FEATURE ON CNC & CAM

Okuma launching next-generation control at EMO

Okuma is launching a new CNC system, the OSP-P500, on stand B36 in hall 15 at the EMO exhibition in Hanoverthis week (18-23 September). The smart machine control, which Okuma manufactures in-house, combines productive and precise machining with ease-of-use, energy efficiency and safety features to protect against cyberattacks.

Initially, five-axis machining centres in Okuma’s MU-V series and the Multus series of multi-tasking turn-milling machines will feature the new control. NCMT, the sales agent for Okuma in the UK and Ireland, advises that this latest CNC system has twice the computing power of conventional machine controls, shortening cycle times by up to 15%. It is particularly well suited to high-speed machining applications that demand top-quality surface finishes.

Notably, the control features an on-machine digital twin to facilitate the high-precision simulation of machining processes, reducing set-up times and speeding production. By performing these simulations on the machine itself, production can start immediately afterwards. Alternatively, with the digital twin on a PC, it is possible to perform simulation offline while production is in progress on the machine.

Even inexperienced users benefit from the advantages of the control due to its user-friendly interface. A ‘Smart OSP Operation’ function simplifies programming on the shop floor by providing automatic guidance through all the necessary steps. People without any prior experience can learn how to machine a component in one day, reports Okuma.

Featuring a comprehensive security system, the control protects machine processes, programs and data from cyberattacks. Advanced identification of users and encryption of communication according to the OPC-UA standard prevents unauthorised access.

Thanks to the integration of Eco Suite Plus, the OSP-P500 also reduces power consumption. Smart features record and analyse every operating status as well as CO₂ emissions.
For further information www.ncmt.co.uk

One version of the truth for CNC 2010

Investment in a PSL Datatrack production control software system has brought a number of organisational benefits to CNC 2010 Ltd of Buntingford. These include enhanced traceability, improved management and the establishment of “one version of the truth”, reports Emily Coleman, director of the subcontract precision engineering company.

Before implementing PSL Datatrack, CNC 2010 relied on manual methods for quoting and managing its business operations. However, the company now feels more confident in its processes due to PSL Datatrack’s standardised approach.

CNC 2010 learnt of PSL Datatrack through a fellow precision engineering subcontractor, a long-term supporter of the system in its 20th year of use. Coleman says that the sales process for the software was “smooth, with no pressure and comprehensive explanations of the software’s features and benefits”.

She adds: “We ultimately chose PSL Datatrack because it is specifically for the subcontract precision engineering industry and offered bespoke functionality tailored to our requirements.”

Utilisation of PSL Datatrack aligned with CNC 2010’s aims for the business. By streamlining the entire production process, it provided an opportunity for growth.

“We had reached maximum capacity in terms of administrative processing with our existing workload and PSL Datatrack helped us to overcome this limitation,” says Emily.

Since implementing PSL Datatrack, CNC 2010 has been able to process more orders and increase sales. Moving forward, the company’s focus is to leverage the software to optimise stock control and material handling. CNC 2010 also aims to obtain ISO 9001 accreditation, further enhancing its credibility and market position.

“We now have one version of the truth,” she concludes.“Processing times have reduced and there is no lost information as there was with our previous paper-based system.”
For further information www.psldatatrack.com

Open Mind showcasing hyperMILL at EMO

Open Mindis focusing on turning, milling and the importance of CAM software and MES in connected manufacturing environments at EMO 2023 taking place in Hanover this week (18-23 September). Located in hall 9, stand A05, the 150 sq m booth is Open Mind’s largest ever at EMO.

Live demonstrations are taking place on a Grob G350T mill-turn machine to showcase the multi-tasking capabilities of hyperMILL Tsolutions. The live demos also include milling, drilling and angle-head support, as well as how to use a ‘virtual machine’ to simulate the machining of finished NC code.

