At the recent BI-MU exhibition in Milan, Fagor Automation took the opportunity to shine the spotlight on its next generation of industrial automation and CNC technology, as well as its range of services, such as Fagor Digital Suite.

According to Fagor, Digital Suite 5.0 simplifies and streamlines decision-making in smart manufacturing environments. With integrated digital dashboards, real-time data visualisation and predictive maintenance capabilities, the company says that Digital Suite 5.0 offers a complete digital solution for industrial machinery.

Among other highlights on the Fagor stand was HMIelite, a next-generation HMI that optimises CNC systems for improved performance and user experience. Available in several models, including CNC 8070elite, 8065elite and 8055elite, Fagor says that HMIelite provides cutting-edge control technology, whether working with complex machines or high-precision applications.

Another key product on display was Series3, the company’s encoder solution known for its robust performance and functional safety. Certified with SIL2, this series is suitable for industries that require high safety standards. A stand-out feature of Series3 encoders is Fagor’s 3STATECH technology. What makes 3STATECH innovative is its ability to detect any contamination on the measuring standard, with its redesigned optical system and smart image processing algorithms. This capability offers an extra layer of reliability and ensures accurate performance, even in challenging conditions.

With over four decades of expertise in CNC systems and feedback solutions, Fagor says that its products are designed not just to meet today’s needs but to anticipate future manufacturing challenges, helping businesses transition seamlessly into the era of Industry 5.0. Whether looking to optimise CNC processes, implement digital transformation or improve safety standards, Fagor Automation has the tools and expertise to support.

More information www.fagorautomation.com

ModuleWorks has unveiled the 2024.12 release of its software components for digital manufacturing and digital factory. This latest release of the ModuleWorks SDK includes various new and enhanced features aimed at increasing safety, toolpath generation efficiency and part quality. These features contain enhancements across multiple components, ranging from multi-axis surface finishing to simulation and many more.

For example, the four-axis swarf mode has seen a significant improvement to achieve optimal geometric accuracy. This enhancement addresses the challenge of machining complex surfaces, such as cylindrical cams, using flank milling on a cost-effective four-axis machine. Traditionally, aligning the tool with the surfaces when using a tool smaller than the slot has been difficult. However, the new algorithm now accounts for kinematic limitations during the initial toolpath calculation, eliminating the need for four-axis enforcement in post-processing and reducing the risk of inaccuracies.

With the ModuleWorks 2024.12 release, this enhancement brings several benefits, including improved component accuracy, reduced machining costs and greater flexibility in selecting tool diameters.

Another upgrade involves multi-axis deburring. Until now, it was difficult for users to eliminate all the simultaneous five-axis moves from a 3+2-axis deburring toolpath. This issue would result in unpredictable motion on the machine tool during operation. In the 2024.12 release, ModuleWorks has improved 3+2-axis deburring to provide 3+2 orientation with minimum five-axis motion. As a result, users benefit from enhanced machining safety and accuracy.

Also worthy of note is an enhancement that focuses on three-axis finishing, where users often struggle to manually identify and define areas that can be machined by different sections of barrel tools. A new feature in ModuleWorks 2024.12 assists users by automatically identifying the steep and shallow areas on the part.

More information www.bit.ly/3PmdncW

Vericut, a global specialist in manufacturing software, is releasing two AI-powered tools: Vericut Intelligence (VI) and Vericut Assistant (VA). The company says these new resources enhance how users interact with and gain knowledge from Vericut’s suite of software products.

VI is an AI-driven solution that serves as a knowledge hub for all of Vericut’s software offerings, including Vericut, Composites, Vericut Optimizer, and a variety of other modules and features. The resource is accessible to everyone, providing in-depth information on any aspect of Vericut’s software, from basic inquiries like ‘what is Force?’ to more detailed questions about specific functionalities like ‘what is X-Caliper?’

While VI focuses on providing product knowledge, VA assists users with the practical application of Vericut software. VA offers step-by-step guidance on the use of various features, answering how-to questions directly within the software. For example, users can ask, ‘how do I use Auto-Diff?’ and receive precise instructions. As VA evolves, it will also start to interact directly with the software, allowing users to perform tasks like ‘add a tool with these criteria’.

“Our goal with VI and VA is to simplify information access, making it intuitive and easy for users to deepen their understanding of our software,” says Gene Granata, director of product management at Vericut. “The new tools deliver intelligence that’s incredibly useful and relevant, streamlining the user experience and setting a new standard for product knowledge accessibility.”

“The introduction of VI and VA marks the beginning of a long-term strategy to integrate AI into Vericut’s products, with the ultimate goal of maximising productivity while ensuring privacy,” adds Frankie Cates, director of information and security at Vericut.

More information www.vericut.com

Open Mind, creator of HyperMill CADCAM, not only presented enhancements to its
software at the recent AMB exhibition in Germany, but also its range of services –
everything from practical training courses to solution concepts for process optimisation.
Visitors to the trade fair could see three workstations demonstrating how HyperMill can
create a connected, digitalised manufacturing environment. Important aspects to this
journey include the Hummingbird MES (Manufacturing Execution System), HyperMill
automation technologies and the virtual machine.
At AMB, Open Mind CADCAM innovation highlights included HyperMill turning
solutions. This innovation is also an example of working with digital twin technology: lathes
with turrets and Siemens control systems where all tools are mapped in detail
in HyperMill Virtual Machining.
 
An agile manufacturing execution system such as Hummingbird MES helps companies
optimise production processes. According to Open Mind, the tool allows the utilisation of
resources in the best possible way, supported by increased productivity. Hummingbird MES
is a flexible solution that offers modules and system components for entry into digitalisation
through production management.
 
“HyperMill is a crucial piece of the puzzle for ensuring future-oriented and connected
manufacturing,” explained Jasmin Huber, director of marketing and communications at
Open Mind Technologies AG. “End-to-end digitalised processes are the key to optimisation
of the entire value chain. We enjoyed showing trade fair visitors how a high degree of
digitalisation has a positive impact on production. At the same time, this can effectively
counteract the shortage of skilled workers, as well as time and cost pressures.”
More information www.openmind-tech.com