PRESS RELEASE
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60325 Frankfurt am Main
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Telefax +49 69 756081-11
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Email
www.metav.de
Sylke Becker
+49 69 756081-33
+49 69 756081-11
s.becker@vdw.de
From the idea to the machine and from the design to
the workpiece, with a single database
Customers want harmonised process chains with standardised
interfaces
Frankfurt am Main, 18 August 2015. – Digital CAD/CAM/CNC process
chains in technically sophisticated plants promise their users that they
will be able to design his products faster and respond more flexibly to
their customers’ requirements. Virtual machines provide valuable
support for production planning. Specific solutions and trends will be
showcased at the METAV 2016 by Siemens AG, for example. What are
they precisely? We talked to Joachim Zoll, who heads the Machine
Tools Systems Business Segment.
Joachim Zoll, intelligent networking of machine tools and IT systems
from the original idea to the finished workpiece: what does the
harmonised process chain of the future look like?
Joachim Zoll: We see horizontal and vertical integration gaining steadily
in perceived importance. Horizontal integration stands for harmonised
CAD/CAM-CNC process chains in which with the aid of appropriate
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CAD software initial optimisations can already be carried out at the
product design stage. What is called digital twinning of the machine
tool – by which I mean a virtual machine model that is based on the
design data involved – can ultimately be integrated into the process
chain for control-system-specific simulation of the machining steps
concerned. The advantage is this: newly planned workpieces can be
run in virtually on the PC, while the actual machine is still producing
different parts. Moreover, we support our customers with networking
solutions, in order to upgrade the efficiency of their production
operations.
And what might these look like?
Joachim Zoll: What we’re talking about here is firstly central data
storage, tool management and order management. Secondly, our
solutions enable status data to be acquired and tele-maintenance to
be implemented. In addition, our control system software offers
interfaces to higher-order applications like a collaboration platform or a
manufacturing execution system. This creates harmonised vertical IT
integration – from the machine tool right up to the master level, with
concomitantly enormous potentials in terms of productivity and quality.
Designing, modelling, programming, simulating, producing – are these
the building blocks of the ideal process chain?
Joachim Zoll: Essentially, you have to draw a distinction between our
integrated engineering approach for machinery manufacturers and
the CAD/CAM-CNC process chain for the machinery’s operators. The
machine manufacturer begins (in response to his customer’s stated
requirements) with a design for his machines: this is called system
engineering. It is followed by concept design, from which then the
design data and the engineering work for the mechanical parts, the
electrics and the automation are created. With our integrated
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engineering approach, machinery manufacturers are already able to
digitally image and optimise the entire procedural sequence involved,
from the original idea and the concept all the way through to machine
development. The digital image provides reassuring certainty in the
development phase, which means the machine can be marketlaunched earlier.
How does the machinery manufacturer benefit from this?
Joachim Zoll: With the aid of PLM software, machinery manufacturers
are now increasingly parallelising these hitherto-sequential procedures,
and cutting the development time for a machine by up to 30 per cent.
Since all relevant design data for the machine are available in digital
form, a virtual machine model (what’s called a digital twin) can be
created for the machine that’s been ordered. This enables machine
manufacturers to begin the machine development process directly in
virtual mode, without actually handling a single mechanical
component, and thus to respond simply and effectively to their
customers’ wishes. The essential factor here is this: the virtual machine
model also enables virtual commissioning to be performed in advance
as well. Here, the virtual machine model is linked up to the real control
system. This means the machinery designs and the interaction between
the CNC system and machine can be tested in detail under real
conditions.
And what does this look like for the machine’s owner?
Joachim Zoll: From the viewpoint of the machine’s owner, the
CAD/CAM-CNC process chain begins with design of his workpiece. This
is followed by definition of the machining strategy. It is here, once
again, that the virtual machine plays a crucial role, since it is at the
virtual machine, using the original control system software (known as
VNCK – virtual NC kernel) that the machine’s owner can already check
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on the PC whether NC programs are collision-free and their syntax is
free from errors, and how the cycle times can be improved. The entire
production planning work can thus be performed on the digital twin.
