How to get Machine Data from a CNC without Focas?

How to get Machine Data from a CNC without FOCAS?

FOCAS is the primary established protocol for collecting machine data from a CNC with Fanuc controllers. It allows for easy access CNC machine data via other solutions like MTConnect. Many CNC manufactures use Fanuc based controllers for their CNCs and hence its one of the most popular proprietary machine data protocols. But unfortunately FOCAS is relatively new and most older Fanuc based CNC are not FOCAS enabled.

How to know if your FANUC controller supports FOCAS?

On Fanuc 30i, 31i, 32i or 0i-d (including 300i, 310i, and 320i):

All 0i-d and 30i series controllers have embedded FOCAS.

If you have a Fanuc 16i, 18i, 21i and 0i-b / 0i-c (including 160i, 180i, 210i), please continue to next step below.

Press SYSTEM button on the front panel until you arrive at the parameter screen.
Press the right arrow button in the row of soft-keys until you see ETHPRM. If you cycle through all of the options without seeing ETHPRM and get back to PARAM, then your CNC does NOT have an Ethernet interface.
If you do have ETHPRM, press ETHPRM.
If you have EMBED under ETHPRM, press EMBED
Standard TCP/IP parameters should be visible
Press Page Down key
FOCAS parameters should be visible
If you do not have EMBED under ETHPRM but do have BOARD, press BOARD
Standard TCP/IP parameters should be visible
Press Page Down key
If your Ethernet board supports FOCAS, then FOCAS parameters should be visible.
If you only find PCMCIA and not EMBED or BOARD, your CNC does not have FOCAS installed, but you may be able to purchase the option from your machine tool vendor.

What to do when there is no FOCAS?

If you own an older CNC it is highly likely that you don’t have FOCAS enabled. This stops you from getting access to some of the CNC data like spindle speed , program being run, etc. But the most critical data like the uptime/downtime can still be recorded using other solutions.

Our CNC Metrics solution

INNOROBIX Automation has a solution to salvage uptime/downtime for any older CNCs (including Fanuc without FOCAS) using digital I/O and gateways. Using this system you would still have access to all the data required to get the machine OEE and other critical metric data. Please fill out the form below for more information.

Let’s Discuss Our Services.