Focas Python — Fanuc

Bridging the Gap: A Guide to FANUC FOCAS with Python

In the world of CNC machining, FANUC controls are the industry standard. For decades, integrating these machines with external systems required specialized knowledge of C++ or VB.NET. However, with the rise of Industry 4.0 and data-driven manufacturing, Python has emerged as the dominant language for data analysis and automation.

This write-up explores how to connect Python to FANUC CNCs using the FOCAS (FANUC Open CNC API Specifications) library, bridging the gap between legacy industrial hardware and modern software development.

2. OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness)

Python can log:

Disconnect

cnc.close()

CNC IP Address and Port (Port 8193 is standard for FOCAS Ethernet)

IP_ADDRESS = '192.168.1.100' PORT = 8193 TIMEOUT = 10 fanuc focas python

Reading Spindle Load (Dynamic Data)

Spindle load is diagnostic data # 310 (usually). You use cnc_rddiagnum.

class ODBDIAG(ctypes.Structure):
    _fields_ = [("dummy", ctypes.c_short),
                ("datano", ctypes.c_short),
                ("data", ctypes.c_float)]  # Spindle load is float

def get_spindle_load(handle, diagnostic_number=310):
diag = ODBDIAG()
length = ctypes.c_short()
ret = fwlib.cnc_rddiagnum(ctypes.c_short(handle), diagnostic_number,
1, ctypes.byref(diag), ctypes.byref(length))
if ret == 0:
return diag.data
return -1.0
 Bridging the Gap: A Guide to FANUC FOCAS

Unlocking Factory Data: A Guide to FANUC FOCAS with Python

In the modern manufacturing landscape, data is the new oil. For shops running FANUC CNC controls, the gateway to that data is FOCAS (FANUC Open CNC API Specification). Traditionally accessed via C++ or .NET, the combination of FOCAS with Python has become the "gold standard" for rapid development in IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things), predictive maintenance, and OEE tracking. Planned Run Time (Connected) Unplanned Downtime (Status STOP