Simple components can often be produced on 3-axis machines, even without CAM programming. In order that the machine operators are able to configure the required entire tools themselves digitally and feed them into the centralised tooling database, the Hoffmann Group has expanded their Connected Manufacturing digital production solution to include the “Tool Assembler” functionality. Production enterprises are therefore able to deploy all their employees with the relevant programming knowledge more efficiently.

The “Tool Assembler” can be used to search for tool components in the existing stock, in the Hoffmann Group’s range and in 49 manufacturer catalogues as well as to easily assemble them digitally. Once the physical entire tools have been created and measured, their data, including the measurement values in the tooling database, can be transferred to the Connected Manufacturing tooling database and the CAM system, meaning it is available for the digital planning of additional projects. This is because Connected Manufacturing provides an overview of all tools and their digital twins in real time – from the CAM system, to the pre-setting device, right up to the machine. Alongside the master data, movement data and pre-setting values are recorded and updated, meaning the tools can be used more efficiently.

Creating and maintaining the entire tool data in the CAM database presents a bottleneck in many companies because the capacities for programming the components are required here. Neither CAM programming nor complex simulation are often required for simple components which are produced on 3-axis machines, for example. The machine operators can program production of these types of components directly on the machine. For this purpose, state-of-the-art machine tools not only offer a sophisticated control system, but also a comprehensive programming environment. The “Tool Assembler” enables the machine operators to assemble entire tools digitally themselves and to make them available for additional jobs via the centralised tooling database. This means that production processes are shortened and tooling database setup is sped up.

The “Tool Assembler” functionality is an integral part of the Connected Manufacturing digital production solution and can be activated right away using the appropriate licence.

Consistent planning, monitoring and control with Connected Manufacturing
Thanks to the Connected Manufacturing digital production solution, small and medium-sized enterprises can manage their tools more efficiently, and optimally plan their use. For this purpose, Connected Manufacturing provides an overview of all tools and their digital twins in real time – from component programming in the CAM system, to the pre-setting device, right up to the machine. Alongside the master data, movement data – such as storage location or place of use – and pre-setting values are recorded and continuously updated. Based on this information, it is possible to always have the right tool in the right place and reduce scrap, re-working or machine downtime. A clear and intuitive interface enables users to operate the solution extremely quickly using a standard Internet browser. Tool serialisation is managed using RFID chips. An end-to-end solution can be produced using an open interface for connecting to any materials management system. This solution can be used to consistently plan, monitor and control production orders via the materials management system.