Okuma THINC controls allow for an unprecedented level of software development. The Windows-based architecture allow Windows applications to run directly on the control, accessing CNC data through the .NET-based THINC API. By opening the control to Windows .NET developers, the THINC platform opens the way for myriad software solutions to be developed and deployed quickly and easily.
With years of experience in THINC development, DataZen has leveraged the power of this platform to develop a wide range of custom software solutions. Some of our applications include:
Event-Based THINC API - This extension of the THINC API was developed to allow connections from remote computers, and deliver event notifications. Developed for Okuma America Corporation (unreleased).
P-Connector - Machine status, axis positions, and historical data, delivered in XML format by a SOAP webservice.
OPC Server for THINC - An application to expose machine information as OPC data, for use by existing OPC ecosystems.
AlarmFlash - This simple application displays a fullscreen notification window when an alarm occurs on the control. The alarm number and message are prominently displayed for the operator to see.
Part Program Loader - In order to simplify loading a part program, the part program loader provides several methods for selecting a program file to load. A shell extension allows a part program to be loaded by double-clicking on it in Windows Explorer. Or, a program may be selected based on operator input or barcode scanner.
THINC Applications
THINC represents a revolution in the world of CNC hardware: an open, Windows-based platform that gives its users unprecedented freedom and configurability. With our years of experience with the THINC platform, dataZen can produce machining software solutions from simple custom applications to full-blown data gathering and monitoring systems.
THINC OPC Server
The DataZen THINC OPC Server allows the remote collection of machine data from Okuma P-controls. Versions of the server are available for P200 Lathe and Machining Center, as well as P100 Mk 2 controls.
Training Materials
These training documents provide an overview of OPC, the DataZen THINC OPC Server, and what the server can do. A downloadable viewlet is also provided which shows a walkthrough of the DataZen THINC OPC Server interacting with two standard OPC clients, as well as installation and configuration of the server.
Downloads:
Training Documents [PDF]
Flash Video Viewlet [SWF]
Remote PLC Monitoring
DataZen has developed a library that reads and writes data on a Beckhoff PLC over the network. This allows access to PLC data without the need to install the TwinCAT software package on the client computer. The library includes a lightweight server module which runs on the Windows CE CPU for the PLC. A client application on the client computer connects to this module over ethernet, where it can poll, read, and write data from the PLC, or additionally alert the client application when a value of interest changes.
THINC Application Development
For years, dataZen has developed software to make THINC machinery easier for operators to use. Leveraging the power of the THINC API, dataZen has developed applications as simple as a barcode-based part program loader, and as complex as a fully implemented remotable Event-Based THINC API. Improving the efficiency of operators and operations is a tradition we intend to continue into the future.
OPC Server for Lathe
DataZen's OPC Server for THINC Lathe demonstrates our continuing initiative as a Partner-in-THINC to develop solutions for the THINC community. This server allows the collection of data using the OPC DA standard from a remote THINC-based LU-45 Lathe control.
