GENERAL NEWS
Umati at METAV Digital 2021
‘ Umati ’ ( universal machine technology interface ) enables machines from different manufacturers to be linked – securely , simply and smoothly – to customers ’ own digital solutions . Based on OPC UA as the “ global language of production ”, it considerably simplifies the connection of machine tools to production-related IT systems . The alliance ( launched in 2017 by VDW , German Machine Tool Builders ’ Association ) participated in the METAV digital event from 23-26 March 2021 . Specialists provided a comprehensive insight into this groundbreaking initiative for the manufacturing industry .
It aspires to become a globally visible community that promotes the joint marketing and use of open , OPC UA-based interface standards for machine and plant engineering . The main aim is to achieve ‘ plug and work ’ connectivity between machine tools and higherlevel IT systems , comparable to USB interfaces in the consumer sector . OPC UA provides the technical framework for this .
“ It standardises and simplifies the exchange of data between users ’ machines and systems . Companion Specifications , on the other hand , standardise the data models for similar machines and systems . They determine which data is exchanged . OPC UA represents a key Industry 4.0 technology because machines from different suppliers then transmit and receive the same data structures . This considerably simplifies interactions with other machines or higher-level control and planning systems . Finally , a standardised interface allows for faster implementation of customised projects ,” explained the VDW .
“ The appeal of umati lies in the fact that users can experience data connectivity directly ,” explained Dr . Alexander Broos , Head of Research and Technology , VDW . “ This allowed the virtual exhibition stands and actual machines to be linked together via umati ’ s own dashboard , which can be viewed at https :// umati . app . The data could be monitored live by clicking the link symbol . Visitors to the virtual fair could then follow the processing in real-time .” “ Umati guarantees that Vollmer sharpening machines can be networked with other machines regardless of the manufacturer – simply , seamlessly and securely . This gives companies a comprehensive overview of machine and tool data , enabling them not only to monitor machine conditions , but also to increase production and tool quality ,”
Success for virtual INTECH
Sheet metal specialist TRUMPF ran its INTECH in-house trade show in a virtual format on 22-23 March 2021 .
“ The event featured new and innovative products and technologies designed to make sheet metal fabrication and laser technology more versatile than ever . With virtual guided tours , live presentations and plenty of opportunities for customers and other interested parties to get personalised advice , the INTECH show highlighted the latest TRUMPF technologies . These include a new AI solution for spare parts in the form of an app . By using artificial intelligence to identify parts from photos , the app allows customers to order the parts they need at the touch of a button ,” TRUMPF told ISMR .
The event included a virtual tour of the smart factory that opened its doors at TRUMPF ’ s headquarters in Ditzingen in Autumn 2020 . As a leading provider and
Left : Dr . Stefan Brand , MD , Vollmer Group .
user of digital technologies , TRUMPF employs its smart factory to make sheet metal components for its machine tools . The 30 connected machines in the smart factory were a demonstration of the modern face of efficient sheet metal fabrication . INTECH also showcased a new version of TRUMPF ’ s laser system , TruLaser Cell 5030 . With a new control system , a new look and a new array of fixture components , the TruLaser Cell 5030 is designed for laser welding applications that involve small and medium batch sizes . Better performance was also highlighted for the TruDisk laser , that operates in the green spectral region . Specially designed for processing copper , this is now available with three kilowatts of laser power .
“ The ‘ green laser ’ is particularly useful
emphasised Dr . Stefan Brand , managing director of the Biberach-based Vollmer Group , which is an initiative partner for umati .
“ Integrating machines into production systems is one of the most important trends in manufacturing right now – especially in terms of Industry 4.0 . The aim is to create added value for customers from the data which then allows them to further optimise their production ,” added Günter Pumberger , Product Manager Digitalisation , Emco GmbH in Austria .
Set up to establish open standards , umati ( universal machine technology interface ) is the community of the mechanical and plant engineering industry and its customers . It uses OPC UA-based interface descriptions . This forms a framework for industrial communication between machines , devices and software based on internet technologies . As a standard for data exchange , OPC UA can transport machine data but also describe it semantically in a machine-readable way . n
:// vdw . de / en
TRUMPF sheet metal technology .
for e-mobility applications , such as welding battery housings , electric motor components and electronic parts ,” TRUMPF told ISMR .
TRUMPF offers production solutions in the sheet metal machine tool and laser sectors . It is also driving digital connectivity in the manufacturing industry through consulting , platform and software offers . n
ISMR April 2021 | sheetmetalplus . com | 7