Innovative user interface for machine tools

Sinumerik Operate contains animated elements and allows intuitive operation and programming. New functions mean that even complex workpieces are easy to set up and manufacture in a clamp.

At this year's EMO trade fair, Siemens Drive Technologies will be exhibiting the new end-to-end user interface Sinumerik Operate on the new computerized numerical control Sinumerik 828D and Sinumerik 840D sl for the first time. Sinumerik Operate integrates the established user and programming interfaces HMI-Advanced, ShopMill and ShopTurn in a single interface for machine tools. It enables sequence and high-level language programming in a single interface and thereby ensures fast NC programming and work preparation. The clearly-structured layout with contextbased functions and self-explanatory icons facilitates intuitive handling for machine operators.

Various different kinematics are also easy to set up, while integrated simulations and a large number of diverse workpiece views also make it easy to check the programming immediately. It is also possible to zoom into angled levels individually while a simulation is running.

When setting up a workpiece, the measurements are shown in an easy-to-understand way using animated elements, both for switched and manual tool measurement features. With the Cycle 800 “swivel cycle” it is possible to manufacture even extremely complex workpieces in a clamp with simple and fast handling. With the new Sinumerik Operate user interface, users now have access to an optimized tool and program management system. The tool list makes all relevant data available in a clearly structured manner and also offers a configurable display. Thanks to its use of context-based functions and self-explanatory icons, it is also simple and intuitive to use.

With the innovative Sinumerik Operate user interface, the familiar, tried and tested programming methods are available. The ShopMill and ShopTurn sequence programming constitutes a tailormade programming solution for the manufacture of individual parts and small batch sizes. The programGUIDE brings together G-Code programming with cycle support. This ensures a high degree of flexibility and short machining times, and is above all suitable for medium to large batch sizes.

The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the worldwide leading supplier of production, transportation, building and lighting technologies. With integrated automation technologies as well as comprehensive industry-specific solutions, Siemens increases the productivity, efficiency and flexibility of its customers in the fields of industry and infrastructure. The Sector consists of six Divisions: Building Technologies, Drive Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility and Osram. With around 222,000 employees worldwide Siemens Industry achieved in fiscal 2008 a profit of EUR3.86 billion with revenues totaling EUR38 billion. www.siemens.com/industry

The Siemens Drive Technologies Division (Nuremberg, Germany) is the world's leading supplier of products and services for production machinery and machine tools. Drive Technologies offers integrated technologies that cover the entire drive train with electrical and mechanical components. This includes standard products but also encompasses industry-specific control and drive solutions for metal forming, printing and electronic manufacturing as well as solutions for glass, wood, plastic, ceramic, textile and packaging equipment and crane systems. The services provided by the Division include mechatronics support in addition to online services for web-based fault management and preventive maintenance. With around 39,900 employees worldwide Siemens Drive Technologies achieved in fiscal 2008 total sales of EUR8.9 billion.