CNC has become one of the leading production interfaces

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Dynamic workpiece handling with robots

With the Sinumerik product suite “Integrate for production”, an easily extendable standard for needs-oriented connection to the IT world has now been created. It is based on a client-server architecture in which the client software is driven directly from the CNC. On the field level, therefore, no additional PC hardware is required. A further advantage: all functions realised with the help of the client software can already be used meaningfully on a single, non-networking machine tool. The functionality of the clients can also be extended flexibly by later downloads of software components too.

Networking machine tools are connected to a central server. This provides applications with which manufacture can be realised more productively – even going as far as simplifying service for the machine manufacturer. This solution is distinguished by its excellent scalability: from a stand-alone machine or a local production network to a multi-location application, Sinumerik Integrate can be used everywhere – bringing advantages and flexible extendability. Starting with a small initial investment, the IT integration can be enacted according to the individual needs and advantages of each manufacturing operation. And firms which already have systems for engineering data management (PLM systems) or which use production control systems now have a simple option for extending their utilisation by connecting the production levels. It is thus possible to draw on the data all the way from the management level to the control system and to benefit from the synergy advantages this implies. With Sinumerik Integrate, small and medium-sized firms also succeed in making the connection to Industry 4.0.

A further important topic in networked production is dynamic workpiece handling. Sinumerik CNC enables here, in combination with the new Run-My-Robot technology packet, an optimum deployment of robots for handling tasks with machine tools, especially for loading and unloading of processing cells. Interactions such as operation, retraction, learning-in and robot diagnosis can be tackled with Sinumerik on one single operating unit and with the familiar interface. This raises efficiency as well as the flexibility of the machine tools.

High output with CNC-based standards and innovation

Whether in industry or the workshop, whoever wants to remain competitive must continuously be discovering modern production methods. With a highly creative automation partner, actively committed to the further development of new operating concepts, production technologies, process chains and superordinate IT technologies, a start-to-finish CNC standard for machine constructors and for manufacturing firms becomes a simple and effective means of access to technological innovation – practice-related, state-of-the-art and ripe for industrial application.

This article originally appeared in MM Maschinenmarkt.

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