New module from c-Com: Machining Analytics Solution
THE DIGITAL TWIN IS SHOWING ITS TEETH
To detect problems in manufacturing quickly and guarantee quality, c-Com bundles all available data concerning the machine, tool and workpiece for analysis with artificial intelligence (AI). The new module Machining Analytics Solutions (MAS) supports the production process with a digital twin and will be available at the EMO especially for gear-cutting tools.
Tool breakage rarely happens out of the blue. Before a tooth of a gear hob snaps, the mishap is often heralded in advance by a combination of characteristic values. For trend analyses, the Machining Analytics Solutions (MAS) module from c-Com evaluates the data in real time and warns the user that something is going wrong in the production process. Based on this information, machining can be stopped in time, the expensive milling cutter can be saved from damage, and the workpiece can be preserved.
The adaptive programme builds on two other c-Com modules, Digital Tool Management (DTM) and Life Cycle Management (LCM). In MAS, c-Com has incorporated the positive findings from the first two modules and enriched them with AI. The starting point is the digital twin of the tool.
DATA EXCHANGE ACROSS COMPANY BOUNDARIES
C-Com tracks the process flow and records which path the tool takes, where it is used, and who works with it. This captures the entire life cycle in its depth. The platform makes it possible to share the digital twin across company boundaries as well. A gear-cutting tool passes through numerous stations in a preparation process. It passes repeatedly through regrinding, coating, the integrator and back to the customer. “By making the central digital twin available, we guarantee that everyone involved in the process always has access to the real-time data for the tool,” emphasises Bernhard Schuster, Team Leader Project and Application Support.
Ideally, c-Com is integrated, so that the data are gathered in the background. “We’re able to set up the data structure to suit the specific customer,” explains Business Development Manager Matti Maier. “There are core parameters for each tool, but beyond that, customers have a wide range of individual data and parameters that we can incorporate very flexibly without changing existing structures.”
Dear readers,
and business associates,
The world is changing and we too are in a state of change. However, our core remains the same.
Although in the past MAPAL was known for process solutions in the automotive industry and for machining cylinder heads and blocks in particular, this has fundamentally changed in recent years. MAPAL was quick to recognise the shift in technology and was one of the first companies to bring tool solutions for e-mobility to market, always with a focus on the wide variety of manufacturer requirements. Leading concepts for almost all types of manufacturing processes of stator housings thus emerged and were widely introduced in the market.
However, also all new parts for electrified mobility, the so-called auxiliary units, can be machined precisely using MAPAL tools. For parts familiar from conventional vehicles, such as brakes, steering housings or swivel bearings, we bring years of experience and correspondingly sophisticated tool concepts to the table in order to develop the most economical machining process depending on machine concepts.
In addition to the automotive industry, we’ve certainly been involved in other sectors for quite some time, for which MAPAL is not particularly known. In the aerospace industry, where we primarily focused on assembly in the past, we have suitable tool concepts for parts production. For components in the hydraulics
sector, where a very high degree of accuracy is required, we can also provide cost-effective solutions with high-precision tools.
As well as exploiting new sectors, in recent years we have developed an extensive product portfolio of standard tools ranging from solid carbide drills and milling cutters to chucks in order to offer our customers a complete portfolio. Here we have tapped into our complete knowledge of applications as well. I’m particularly proud of our new UNIQ series hydraulic chucks. Not only are they unique in terms of technology, haptics and ergonomics, they also help save resources from a sustainability perspective as no energy has to be used on complex shrinking processes.
As you can see, we are in a state of change. There’s a lot going on. The focus is on new markets and new parts. Despite all these changes, one thing remains the same: we want to ensure your success with our tools and solutions.
Have a good read!
Yours,
Dr Jochen Kress
