Umati was on display at the EMO Milano 2021 exhibition last October, connecting up more than 50 machines from all over the world, almost half of them remotely. The presentation was part of an international programme staged by the VDW to promote the ‘world language of production’.

“After making our first appearance over two years ago in Hanover, we were delighted to be back in a face-to-face setting – and with such an impressive demonstration,” said Dr Heinz-Jürgen Prokop (pictured), chairman of the VDW. In his status report, he emphasised: “The most important milestone in the development of the OPC-UA Interface for Machine Tools was the publication of the specification just over one year ago. It is now available free of charge worldwide, meaning that all companies that manufacture, use or offer software for machine tools can now develop and refine their products based on this specification.”

The Machine Tool Group is contributing to the development of this harmonised specification. Above all, it ensures the standardisation of a certain set of data relevant to the entire mechanical and plant engineering sector. The first step concerns the identification of the machine. In terms of digital nameplates, the type of machine is basically irrelevant. All machines have a manufacturer, serial number, date of manufacture, date of acquisition, location and so on.

Thanks to OPC UA for Machinery, technology-specific specifications now no longer have to worry about identification but can concentrate fully on rendering the relevant technology-specific data. The next step in development involves harmonising the operating states of machines, as these too could be used at a higher, more universal level.

Umati currently has almost 200 partners.

For further information
www.umati.org

Intelligent software algorithms are essential for real-time collision avoidance, but they are only half the story. The other half is a well-designed user interface that enables operators to drive the software effectively. In their latest co-operation ModuleWorks, a technology provider for digital manufacturing solutions, and Chiron Group, a CNC machine tool manufacturer, put operator experience at the centre of a new GUI for the ModuleWorks Collision Avoidance System (CAS).

The ModuleWorks CAS uses real-time machining data and look-ahead technology to detect imminent collisions and stop the machining process before an actual collision occurs. Chiron Group uses CAS as part of its ProtectLine digital system, to protect the company’s high-end machining centres from potentially expensive damage and downtime.

In addition to sophisticated algorithms, effective collision avoidance requires careful set-up by the operator to ensure the system accurately represents the entire machining process, including the fixtures, workpiece and tools. The user interface therefore plays a pivotal role in the acceptance and effectiveness of the system.

“We asked ourselves: what do operators need from a GUI in order to use the CAS effectively,’” says Jasper Sanders, product manager at ModuleWorks. “The obvious answer was to ask the operators, so we created a project team with the Chiron Group and their machining team. This proved a great approach. In less than 12 months we were able to launch a new GUI that raises usability and operator acceptance.”

Pascal Schröder, development co-ordination – digitalization at Chiron Group, adds: “Collision avoidance is indispensable for safe and cost-effective manufacturing. Through our co-operation we have a system that truly supports machine operators and encourages them to use the full benefits of collision avoidance technology on our machining centres.”

For further information
www.moduleworks.com

Hexagon’s Esprit CAM software now offers a build preparation workflow within the CAM environment to provide a single, streamlined platform for both additive build and finishing operations. Its patented Part-to-Build workflow was developed to change the prevailing 3D-printing paradigm from the preparation of rapid prototypes to industrialisation with a true CAM experience that includes build-preparation steps and programming tools for post-processing printed parts with wire EDM and milling machine tools.

In series production, a given part will be produced hundreds of times with the same build plates, orientation, support structure generation and exposure strategy assignment. The Part-to-Build workflow addresses component preparation and job preparation with dedicated functionality from one piece of software, making manufacturing smarter by enabling volume efficiencies and automating repetitive tasks, such as slicing.

Designed for CAM programmers, Esprit CAM’s build preparation employs a workflow based on parametric data that ensures high accuracy and adherence to the geometry of the original CAD model until it is sliced in preparation for 3D printing. The software reads and manipulates all popular parametric CAD formats and automatically identifies those surfaces that require support. In addition, the software assists with the creation of support structures, generating parametric surfaces with teeth, fragmentation and perforation.

It is possible to automate support generation for future builds by assigning a pre-set to a region on the surface, capturing valuable production know-how and improving future productivity. As the majority of models for 3D-printed parts are STL-based, Esprit CAM also provides an STL (mesh) slicer that leverages a built-in software kernel.

For further information
https://is.gd/eruqup