Retrofitting with FANUC CNC control restores the precision of aging grinding equipment at a Swiss facility

2026-09-013 min.

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High precision and stability of grinding processes are among the key requirements for CNC machines, but with the flow of time the old systems for control and the depreciated components limit productivity. Changing the whole machine is not always the only solution – modernization by changing old equipment allows for existing machine to receive a modern control system and renewed technical capability. "This is the approach taken by ESOMA AG, a company specializing in the retrofitting and modernization of metalworking machinery. In this specific project, the company combined its engineering expertise in CNC grinding with FANUC’s digital control technology, upgrading the existing machine's electronic and mechanical architecture and adapting it to modern production tasks and operator interface requirements," FANUC commented to BalkanEngineer.com.

At the base of the new architecture is FANUC’s CNC system – an established platform for control, that ensures reliable work and precise compatibility between the system for digital control and the machine’s mechanisms. "The integration of the CNC control is not viewed in isolation from the rest of the equipment. ESOMA combines modern control technology with its own expertise in grinding machine mechanics," FANUC explained.

The modernization process includes FANUC solutions for control and communication with machines. CNC control 0i-MF Plus by FANUC is designed for base grinding applications, using modern technology for control and maintains functions for fine processing of surfaces, reducing the machine cycle and configuring operator screens according to the specific machine. The customized HMI complements the CNC control by creating an operator environment tailored to specific functions and production tasks. This facilitates operation of the modernized machine while aligning the control system with the actual requirements of the application.