Module Replaces Floppy with USB, Ethernet to Legacy Machines

Okuma Floppy Connect, a floppy drive replacement from Shop Floor Automations (SFA), replaces the floppy drive core in an Okuma machine. The floppy emulator can fit up to 100 disks on one USB flash drive, enabling users to store hundreds of files on a single USB stick.

The company’s LAN-USB Connect adds USB ports and Ethernet capabilities to legacy machines. Users can drag and drop files to the CNC data server and use an Ethernet connection via the FTP protocol. Drip-feeding is accomplished with various protocols, including X-modem. If the internal network goes down, users can still operate with the USB port for sending, receiving or drip-feeding.

Also exhibited, the company’s DataXchange software offers a cost-effective method of monitoring machine activity. According to the company, any machine can be connected to the software using MTConnect, Fanuc FOCAS and OPC UA. The software can be operated on premises or remotely.