we could only do that off site using a long process

In addition, when the computers went down, parts were often scrapped. The gantry framework on the two machines was in great shape, and the company had also recently replaced all of the water pumps. So retrofit appeared to be the answer, but traditional waterjet retrofit packages came up short. Controllers included with these packages lacked the features Maudlin wanted, such as toughness, improved cutting tolerances, and the ability to make changes to CAD files at the machine. Even though the company used an off site Vertical Lathe for the majority of its designing, a programmable controller at the machine site would maximize operator efficiency. The retrofit package that met all of Maudlin's needs was from the Burny Division of Cleveland Motion Controls and installed by Plasma Systems, one of Burny's local representatives. In the retrofit was a Burny 10 LCD shape cutting motion controller and a new brushless AC drive system solution. The Burny controller lets operators quickly make CAD file changes at the machine, program new shapes using the Burny Shape Library, and nest shapes at the machine. Prior to the CNC Vertical Lathe, and when a CAD file error occurred, Maudlin redesigned the parts off site and corrected them on disk, which was then reloaded into the old control. "When loading a part program now, we can view the shapes as they are being cut and eliminate errors on the screen," says Walter Winzer, shop superintendent. "I watched my operator program an O.D. bolt hole in 12 min. Previously, we could only do that off site using a long process that involved our CAD designers. The time savings has been tremendous. "The Burny 10 LCD also lets operators multitask, cutting parts and loading programs simultaneously to save the company even more time. After two days of training, Maudlin employees routinely cut 0.031 in. thick stainless steel and other materials up to 8 in. thick, holding average tolerances of.010 in. a 37 improvement. Other materials, from marble and granite to aluminum, plastics, and Styrofoam, averaging between 1 and 2 in. thick, are cut with comparable speed and precision. In an effort to further improve its service and support to the machine tool end user community, Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. (SE&A) has implemented its strongest initiative to date in the area of machine retrofits.