Is implementation merely a question of the right software and the
control system used – is every control system “process-chaincompliant”?
Joachim Zoll: Siemens is one of the few vendors to have built up a
harmonised portfolio that includes PLM software, MESs (Manufacturing
Execution Systems) and MOM (Manufacturing Operations
Management), plus harmonised automation and control system
technology. This enables us to offer our customers harmonised process
chains. Both our PLM software and our Sinumerik control system, of
course, are open for use with systems from other vendors.
What benefits do users obtain from harmonised, single-sourced
complete-package solutions (CAD/CAM system, control system,
machine)?
Joachim Zoll: From the machinery manufacturer’s point of view, they
can be summarised as follows: through the entire digital process chain,
from the original idea to the machine, all on a shared database, our
solutions help machinery manufacturers to respond more flexibly to any
individual customer’s requirements. The result is that the time-to-market
is reduced significantly, which means that productivity and efficiency in
the machine development process are upgraded!
For the machine’s owner, by contrast, we can confidently state: with an
optimised CAD/CAM-CNC process chain from the design stage for the
workpiece in the CAD system, then simulation, all the way through to
production on the machine tool, users of machine tools can
significantly enhance the flexibility and productivity of his
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manufacturing operation. This results in shorter product development
times and thus accelerated time-to-market.
Brave new digitised world: how practically effective is the intermeshing
of processes on the virtual and real levels?
Joachim Zoll: The use of virtual machine models is already possible
today, and is meanwhile being practised successfully by the first
machinery manufacturers. There are also examples of companies that
have put in place a harmonised CAD/CAM-CNC process chain and
are now benefiting from the optimisation potentials involved. Quite
generally, it can be stated that today many applications and solutions
for the digital enterprise are already in place. Companies that wish to
progress their digitisation can begin actual implementation with the
solutions that Siemens provides.
Can intelligently networked machines and processes be dependably
controlled using new human-interfacing and communication concepts
(smartphone or tablet)?
Joachim Zoll: In terms of usability and industrial security, mobile
terminals like smartphones and tablets have not been designed for
control system applications. Rather, mobile terminals are suited for
retrieving current status data like part stocks and order status, or service
information from a remote location. With the Smart Mobile solution,
which is a constituent part of Siemens’ Smart Operation range, users
can use a monitoring function over a secure webserver via their
notebooks, smartphones or tablets, for example. Machinery
manufacturers can already use these functions when creating new
machine concepts and incorporate a capability for retrieving machine
data via mobile terminals as a standard feature right from the start.
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How can workshop-oriented mid-tier companies benefit from
digitisation?
Joachim Zoll: Siemens has developed an up-to-the-future range
specifically for workshop-oriented firms, designed to ensure efficient
work sequences and complementing our CNC control system. We are
convinced that these companies, too, can and should participate in
the vision of digitisation – to an extent appropriate for workshoporiented firms. The new capabilities cover aspects like production
planning, IT networking, improved usability thanks to touch-control, plus
the use of mobile terminals for observation and monitoring functions. To
sum up, this software significantly facilitates the integration of machines
into a production process. Its implementation does not require
extensive support from IT specialists, and can even be very easily
handled by the machine’s owner. This means companies can
implement the individual functions involved with a minimised financial
and organisational outlay.
Are there any examples already up and running?
Joachim Zoll: Yes, many of our customers are meanwhile using them.
Some of them were already putting it on show at the EMO in Milan, and
more will be spotlighted at the METAV. What’s important here is the
machinery manufacturer’s ability to marry these solutions to the options
provided by the machine.
What activities in this thematic category are you planning for the METAV
2016?
Joachim Zoll: Everyone’s talking about digitisation – we are not just
talking about it, at the METAV 2016 we shall be showcasing our specific
range of actual solutions for the world of machine tools: besides the
topics of harmonised digital production and optimum utilisation of
manufacturing resources, we are also, of course, focusing on new
Page 7 / 8  METAV 2016
functions in the field of metal-cutting applications. Numerous new
features and functions in the Sinumerik system help to further enhance
productivity and quality in metal-cutting operations, such as milling and
mould construction, mill-turning and turn-milling – in both series
production and in contract manufacturing with smaller quantities.
