SINUMERIK Edge for digitalization of machine tools

When machines are equipped with Industrial Edge for machine tools, high-frequency data can be stored for evaluation in your company’s own apps. Among other things, users can detect patterns in the quality-related data that’s needed for subsequent analyses. This is relevant, for example, in the automotive industry in preparation for recalls.

The Analyze MyWorkpiece/Capture app makes this possible by accessing high-frequency data via the SINUMERIK Edge platform interface. Machine tool users can record the collected workpiece, tool, and tool path data with high temporal resolution. Users themselves determine what data should be captured and when – for example, for specific machining steps or at specific threshold values.

Typical use cases – for example, in the automotive industry – include evaluating workpiece quality and detecting tool wear in order to minimize waste, increase tool life, and ensure a higher overall process quality. The variables typically monitored include positions, flows, and control deviations using Six Sigma methods, and in the future, artificial intelligence. Users will largely be able to configure the application themselves.

All this is made possible by the Analyze MyWorkpiece/Monitor edge app. It offers quality monitoring in parallel to production, and users can determine the process steps and variables that will be monitored.

Using a camera image, AI-based software can recognize whether the right workpiece is in the right position in the machining area with greater precision than the human eye. If the position is correct, machining can begin. Tool wear can also be monitored.

In addition, the camera transmits the work process live from the machining area and documents all image data. Protect MyMachine /Setup ensures machining and process quality and enables a more efficient use of resources.

High-frequency CNC data can be used to generate a fingerprint of a machine tool. The fingerprint provides information on machine wear and maintenance requirements and serves as the basis for condition-based maintenance and high machine availability. Machine condition is regularly monitored and compared with a reference condition, which makes it possible to detect critical deviations early on and prevent production outages, thanks to need-based maintenance.

Conventional milling is frequently used, but it lacks efficiency due to high machining forces and large warp angles. Trochoidal milling, on the other hand, uses optimized toolpaths. However, CNC programs created in CAM systems can take only limited advantage of maximum CNC performance, because the constant braking at line-arc transitions results in unfavorable speed profiles. Optimize MyMachining /Trochoidal makes it easier to achieve optimal motion control.