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Adding a CNC Machine

This page walks you through adding a new CNC machine to the platform so you can start monitoring it.

Before you begin

Make sure you have:

  • The Machine ID you want to use (a short identifier with no spaces, e.g. cnc-lathe-01)
  • The IP address of the CNC controller (or the edge computer running the connector)
  • The port number (default: 8193 for FANUC FOCAS)
  • The controller type (FANUC, Siemens OPC UA, Siemens S7, MTConnect)
  • An engineer or higher role on the platform

Steps

1. Open the CNC section

In the left sidebar, go to Digital Twin → CNC Machines.

2. Click Add Machine

Click the + button in the top-right corner of the CNC Machines page. A form will open.

3. Fill in the required fields

Field Description
Machine ID A unique identifier for this machine. Use lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens only. Example: cnc-mill-01. This cannot be changed later.
Machine Name A human-readable name displayed on cards and dashboards. Example: Turning Centre 1.
Workspace Select the workspace (plant area or line) this machine belongs to.
Controller Type Select the CNC controller brand/protocol.

4. Fill in the connection fields

Field Description
IP Address The IP address of the controller or edge computer.
Port Communication port (default 8193 for FANUC).
Hub ID The edge hub that will communicate with this machine.

5. Optional fields

  • CNC Type — Mill, lathe, laser, drill, grinder, or turn-mill. Used for display and reporting.
  • Model — Free text for the machine model name (e.g. Fanuc 31i-B).
  • Ideal Cycle Time — Expected seconds per part under normal conditions. Used for OEE Performance calculation.
  • Description — Any notes about this machine.

6. Save

Click Save. The machine will appear in the CNC Machines list immediately.

What happens next

Once the machine is added:

  1. The edge computer at your facility receives the new configuration automatically (within 30 seconds).
  2. The edge connector starts reading the CNC controller.
  3. After approximately 3 minutes, the system publishes a discovered configuration — the axes, spindles, and tools it found on the real machine.
  4. A Config Ready badge will appear on the machine card.
  5. Go to the machine detail page and click Review & Apply to apply the discovered configuration.

See Auto-Discovery for more details on step 3–5.

Tip

If your machine does not show a "Config Ready" badge after 5 minutes, check that the edge computer is online and the IP address and port are correct. You can manually configure axes and spindles at any time — see Manual Configuration.