FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 23, 2002

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.¾ GE Fanuc Automation will showcase its latest technologies and services for Six Sigma lean manufacturing, including several new turnkey machine tool probing systems, Manual Guide integrated shop floor programming systems, and the new Series 18i-MB5 CNC, at the WESTEC Advanced Productivity Exposition 2002 in Los Angeles, March 18-21 (Booth #2649).

GE Fanuc’s booth will focus on setup reduction, process automation, and increased machining capabilities from both productivity and quality standpoints. Specific solutions that will be featured include: 

• Probing: GE Fanuc is introducing the industry’s most comprehensive turnkey Machine Tool Probing solution packages. Machine tool probes automate tool and workpiece setup, enhancing tool management and eliminating setup errors. GE Fanuc will provide all components of these solutions, from CNC upgrades and probes to SPC and consulting services.
• Manual Guide:  GE Fanuc’s user-friendly Manual Guide systems provide the industry’s most highly integrated and easiest shop floor programming for lathes and machining centers. Available on a wide range of machine tools, Manual Guide offers integrated tool management and probing cycles, and automatic conversion to standard G-code programs to enable part programs to be transferred to any machine.
• Series 18i-MB5 5-Axis CNC: These affordable new 5-axis systems help manufacturers eliminate processes, one of the key means of achieving leaner manufacturing. Compatible with other 5-axis CNCs from GE Fanuc, the easy-to-use Series 18i-MB5 CNC features greater functionality at a lower cost than comparable CNCs.

GE Fanuc will also feature its latest CNCs with Alpha-i series servo systems that are 55 percent more energy efficient than conventional drives while providing high performance and reliability, as well as Ethernet-based solutions for new and legacy controls that help standardize processes and increase scheduling flexibility.

In addition, the company will showcase its services packages, including:

• Machine optimization services: Adding advanced new CNC and servo software to current machine tools can increase speed and accuracy at a fraction of the cost of purchasing a new machine. GE Fanuc’s machine optimization software and services packages are tailored to meet each user’s needs, from simple acc/dec optimization to full NURBS and RISC processors;
• Troubleshooting guidance: Like having a 24/7 resident expert on site, GE Fanuc’s Troubleshooting Guidance provides easy, highly interactive troubleshooting for all levels of expertise;
• Training and training simulators for increased employee empowerment and capabilities, including the latest in distance learning;
• Retrofit solutions to get more out of existing investments;
•  Option upgrades to reconfigure existing controls with features of  newer models;
•  Repair and return programs to maximize investments; and
•  Parts availability contracts and critical spares analysis to ensure that equipment is ready to provide just-in-time response to customers’ needs.

About GE Fanuc Automation
GE Fanuc Automation is a leading global supplier of industrial control systems and is a joint venture between GE and FANUC, Ltd. of Japan. GE Fanuc products and services include CIMPLICITY® manufacturing enterprise-wide software, nano to high-end PLCs, a wide range of CNCs, motion control systems, operator interfaces, industrial computers, CO2 and YAG lasers, and a wide range of integration and customer support services. Headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., GE Fanuc is part of GE Industrial Systems.

About GE Industrial Systems
GE Industrial Systems is a $6 billion global leader in manufacturing products used to distribute, protect and control electrical power and equipment, and supplying product and service solutions for commercial, industrial, residential and utility applications. GE Industrial Systems is one of GE's major businesses.

For more information, visit http://www.gefanuc.com or contact:  GE Fanuc Information Center, P.O. Box 229, Whitehall, PA 18052, Phone: (800) 648-2001, Fax: (610) 437-5212, e-mail: gefanuc@gefanuc.com.

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CIMPLICITY is a registered trademark of GE Fanuc Automation North America, Inc.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.