
  • 0i-T
  • 0i-TC confirmed no EMBDD (FOCAS over PCMCIA only)
  • 31i
  • 32i
  • 18i 
  • 18i-T

If you aren’t clear as to which of your FANUC controls may support FOCAS, a MachineMetrics representative can typically inform you once they are provided with the control model and year of manufacture. If you are an existing MachineMetrics customer, please reach out to your Customer Success Manager for clarification. Otherwise, please reach out to sales@machinemetrics.com

Certain control models may include FOCAS but do not include it by default. In this circumstance, a MachineMetrics representative may ask you to run a FOCAS test. 

How to know if your FANUC control supports FOCAS

  1. On the FANUC control, press the SYSTEM hardkey.
  2. Scroll using the right arrow softkey until you see the menu option (ETHPRM).
  3. If you do not see an ETHPRM option, your machine does not have FOCAS equipped.
  4. If you do see ETHPRM, select it. Look for "EMBDD" or "EMBED", and select it.
  5. On some controls you may see an option for "FOCAS 2" if not, press the 'Page Down' key.
  6. You should see FOCAS options displayed. If you do not see either of these your control is not capable of supporting FOCAS. There is no need for concern, however; MachineMetrics can suggest other methods for data collection.

Enabling FANUC FOCAS

Important! This particular video depicts a Mori Seiki Machine with a FANUC-based MSX control. The exact steps, and the exact locations of the indicated soft keys, may differ greatly depending on the Control Model, and may even differ by serial number. MachineMetrics is constantly adding to our library of Knowledge Base Articles and tutorial videos. It is recommended that you review the FANUC section of our knowledge base to see if there is a video available for your unique control model. However, If we do not have documentation for your exact FANUC model, in general you should be looking for the softkeys indicated in this video. Unless your control is on a Mori Seiki Machine, there will be no need to 'unlock parameters' or get into 'NCSystem.'  

  

  1. On the FANUC control, press the SYSTEM hardkey.
  2. Press the right scroll softkey (under the screen) until you see EMBDD 
  3. Select EMBDD
  4. Enter your desired IP, Subnet, and Gateway.
  5. Select FOCAS2. If that option is not available press the PAGE DOWN key until you see FOCAS SETTINGS.
  6. Set FOCAS port to TCP 8193. UDP should be left blank.
  7. Select RESTART (or similar) and select EXECUTE. If these options are not available, power cycle the machine.

If all settings are input properly, but the machine still does not 'ping' after reboot:

  1. Press the SYSTEM hardkey.
  2. Press the right scroll softkey until you see EMBDD. 
  3. Select EMBDD
  4. Once in EMBDD press OPRT softkey.
  5. Look for a softkey labeled "PCMCIA/EMBDD". Press this softkey.
  6. Press EXECUTE softkey
  7. Reboot machine

Next Steps

Once you have enabled FANUC FOCAS on your machine, your next and final step is to add your machine to your MachineMetrics Account.  

If you have any questions please reach out to us at support@machinemetrics.com or by phone at +1.413.341.5747x120. 

Related articles

Comments

0 comments

Please sign in to leave a comment.

Powered by Zendesk