Unique Method Kft

FANUC CNC Helps Turn Pipe Dream Into Reality

Any builder of custom machinery will say that choosing the right control system is paramount to project success. And when the machine in question has multiple axes that require simultaneous control at high speeds with ultra-precise accuracy, FANUC has the optimal CNC solutions available. Unique Method, a Hungary-based builder of custom laser cutting machinery, is among a growing number that have discovered this fact for themselves.

The custom-made laser pipe cutting machine of Unique Method Kft. is based on Hungarian development and construction. The company sided with FANUC to build in factory automation solutions into the machine in order to promise long-term reliability, productivity, spare parts support and maintenance.

Duration:
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FANUC’s 31𝑖-L Model B CNC system is at the heart of the UMET UniTume 6000, an advanced laser pipe-cutting machine.

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Implementing FANUC's CNC helped to shorten cutting times by half.

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FANUC's reliable spare parts and technical support.

Insights

Key Insights from Task to Result

Task

When Metz Művek, a specialist in the manufacture of tape fastening systems, wanted a custom-built laser pipe-cutting machine to help enhance the company’s manufacturing capabilities, it turned to the expertise of Hungarian machine builder Unique Method. During the concept and development phase, the company had to decide on the optimal CNC system for the machine.

Solution

Unique Method decided that a FANUC 31𝑖-LB CNC would best serve its UMET UniTube 6000. The 31𝑖-LB is ideal for highly complex machines with multi-axis, multi-path, high-speed and high-precision cutting requirements. In addition, high SRAM memory allows more flexible configuration of optional functions, and provides more potential for customisation.

Result

By leveraging the capabilities of FANUC’s 31𝑖-LB CNC system, the UMET UniTube 6000 laser pipe-cutting machine at Metz Művek is able to perform many advanced functions that save crucial time. For instance, the controller can stitch complex contours together, halving the cutting time and drastically decreasing overall cycle times.

Company

Story

Unique Method Becomes Laser Trailblaser with FANUC CNC

To produce an application-specific five-axis laser pipe cutter for its customer Metz Művek, a specialist in the manufacture of tape fastening systems, machine builder Unique Method sided with FANUC as its partner for automation solutions. Based on its experience, Unique Method only adopts the products of market-leading suppliers to ensure high quality and longevity. The company knew that choosing FANUC would mean reliability, productivity, spare parts support and comprehensive maintenance services.

Adam Horvath, Managing Director of Unique Method, says: “The idea of developing a laser tube-cutting machine came up during discussions with representatives from Metz Művek, who presented their specific needs. Once we had matched these requirements with the possibilities we agreed to design and develop the machine, which we called the UMET UniTube 6000.”

Method Kft. is based on Hungarian development and construction. The company sided with FANUC to build in factory automation solutions into the machine in order to promise long-term reliability, productivity, spare parts support and maintenance.

For the CNC system, a Windows-based display was a prime request of the customer as it would offer the potential to create custom screens. As a result of this and several other application demands, FANUC recommended its 31𝑖-LB CNC system, a control solution that is ideal for complex machines. Here, functionality such as contour stitching offers specific benefits.

“The customer’s production utilises a special function provided by FANUC that stitches complex contours together, halving the cutting time and decreasing overall cycle times dramatically,” explains Horvath. “With this feature we managed to deliver cycle times equal to those provided by more expensive machines with much higher output capabilities.”

Important functions of the UMET UniTube 6000, which provides rapid traverse speeds of up to 90 m/min and positioning accuracy of 0.05 mm, include surface tracking calibration and automatic bar feeding with length measurement, ensuring both minimal cut waste and safe operation. Moreover, accurate tracking of the workpiece arrives courtesy of the ‘3D gap control’ function. The FANUC 31𝑖-LB provides the level of control necessary for such an advanced machine.

Adam Horvath

Managing Director

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