From caution to innovation Digital integration in the metal working industry

Related Vendors

HASCO Hasenclever GmbH + Co KG

Renishaw plc

DIPROFIL Diamantprodukter AB

Digitalisation is inching its way into the metal working industry, with innovative solutions poised to revolutionize traditional processes. Despite initial hesitance, exhibitors at AMB 2024 highlight the rise of integrative digital approaches.

“As things stand at present, the degree of digitalisation at shop floor level is still extremely low and, if at all, it is characterised by isolated solutions.” This statement by a participant in a survey of exhibitors at this year's AMB shows the perception of the basic degree of digital maturity in the metal working industry. The following comment is still heard too often in the mechanical engineering and plant construction industry: “It's only a question of time before a breakthrough...”

In spite of the obvious caution of many users and failed attempts to create digital platforms, the topics of Industry 4.0 and IloT are not unknown subjects in the mechanical engineering and metal working industries in 2024. Everything needed to tackle modern concepts is available. OPC UA or Umati has existed for years as an adapted, universal machine tool interface. 5G campus networks are available as an efficient private mobile radio standard for networking of machines and systems. Know-how is also available. Just one example: control technology suppliers such as Fanuc, Heidenhain and Siemens have long shown through daily use in related manufacturing industries what benefits are possible with digitalisation.