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Open interfaces for mechanical engineering companies - Challenge for suppliers
Series: Trends in machine tools and precision tools - Issue 4
It´s not only manufacturers of machine tools who are facing challenges in regard to digital networking of production.In fact, they depend on their component suppliers "playing their part".Manufacturers of machine tools primarily want open, standardised interfaces. Dr. Alexander Broos, Director of Technology and Research, and Managing Director of the VDW (Association of German Machine Tool Manufacturers) Research Institute, explains in an interview how much progress machine tool manufacturers and their suppliers have made toward achieving this objective.The VDW Research Institute will describe interesting projects and the opportunities for joint industrial research on the VDW stand (Hall 5, stand A12). during the forthcoming AMB, International Exhibition for Metal Working, in Stuttgart from 16 to 20 September 2014. The latest information on the "Blue Competence" sustainability initiative will also be provided there. The VDW Youth Training Foundation will also again be represented by the special show for young people "Your opportunity in mechanical engineering".
Dr. Broos, machine tools of the future will be networked in different ways. Data from the machine itself will form the basis in this respect. This poses a challenge for component manufacturers. To what extent are these components already "intelligent"?
With regard to the intelligence of components, a distinction should be made between passive and active components. Passive components cannot react to external influences through active countermeasures. Intelligence here is therefore restricted to improved diagnosis or sensors. Active components on the other hand normally contain actuators. Self-learning or self-controlling systems are conceivable in this case. They could network themselves and exchange status data without an overriding control instrument. However, many systems are still a long way from industrial application maturity.
As an industry dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises, the machine tool industry also relies on its suppliers in this case. They must provide solutions which are reliable and can easily be implemented and operated. Since these components will probably be more expensive than tested "dumb" components, the higher price must be justified by direct value-added. Otherwise, they will not prevail in the purchasing decision. The effect of "wanting to have" will also naturally be seen among users in future. This effect will result, for example, from everyday experiences with smartphones or tablets. However, the key question is always whether the innovations prove to be robust for industrial use. Practice often fails due to detailed questions which unfortunately get lost in the overall vision: can a machine be operated for years without updates? How secure are the data? Who is liable for dangers caused by self-networked systems if human influence is no longer required or possible?
Data must not only be recorded, but also transmitted. In order to make components more exchangeable, the data interfaces must also be correspondingly universal. What support is being provided by the VDW in this respect?
The industry also finds itself sandwiched here between suppliers who naturally prefer proprietary systems and users who are now partially demanding the operation of machines using a tablet computer. The VDW is currently trying to create an industry standard for an open interface between the control unit and the user interface in order to avoid the worst-case scenario of having to redesign the electrics and control unit with every special request from customers. Individualised control interfaces could also again be a distinguishing feature between competitors. The VDW is also actively working towards openly specified and, if possible, continuous interfaces in communication between the machine and peripherals, e.g. robots or handling systems, through to host computer systems. In particular, large users often unfortunately have their own ideas in this case. Their already existing infrastructure also frequently does not permit any major changes. The key factor again is essentially the flexibility of the individual machine manufacturers. This is traditionally the strength of the German machine tool construction industry.
What else can component manufacturers do to make machine tools more productive, more precise and yet more flexible?
We always want an open ear here in order to implement individual or unusual customer requests. German machine tools are in demand on the world market although they are expensive. However, the customer then always receives in return high-end machines which reach the limits of what is technically feasible and are still extremely economical. Flexibility and innovative capacity, as the hallmarks of the industry, only work if the entire supply chain pulls together in the background. Fortunately, we have a strong position here in Germany with our
traditional supplier networks. This is shown, for example, by the most recent MIT study on the topic of production. However, we will only be able to maintain this position if we rise above our limits together.
Industry highlight with around 1,300 exhibitors
More than 90,000 trade visitors and around 1,300 exhibitors are expected to attend AMB 2014 from 16 to 20 September 2014. Exhibitors will present innovations and further developments in the areas of metal-cutting processes and precision tools, but also chucking tools, CAD, CAM, CAE, software, grinding machines, handling of workpieces and tools, and measuring systems on an area of more than 105,000 square metres.. AMB 2014 is being supported by the promotional supporters VDMA Precision Tools Association, VDMA Software Association and the Association of German Machine Tool Manufacturers (VDW).
