Establishing an SMB share between a CNC controller and a Windows PC

Establishing an SMB share between a CNC controller and a Windows PC

A typical CNC machine can share files with a Windows PC using SMB (Server Message Block). This allows you to transfer programs and other files between the CNC and your computer. You'll need to configure both the CNC control and your Windows PC to enable this sharing. 

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Example on Haas CNC Controller

1. Haas CNC Setup:

Enable Network Connection:
  1. Ensure the Haas machine has a working network connection (wired or wireless) and that the status is "UP".

Net Share Settings:
  1. Navigate to the Net Share tab in the machine's settings.
  2. Give the CNC a unique network name (e.g., "HaasCNC").
  3. Enable Local Net Share and Local Net Share Security, setting them to ON.
  4. Set a username (default is "haas", but you can choose a password).
  5. Enter a password for the share.
  6. Press F4 to configure.
  7. Wait for the Local Net Share status to show "UP". 

2. Windows PC Setup:

Network Discovery and Sharing:
  1. Make sure your PC is connected to the same network as the Haas machine. 
  2. Enable network discovery and file & printer sharing in your PC's network settings. 
  3. In Windows features, verify that the SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support is enabled. 

Accessing the Share:
  1. Open File Explorer. 
  2. Type \\<CNC Network Name> (e.g., \\HaasCNC) in the address bar. 
  3. You'll be prompted for the username and password you set on the Haas. 
  4. Once authenticated, you'll see the CNC's User Data and other shared folders. 

Example on Fanuc CNC Controller

1. Network setup

Physical Connection:
Connect the FANUC CNC to your network using an Ethernet cable. For a direct connection between the PC and CNC, a crossover cable might be needed. Alternatively, you can use a router or network switch to connect both devices using standard Ethernet cables.

IP Addresses:
Assign static IP addresses to both the CNC and the Windows PC within the same subnet. For example, if your router uses 192.168.5.1, set the CNC to 192.168.5.x and the PC to 192.168.5.y (where x and y are different numbers).
Ensure the subnet mask is identical for both devices (e.g., 255.255.255.0).
Configure the router's IP address (gateway) on both the CNC and the PC if connected through a router.

FANUC CNC Ethernet Settings:
Access the CNC's Ethernet settings through the control panel. Navigate to the Ethernet settings menu (usually under System settings, then Ether Board or Embedded Port).
Configure the IP address, subnet mask, and router IP address (if applicable) within the FANUC CNC's network settings.
Disable DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) on the CNC to ensure a static IP address assignment.

Windows PC Network Settings:
In Windows, go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings.
Enable network discovery and file and printer sharing.
If necessary, configure a static IP address within the same subnet as the CNC. 

2. Windows folder sharing

Create a Shared Folder:
Create a new folder on your Windows PC that you intend to share with the CNC.

Configure Sharing Permissions:
Right-click on the newly created folder and select "Properties."
Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Advanced Sharing."
Check "Share this folder" and configure appropriate permissions for the user account that the CNC will use to access the share.
For initial testing, you can grant "Everyone" full control, but it's recommended to limit access to a specific user account for better security.
Consider creating a dedicated local user account on your Windows PC for the CNC connection, granting it only the necessary permissions to access the shared folder, according to the Spiceworks Community.

Optional: Disable Password Protected Sharing:
If you're facing connection issues, consider temporarily disabling password protected sharing in Windows Advanced sharing settings. 

3. Accessing the share from the FANUC CNC

FANUC Control Panel:
On the FANUC CNC control panel, locate the function for accessing external storage or shared folders. This may vary depending on your specific FANUC model and software version.

Inputting Share Information:
Enter the network path to the shared folder on your Windows PC (e.g., \IP_Address\Shared_Folder_Name).

User Authentication (if applicable):
If you configured user authentication on the Windows shared folder, enter the username and password for the CNC to access the share. 

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