Digital Tool Data for "Global" Simulation
TDM Systems at EMO 2013 from 16th to 21st September in Hall 3, Booth G24 (Walter) and Hall 5, Booth B20 (Sandvik Coromant)
- The new release of TDM V.4.6 sets the standard
- Modules of "TDM Global Line" for high-performance, global use
- 3D Revolve Generator and new 3D Graphic Converters as a booster to support programming and simulation
- TDMControl now fully integrated
- TDM Machine Tool Manager: Providing tools for Production - easy and transparent
Tübingen - TDM Systems, a manufacturer of tool and resource management software, presents several technological highlights at EMO 2013. The new TDM release version 4.6: New 3D Generators and Graphic Converters to support improved CAM simulation. Moreover, TDM version 4.6 is the basis for the completely new module "Global Line" product line, which accelerates use across locations.
TDM developers have once more targeted the effort required to implement the tool and resource management system, as well as easy and intuitive usability: Shorter lead times, easier understanding and global use is the motto. "We have already spent many years working intensively on simplifying our comprehensive tool management software, whether it is in terms of installation or user-friendliness," says Eugen Bollinger, Sales Director at TDM Systems. "On the one hand, our customers need full functionality but this must not have an impact on lead times and usability."
Easy start by using the automated data import function
TDM version 4.6 now offers a "Data Downloader" for Walter tools and a "Tool Loader" for tools from other manufacturers, in order to ensure the required speed right from the start when populating the database. For example, anyone who requires data on Walter tools can very easily download the data from the Internet into TDM at the click of a mouse using the Walter Data Downloader, once i-PAC 13-2 is released in October 2013. The advantage of this is that, along with the master data, you are provided with the required simulation data as 2D and 3D graphics at the same time. Eugen Bollinger, "Our users, whether in NC programming, tool presetting or on the machine, want quick access to their tool data and feeds & speeds. We make it possible to import and exchange tool data with only a few clicks."
Easily simulated
Thanks to the new 3D tools, TDM Systems has once more taken a huge step closer to their vision of a digital factory and has stepped up another gear in terms of CAM simulation: A 3D-Revolve Generator for rotationally symmetric tools and a 3D Graphics Converter for the leading CAM systems accelerate process simulation and collision analysis. In addition, the Tübingen-based company has focused its attention on tool data exchange and usability. "Everything should become even easier for our users in the future, as it only takes a few mouse clicks to go from importing data to supporting the simulation and then to providing data on presetting devices and CNC machines."
It can be seen on a daily basis at the production level just how important realistic simulation data, accurate tool data and feeds & speeds are for the CAD/CAM department. Anyone who carries out collision analyses with tool dummies is taking a risk, because interference contours are sometimes not detected at all. Process reliability is at stake. When it comes to CAD/CAM connections, TDM is leading the way with its powerful 3D-Graphics Generators. "The new options in version 4.6 put us way ahead of the competition," says Thomas Muecke, Consultant/Senior Project Manager. This assumption appears to be entirely justified because the new 3D Graphics Generator for rotationally symmetric tools and the 3D Graphics Converter have what it takes. Only a few mouse clicks later and the programmer has used the 3D-Revolve Generator to create a realistic 3D model on his computer screen from 2D data in DXF format. The models can be saved as STEP files and therefore do not need to be regenerated repeatedly. The principle is simple: Using the 2D data and the Tool Contour Generator, a contour of the tool is generated. Now it only needs to be rotated and the 3D-Revolve Generator creates the simulation-ready 3D solid model from the contour.
TDM version 4.6 has a new 3D Solid Converter that ensures the rotating solids subsequently fit the CAD/CAM system used. There is 3D data in a specific STEP format to support the CAM systems NX, ProE, TopSolidCAM, Esprit/Pimpel, CATIA, Vericut, WinFlex and Exapt. "This allows us to achieve additional process reliability in production because the simulated 3D models are more exact and more realistic than the pure parametric models," emphasizes Eugen Bollinger. What is known as data mapping also comes into play here: Once generated, a 3D model is mapped to the remaining CAM systems.
TDM Global Line for worldwide access to all tool data
TDM Systems will support international and globally active companies, who need access via a central system, even better in the future. The new "TDM Global Line" module series makes connecting global locations much easier. The new product line is programmed using Microsoft .NET and offers high-performance and future-proof software for managing tool items, tool assemblies and tool lists, as well as for tool crib entries spread across remote locations. The modules are designed for global use, so that operations can be conveniently carried out in conjunction with the comprehensive TDM version 4 product portfolio. An important highlight here is that, from now on, users can update and maintain their tool data live in the system from anywhere. The updated tool data and feeds & speeds, including tool lists, are immediately usable and accessible worldwide. Thanks to the use of a dedicated application server, TDM Global Line, which is based on a three-tier architecture, can be scaled very easily and runs on the same database as the basic installation. The transmission of data worldwide is fully encrypted and is also compressed to ensure the data can be accessed quickly. TDM Systems is making the modules available as add-ons from version 4.6. The first pilot installations have shown that data transfer between locations is extremely fast and high performing.
Tool data integratied under control
At EMO, users can see for themselves how easy it will be to integrate and update tool data along with feeds & speeds in TDM in the future. "We have now fully integrated our TDMControl into TDM from version 4.6, which makes central data management significantly easier," says Eugen Bollinger. The database is accessed directly, i.e. the data is not uploaded to the table via an interface to then rewrite it again. It is this easy: Simply click using your mouse to display the data records that are to be updated in TDMControl, correct them and add to them. The data management tool is deliberately based on Microsoft Excel sheets, so that even relatively large volumes of data can be updated very easily and quickly. In addition, there is hardly any need for training since most users already know how to use Excel.
Automatic comparison of tool requirements and machine stock
The TDM Machine Tool Manager is also a highlight at EMO. TDM Systems is presenting a solution that is clear and easy to use for tooling to suit any requirements. The slim software add-on automatically compares the tool requirements for a production order with the tool stock already available on the machine. The NC program creates a tool list; the software compares the current stock in the machine magazine, determines the additional net requirement and automatically creates a picking list. Together with the production order, the tools arrive at the machine on time - machine downtimes are significantly reduced. In addition, the Machine Tool Manager also picks the required equipment, such as clamping and measuring devices, provided these are managed in TDM. The trick here is that the Machine Tool Manager knows the standard tool stock on the machines. As soon as the production order is complete, the software determines which tools must be removed from the machine.
About TDM Systems
For more than 20 years, TDM Systems GmbH (Tübingen) has been developing software for organizing tool data and workshop equipment. As a center of excellence for Tool Data Management (TDM) within the Sandvik Group, TDM Systems can draw on the expertise of various tool manufacturers in developing its software products. TDM is now in its fourth generation since its launch. One of the keys to its success is its customer-oriented approach to solutions. Today, TDM offers a complete system for production equipment organization. Tools, fixtures, test instruments, equipment and clamping devices, and associated data are organized and managed using TDM. www.tdmsystems.com.
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