Now virtual machines on shop floors

NEW DELHI, INDIA: At EMO Milano 2009, Siemens PLM Software will exhibit its Virtual Machine technology, a one-to-one copy of a machine tool on a PC with full virtual Sinumerik controller functions and machine tool simulation that will provide added value to both the end-user and the machine tool builder.

The company claims that this new technology will maximize machine tool productivity by eliminating the need to use the physical machine for non-production tasks.

“The Virtual Machine delivers the next generation of shop floor NC programming validation and off-machine set-up preparation and checking which reduces the errors and setup time while transforming the way in which machine tools are built and utilized.” It adds.

For complex machining operations it can take a day to a day and a half to setup a machining tool for a new work piece which has a negative effect on the overall productivity of the machine.

It also cites that INDEX Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of CNC turning machines, wanted to increase the efficiency of multi-function production center setup, programming, and validation.

“INDEX implemented Siemens PLM Software’s innovative Virtual Machine technology to increase machine tool utilization for production work, eliminate collision and reduced setup times by up to 90 per cent without any additional need for training.”

“The main idea of the virtual machine was to install a one-to-one copy of the machine tool on a personal computer and make it available as a tool to the machine operator,” said Eberhard Beck, Head of Electronic Control Systems, INDEX. “Virtual machining is just the beginning. In cooperation with Siemens, we will continue to optimize the process chain from engineering through to production so we will be able to produce even more

economically in the future.”

EMO, a trade fair held once every two years for the world production of machine tools, systems, robots and automation products, will be held from Oct. 5 to 10 in Milan, Italy.