FANUC Corporation, the world's leading supplier of industrial robots and factory automation, is introducing a new industry-wide programme designed to help CNC machine tool builders, CAD/CAM companies and manufacturers improve part quality and increase production speed by aligning their workflows with modern machining best practices. The FANUC 5-Axis Integrated Technology Initiative aims to improve efficiency, accuracy and repeatability in the production of complex components on CNC-based machines.

"Because the FANUC control has been the industry's gold-standard for CNC systems for decades, many manufacturers developed their machining processes years ago," says Rick Schultz, Executive Director of Aerospace for FANUC America. "As a result, they may not be taking advantage of the latest CNC technologies, which can prevent them from achieving the most optimal outcomes. The FANUC 5-Axis Integrated Technology Initiative is designed to train the entire industry on new methods, new technologies and more efficient ways to machine parts."

Addressing the challenges of outdated processes

Many production issues arise from outdated programming and machine-specific workflows. In traditional environments, each CNC machine tool often requires its own programming approach, a time-consuming and expensive process. Programmers may even be required to manually calculate complex multi-axis movements for a single machine, resulting in part programs unique to a specific part on a specific machine.

The new initiative provides a structured path toward modernized, machine-agnostic processes. By adopting FANUC's recommended best practices, industry partners can shift from machine-dependent programming to part-specific programming, greatly reducing setup complexity and improving scalability across multiple machines.

"This methodology significantly reduces the 'art-to-part' development time because the programme is the same regardless of which machine is used," says Schultz. "Instead of designing a part, posting a programme, testing it on a machine and then adjusting the post processor or programme for that specific machine, manufacturers can rely on a consistent process that works across machines."

Creating alignment across the manufacturing ecosystem

A core objective of the initiative is to ensure alignment between the CNC machine, the post processor, the CAD/CAM system and the simulation environment. The initiative includes guidelines for proper machine setup and emphasises the importance of optimized post processors within CAD/CAM systems.

As part of the initiative, both machine tool builders and CAD/CAM partners must produce a standardised 5-axis evaluation part to demonstrate that their machines, software and settings conform to FANUC's recommended modern practices.

"The goal is to establish alignment between the machine, the post processor, the CAD/CAM system and the simulation," says Schultz. "Manufacturers need a high level of performance to support today's modern workflows. After designing a 5-axis part in their CAD/CAM system, the toolpaths must be developed accurately so the programme outputs correctly when posted, resulting in consistent part production across every machine."