In April 2023, CIMT2023 will be held with great fanfare in Beijing. About 1,600 machine tool companies from 28 countries and regions around the world will compete on the same stage, and the world’s most advanced manufacturing technologies and equipment will be exhibited together. The theme of this exhibition is “Integrated Innovation, Future of Digital Intelligence”, which demonstrates the deep integration and continuous innovation of the new generation of information and manufacturing technologies.
1. Exhibition Overview
CIMT2023 is the first large-scale international professional machine tool exhibition in Beijing and even the country this year. Before the exhibition, all walks of life had relatively high expectations for this exhibition: First, manufacturers hope to understand the changes of their friends during the exhibition. epidemic through exposure; second, they hope to see the changes through the exhibition. Can the CNC machine tool industry experience unexpected changes? Through the exhibition, we have indeed found that the level of domestic CNC systems is improving rapidly, the technology of overseas CNC systems is constantly improving, the level of domestic CNC systems is also improving rapidly and various CNC machine tool OEMs continue to raise awareness. the protection of their own intellectual property rights. Changing international political factors have not stopped engineers from exploring and developing cutting-edge technologies.
2. High-End CNC System Exhibition Highlights
1. SIEMENS
Siemens appeared at CIMT2023 with the theme “Accelerating Development – Digital Empowerment for a Sustainable Future”, comprehensively presenting its digital products combining virtual and real aspects and innovative digital solutions. Siemens continues to make progress in high-end CNC systems: it launches a new generation of SINUMERIK ONE digital native high-end CNC system, gradually replacing the old generation of 840DSL high-end CNC system, hoping to bring intelligent changes and a digital transformation of It will take time to verify the market effect of concepts such as digital native, digital twin and virtual debugging. CNC systems, Siemens also launched SINUMERIK for the Chinese market. 828D split controller grinding version, this product was born in response to the needs of customers in the grinding and gear industries, allowing customers to independently develop human-machine interfaces, and the CNC system is semi-open.
2. WILDLIFE
FANUC participated in this exhibition with the theme “The dream of manufacturing sites around the world, that is, the factory that never stops”, and based on usage habits and preferences of users in Chinese machining industry, it launched a series of user interfaces running on FANUC CNC (HMI) products to meet the diverse needs of Chinese users in using equipment and further explore the Chinese market in terms of functions, it has added and improved tool management, intelligent spindle, high-speed rigid tapping, alarm maintenance cloud query, etc., and added remote monitoring can realize universal web for mobile terminals/PC L The CNC operation screen is displayed on the browser, and the machine operation status can be monitored remotely (outside the factory, in the office, outside the robotic unit, etc.) ; FAUNC has always been based on expert sales; in the market, and the software and hardware of the CNC system are not open. Provide users with complete solutions and fully demonstrate them. In addition to FAUNC’s own research, development and integration capabilities in CNC technology, for OEM manufacturers of assembly CNC machine tools, it can indeed improve the competitiveness of CNC machine tools to a certain extent , but for CNC machine tool OEMs that have independent intellectual property protection; requirements, FAUNC Openness needs to be improved.
3. HEIDENHAIN
With the theme “The Future is Here”, HEIDENHAIN launches a new generation of high-end TNC7 CNC system. New features of TNC7 include 6 degrees of freedom graphical part adjustment function, customizable user interface, powerful editor, assisted processing, intelligent programming, virtual simulation, and more. The launch of TNC7 has indeed set a new benchmark for the industry, regardless of the sector. The functional performance, operability, digitalization and network interconnection are perfect, and there is also a certain degree of openness.
4. BECKHOFF
The German Beckhoff participated in this exhibition on the theme “Open CNC System Solutions”. Beckhoff is based on the concept of “open software CNC”, enabling CNC machine tool OEMs with independent intellectual property rights to add mathematical models, develop new functions, build their own HMI and make match third-party servo motors and other secondary development work. . This time, a new version of TwinCAT3 CNC has been launched. In addition to traditional CNC functions, it also adds IoT, vision, machine learning, new mechanical mathematical models and algorithms, test measurements, ChatGPT and other TwinCAT extended language models (LLM). Chat functions. The new version of CNC makes full use of the industrial computer processor multi-core system. For multi-channel equipment, one channel uses one core to take full advantage of it. It can achieve 22 hours interpolation calculation accuracy and better achieve high level. -precision operation of machining trajectory.
Secondary development tools applicable to TwinCAT3 CNC include: C/C++/Matlab®/Simulink®, VB, C#, Java, Dephi, Database, ChatGPT and other high-level languages. The operating system can be suitable for both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. -bit Windows, Free BSD and so on.
GROB Group cooperated with Beckhoff to independently develop customized special machine tools for electric vehicle flat motors. It used Beckhoff’s PC and EtherCAT-based control and drive technology to solve key issues such as minimizing the machining cycle and accelerating the process sequence accordingly. successfully accomplished this task. This solution not only uses an ultra-compact C603x industrial PC installed with TwinCAT 3 software as the central control platform, but is also equipped with an XTS magnetic drive flexible conveyor system.
