Siemens backs innovative and integrated CNC solutions

“With our innovative and energy-efficient solutions we aim to help our customers and machine users further improve their productivity, working together with them to set a course for promising new machine generations,” says Uwe Frank, CEO of Motion Control Systems Business Unit on the occasion of a Siemens trade fair press conference prior to the EMO 2009.

“Our EMO 2009 presentation will provide major new impetus, highlighting ways in which machine manufacturers can use innovative technologies and integrated solutions to implement efficient new future-proof concepts within short periods of time whilst also providing the user with a high degree of investment security,” says Uwe Frank, CEO of Motion Control Systems Business Unit. In its role as automation partner Siemens provides a portfolio which fits the expectations placed by both machine manufacturers and machine users.

The Siemens systems and solutions not only efficiently leverage the optimization potential of existing machine tool concepts but also support cost-effective acceleration of the time to market for new ideas.

A shorter prototyping phase is of critical importance to machine tool manufacturers. At this year’s EMO, Siemens will be exhibiting special solutions in engineering efficiency, ranging from solutions in product life cycle management and virtual machines to mechatronic support. “No other company supplies such kind of portfolio or can lay claim to comparable competence in the field”, Frank states. Siemens is the only supplier worldwide capable of providing all systems of the entire CAD/CAM/CNC process chain from a single source.

Investment security in technologies and efficient operations are of critical importance to the user. At the EMO, Siemens will be showcasing platforms and Sinumerik control solutions for all applications in machine tools ranging from basic shop floor applications to compact machine tools and high-end applications. “This provides machine users with the investment security they seek.” Included here are drive platforms, a new user interface and optimized smart motion control technologies applied in milling or technology packages for three-axis or 5-axis machining. “With our industry-specific technologies and continuing innovation processes, we are creating the basis for future-proof investment”, Frank states. For the user, this translates into a long-term asset utilization, operational continuity and permanent adaptability of automation systems to changing operating requirements. This entails, according to Frank, benefits such as integration in production planning, quality management or track&trace systems, the option of adding robotic units for part handling or facility for setting up production lines from existing machines without encountering any interface problems.

Operating costs are increasingly determined by the cost of energy. In order to leverage all energy saving potential, all forms of energy used in and around a piece of machinery need to be included in any appraisal. “This also explains why, within Totally Integrated Automation, we are innovating our Siemens solutions not only with a view to reducing energy consumption but also optimizing the full energy management chain”, Frank says.

Siemens views the current market crisis as a golden opportunity, states Frank. According to the German Machine Tool Builders’ Association (VDW), innovative motion control systems, smart control technology, technology partnerships, standardization and safety features built into the systems are major success factors in machine tools. Uwe Frank continues: “By consistently building on our strengths – our innovation leadership, our customer focus, our portfolio and our global presence – we are making a vital contribution towards ensuring that the European machine building industry emerges from these difficult times in good shape.”