The Use of Compiled CNC Program in Smart Machining

In many commercial and defense applications, the data contained within the part program can be very sensitive and must be protected at all times. To achieve this program security, many organizations have security cleared personnel load the part program into the control and then have to remove/delete the file immediately after the part program has completed machining the part. This is very cumbersome and an undesirable way to secure the part program data. Also this method is open to errors made by the operator who might change the machining parameters on the fly. Effective version control and program code management is nearly impossible. The recently launched GBI Revolution machine’s MTI control eliminates this current problem due to the fact that every time a new program is loaded it is compiled prior to machining. The computer industry might be going away from compiled programming languages to more interpreted language but the manufacturing industry is just embracing the idea of pre-compiled NC code. The compiled file is stored within the control and used to machine the part, but the actual raw data can not be accessed, edited or downloaded. The original program can be immediately deleted from the control leaving the compiled file within the control for as long as needed with no safety concerns for the raw part program data. This security feature will be immensely valuable to any commercial or defense manufacturer that is concerned with part program data security. It will ensure process compliance and assurance especially in case of subcontracting manufacturing to external organizations.

Business in India - The Implications of Mythology, Culture and Beliefs

Devdutt Pattanaik: East vs. West -- the myths that mystify | Video on TED.com

Devdutt Pattanaik takes an eye-opening look at the myths of India and of the West -- and shows how these two fundamentally different sets of beliefs about God, death and heaven help us consistently misunderstand one another.

Online MTConnect Demonstration

At IMTS 2008, MTConnect was demonstrated with more than 30 machine tool vendors connecting their machines to a central system communicating real time data. A huge touch screen allowed the participants to select a machine and monitor its operation. A similar application is now available online at the http://demo.mtconnect.org website (as shown in the Figure below).


The application collects real-time data from various vendor machines compliant with the MTConnect standard. One can monitor the machine status and also MTConnect applications utilizing the data (Application section). The online demonstration was showcased at EMO 2009 trade show and will be displayed at the upcoming DMC 2009 conference.
There is a lot of confusion around the functionality of MTConnect. People tend to think that MTConnect can perform SPC, OEE, alarm management and other process improvement activities. In reality, MTConnect is a communication standard for CNC machines and other manufacturing equipments. MTConnect is not an application, software nor does it specify data analysis methods to calculate any particular KPI. It does not calculate OEE, Cpk or perform SPC. It provides a standard neutral platform on which these applications can be developed with standardized data interfaces. The application functionality is dependent on the developer or the organization requirements. This has two major benefits. First the application becomes plug-and-play and will have full compatibility with any machine (or device) which is MTConnect compliant. Secondly, it drastically reduces the system integration efforts. The Figure below shows the interface of the TechSolve SMPI test bed situated at Cincinnati, Ohio. Click here to monitor the real time machine status.

Cloud Computing Architecture for Manufacturing Data Management

Intense global competition has forced many US manufacturers to examine their current business practices as well as evaluate how to meet these challenges and remain competitive. Major emphasis has been placed on disruptive innovation and manufacturing research with recognition of the need for better Manufacturing Data Management (MDM), automation, continuous improvement, and process optimization through data mining. The benefits of effective MDM include reduced downtime, improved operator productivity, optimal machine scheduling, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), alarm/alert management, and better product quality. Conversely, small to medium manufacturers do not have the capital needed for data management technology and resources. In addition, these manufacturers are not able to justify the return on investment; plus they have to train personnel, maintain support staff, and manage upgrades and maintenance of the applications. In this paper, the implications of using the on-demand cost effective cloud computing philosophy for MDM are discussed. The dynamically scalable resources are externally hosted by a third-party and follow pay-per-use methodology with no software licensing, high service level agreements, and secured transactions. The cloud computing architecture has been developed as part of the supervisory system thrust area for the Smart Machine Platform Initiative (SMPI). The supervisory system is defined as a system that integrates and coordinates multiple process monitoring and control modules such that a globally optimal machining solution could be delivered real-time for desired quality and maximum productivity. The paper also features an in-depth discussion of the implementation architecture, benefits, case study, limitations, security concerns, and future work needed to ensure success of the cloud computing for effective manufacturing data management.

Reference: Cloud Computing Architecture for Manufacturing Data Management, Amit Deshpande (TechSolve), Kevin Bevan (GBI Cincinnati), Mark Doyle (I/Gear), 2010 Conference of the Society for Machinery Failure Prevention Technology (MFPT), April 13-15, 2010, Huntsville, AL.