OPC UA now integrates inventory systems

A new version of the OPC UA for Machine Tools Companion Specification is now available. The joint working group of the OPC Foundation is supported by the VDW (German Machine Tools Manufacturers’ Association) and has produced a supplement that makes it possible to integrate existing inventory systems. The collection of important operating data and KPIs gives rise to further advantages.

Dr Wilfried Schäfer, executive director of the VDW, is pleased with the progress: “The update of the specification for machine tools sees us pass a further important milestone. This will make the use of the Companion Specifications even more attractive in the future and ensure greater acceptance among industry clients. We hope to provide demonstrations at upcoming trade fairs. Our umati connectivity initiative showcases the open data exchange in a tangible form and naturally plays an important role in this.”

Numerous OPC UA Companion Specifications for machine and plant engineering are currently in development. They enable open interface standards based on OPC UA to be used between machines, devices and software. Just under 50 such specifications are already available or are currently under development. However, before the exchange of data via existing interfaces or systems can be translated into new, open standards, it is becoming clear that future-proof technologies such as OPC UA must first be broadly established on the market. This applies in particular to shop-floor and machine data collection. In most cases, however, customers apply their own in-house standards, which is an obstacle to widespread standardisation.

The new extension of the OPC UA for Machine Tools Companion Specification addresses this dilemma. The first version concentrated on the global monitoring of machine tool status, whereas the focus of the next step, version 1.01.1, is on collecting important operating data and KPIs.
The update is available at https://umati.org/ua4mt

Rockwood expands

Composite components manufacturer Rockwood Composites will quadruple its capacity in the next five years, a strategy that includes increasing its factory floor space from 5,000 to over 30,000 sq ft. This growth has already started with the company’s recent relocation to a new, bigger factory in Paignton. Rockwood has also invested in new technology, such as a Hexagon Absolute Arm and a Hurco CNC machine tool. The growth is also being provided with last month’s opening of a Moroccan subsidiary, which will ultimately have a footprint of 2,000 sq m, specifically for the aerospace industry.
For further information www.rockwoodcomposites.com

Indexable milling event

For those looking to improve their milling techniques, productivity, performance and tool longevity, Walter is hosting a ‘Mastering Indexable Milling’ online event on 7 October. During the event, Walter will provide answers to questions and support engineers with their machining challenges. Attendees will also get a fascinating insight into indexable insert milling based on specific application examples – directly from a customer’s site – to emphasise how businesses can succeed. Experts from Walter will share their knowledge and offer handy tips and tricks.
Register at www.bit.ly/3U0WYvw

McLaren Racing 3D prints 9000 parts a year

Formula One team McLaren Racing is responding to tighter vehicle production time and budget limits from the FIA by 3D printing tens of thousands of parts with large, next-generation Neo800 stereolithography 3D printers from Stratasys. McLaren is winning the ‘race before the race’ by producing up to 9000 parts per year across numerous front and rear wing programmes, as well as large parts of the side bodywork and top body. The race team reports big strides in optimising vehicle aerodynamics during wind tunnel testing thanks to the accuracy of the parts printed on its five Neo800 systems.
For further information www.stratasys.com

Good things come to those that wait

Having had his name drawn at MACH 2022 as the winner of the Ceratizit UK & Ireland draw for a £6000 Hope HB130 mountain bike, Dave Buchan finally got to collect his prize at Hope Technology’s headquarters in Barnoldswick. Buchan had to delay collecting his prize due to work-related pressures at Havant-based subcontrator Monolution, where he works as a programmer, setter and operator. He received his Hope HB130 from Lee Pinhorne, Ceratizit UK & Ireland’s technical sales engineer for the south of England. Hope Technology has a long-standing partnership with Ceratizit UK & Ireland.
For further information www.ceratizit.com