At this trade fair, Beckhoff launched a plug-in system solution without a control cabinet automation solution for the first time in China: MX-System. It is a flexible and intelligent space-optimized system solution that can completely replace the traditional control cabinet. Its pioneering product design and innovative potential won the German Red Dot “Best Design Award” 2023 and also won the iF Design Award 2023.
The standardized interface of the MX-System can be easily plug-and-play, and all functional modules can be effortlessly plugged into the base plate, which can greatly reduce the installation time of traditional control cabinets. Installation work can be carried out independently by non-electrician practitioners. It is not prone to wiring errors like traditional control cabinets, and there is no EMC interference from electrical cabinets. Applications range from the simplest PLC control tasks to the most complex multi-core applications, including motion control, CNC, robotics, visualization, simulation, machine learning, and more.
5. Huazhong CNC
Huazhong CNC showed up at CIMT2023 with key exhibitions such as Huazhong Type 9 intelligent CNC system, Huazhong Type 8 high-end CNC system and iNC-Cloud remote operation and maintenance platform with the theme “Five axes lead high”. -end smart Victory”, it launched with great fanfare the new high-end five-axis CNC system HNC-848D, five-axis machining Technology and digital + network + intelligence + comprehensive integration, comprehensive upgrade and iteration of key technologies such as high-quality five-axis machining, CAM&CNC integration, on-machine measurement, remote operation and maintenance of Huazhong high-end CNC system is a high-end type CNC device; fully digital bus, supports independently developed NCUC bus protocol and ether CAT bus protocol supports bus-type fully digital servo drive units and absolute servo motors, supports E units /S bus type remote and integrates portable unit interfaces; the system adopts IPC dual unit upper and lower computer structure, with high performance speed control and high precision machining, linkage control; five-axis, multi-channel multi-axis control, two-axis synchronous control and high-end CNC system functions such as error compensation, user-friendly and humanized HMI and unique intelligent application platform are geared towards communication capabilities digital workshop network, closely integrating people, machine tools and equipment to maximize production efficiency, shorten manufacturing preparation time, and The development of domestic high-end CNC systems has reached new summits.
At the Huazhong Type 8 CNC system exhibition, the five-axis product set of Huazhong CNC system was officially launched. The product set provides five-axis RTCP function, angle programming, intelligent look-ahead function, five-axis directional processing, normal feed and retract. and automatic five-axis RTCP parameter A full set of five-axis serial functions such as calibration, five-axis workpiece measurement functions, debugging and processing analysis optimization tools, CAM and post-processing have laid the foundation for the application of domestic CNC in high-end fields.
HNC high-end five-axis CNC system product set
6. Guangzhou CNC Guangzhou CNC focuses on GSK25i and GSK27i series of high-end CNC systems. This series of products has functions such as five-axis RTCP, five-axis tool path smoothing, and five-axis side edge machining feed rate adaptation. is mainly used for steam turbine blades and molds. GSK27i is Guangsu’s new generation high-end CNC system platform for multi-channel and multi-axis, composite, high precision and efficient processing. The newly designed software and hardware platform can meet the processing requirements of complex, precise and intelligent equipment. The system uses multiple processors to achieve nm-level control; a user-friendly human-machine interaction interface with configurable menus, designed ergonomically more in line with the operator’s processing habits; an open software platform that can be connected; third-party software; high performance The hardware supports up to 8 channels and 64 axes of control suitable for turning, milling, grinding, gears, robots and other equipment; 7. Code CNC Dalian Code CNC mainly produces high-end machine tool products such as three-axis linkage machining centers, five-axis linkage horizontal milling and turning compound machining centers and five-axis tool grinding machines. the parts supporting the machine tools are all independent.The company’s independently developed five-axis vertical machining center and five-axis horizontal turning and milling compound machining center are sold in batches to domestic enterprises keys. Dalian Kede CNC’s second generation fully digital bus CNC system adopts unified Glink digital bus for peripheral equipment such as machine tool panels, switches and servo motors with different real-time data information, supporting 8 channels, 24 axes. Minimum hardware is used in the hardware architecture, combined with high-performance GTP8000E CNC software, to realize a high-performance all-digital bus CNC system. 8. Shenyang Zhongke CNC Shenyang Zhongke CNC is based on the secondary development platform of open CNC system and extends general-purpose CNC system products to special-purpose to meet the individual needs of customers and the development trend of intelligent CNC machine tools. Product models on display include GJ610 for five-axis machining centers, GJ620 for compound turning and milling machine tools, GJ430 for flexible manufacturing units, GJ320 for grinding machine tools , GJ306 for CNC lathes, etc. GJ610 intelligent CNC system supports multi-sensor intervention and multi-information fusion, organically combines information technology, intelligent control and network technology to achieve comprehensive perception and intelligent control of the processing process. machining by high-end CNC systems, improve system processing capabilities and have intelligent programming, intelligent fault diagnosis, intelligent compensation and remote monitoring capabilities. At present, the system has been successfully used in the processing of key parts in key areas such as aircraft structural parts and aircraft engine turbines, thereby improving the independent controllability of the most important equipment of the country. In addition, the CNC system put forward by Beijing Jingdiao Group is for personal use. It is worth noting that Beijing Jingdiao has fully integrated its own Jingdiao CNC system, CAM software, machine tool processing capabilities, key components and other core resources, and launched a machining center to five-axis high speed which can stably reach “0.1µm”. power supply, 1µm cutting, nm level surface effect” fine processing has been widely applied in the fields of medical equipment, automobile electronics, precision molds and other fields.
