In this TLC, Dr. Lonnie Love, Dr. Tom Kurfess, Dr. “Cyber” Kyle Saleeby, and I met the one-and-only Mr. CNC himself…okay, his real name is Chris Pollack, virtual technical application center manager at Siemens, and the nickname comes from his popular YouTube channel. The moniker fits though, as we had a fascinating discussion on Siemens' new SINUMERIK ONE CNC Controller, which uses digital twin technology to open new doors for the advanced manufacturing world. The SINUMERIK ONE software system is a major upgrade from previous hardware platforms. It keeps the human-machine interface (HMI) the same while introducing a totally digital environment tied to a physical system — in short, a digital twin. The controller offers an exact replica of a machine from the PLC level up. In the video, you can see a model of Mr. CNC’s machine switching out tooling, performing mock cuts, and doing metrology processes like probing. Any SINUMERIK system can be simulated, meaning an entire shop floor can be digital. The software isn’t just an approximation either — since models are based on specific machines, the twin accurately simulates cuts and predicts cycle times with one-to-one motions, improving margins. The digital environment offers a safe sandbox for new workers with little to no experience to learn (and crash!) machines without business impact. It also improves collision avoidance, since a machine knows exactly where vises, stock, and toolholders are. But the most exciting gain is remote machining. That’s right, no more cutting fluid stains and long commutes; the SINUMERIK ONE offers a machining environment from anywhere in the world. Digital machine shops can now program in one place and machine in another, where it’s as easy as uploading the twin to their machine and pressing start. This expands the hiring pool for new talent and provides more throughput as work isn’t restricted to a given machine. You’ll actually be able to see a demo of this at IMTS 2024 in the Siemens booth (#133249). Mr. CNC, working with TRAK Machine Tools (IMTS booth #338032), will show us how a part was methodized in Illinois, revalidated in New York, cut at IMTS in Chicago, and then proofed in California, all through this digital environment. For complete details, watch at IMTS.com/WatchTLC___
In this TLC, explore how cutting-edge digital twin technology is revolutionizing the industry, allowing for remote machining and new efficiency boosts. Listen as Mr. CNC himself demos Siemens’ newest controller offering and the possibilities it provides.
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