The manufacturing industry is a continuously evolving landscape that requires consistent, innovative software solutions to drive efficiency, agility and production. Manufacturers looking to take advantage of digital transformation can visit the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) Software pavilion, where solution providers from across the world will display their latest technology.
“Connecting with our customers, making sure we understand the real challenges they face each and every day, in order to genuinely help them solve the industry’s most difficult problems, is the best part of IMTS and the thing we’re looking forward to most,” says Jason Love, technology communications manager for Autodesk Inc.
Located in Booth 13331, Autodesk will showcase its entire design and make portfolio including the Fusion industry cloud for manufacturing, featuring AI-powered capabilities and 1,500-plus improvements this year, according to Love. Fusion connects capabilities, data and people across the entire product development lifecycle.
Unsurprisingly, AI is a trending theme among Software pavilion exhibitors. Industry professionals predict that AI advancements will be critical to production efficiency over the next two years.
“Since our last visit to IMTS, AI and ML have exploded as companies have turned to AI to optimize production processes, quality control and supply chain management,” says John Meyer, marketing communications manager, Siemens Industry Inc. “The companies that can adapt the fastest and navigate these rapidly changing trends and challenges will be better positioned to thrive in a rapidly changing industrial landscape.”
This year, Siemens will demonstrate the path to “Empowering the Digital Machine Shop” at Booth 133249. Bringing together several of its hardware automation, digitalization software and services, Siemens will present a path toward digitalization for machine tool users and machine builders, while introducing a new product to the North American market: MACHINUM.
“MACHINUM brings together machine tool controls, digitalization software and machine shop services to help manufacturers optimize their production processes, provide agility for quick adaptation to changing customer requirements, and enable digitally proven endurance to maximize the productivity of the entire machine shop or production department,” Meyer says.
Siemens also will showcase eRod, an autonomous, electric vehicle. “We will demonstrate the complete production of the aluminum wheel rims and gear housing on eRod, Meyers says. Siemens also will show various other software and demonstrate “how the entire manufacturing floor can be simulated and managed by the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio.”
Meanwhile, Open Mind Technologies Inc. (Booth 133351) will focus on its hyperMILL suite.
“While the software itself is the best way to observe the flexible programming workflow, several key machined samples including aerospace and medical parts will be on display that highlight software capabilities,” says Alan Levine, managing director, Open Mind. “In addition to achieving the core expectations of CAM software related to tool path planning, a variety of functions such as modeling, automation, probing and alignment, simulation and collision avoidance, and integration with related technology are added to the scope of CAM software to optimally help manufacturers.”
With additive manufacturing and directed-energy deposition (DED) gaining traction, Open Mind will demonstrate hyperMILL as it repairs or repurposes a mold or component by cladding a hard material for wear resistance, or by building a new component altogether.
“Probing that is incorporated within the CAM workflow can be used to set datums, align workpieces, adjust for deflections and in-process part measurement,” Levine says. “These processes save time compared to entering probe commands at the controller, and can also save time from identifying some errors on a CMM. Probing can be extended to the hyperMILL Best Fit technology to adjust tool paths to the stock such as for castings, additively manufactured parts or components having other thermal deformation.”
As manufacturers continue to face a shortage of skilled workers, increasing cybersecurity threats and regulatory compliance, software exhibitors are preparing ongoing digital transformation and AI advancements.
“These were problems two year ago, and while much has been done to combat them, there is still no question that companies have to be mindful of these obstacles,” Meyer says. “These are significant challenges that require strategic planning and investment. The companies that proactively address these challenges are the ones who will be leaders into the future.”
While addressing current issues, IMTS exhibitors are focused on helping manufacturers prepare for the future to stay competitive and resilient.
“There will be a strong focus on product customization and the exploration of advanced materials and processes to improve performance and introduce new manufacturing capabilities. Automated, connected and flexible workflows from design through manufacturing will be a requirement, not an option,” Love asserts.
