Background Introduction
CNC Machine Tools: The Core Equipment of Advanced Manufacturing
CNC machine tools, often referred to as the "industrial mother machine," are crucial for advanced manufacturing. Widely used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, engineering machinery, and electronic information technology, CNC machine tools have become a key component of smart manufacturing in the era of Industry 4.0.
CNC machine tools, short for Computer Numerical Control machine tools, are automated machines equipped with program control systems. They integrate digital control systems into traditional machine tools to achieve high-precision and high-efficiency processing of raw materials, such as metal blanks, into machine parts with specific shapes, dimensions, and surface finishes. These tools optimize workflows and reduce production costs. APQ's embedded industrial PCs, with their high integration, strong adaptability, and stability, play a vital role in this domain, significantly enhancing efficiency and quality for many manufacturing enterprises.
The Role of Embedded Industrial PCs in CNC Machine Tools
As the "brain" of CNC machine tools, the control unit must handle various machine control software, process control codes, and execute tasks such as carving, finishing, drilling and tapping, recessing, profiling, serialization, and thread milling. It also needs to withstand harsh working environments with dust, vibrations, and interference, while providing excellent heat dissipation and 24/7 stability. These capabilities ensure optimal and intelligent machine tool operation.
Traditional CNC machine tools often rely on multiple separate control units and computing devices. APQ's embedded industrial PCs simplify the system structure by integrating key components like computers and controllers into a compact chassis. When connected to an industrial touchscreen panel, operators can monitor and manage CNC machines via a single integrated touch interface.
Case Study: Application in a Leading Industrial Automation Company
A client, a leading enterprise in industrial automation control, focuses on mid-to-high-end equipment manufacturing. Their primary businesses include industrial automation products, automation equipment, and mechatronic devices. CNC machine tools, as one of their core businesses, hold a significant market share annually.
Challenges in traditional CNC workshop management that require urgent solutions include:
- Breaking Information Silos: Dispersed production data across various stages lacks integration on a unified platform, making real-time workshop monitoring difficult.
- Improving Management Efficiency: Manual recording and statistics are inefficient, prone to errors, and fail to meet the rapid response demands of modern production.
- Providing Scientific Decision Support: A lack of accurate real-time production data impedes scientific decision-making and precise management.
- Improving On-Site Management: Delayed information transmission hinders effective on-site management and problem resolution.
APQ provided the E7S-Q670 embedded industrial PC as the core control unit, connected to a customized client panel. When paired with APQ's proprietary IPC Smartmate and IPC SmartManager software, the system achieved remote control and management, parameter settings for stability, fault warnings, and data recording. It also generated operation reports to support system maintenance and optimization, offering scientific and effective decision-making for on-site management.
Key Features of APQ Embedded Industrial PC E7S-Q670
The E7S-Q670 platform, designed for industrial automation and edge computing applications, supports Intel's latest processors, including the 12th and 13th Gen Core, Pentium, and Celeron series. Key specifications include:
- High-Performance Processors: Supports Intel® 12th/13th Gen Core / Pentium / Celeron Desktop CPUs (TDP 65W, LGA1700 package), delivering exceptional performance and energy efficiency.
- Intel® Q670 Chipset: Provides a stable hardware platform and extensive expansion capabilities.
- Network Interfaces: Includes 2 Intel network ports (11GbE & 12.5GbE) for high-speed, stable network connections to meet data transmission and real-time communication demands.
- Display Outputs: Features 3 display outputs (HDMI, DP++, and internal LVDS) supporting up to 4K@60Hz resolution for high-definition display needs.
- Expansion Options: Offers rich USB, serial interfaces, PCIe, mini PCIe, and M.2 expansion slots for customized configurations in complex industrial automation scenarios.
- Efficient Cooling Design: Intelligent fan-based active cooling ensures system stability under high loads.
Benefits of the E7S-Q670 for CNC Machine Tools
- Real-Time Monitoring and Data Collection
The E7S-Q670 collects key operational data such as voltage, current, temperature, and humidity, transmitting them to the monitoring center for accurate real-time monitoring. - Intelligent Analysis and Alerts
Advanced data processing identifies potential safety risks and faults. Predefined algorithms trigger alerts, enabling timely preventive measures. - Remote Control and Operation
Operators can remotely control and manage equipment via network login, improving efficiency and reducing maintenance costs. - System Integration and Coordination
The system centralizes management for multiple devices, optimizing production resources and schedules. - Safety and Reliability
Proprietary design ensures security, reliability, and stable performance under harsh conditions and extended operations.
Embedded industrial PCs are integral to smart manufacturing, driving digital transformation in CNC machine tools. Their application improves efficiency, automation, and quality control in production. APQ is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing industrial intelligence across more sectors as manufacturing digitization deepens.
If you're interested in our company and products, feel free to contact our overseas representative, Robin.
Email: yang.chen@apuqi.com
WhatsApp: +86 18351628738
Post time: Nov-29-2024