3. Features of high-end CNC system development
Based on this exposure and working experience in the industry, the features of high-end CNC system development are summarized as follows:
1. Digitalization, intelligence and networking of CNC systems have received great attention
CNC system is the heart and brain of CNC machine tools. A high-end CNC system not only needs rich network interfaces, high-speed computing power, accurate real-time response, rich functional modules, friendly user interface, etc. Only by matching servo motors and servo motors with the same excellent performance can the excellent mechanical characteristics of CNC equipment be fully utilized and create high-end CNC machine tools with excellent performance.
Judging from this exhibition, domestic and foreign CNC systems have launched digital, intelligent and network competitions: almost all high-end CNC systems use real-time high-speed industrial buses as control method level communication equipment. the most successful include FSSB from FAUNC, Profinet from SIEMENS and HEIDE HSCI from NAIN, EtherCAT from BECKHOFF, NCUC from Huazhong CNC; in terms of intelligence, various digital twins, auxiliary programming, virtual simulation, machine learning, visual integration, ChatGPT, energy management, etc. are all thriving. , MES/ERP, factory interconnection, etc. Regardless of the implementation method, the end result is to make the use of CNC systems simpler and more user-friendly, reduce the cost of use for consumers, improve production efficiency and bring more social benefits. Generally speaking, in terms of digitalization and networking, the gap between domestic and foreign countries is not very big, and each even has its own merits.
Huazhong CNC’s “Huazhong Type 9 Intelligent CNC System” integrates AI chips and AI algorithms to achieve autonomous perception, autonomous learning, autonomous decision-making and autonomous execution of the CNC system. It is a deep integration model of next-generation artificial intelligence. technology and advanced manufacturing technology. Building an open platform for CNC machine tool intelligence and creating a path for digitalization, networking and advanced manufacturing intelligence.
HNC-9 Intelligent CNC System
2. CNC systems with powerful secondary development functions have attracted greater attention
The addition of new functions in CNC systems always starts from user needs. To protect their intellectual property rights, some machine tool builders also hope to add some of their own mathematical models and algorithms to existing CNC systems. want to protect their own intellectual property rights. The brand and image also requires that special functions can be added to the existing CNC system; This requires the CNC system to be open, Siemens and Heidenhain. Attempts in this area were gradually launched and the German BECKHOFF carried out more in-depth work, opening up all application layers and even allowing users to rebuild their own CNC systems and protect the source code. This has been achieved by some well-known companies. at home and abroad. The technical team is favored by famous machine tool manufacturers and has been successfully used in special processing machine tools, metal forming machine tools and metal cutting machine tools. Huazhong Type 8 domestic CNC system has unique technologies in this field. It has cooperated with Qinchuan Machine Tool, Shenzhen Genesis, Huagong Laser and other companies to develop high-end CNC systems and is used in a variety of high-end machine tools.
3. The gap between the levels of domestic and foreign CNC systems is getting smaller and smaller
Since foreign CNC system companies have developed this aspect much earlier than China, they have a first-mover advantage, so their overall technology has been in a leading position until now, with the rise domestic technology and IT talent, industry and government support; Under the leadership of the Chinese government, domestic CNC system technology has made great progress: in terms of popular CNC systems, it has completely replaced foreign CNC systems, and in terms of mid-range CNC systems, it can also be equaled. with foreign countries, but there is still a lack of high-end CNC systems. I believe that in the near future, Chinese CNCs will be able to take advantage of their late innovation advantage and improve their own high-end CNC systems.
4. Foreign CNC systems should continue to be localized, and domestic CNC systems should also dare to internationalize.
In order to seize the world’s largest CNC system market, foreign CNC system manufacturers have gradually Chineseized, paying attention to Chinese user habits, Chinese operating interfaces, Chinese manuals, sales models, etc. ., all of which are progressing rapidly. It is not polite to reciprocate. I think Chinese CNC manufacturers should also consider internationalization issues when implementing localization. In fact, not all overseas CNC systems use foreign-produced components. Some computers, displays, circuit boards, chips, control panels and even production equipment in their CNC systems also use Chinese products. It’s almost impossible. to use local product technology in Europe and the United States. Just like Boeing and Airbus, an aircraft can only have a maximum autonomy (localization) rate of 60%, and the same goes for CNC systems. The globalization of technology, supply chain and consumer market is the essence of the product. Therefore, domestic CNC system manufacturers and OEMs should dare to go abroad, whether it is technologies, products or cooperation with foreign companies, as long as it is conducive to the rapid growth of the technology and market, they can try it. in Rome. National CNC systems must be autonomous, and the result of this autonomy should be brighter skies and a sea of stars.
Daguang focuses on providing solutions such as precision CNC machining services (3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis machining), CNC milling, 3D printing and rapid prototyping services.
