SPRING Technologies extends its portfolio with NCSIMUL DNC

This new module enables a complete NC programs life cycle management and real time machine status monitoring.

SPRING Technologies, software vendor optimizing the use of complex NC machines, announces the launch of NCSIMUL DNC, a module that communicates with all types of Numerical Control machines and monitors their status in real time. 

With NCSIMUL DNC it is easier than ever for process engineers and workshop operators to manage and control their NC deployments. The new module delivers complete management capability for NC machining programs with full traceability of events impacting a program’s life cycle, including versions, status, and certification. All types of NC links, including RS232 serial, Ethernet, NFS, Samba, FTP, and Mazak are supplied standards. The outcome is that operators can be sure they are machining with the right program at the right time.

NCSIMUL DNC also returns machine status, either manually from the NC console or automatically. It delivers native support for OPC, the international interoperability standard for industrial automation. This means that a machine’s status can be reported in real time with details of output, failures, downtime, setups, etc. This data can be used to generate activity reports in table or graph form to enable specific situations to be analyzed and more efficient production planning. Status reporting also enables the execution of quality scenarios and more sophisticated supervision processes. Interfaced with an ERP or Production Management package providing links to work/planned orders, the module provides feedback on productivity rates (OEE, ORR, EIRR) in a single click.

A component of the NCSIMUL SOLUTIONS portfolio from SPRING Technologies, NCSIMUL DNC is seamlessly integrated with the other modules: NCSIMUL Machine (machining simulation), NCSIMUL Tool (cutting tool management) and NCSIMUL Publisher (technical content publishing). For example, once a program has been simulated and checked, NCSIMUL DNC can authorize direct transfer to the NC machine. The 3D film produced by the simulation (np3 file) can be stored and associated with a program in NCSIMUL DNC. An operator in the workshop who wants more insight into the program scheduled to run on the machine can use NCSIMUL Player to preview the operation on a PC or any touch screen devices. Another advantage for a company equipped with NCSIMUL Tool is that operators can load the cutting tool on to the machines automatically at the same time as the tool gauges and the associated NC program. The tool sheets, and machining job sheets and self-inspection documents generated by the other NCSIMUL SOLUTIONS modules can also be associated with the NC programs in NCSIMUL DNC.

Olivier BELLATON, General Manager, explains: “SPRING Technologies aims to make the day-to-day workshop experience more comfortable and productive. We cut out the errors that arise out of manual operations. Operators are free to devote more time to tasks that generate added value. Our main focus is on delivering solutions that are really easy to use and contribute to the smart factory.”