Siemens CNC Portfolio Demonstrates Mold Machining Digitization

Siemens is presenting its extensive machine tool CNC portfolio and digitalization software technology, highlighted by the digital native Sinumerik One control platform for machining applications. In addition, under a sports theme “Speed, Agility and Endurance,” aimed at the machine shop on its path to digitalization, Siemens introduces Machinum to the North American market. 

Speed, Agility, Endurance: Machinum

Machinum brings together machine tool controls, digitalization software and machine shop services from Siemens to help manufacturers optimize their production processes, to provide agility for quick adaptation to changing customer requirements and calculated uptime needs, plus enable digitally proven endurance to maximize the productivity of the entire machine shop or production department.

“Speed” is one element of Machinum. Siemens’ adaptive feed rate control reduces cycle times while maintaining a stable machining process. This results from instantaneous and continuous analysis of the current cutting conditions on a machine tool in real time.

“Agility” is achieved through strategic digitalization and software that seamlessly integrates the machine tool CNC systems and a shop’s internal communications. Thus, Machnium boosts a machine shop or production department’s ability to accommodate changes in design, quantity output and even machining characteristics, based upon customer input and overall production and workflow landscape characteristics. 

“Endurance” is built up over the long run. Machinum enable a heightened level of maintenance capability with leading “edge” machine monitoring that anticipates potential issues before they escalate. This results in reduced cost and reduced downtime on machines due to unplanned maintenance. Siemens notes that this feature is especially useful for linked and sequential production lines. 

Machinum also offers benefits to machine builders, as Siemens’ integrated digital twin technology enables more streamlined off-machine programming and machining simulation in an office environment. This approach facilitates faster prep time, more accurate design specs on the final machine, faster component acquisition near the build time and a reduction in costly downtime, due to last-minute design changes. Machinum also represents the integration of existing Siemens digitalization software such as Create MyVirtual Machine, Run MyVirtual Machine, Adaptive Control and Monitoring (ACM), Analyze MyWorkpiece and Manage MyMachines. 

Under the theme “Empowering the Digital Machine Shop,” Siemens displays its digital threads, from blueprint to finished part, digital twin to simulation, part production, as well as the total integration of these processes into the digital factory for job shops and production departments.

ERod on Display

Building off the successful rollout of its eRod “electric buggy” at IMTS 2022, Siemens further demonstrates the end-to-end production of the aluminum wheel rim and gear housing for this electric vehicle on display. The wheel rim is made via traditional five-axis and multi-technology machining (mill turn, turn mill) and the gear housing is manufactured through additive/subtractive machining processes. 

At every stage of each part’s development, including machining, displays take visitors through the digital manufacturing process. From Siemens NX CAM software — which enables the use of 3D models, data and processes to connect planning and shopfloor operations — to Sinumerik One, the digital-native CNC that permits a digital twin of the machine tool and its full operation in production, Siemens has streamlined machine shop operations as well as automotive, aerospace, off-highway, medical part and myriad consumer durable production facilities worldwide. 

Digitization via Sinumerik One

Aimed at developing a complete eco-system for the machine tool builder and end-user, the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio brings together the breadth of engineering and manufacturing to provide an optimal solution for customers of any size in any industry.

Digitalization solutions help to shorten the machine tool builder’s time to market through digital twin technology, where all machine design and operational kinematics are simulated prior to the machine being built. This development enables savings for the builder and end-user alike, Siemens says — not only in the design, building and commissioning, but also during the startup and training phases of machine implementation. 

For instance, the Sinumerik One CNC control platform works with software to create the machine controller and the associated digital twin from a single engineering system, contributing to the total integration of hardware and software. Its interaction between the virtual and real worlds, including high-performance PLC, drive and motor hardware, seeks to improve productivity, performance and digitalization. Sinumerik One is provided with Create MyVirtual Machine and Run MyVirtual Machine software to create the universal concept of the digital twin, powerful hardware and integrated IT security, making it a forward-looking CNC. Moreover, using Mcenter, the open and modular platform for efficient shop floors, end-users can seamlessly link all their machine tools and network with a company’s IT landscape. 

Finally, a fun highlight at this year’s show, Siemens is holding a golf putting contest and raffle two putters twice daily. The putter heads are machined via Siemens CNC hardware automation and digitalization software and feature custom engraving.