Siemens brought the first industrial NC (numerical control) onto the market in 1960 under the Sinumerik brand name, developed using discrete electronic components.
Shortly afterwards, the Sinumerik versions 200 and 300 followed, which were controls for turning, milling, grinding and nibbling, and for electro-hydraulic drives. Sinumerik 500C, the first CNC (computerised numerical control) was introduced in 1973, initially only for turning and milling applications. Inexpensive microprocessors then speeded up developments. This enabled the company to offer a DNC network for universal program management and transfer for the first time in the mid 1970s. Just three years later Sinumerik System 8 appeared; a CNC with multichannel capability and an integrated PLC. This was suitable not only for turning and milling, but also for drilling and nibbling machines. The Sinumerik Primo was produced at the same time, a compact CNC, no bigger than a shoebox, with specific functions for grinding. In 1981, Sinumerik System 3 appeared, a CNC with an application-specific operator interface and graphic programming functions.
Since that time, machine manufacturers have been able to design their own operator interfaces and add individual items, such as images and menu trees. Some 10 years later Siemens introduced the Sinumerik 840D, a CNC for the high-end of the performance range. It has a digital drive link and an open NC kernel, which enables software components to be integrated into the CNC. In 1996, Siemens launched Sinumerik Safety Integrated, the first CNC-integrated safety solution. One year later, ShopMill and ShopTurn were presented. These are workshop-oriented graphic programming interfaces which enable work pieces to be programmed through a graphic user interface.
In order to increase the productivity of machine manufacturers and users, the range was then extended to include web-based condition monitoring and mechatronic support for machine simulation and virtual prototyping. In 2005, Sinumerik 840D sl, an open and innovative CNC for up to 31 axes, and the Sinumerik 802D sl, for turning and milling machines in the lower and mid performance ranges were presented as solutions for the entire CAD/CAM/CNC process chain.
At the 2009 EMO trade show for machine tools, Siemens exhibited not only the compact Sinumerik 828D CNC and the Sinumerik Operate interface, but also the Sinumerik MDynamics technology package for milling applications. Nowadays, customers use Sinumerik to network all areas of their production operation in order to exchange data between the development and design departments right through to actual manufacture on the CNC machines.
Schneider Electric’s Five-Pillar Strategy takes the guesswork out of equip Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric’s Field Service Cycle, otherwise known as the Five-Pillar Strategy, is a structured approach to managing the lifecycle of equipment to prolong asset lifespan while reducing the total cost of ownership for customers.
Read more...Laying the groundwork in IT/OT
IT in Manufacturing
In the realm of manufacturing, the core mandate is to deliver value to stakeholders. For many in the industry, this is best achieved through a risk-averse approach. Only upon establishing a robust foundation should a business consider venturing into advanced optimisation or cutting-edge technological innovations such as industrial AI.
Read more...Looking into the future of machine vision Omron Electronics
IT in Manufacturing
Artificial intelligence (AI) is driving a significant transformation in all areas of industrial automation, and machine vision is no exception. Omron’s AI-powered machine vision systems seamlessly integrate state-of-the-art algorithms, enabling machines to analyse and interpret visual data meticulously.
Read more...Driving digital transformation in the truck industry Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Tatra Trucks, a leading truck manufacturer in Czechia, has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software including Teamcenter software for product lifecycle management and the Mendix low code platform to help increase production volume and strengthen its ability to manufacture vehicles that meet specific customer requirements.
Read more...Opinion piece: Digital twins in manufacturing – design, optimise and expand Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Digital twin technology can help create better products, fast. It can also transform the work of product development. This strong statement from McKinsey reinforces how far digital twins have come in manufacturing.
Read more...Asset tracking is key to driving operational excellence and sustainable growth Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Asset tracking plays a critical role in the success of industrial businesses. By effectively managing and monitoring assets, companies can optimise their operations, ensuring that resources are used efficiently. This leads to improved productivity and reduced costs.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version