NUM Releases MTConnect Interface

NUM has launched a new communications interface for its CNC (computer numerically controlled) systems. The interface is compatible with the open MTConnect standard. It can can be fitted to new or existing systems and streamlines the integration of CNC machine tools with third-party manufacturing management software.

Titled NUMConnect, the interface is an open, royalty-free communication standard that is managed by the MTConnect Institute. It is fully compliant and can read anything that is capable of being on a CNC machine's HMI, regardless of being in analog or digital format. It is also readily available to be fitted or retrofitted to the company's Axium, Flexium and Flexium+ series.

“Our policy is to use open, industry standard interfaces wherever practicable and the new NUMConnect interface option is a case in point," said Steven Schilling, general manager of NUM. "We believe that MTConnect compliant communications will become widespread, to the point where the technology will be regarded as the ‘Bluetooth of manufacturing’. NUMConnect will help our customers, who tend to be small to medium sized OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), to compete with some of the larger players in the market by producing CNC machine tools that are ready for the trend towards even smarter manufacturing."

For more information, visit NUM.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.