The future of manufacturing is ‘smart’. The factories of tomorrow will use data-driven insights to create predictive cyber-physical systems, leading to more flexibility, higher efficiency and increased productivity. Mitsubishi demonstrates how this can be realized with two integrated software solutions that can maximize the performance of CNC machines.

The first step in the creation of smart metalworking applications is the adoption of advanced CNC machines. These generate and capture data on the processes performed, the status of the unit and its components, as well as overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Future-oriented systems will then analyze and share this information across the enterprise. In particular, knowledge gained from operational technology (OT) will be shared with the IT domain to produce actionable business intelligence that can be fed back to the shop floor to improve operations. 

Helping to create the foundation of an interconnected smart factory with minimal investment, the NC Machine Tool Connector from Mitsubishi Electric can gather data from any CNC, regardless of brand. This enables the effective transfer of information to higher-level systems, without the need to account for multiple vendor-specific communication protocols.

The software collects operational and PLC device data from the controllers of any CNC machine, including legacy solutions. It then works with umati (universal machine technology interface) to send these metrics to a broad range of systems via OPC UA communication protocol, in order to generate knowledge.

One of the key platforms that can be easily coupled with this connector to enhance the efficiency of production facilities is Mitsubishi Electric’s NC Machine Tool Optimizer. This can interpret information received from multiple machine tools equipped with any CNC unit and the NC Machine Tool Connector to provide an intuitive process visualization and monitoring platform. As a result, it enables users to make data-driven decisions to improve production, while also maximizing visibility and accessibility across the whole facility.

With ease of operation in mind, the NC Machine Tool Optimizer’s configuration module allows users to set up data collection and diagnostic functions without requiring any specialized programming skills. The implementation and adjustment of the software is simplified and streamlined, quickly providing businesses with a tool to improve the efficiency of their production.

Moving higher up on the automation pyramid, the NC Machine Tool Connector can be used to create truly interconnected enterprises by enabling the exchange of information across a wide range of IT systems. These include MES, ERP and SCADA platforms. Information can also be shared between shop floor machines and with Edge solutions and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). 

Taking this a step further, it is then possible to predict and improve machine and process performance by implementing simulation tools to create cyber-physical systems, such as digital twins. Ultimately, the possibilities presented by smart manufacturing for CNC machines are endless. They can be realized with highly customized and cost-effective solutions to addresses the specific requirements of any application, ensuring optimized production.