We’re also talking about trends: we are front-runners when it comes to
bringing different technologies together to create multitasking
concepts. What’s driving the market is not only digitisation at the large
companies, but above all digitisation in workshop-oriented firms. This is
why at the METAV 2016 we shall be showcasing our solution for modernday workshop manufacturing.
Author: Walter Frick, specialist journalist from Weikersheim
Number of characters incl. blanks: 10,624
Background
The METAV 2016 in Düsseldorf
The METAV 2016 – the 19th International Exhibition for Metalworking Technologies – will be held in
Düsseldorf from 23 to 27 February. It showcases the entire spectrum of production technology. The
principal focuses are machine tools, production systems, high-precision tools, automated material
flows, computer technology, industrial electronics, and accessories, complemented by the new
themes of Moulding, Medical, Additive Manufacturing and Quality, which are now permanently
anchored in what are called “areas” with their own nomenclature in the METAV’s exhibition
programme. The METAV’s target group for visitors includes all branches of industry that work metal,
particularly machinery and plant manufacturers, the automotive industry and its component
suppliers, aerospace, the electrical engineering industry, energy and medical technologies, tool
and mould-making, plus metalworking and the craft sector.
Further information under www.metav.de
Siemens AG
Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) operates in more than 200 different countries, focusing primarily
on the fields of electrification, automation and digitisation. Siemens is one of the world’s biggest
manufacturers of energy-efficient, resource-economical technologies. The company is Number
One in the category of offshore wind farm manufacture, one of the planet’s leading vendors of
gas and steam turbines for power generation, and of power transmission solutions, a pioneer for
infrastructural solutions, and for automation, drive and software packages in industrial
applications. In the 2014 business year, which ended on 30 September 2014, Siemens achieved a
turnover from ongoing operations of 71.9 bn euros and after-tax profits of 5.5 bn euros. At the end
of September 2014, the company had around 343,000 employees worldwide on an ongoing basis.
Further information under www.siemens.com
Page 8 / 8  METAV 2016
Special Show at the METAV 2016: Industry 4.0 Theme Park – Solutions for Manufacturers
In conjunction with the Konradin Media Group, the VDW will at the METAV 2016 – 19th Exhibition for
Metalworking Technologies, to be held in Düsseldorf’s Exhibition Centre from 23 to 27 February – be
presenting the Industry 4.0 Theme Park - Solutions for Manufacturers. For the first time, Industry 4.0
will be on centrally synergised display at a trade fair for production applications. Component
vendors can, in conjunction with the manufacturers of machine tools, metal-cutting tools, CAD
and clamping systems, control systems, etc., offer numerous advantages for the users concerned.
The theme park brings all these competences together. Technology leaders will be showcasing
their solutions at the theme park over the entire duration of the fair, and in half-hour lectures at the
associated forum. The subject categories planned include new business models, data security,
networked programming and simulation, intelligent components, flexible automation as from a
batch size of 1, and much, much more. The concept is aimed at progressing technology transfer.
Your contact persons
VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association)
Sylke Becker
Press and Public Relations
Corneliusstrasse 4
60325 Frankfurt am Main
GERMANY
GERMANY
Tel. +49 69 756081-33
s.becker@vdw.de
www.vdw.de
Siemens AG
Peter Jefimiec
Internal and External Communications
Gleiwitzer Str. 555
90475 Nuremberg
GERMANY
Tel. +49 911 895-7975
peter.jefimiec@siemens.com
www.siemens.com
Editorial Office Frick
Walter Frick
Hölderlinstr. 2
97990 Weikersheim
GERMANY
Tel. +49 7934 990021
redaktionsbuero@walter-frick.com
You will find texts and pictures about the METAV 2016 on the internet under www.metav.de in the
Press Service. You can also visit the METAV through our social media channels
http://twitter.com/METAVonline
http://facebook.com/METAV.fanpage
http://www.youtube.com/metaltradefair
https://de.industryarena.com/metav