Delivering CNC Programs to Isolated Machines Securely

DNC software bridges the air gap by establishing controlled, dedicated communication sessions directly between a computer or mobile terminal and the CNC control using wired or wireless serial connections. This prevents the isolated equipment from joining broad corporate networks or internet connections while avoiding the security hazards, lost files, and potential malware contamination associated with physically moving unmanaged USB thumb drives between office workstations and machine tools.

Yes. With automated solutions like Machine Link™ QUICK Serve, machinists can initiate program requests directly from their machine tool controls using simple keywords embedded in a request file. The server software monitors incoming serial requests and automatically returns the latest engineering-approved program to the machine control. This eliminates the need for operators to walk across the shop floor or manually manipulate central office computers.

Our communication tools support standard ASCII, ISO, and EIA character sets, ensuring compatibility with virtually any machine tool control on the shop floor. In addition, specialized packages such as Machine Link™ BINARY can upload and download binary files, allowing technicians to transmit executive tapes and proprietary configuration data necessary for commissioning and maintaining legacy CNC controls that cannot accept standard text files.

Yes. Standard CNC memory can be bypassed using drip feed capabilities supported across our DNC software line. For example, Machine Link™ allows very large CNC files to be streamed directly from disk to the machine control without requiring the program to be opened in the local editor. This conserves computer memory and enables machines to execute complex tooling paths seamlessly.

Portable solutions like PDA-DNC™ run on mobile Pocket PC devices, providing flexible mobility for service technicians and machinists. Instead of hardwiring every isolated machine tool to an expansive cable network, technicians can walk directly to any machine on the floor, select the specific control profile from an unlimited control list, and securely send, receive, or drip feed CNC programs right at the machine.

The capacity depends on the software package selected. Machine Link™ PLUS enables simultaneous communication with up to six CNC machines via available COM ports. For larger facilities, Machine Link™ QUICK Serve supports up to three machines, QUICK Serve PLUS manages up to 20 simultaneous communication sessions, and QUICK Serve PRO remotely monitors and services up to 64 machines simultaneously from a single central PC.

Yes. Communication is bidirectional across supported RS-232 serial links. When operators make necessary tooling or feed rate adjustments at the machine control, the modified CNC program can be transferred back to the central system for engineering review. This closed feedback loop ensures engineering can evaluate shop-floor improvements, maintain strict revision tracking, and prevent unverified program modifications from causing scrap.

Yes. Machine Link™ QUICK Serve, QUICK Serve PLUS, and QUICK Serve PRO offer free 45-day evaluation periods, allowing shops to thoroughly test communication reliability and remote request workflows on their specific machines. Additionally, PDA-DNC™ features a trial mode that lets you test file transfers and verify connectivity with any control before registering the software.