The Vision 51R Control for retrofitting cutting gantries was developed by ESAB Cutting Systems to replace older Vision series controls, combining solid-state PC-based control for reliability with the Windows CE operating system for system stability. According to ESAB this updated version of Vision 51 CNC is re-packaged for installing quickly and easily in place of existing Vision controls on ESAB cutting gantries. The developer described it as “an easy-to-use, highly functional control which can be used to control up to four process tools carrying a variety of cutting and marking processes.

The new Vision 51R control panel has a higher-resolution display, with color graphics, color-coded graphical menu, 8-position joystick, speed-control, and process control shortcut keys.

Vision 51R replaces single box controls from EAB’s Vision 4-Series, including the Vision 500, Vision 1000, Vision 2000, Vision 2000C, and Vision 3000. It has simplified field wiring and identical mounting configuration, to speed up hardware installation.

The package is designed for retrofitting quickly in place of older versions of Vision control (Vision 500, Vision 1000, and Vision 2000), with matching mounting holes and all electronics built into the operator console. Depending on the original machine's electrical systems, the Vision 51R is capable of fully integrating all process controls for every cutting or marking tool, making operation quicker and easier for every machine. The Built-In Process Database can simplify cutting tool setup by automatically setting parameters such as cutting speed, kerf offset, and timers based on material thickness, material type and cut quality desired. The operator sees a picture and part number for the torch parts that are needed for both plasma and oxy-fuel torches. All cutting and marking tools can be controlled directly on the touch-screen.

Vision 51R has four tool station controls, so it can handle most cutting machine applications —including plasma, oxy-fuel, and marker stations in any combination of up to four tools. Existing process control I/O hardware can usually be re-used, keeping overall retrofit cost and installation time to a minimum.

The Vision 51R's Windows operating system communicates effectively with network clients, which improves program transfer and allows handling of larger, more complex programs. Part program storage capacity is dramatically increased, and calculation time is much faster thanks to the modern PC-based hardware. ESAB Cutting describes the Vision 51R Windows CE 5.0 Operating System as “an extremely stable platform developed specifically for industrial control systems.” It noted that the solid-state flash-drive storage system uses no rotating media, which improves hardware reliability, and the controller includes a robust front panel that is completely sealed against dust and moisture.

The new Vision 51R control panel has a higher-resolution display than the previous version, with color graphics, color-coded graphical menu, 8-position joystick, speed-control, and process control shortcut keys. It includes a built-in shape library with more than 50 shapes, and features an interactive graphical preview with variable lead-in/lead-out capability. The real-time graphics with zoom capability allows easier monitoring of machine status, and many other features help increase productivity and make operation easier.