MACHINE CONTROLS
the aerospace sector include much wider use of robots and newer methods of machining the composite materials used for many aerospace components.
Digitizing and Robotizing
One of the big challenges in aerospace manufacturing lies in using the data generated by digital devices as they go about their normal routines, said Digital Factory Applica- tion Engineer Gabe Manescu, Siemens Industry Inc. (Elk Grove Village, IL). “A typical CNC controller generates a large amount of data that may hold values unknown until such data are analyzed and used in other ways,” Manescu said. “Generating new interfaces at the controller that allow the harvesting of such data gives way to new technologies. For example, by connecting a Sinumerik CNC controller to a simulation system, such as our NX–MCD [Mechatronics Con- trol Designer] platform, we get the virtualized machine model, which now includes the physical behaviors and the real controller [Sinumerik CNC or Simatic PLC], including its front end [HMI], if necessary. With this tool, machine functions can be developed, tested and optimized under conditions very close to the real world. This way, we offer the convenience of a maximum degree of security and safety [for humans, machines and workpieces].”
behavior of mechatronic systems by examination of the data being generated as the systems do their work. This tool gives users the benefi ts of increased uptime and asset availability, asset optimization and maintenance effi ciency.” With robotization, aerospace potentially can employ much
more automation than in the past. “Robots are fast becoming a true success story in the aerospace and defense world,” noted Daniel Martinez, aerospace market manager, Siemens Industry Inc. “Siemens is bringing robots to the next level by offering three types of robotic integration to the CNC.” Mar- tinez said this includes Siemens Sinumerik Integrate Run My Robot/Easy Connect, which quickly connects with plug-and- play integration. Used mainly used for machine tending, this integration facilitates the communication and coordination between robot and machine controllers, he said. The Sinumerik Integrate Run MyRobot/Handling function allows users with no specifi c robot know-how to program and operate the robots, he said, as everything is interfaced via Sinumerik Operate. Finally, Martinez said Sinumerik Inte- grate Run MyRobot/Machining offers users continuous path control with integration of Siemens PLM Software’s NX CAM programming and VNCK (Virtual NC Kernel). “For a while now, there has been a push to use robots for secondary op- erations such as deburring and surface fi nish,” Martinez said. “This solution allows the programming of a robot in the same manner as a fi ve-axis machine for light cutting applications.”
Fast, Effi cient Machining There’s no doubt that the continued digitalization of manufacturing is at the forefront of trends in aerospace today. “Process data tracking with integration into manufac- turing systems is probably the most obvious trend,” noted Rick Schultz, aerospace program manager, FANUC America Corp. (Rochester Hills, MI). “CNCs have to easily have key performance data available for various data analysis systems. “Another trend that isn’t as obvious is the trend from ma-
Five-axis machine techniques help FANUC CNC machine controls cut precision parts from hard-to-cut materials including Inconel.
At Siemens, this solution is Virtual Commissioning, Ma- nescu said. “We consider it our answer to the ‘Fast-Safe-Pre- cise’ trichotomy,” he added. “Another example of the power of digitalization resides in the use of analytic tools to study the
50
AdvancedManufacturing.org | February 2017
chine programming to part programming. In aerospace there are a wide variety of machines and due to legacy methods and diffi culties with process certifi cation, the programming methods are often ineffi cient and infl exible,” Schultz added. “The variety of machines and resulting CNC application inconsistency creates variation in programming leading to manufacturing delays and signifi cant support costs.” CNC developers need to assist the industry to adopt mod-
ern part-centric programming methods, Schultz noted, while taking advantage of the processing power in modern CNCs to
Image courtesy FANUC America Corp.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100
