Operator Control Panel Interface for CNC Machines
June 1, 2025
Centroid CNC has released its latest product, the Centroid USB-BOB CNC operator control panel breakout board. The USB-BOB allows anyone to build their own custom CNC operator control panel consisting of button, knobs, switches and MPGs with simple connections to one board and easy drag & drop canned function programming for a wide variety of CNC applications.
The USB-BOB is a CNC machine tool operator control panel interface board that connects seamlessly to the CNC-PC via a USB port. This innovative device simplifies the integration of physical controls, reducing wiring complexity and installation time while adding additional i/o to the CNC control using a USB port and preserving valuable on-board CNC controller inputs. Featuring inputs for three digital rotary encoders with integrated push-buttons, three MPG handwheel encoder inputs, 12 optically isolated switch inputs and 12 open collector LED indicator light outputs, the USB-BOB offers robust CNC functionality in a compact package. While most operators will only use one USB-BOB per machine, up to four USB-BOB's per CNC controller are supported.
"With the USB-BOB, we are empowering our customers to create custom CNC operator controls with ease," said Keith McCulloch, a Centroid CNC Applications Engineer. "We took the complexity out of building and programming a CNC operator control panel. Users can build a CNC control panel that is wired to one board that plugs into the CNC via USB and program it by a simply set-up Wizard that has a long list of pre-programmed CNC functions without knowing any ladder logic or PLC programming, all while not breaking the bank."
The USB-BOB is plug & play compatible with Centroid's CNC12 software and is currently optimized for use with Acorn, AcornSix and Hickory CNC controllers, with support for Centroid's Legacy CNC control main boards, the Allin1DC and Oak systems, available through PLC modification. Pre-programmed with common functions such as Cycle Start, Feed Hold, Tool Check and Overrides for Rapid, Spindle Speed and Feedrate and many more, the USB-BOB offers user friendly menu driven drag & drop customization for a tailored user experience. It can be used standalone or paired with Centroid's Virtual Control Panel for added flexibility.
For more information contact:
Centroid CNC
159 Gates Rd.
Howard, PA 16841
814-353-9256
diysales@centroidcnc.com
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