Furhter informations at: Series: Trends in machine tools and precision tools - Issue 4
It´s not only manufacturers of machine tools who are facing challenges in regard to digital networking of production.In fact, they depend on their component suppliers "playing their part".Manufacturers of machine tools primarily want open, standardised interfaces. Dr. Alexander Broos, Director of Technology and Research, and Managing Director of the VDW (Association of German Machine Tool Manufacturers) Research Institute, explains in an interview how much progress machine tool manufacturers and their suppliers have made toward achieving this objective.The VDW Research Institute will describe interesting projects and the opportunities for joint industrial research on the VDW stand (Hall 5, stand A12). during the forthcoming AMB, International Exhibition for Metal Working, in Stuttgart from 16 to 20 September 2014. The latest information on the "Blue Competence" sustainability initiative will also be provided there. The VDW Youth Training Foundation will also again be represented by the special show for young people "Your opportunity in mechanical engineering".
Dr. Broos, machine tools of the future will be networked in different ways. Data from the machine itself will form the basis in this respect. This poses a challenge for component manufacturers. To what extent are these components already "intelligent"?
With regard to the intelligence of components, a distinction should be made between passive and active components. Passive components cannot react to external influences through active countermeasures. Intelligence here is therefore restricted to improved diagnosis or sensors. Active components on the other hand normally contain actuators. Self-learning or self-controlling systems are conceivable in this case. They could network themselves and exchange status data without an overriding control instrument. However, many systems are still a long way from industrial application maturity.
As an industry dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises, the machine tool industry also relies on its suppliers in this case. They must provide solutions which are reliable and can easily be implemented and operated. Since these components will probably be more expensive than tested "dumb" components, the higher price must be justified by direct value-added. Otherwise, they will not prevail in the purchasing decision. The effect of "wanting to have" will also naturally be seen among users in future. This effect will result, for example, from everyday experiences with smartphones or tablets. However, the key question is always whether the innovations prove to be robust for industrial use. Practice often fails due to detailed questions which unfortunately get lost in the overall vision: can a machine be operated for years without updates? How secure are the data? Who is liable for dangers caused by self-networked systems if human influence is no longer required or possible?
Data must not only be recorded, but also transmitted. In order to make components more exchangeable, the data interfaces must also be correspondingly universal. What support is being provided by the VDW in this respect?
The industry also finds itself sandwiched here between suppliers who naturally prefer proprietary systems and users who are now partially demanding the operation of machines using a tablet computer. The VDW is currently trying to create an industry standard for an open interface between the control unit and the user interface in order to avoid the worst-case scenario of having to redesign the electrics and control unit with every special request from customers. Individualised control interfaces could also again be a distinguishing feature between competitors. The VDW is also actively working towards openly specified and, if possible, continuous interfaces in communication between the machine and peripherals, e.g. robots or handling systems, through to host computer systems. In particular, large users often unfortunately have their own ideas in this case. Their already existing infrastructure also frequently does not permit any major changes. The key factor again is essentially the flexibility of the individual machine manufacturers. This is traditionally the strength of the German machine tool construction industry.
What else can component manufacturers do to make machine tools more productive, more precise and yet more flexible?
We always want an open ear here in order to implement individual or unusual customer requests. German machine tools are in demand on the world market although they are expensive. However, the customer then always receives in return high-end machines which reach the limits of what is technically feasible and are still extremely economical. Flexibility and innovative capacity, as the hallmarks of the industry, only work if the entire supply chain pulls together in the background. Fortunately, we have a strong position here in Germany with our
traditional supplier networks. This is shown, for example, by the most recent MIT study on the topic of production. However, we will only be able to maintain this position if we rise above our limits together.
Industry highlight with around 1,300 exhibitors
More than 90,000 trade visitors and around 1,300 exhibitors are expected to attend AMB 2014 from 16 to 20 September 2014. Exhibitors will present innovations and further developments in the areas of metal-cutting processes and precision tools, but also chucking tools, CAD, CAM, CAE, software, grinding machines, handling of workpieces and tools, and measuring systems on an area of more than 105,000 square metres.. AMB 2014 is being supported by the promotional supporters VDMA Precision Tools Association, VDMA Software Association and the Association of German Machine Tool Manufacturers (VDW).
