Through FOCAS, a Python script can read and write a vast array of machine parameters, including: Absolute, relative, and machine axis positions. Feed rates and spindle speeds. Active G-codes and M-codes. Alarms, operator messages, and execution status. Tool offsets, macro variables, and part counts. Setting Up Your Python Environment for FOCAS
# Define the C-structure for position data matching the FOCAS manual class POSDATA(Struct): _fields_ = [ ("target", c_long), ("absolute", c_long), ("machine", c_long), ("relative", c_long), ("distance", c_long) ] class ODBPOS(Struct): _fields_ = [ ("datano", c_short), ("type", c_short), ("pdata", POSDATA * 4) # Array supporting up to 4 axes ] # Initialize the structure position_struct = ODBPOS() data_length = c_short(ctypes.sizeof(position_struct)) axis_requested = c_short(-1) # -1 requests data for all axes # Call the function to read positions position_ret = focas.cnc_rdposition(libh, axis_requested, byref(data_length), byref(position_struct)) if position_ret == 0: # FANUC returns integers; divide by 1000 or 10000 depending on metric/inch multiplier x_absolute = position_struct.pdata[0].absolute / 1000.0 y_absolute = position_struct.pdata[1].absolute / 1000.0 print(f"X-Axis Absolute Position: x_absolute") print(f"Y-Axis Absolute Position: y_absolute") else: print(f"Failed to read position. Error: position_ret") Use code with caution. 3. Closing the Connection
If mapping C structures manually using ctypes feels daunting, the open-source community has developed wrappers to streamline the process. The most notable project is .
IP_ADDRESS = '192.168.1.100' PORT = 8193 TIMEOUT = 10
controller = FocasController("192.168.1.100") fanuc focas python
# Read a program file from the CNC machine program = cnc.read_program('O0001')
To help tailor this script or architecture for your shop floor, let me know:
Unlocking FANUC CNC Data with Python and FOCAS: A Complete Guide
If you want to tailor this implementation to your shop floor, please let me know: Through FOCAS, a Python script can read and
This script establishes a connection and verifies it by reading a sample macro.
import ctypes from ctypes import wintypes import time
While FOCAS is natively written in C/C++, combining it with unlocks a powerful, modern ecosystem for data analysis, automation, and machine learning. This comprehensive guide covers how FANUC FOCAS works, how to interface it with Python, and practical implementation strategies. Understanding FANUC FOCAS
To read the machine status (e.g., Run, Hold, Edit, MDI), FOCAS uses a C structure called ODBST . We must replicate this structure in Python using ctypes.Structure . Use code with caution. 3. Disconnecting Alarms, operator messages, and execution status
Keep your library files in the same directory as your script, or add them to your system's environment PATH variable:
import ctypes from ctypes import Struct, c_short, c_long, c_ushort, byref # Load the FOCAS 64-bit Ethernet library focas = ctypes.WinDLL("Fwlib64.dll") # Define the connection arguments ip_address = b"192.168.1.100" port = 8193 timeout = 10 # seconds libh = c_ushort(0) # Handle variable # Call cnc_allclibhndl3 to connect over Ethernet ret = focas.cnc_allclibhndl3(ip_address, port, timeout, byref(libh)) if ret == 0: print(f"Successfully connected! Handle ID: libh.value") else: print(f"Connection failed with error code: ret") Use code with caution. 2. Reading Machine Positions
For developers looking to maximize performance or tackle specialized tasks, a deeper technical understanding is beneficial.
A pingable IP address assigned to the FANUC CNC Embedded Ethernet port.
# Modify the program code program.code = "new program code"