Machine integration

Machine integration: Seamless communication makes production smart

Machine communication means smooth production, in which systems produce and do not stand unused. TDM Systems makes this possible: By transferring tool data and information on magazine contents and the condition of the tools used. The TDM – MCC (Machine Control Connect = Middleware) interface is the standardized TDM foundation. The control-specific MCC software solution communicates directly with the machine control system.

Machine integration with TDM means machine data can be used

Tool-specific machine data is a hidden resource with great potential. It makes the planning and production processes more efficient continuously and in the long term. This requires a bidirectional tool data transfer between TDM and the machine control system. The TDM – MCC interface ensures the transfer.

TDM - MCC can be used as an extension of the modules TDM Shopfloor Manager or TDM Shopcontrol. As a result, the real machine stocks and tool conditions are also taken into account, in parallel with the planning calculation and management of the tools in the cycle.

The tool data transfer within machine communication is illustrated in four areas:

Tool loading/data provision
Tool data reporting/status notification
Query magazine content/magazine data synchronization in TDM
Tool in NC process/application analysis

From the customized solution to becoming the standard

TDM Systems has a set goal: Standardized communication between the TDM database and the MCC middleware. It makes Industry 4.0 a reality. The actual machine integration with an MCC middleware solution must still be considered individually. It depends on the machine manufacturer and type, the control system and the software version. This means: TDM experts often implement the data transfer between TDM and the machine control system with the support of a solution partner.

Machine integration offers comprehensive functions for your production

The machine control system receives a complete tool data record, consisting of

tool assembly identification,
master data,
machine- or control-specific data,
individual actual tool data and
presetting results as well as
wear rates.

TDM receives information from the machine control system about the tool's actual condition and exact remaining tool life as well as the loading/unloading messages.

Impressive advantages for machine integration

Quick and easy to get the tool: Every employee finds their required tool.

Always know the current status of the remaining tool life and the tools' condition: Thanks to real-time data from the machine. This enables proactive planning and simplifies provision.

Strong performance and intuitive software operation guarantee high acceptance among employees.

Once defined, tool data and production standards are available everywhere thanks to the central database.

Real-time data ensures machining know how.

Digital networking with machine communication ensures a closed tool circulation.

Further possibilities of machine integration

Transferring NC programs to the machine: Integration makes it possible to upload and download NC programs, tool offsets and CAD data to the machine.

TDM manages the NC programs for the final production

makes them available to the machine control system via DNC system
transfers the files directly to the control system if API functionality (MCC) is available.

An example of productive cooperation: TDM – DMG MORI

An example of a successful implementation of bidirectional tool data transfer between TDM and the machine control system is the Toolfilter interface solution in cooperation with DMG MORI. For this purpose, DMG MORI has extended its self-developed software application known as "Toolfilter" to query the TDM tool data via a TDM Webservice API and transfer it directly to the machine control system. In addition, tool conditions and the machine's tool data are fed back from the machine control system to the TDM database. The TDM – DMG MORI data exchange is based on three main functions:

Tool order request
"Toolfilter" records the missing tools for an NC program allocated to the machine pallet by checking the available tools in the machine magazine. These tool requirements are displayed on the control system and reported to TDM via the interface. TDM takes the tool request into the pick list and creates the presetting order.

Tool data transfer
The measured tools are inventoried by the unique holder ID (Data Matrix Code, RFID Chip ID). TDM manages the individual tool data record for the unique tool identification (holder ID). When the tool is inserted into the machine, the Toolfilter software scans this ID and uses the unique holder ID to request the data from TDM. TDM transfers all tool data to exactly the requested tool and Toolfilter writes it directly into the machine control system's tool data management.

Tool data report
If the tool is in use in the machine control system, Toolfilter reports the current tool information, such as condition, wear and remaining tool life, back to TDM. In TDM, this tool report displays the machine's tool magazine and visualizes the tools' current situation in the TDM application. This enables the provision of replacement tools, or the missing tool, for subsequent machining without interrupting production.