Tool management interfaces guarantee integrated tool management

High-quality data is essential for good tool management. But not only that. After all, what good is the best data if it is not available to all production systems and operating areas? Interfaces are needed so that the tool data can flow seamlessly through the entire production chain and through the systems.

Tool management made easy with tool management interfaces

TDM Systems offers a variety of standardized interfaces for integrated tool management, often developed jointly with the respective partners. Customer-specific interfaces can also be developed without losing the ability to update the TDM software, for example.

TDM integrates data and processes

A consistent Tool Lifecycle Management system makes tool data and graphics available in the planning and manufacturing systems of a metal cutting company. TDM integrates these systems, allows data to flow and enables optimal processes. Tool data can make a big difference – if it reaches the right systems at the right time.

Integrated digital tool circulation thanks to the TDM interfaces

CAM interface

Through the interfaces for NC programming and simulation systems, they can directly access the centrally administered TDM database. Tool assembly data, tool graphics and 3D tool models are therefore available for further processing in the field of NC programming. The interfaces ensure that all systems work with the same tool data. This concerns not only the tools' geometry, but also the cutting values that can be used for different materials and the tools' applications. The TDM software can thus manage an unlimited number of feeds & speeds data records for the tools' various applications. This data is also made available to the NC programming and simulation systems via the interfaces. TDM is able to create and manage 3D models of the tools. The solution also offers a variety of generators to create suitable models. This ensures that collision monitoring is carried out with true-to-scale tool models. The models created with the TDM generators contain all the information needed for a material removal simulation. Converters prepare the models as they are required by the respective NC programming and simulation systems, since there are no uniform formats at this point. Find out more

MES interface

MES or production planning/control systems plan the upcoming production orders based on the operations to be carried out at the individual production area. The resources required must be taken into account. Only if raw material, fixtures, NC programs and the tools are available or can be provided on time allocating a production order to a machine does make sense. TDM can report the tools' availability to the MES system via appropriate interfaces, so that the MES system is able to take the availability of these resources into account when planning. Find out more

FMS interface

The TDM software provides standardized interfaces for the master computers of the relevant manufacturers of such interlinked systems. TDM transfers the tools' master data (especially the target tool lives) to the master computers so that they can plan the tool requirements. These requirements are fed back into the TDM software via the interface so that the tool management system can organize the tools' assembly and presetting. The prepared tools' current dimensions are fed back to the master computers so that they are available when the tools are stored in the machine magazines or in the tool flow system. Tool identification systems are also often used at this point. Such technology is also supported by TDM Tool Management. Find out more

Machine integration

As far as communication with the machine control systems is concerned, a distinction must be made between two directions: Transferring the actual tool dimensions from TDM to the machine control systems. This can be carried out electronically, after the data has been prepared in a control-specific way by the tool offset processors provided by TDM. TDM supports the relevant tool identification systems available on the market for coding the tools and for storing and transferring the tool data to the machines. Retrieving the tools' current remaining tool life from the TDM control systems, so that these values can be taken into account when planning tool requirements. However, this requires corresponding software modules on the control side for communication with external systems. Their availability and feasibility must be clarified on a case-by-case basis depending on the control types available. To simplify this complex issue, TDM is working on the goal of developing standardized machine communication with expert partners. This is how Industry 4.0 becomes reality. Find out more

Presetter interface

Interfaces for the most common manufacturers' presetting and measuring devices provide them with all the information needed to measure the tools. This applies not only to measuring the length and diameter of a tool, but the existing interfaces can also transfer all of the nominal data needed to check a forming tool's contour over a large number of measuring points, for example. After measuring, the presetting devices send the tools' current dimensions (actual values) back to TDM so that they can be prepared there for transfer to the machine control systems in a control-specific way. Find out more

Tool crib interface

TDM provides standardized interfaces for all common automated storage facilities from the most popular manufacturers. The concept of automated storage facilities includes shuttles and paternosters, but also lockable tool cabinets or automatic spiral machines, etc. TDM provides TDMstoreasy, a touchscreen-capable client for the automatic tool cabinets, which can be used to operate these devices directly and to store or remove tools. Find out more

ERP integration

An ERP system can be used to process the procurement of production equipment in a company, including tools. The ERP integration sends purchase requisitions for tools to the ERP system. This enables equipment to be ordered in good time and enables affordable procurement management. Since the goods received are usually recorded centrally via the ERP system, the interface also provides the option to accept goods received reports. On this basis, TDM can ensure smooth storage of the tools in the existing storage facilities. In addition, communication between TDM and the ERP system means that personnel on the shopfloor working with TDM are informed at all times about the current procurement status of the tools ordered. Find out more