Further informations at: Series: Trends in machine tools and precision tools - Issue 4
It´s not only manufacturers of machine tools who are facing challenges in regard to digital networking of production.In fact, they depend on their component suppliers "playing their part".Manufacturers of machine tools primarily want open, standardised interfaces. Dr. Alexander Broos, Director of Technology and Research, and Managing Director of the VDW (Association of German Machine Tool Manufacturers) Research Institute, explains in an interview how much progress machine tool manufacturers and their suppliers have made toward achieving this objective.The VDW Research Institute will describe interesting projects and the opportunities for joint industrial research on the VDW stand (Hall 5, stand A12). during the forthcoming AMB, International Exhibition for Metal Working, in Stuttgart from 16 to 20 September 2014. The latest information on the "Blue Competence" sustainability initiative will also be provided there. The VDW Youth Training Foundation will also again be represented by the special show for young people "Your opportunity in mechanical engineering".
Dr. Broos, machine tools of the future will be networked in different ways. Data from the machine itself will form the basis in this respect. This poses a challenge for component manufacturers. To what extent are these components already "intelligent"?
With regard to the intelligence of components, a distinction should be made between passive and active components. Passive components cannot react to external influences through active countermeasures. Intelligence here is therefore restricted to improved diagnosis or sensors. Active components on the other hand normally contain actuators. Self-learning or self-controlling systems are conceivable in this case. They could network themselves and exchange status data without an overriding control instrument. However, many systems are still a long way from industrial application maturity.
As an industry dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises, the machine tool industry also relies on its suppliers in this case. They must provide solutions which are reliable and can easily be implemented and operated. Since these components will probably be more expensive than tested "dumb" components, the higher price must be justified by direct value-added. Otherwise, they will not prevail in the purchasing decision. The effect of "wanting to have" will also naturally be seen among users in future. This effect will result, for example, from everyday experiences with smartphones or tablets. However, the key question is always whether the innovations prove to be robust for industrial use. Practice often fails due to detailed questions which unfortunately get lost in the overall vision: can a machine be operated for years without updates? How secure are the data? Who is liable for dangers caused by self-networked systems if human influence is no longer required or possible?
Data must not only be recorded, but also transmitted. In order to make components more exchangeable, the data interfaces must also be correspondingly universal. What support is being provided by the VDW in this respect?
The industry also finds itself sandwiched here between suppliers who naturally prefer proprietary systems and users who are now partially demanding the operation of machines using a tablet computer. The VDW is currently trying to create an industry standard for an open interface between the control unit and the user interface in order to avoid the worst-case scenario of having to redesign the electrics and control unit with every special request from customers. Individualised control interfaces could also again be a distinguishing feature between competitors. The VDW is also actively working towards openly specified and, if possible, continuous interfaces in communication between the machine and peripherals, e.g. robots or handling systems, through to host computer systems. In particular, large users often unfortunately have their own ideas in this case. Their already existing infrastructure also frequently does not permit any major changes. The key factor again is essentially the flexibility of the individual machine manufacturers. This is traditionally the strength of the German machine tool construction industry.
What else can component manufacturers do to make machine tools more productive, more precise and yet more flexible?
We always want an open ear here in order to implement individual or unusual customer requests. German machine tools are in demand on the world market although they are expensive. However, the customer then always receives in return high-end machines which reach the limits of what is technically feasible and are still extremely economical. Flexibility and innovative capacity, as the hallmarks of the industry, only work if the entire supply chain pulls together in the background. Fortunately, we have a strong position here in Germany with our
traditional supplier networks. This is shown, for example, by the most recent MIT study on the topic of production. However, we will only be able to maintain this position if we rise above our limits together.
Industry highlight with around 1,300 exhibitors
More than 90,000 trade visitors and around 1,300 exhibitors are expected to attend AMB 2014 from 16 to 20 September 2014. Exhibitors will present innovations and further developments in the areas of metal-cutting processes and precision tools, but also chucking tools, CAD, CAM, CAE, software, grinding machines, handling of workpieces and tools, and measuring systems on an area of more than 105,000 square metres.. AMB 2014 is being supported by the promotional supporters VDMA Precision Tools Association, VDMA Software Association and the Association of German Machine Tool Manufacturers (VDW).
Further informations at: http://www.messe-stuttgart.de/en/amb/
