Active Tool Fanuc Focas

[MM_10545292]

Has any one found a way to read active tool number using Fanuc Focas driver on Doosan CNC?

[MRohilla]

Greetings,
 

I would like to provide an update regarding our discussions on the matter of tool information for Fanuc Focus. After careful consideration, we have determined that, at this time, we do not support the acquisition of any tool information related to this system.

Thank you for your understanding.
 

Best regards,  
Mohit

[pshashipreetham]

Hi, 

While the Fanuc Focas driver in Kepware doesn’t support reading the active tool number directly, there are a few alternative approaches worth exploring:

1. Native CNC Registers/Parameters
   Check if the Doosan CNC exposes active tool data via machine-specific system variables or registers. Some Fanuc controls allow reading tool offsets or spindle tool data through parameters that might not be surfaced by Kepware’s driver.

2. MTConnect Adapter/Agent
   Many CNC machines, including Doosan with Fanuc, support MTConnect. Using an MTConnect adapter/agent, you may be able to retrieve tool information (like active tool) in a structured way and then bring that into Kepware or ThingWorx.

3. Direct FOCAS API Development
   Instead of going through Kepware’s driver, the Fanuc FOCAS API (from Fanuc themselves) can be called directly through custom applications. This requires development effort, but it gives access to the broader set of CNC data, including tool numbers.

4. Doosan/Fanuc CNC Integration Options
   Some Doosan models have built-in integration features (like OPC-UA servers or custom data exposure via Ethernet) that may allow direct retrieval of tool numbers outside of Kepware.

5. Hybrid Approach
   Use Kepware for standard machine data (status, spindle speed, alarms, etc.), and supplement it with a lightweight custom service or script (via FOCAS or MTConnect) specifically for tool number information. Both data streams can then be combined at the MES/IIoT layer (like ThingWorx).

Thanks,