The industry is changing. It is no longer enough to simply offer products. DMG Mori has recognized this and announced its intention to evolve from a traditional supplier of machine tools to a system and solution partner. The machine tool specialist is underlining this desire for change with its developments in the areas of automation and digitalization. The new understanding of the role also takes account of a changing customer perspective: machines that were previously viewed individually are increasingly becoming an elementary part of digital value creation systems and their function is being evaluated holistically accordingly.

Entry into digitization

The holistic view of the value chain also led to the development of a digitalization offering that extends along this chain. The company's Digital Manufacturing Package can be seen as a digitalization starter package. This includes the Celos app-based user interface for control systems, DMG Mori Connectivity, which ensures secure networking of DMG and selected third-party machines, the Messenger, which gives users live access to detailed machine status information, as well as the NETservice remote service and the my DMG Mori customer portal.

Together with Werkbliq, my DMG Mori forms a unique customer portal for transparency, quality and fast service processes, according to the company. The offering is complemented by Tulip (digitalization of store floor processes) and the end-to-end service DMG Mori Digital.

Modular automation concept for machine tools

Another trend in production is the automated machine tool. In addition to driverless transport systems, automation solutions include robot automation as well as workpiece and pallet handling. As part of the in-house exhibition in Pfronten, the company presented the PH Cell modular automation concept for up to 40 pallets on a DMU Mono-Block as a world premiere. The PH Cell can be used to automate 5-axis universal machines and vertical machining centers.

The system can also be extended with a second shelving module, so that up to 40 pallet storage spaces are available. © DMG Mori

With a footprint of 10.7 m², the automation solution enables autonomous production even in tight production spaces. The pallet system has a modular design: As a basic version with one shelf module, up to twelve pallets measuring 500 mm × 500 mm, 16 pallets measuring 400 mm × 400 mm or up to 20 pallets with a side length of 320 mm × 320 mm are possible. The pallets are distributed across three or four shelves. Each shelf can hold a load of up to 600 kg.

In addition, the system can be extended with a second shelving module, so that up to 40 pallet storage locations are available. The second shelving module can also be retrofitted. The shelf height is adjustable. In addition to the normal setup station, the modular system also includes a version that can be rotated in 90° increments for improved ergonomics during setup parallel to production. The maximum transfer weight is 300 kg.

The PH Cell is designed so that it can be connected to various machining centers. While it will initially be available for the DMU 65 monoblock machine tools, the DMU 50^3rd generation and the DMU eVo series will follow successively from May 2020. Duo block models, the CMX U universal machines and models of the DMC V and CMX V vertical machining centers will follow from July. It is possible to connect the PH Cell to the machine at a later date. The prerequisite for this is the automation interface in the machine.