Today’s machine tool builders have read many articles and technical papers about the emerging concept of digitalization. Digital twins are emerging as viable tools in the design and marketing of many CNC machine tools today, a trend that will continue to grow. Digitalization, both at the concept and build stages for the OEM and in the field for end customers, can be implemented at every level of machine tool operation today.
Here are three ways OEM engineering and management teams can view this technology and its effect, as it shapes the production and sales process of the future. At the same time, the possibilities are both appealing and a bit challenging, so allow me to explain each briefly. Advantages During Design Having a visual model of your CNC machine for commissioning alone makes the investment in digitalization worthwhile to the builders of today’s machine tools.
With the data and design concept in hand, you can use digitalization tools, such as a mechatronics concept designer that brings the physics of the world to your computer screen, to test the PLC and the NC; run the motion control and load protocols, including full machine kinematics; and conduct overall system component integration before manufacturing. Available digitalization tools provide highly accurate hardware in the loop emulation, transitioning from CAD to CAM to mechatronic concept designer, then finally to the virtual machine controller. Because the model is essentially mirroring the real hardw.