Typically for the first control replacement, MDSI customers complete the electro-mechanical aspects of the retrofit, while MDSI designs the OpenCNC software, user interface and soft PLC logic. For subsequent machines, MDSI trains customers how to customize OpenCNC and develop soft PLC logic. At no time do customers take on more than they can handle. OpenCNC uses existing drives and motors on the machine tool, and hardware buttons can be eliminated. This reduces costs and increases machine tool reliability.
Initial installations take up to three weeks.
After the first one the time drops considerably, depending on manpower available. At Great Lakes Industry, the staff has done machine retrofits with OpenCNC in as little as 72 hours. CNC control upgrades with OpenCNC are easier than with traditional hardware-based controls, because it's only a matter of upgrading the software. New hardware is not required. Once customers are confident in their ability to complete the electro-mechanical integration, the next step is to learn how to complete the software integration.