Open Mind’s hyperMILL Turningsolutions include technologies for turning, turn-milling and mill-turning, meaning they are suitable for all corresponding machine configurations. Last but not least, the company’s demonstrations also feature automation solutions to help make creating error-free NC programs simpler and faster.

Open Mind has been positioning hyperMILL as a vital building block in the digitalisation of process chains since the acquisition of MES manufacturer Hummingbird in early 2022. Connected manufacturing is also on the agenda at EMO – under the motto ‘Create the future of manufacturing together’ –highlighting the important role of the CAM system in a connected manufacturing environment.

A large number of show parts are present on the booth to help visitors truly understand what optimised machining looks like. The examples of industries in which hyperMILL provides particular value range from tool and mould-making to aerospace and medical technology. There are also components from the semiconductor industry on display. These components have to meet particularly high requirements in terms of dimensional accuracy and surface quality.
For further information www.openmind-tech.com

PTC software aids new compressor development

The first reinvention of air compressor technology in more than 85 years is rolling off the production line of a new£17m smart factory in Doncaster. Lontra, an engineering technology company led by innovator Steve Lindsey, is committed to answering increasing demand by quadrupling the production of its LP2 blade blower year-on-year until 2025.

Backed by the design and PLM capability of PTC’s Creo and Windchill platforms, Lontra integrated its proprietary and patented blade compressor positive displacement technology within the custom-engineered LP2 blade blowers. According to the company, the upshot is world-class performance, reduced noise and, importantly, electricity savings of up to 34% compared with traditional products.

Inneo Solutions introduced Lontra to PTC’s cloud-based 3D CAD software Creo and this platform proved critical in achieving the complex geometry that makes the LP2 different to its predecessors.This includes add-ons covering FEA and behaviour modelling, which were used by up to 10 designers to achieve the necessary stillness and distortion requirements that deliver the environmentally sustainable performance.

Another key element of the portfolio is Windchill, PTC’s PLM suite, which makes a big difference in Lontra’s efficiency and sustainability by saving not only time but also waste.
Windchill ensures that the record of materials and components used in its products remain up to date, helping it capture learning from the design and development process, as well as reducing errors, scrap and waste on the factory floor.

Elliot Clarke, UK and Irelanddirector at PTC, says: “Both of Lontra’s sites have access to Windchill, as does the firm’s teams who work remotely.The power of the software ensures that everybody is working off the most up-to-date data.”
For further information www.ptc.com

RO-RA relies on VERICUT simulation software

As an aerospace supplier, RO-RA Aviation Systems GmbH is very successful, especially in the production of complex, high-precision and difficult-to-machine components, primarily for the aviation industry. With demands for high-quality components, it is essential that processes are safe and stable. For maximum process reliability and the best-possible performance, RO-RA uses VERICUT CNC simulation, verification and optimisation software, including the VERICUT Force milling module. The result: no more machine crashes and time savings of up to 25% per component.

Among the success factors at RO-RA is the digitalisation of development and manufacturing processes, which includes the networking of all engineering and testing processes.

“By setting up digital twins in product and process development, we achieve significant improvements in time-to-market,” explains managing director Helmut Wiesenberger.

By way of example, RO-RAmanufactures complex connectors made of aluminium for aircraft fuel lines, in which the machining rate is around 95%. Previously the company experienced machine crashes despite CAM simulation, which of course resulted in downtimes and service calls. In order to avoid this and ultimately increase process reliability, RO-RA introduced CGTech’s VERICUT simulation and optimisation software in 2018 after a selection process.

“In order to produce such sophisticated milled components efficiently and economically, we were looking for a software solution that simulates our NC programs in advance and checks them for any problems, such as collisions,” says Patrick Fellinger, head of engineering at RORA. “The fact is, CAM simulation only simulates the toolpaths and not the actual NC code. With VERICUT, we get a virtual machine and a machining digital twin, which means every travel path that we program is checked for 100% process reliability.”
For further information www.cgtech.co.uk