SINUMERIK – the first choice for the automated shopfloor

With SINUMERIK, a built-in SIMATIC PLC handles the automation of the machine tool, for example, loading the required tool into the milling spindle. This programmable logic controller is the global market leader in factory automation. The Profinet protocol, which has been coined by Siemens as an industry standard, is thus also available in machines with SINUMERIK. These SINUMERIK on-board tools are the ideal prerequisite for integrating the machine tool into automation solutions of all kinds, be it the connection of a bar loader to the turning machine, the connection of a handling robot for loading and unloading the machine, or the connection of a machining center to a high-bay warehouse. SIMATIC's strong position in the market means that configuration expertise is available in industry and trade applications. This makes it possible to satisfy the most important requirements for the individual automation of production with components from a wide range of manufacturers. But it is not only the PLC that is crucial here. The focus is also on drive technology. SINAMICS from Siemens Motion Control not only offers high-performance drive technology for the machine tool itself. SINAMICS drives are also integrated into numerous automation components, for example in transportation systems. Connecting up such components to machine tools with SINUMERIK and SINAMICS ensures a very high level of performance for the overall automation solution.

When it comes to integrating robots into machine tools, SINUMERIK opens up completely new opportunities thanks to the Run MyRobot robotics function package. Firstly, handling robots can be easily and efficiently connected to the machine tool via SIMATIC. Secondly, the precise path control of the robot at constant speed via SINUMERIK offers completely new applications that cannot be implemented using conventional robot controllers. SINUMERIK Run MyRobot enables robots to take over higher-value machining operations such as drilling, deburring or polishing during idle times between loading and unloading processes. This not only relieves the burden on the machine tool in terms of performance and precision. It means that machining can also be carried out in places that the machine with its own kinematics cannot reach. The range of parts that the machine can handle can thus be expanded. Finally, the robot itself can become a machine tool and open up completely new fields of technology.