Mr. Dreher, what developments do you see as the current challenges in the field of manufacturing?

Tool and mold making is now caught between machining and economic requirements. For many branches of industry, the use of modern CAD and CAM software to control metal-cutting machines or 3D printers is therefore considered necessary in order to produce high-quality parts. On the one hand, the market demands minimal shape deviations, while on the other hand, reduced costs and higher productivity determine the manufacturing industry. The integration of digital interfaces and the optimal interaction of individual automation solutions are crucial here.

What is the reason for the current popularity of CAM systems?

Using CAD software, the user designs the component virtually, quickly and conveniently on the computer. In the next step, they generate the production strategy using a CAM system, and the post-processor uses this to create the finished program for controlling the machine. As a platform for digital twins, CAD and CAM programs simplify the machining of geometrically highly complex components considerably or make it possible in the first place. For this reason, the trend in all applications is towards the use of CAM systems.

How sustainable do you see the process?

The reliable production of complex geometries ensures a reduction in costs and rejects. In addition, simulation options drastically reduce the amount of time and effort required to set up the machine. Another advantage is the avoidance of errors, as the CAM software communicates directly with the CAD system.

Which steps determine the editing process?

The user selects productive strategies with appropriate systems. This requires interfaces to tool management systems and simulation environments that automatically check collision situations and specify the exact processing time. For example, Sinumerik controls the mechanics of articulated arm robots directly, without a separate robot controller - the arm is also programmed via Sinumerik. The directly controlled robot arms, which are integrated into the CNC control loops, improve the positioning accuracy and reliability of the machine, thus increasing the dynamics of robot-assisted machining tasks.

How important is the digital twin in the production process?

Modern CNC systems reduce product development and time-to-market times for new machines thanks to the complete graphical mapping of development processes. Virtual preparation significantly reduces the duration of real commissioning. This opens up new possibilities for system manufacturers and machine operators - concepts and functions can be discussed in a targeted manner even before the real hardware is available. Software innovations and the option to create a consistent digital twin for product and production significantly accelerate machining processes.