Page 24 - MTW JANUARY 2022 Digital Magazine

COVER STORY

GHz and 5.0 GHz wireless frequencies, manage those machines. That’s where AI risk for collision as multiple parts work at
boosting strength and reach beyond what comes in. once. Advanced software cuts down on
current networks are capable of. In the context of machine tools, AI can this risk, in turn cutting downtime and lost
The increased reach and versatility be used to monitor the programs the materials.
provided by new wired and wireless machine is using to cut parts, making sure
technology make automation possible they don’t deviate from the specifications. Machines Working Smarter
on a grander scale than before. By If something goes wrong, AI could shut The machine tools of the future are
combining advanced networking the machine off and run diagnostics, smarter, more easily networked, and
technologies, automation and smart minimizing damage. less prone to error. As time goes on,
networks will become more common AI can also assist in machine tool automation will become easier and more
across the board in the near future, from maintenance to minimize and address efficient through the use of machine tools
aerospace manufacturing to agriculture. problems before they happen. For guided by AI and advanced software.
example, a program was recently written Operators will be able to control their
Automated And IoT Ready that can detect wear and tear in ball machines via computer interface more
Machines screw drives, something that had to easily and make parts with fewer errors.
As the industry continues to adopt be done manually before. AI programs Networking advancements will make
more digital technologies, we’ll see the like this can help keep a machine smart factories and warehouses easier to
manufacture of more machines built for shop running more efficiently, keeping achieve.
automation and the industrial internet production smooth and uninterrupted. Industry 4.0 also has the ability to
of things (IIoT). In much the same way improve utilization of machine tools in
we have seen an increase in connected CNC Software Advancements manufacturing operations by cutting idle
devices — from smartphones to smart Advancements in computer-aided time. Industry research has indicated
thermostats — the manufacturing world manufacturing (CAM) software used in that machine tools are typically actively
will embrace connected technology. CNC machining allows for even further cutting metal as less than 40% of the
Smart machine tools and robotics will precision in manufacturing. CAM software time, which sometimes go to as low as
likely handle a greater percentage of the now allows machinists to use digital 25% of the time. Analyzing data related
work in industrial settings as technology twinning — the process of simulating a to tool changes, program stops, etc.,
advances. Especially in those situations physical object or process in the digital helps organizations determine the cause
where the work is too dangerous for world. of idle time and addressing it. This results
human beings to perform, automated Before a part is physically manufactured, in a more efficient use of machine tools.
machine tools will become more widely digital simulations of the manufacturing As Industry 4.0 continues to take the
used. process can be run. Different toolsets and whole manufacturing world by storm,
As more internet-connected devices methods can be tested to see what is machine tools are also becoming a part
populate the factory floor, cybersecurity likely to produce the optimal result. That of the smart system. In India too, the
will become an increased concern. reduces cost by saving material and man- concept, though in nascent stages, is
Industrial hacking has resulted in several hours that might have otherwise been slowly gaining steam, especially among
worrying breaches of automated systems used to refine the manufacturing process. large machine tool players who are
over the years, some of which could have Newer versions of machining software innovating in this direction. Primarily,
resulted in the loss of life. As IIoT systems like CAD and CAM are also being used machine tools industry is looking
become more integrated, cybersecurity to train new workers, showing them at Industry 4.0 to meet increasing
will only increase in importance. 3D models of the parts they’re making customer requirement for improved
and the machine they’re working with productivity, reduced cycle time and
AI to illustrate concepts. This software also greater quality. Thus, adopting Industry
Especially in large-scale industrial facilitates faster processing speeds, 4.0 concept is at the crux of achieving
settings, the use of AI to program meaning less lag time and quicker the ambitious target of making India a
machines will increase. As machines and feedback for machine operators while global hub for manufacturing, design and
machine tools become automated to a they work. innovation, and augmenting the share
greater degree, programs will need to Multi-axis machine tools are more of manufacturing in the GDP from the
be written and executed in real-time to efficient, but they also come at a higher current 17% to 25% by 2022.

20 MACHINE TOOLS WORLD JANUARY 2022 www.mtwmag.com