Siemens presents innovative CNC technology for the aerospace industry
First Quarter 2007
Other technologies
Complete automation solutions for CNC applications in aeroplane and engine manufacture were the focus of the Siemens Automation and Drives (A&D) presentation at the Airtech 2006 in Frankfurt, Germany. The range includes CNC solutions for five-axis simultaneous machining, active oscillation damping functions, and simulation tools for efficient engine production. Siemens A&D also showed, for the first time, a new seven axis transformation for fibre and tape laying applications.
The aircraft industry sets the pace in the introduction of new production technologies and places very high demands on automation solutions. At Airtec 2006, Siemens A&D presented CNC solutions for five axis simultaneous machining, fibre and tape laying, machining titanium, assembly, and laser and friction welding. Siemens A&D's new seven axis transformation enables programming in workpiece coordinates even with complex machine kinematics. This, in turn, enables machine concepts to be implemented for highly innovative fibre and tape laying applications that can produce complete fuselage segments on the basis of carbon fibre reinforced plastic materials.
The Sinumerik 840D orientation interpolation functions support orientation smoothing for traditional five-axis machining in higher-level CAM systems. This orientation smoothing can harmonise the smallest disparities in the data quality of CAM systems online, enabling productivity to be significantly increased and surface quality to be improved.
The Sinumerik 840D provides active oscillation damping, which contributes to meeting the aerospace industry's demands for higher machining speeds. This largely eliminates or compensates for the machine's natural frequencies and also enables considerably higher servo gain factors and path jerk values to be set on machines thus configured. This, in turn, enables the overall machining time to be substantially reduced.
Siemens A&D supplies tools for improving the surface qualities in engine production. As soon as the machining paths have been defined, the Virtual Production service can calculate the surface qualities precisely, eliminate any errors and optimise processes. This tool also calculates the exact time required to machine a component on a specific machine, offering not only major advantages for the everyday programming of components but also in the selection of the right concept when investing in machines.
For more information contact Siemens Southern Africa, +27 (0)11 652 2000.
Further reading:
Next-generation motor management solution
Schneider Electric South Africa
News & events Other technologies
Schneider Electric has launched its TeSys Tera motor management solution in the West African market, combining advanced motor protection, digital connectivity and real-time diagnostics for manufacturing, mining and water applications.
Read more...
From concept to execution, unlocking renewable energy
Other technologies
Businesses already understand the benefits of renewable energy, however, as renewable energy solutions become more sophisticated, successful implementation requires a structured decision-making process that aligns technology choices with business objectives.
Read more...
Smarter, more secure electricity networks
Other technologies
As South Africa accelerates the rollout of smart prepaid electricity metering, innovative enclosure technology from PPS is helping utilities improve network security, reduce electricity theft and protect critical electrical infrastructure.
Read more...
Siemens launches SIMATIC AX WinCC Unified Elements
Pneumatic systems & components Other technologies
New engineering tool speeds automation application development, reducing the time required to bring industrial projects to market and empowering automation engineers to build, manage version control, and deploy visualisation engineering projects
Read more...
Decoupling software from hardware for future-proofed process automation
Schneider Electric South Africa
Other technologies
Legacy systems continue to perform admirably; the dilemma is that systems like PLCs, DCS (distributed control systems), SCADA and field devices were designed for deterministic, long-term operations.
Read more...
Duplex worm gears for precision backlash adjustment
Other technologies
KHK USA has introduced duplex worm gears that allow precise backlash adjustment through simple axial movement of the worm shaft, eliminating the need for gearbox housing alterations during assembly or maintenance.
Read more...
Corrosion solution for engine hot testing
Other technologies
Engine internals are at risk for corrosion from water used during hot engine testing and fill and flush activities. Corrosion affects the engine’s like-new appearance and threatens its integrity.
Read more...
Hygienic ultrasonic flow sensor
ifm - South Africa
Other technologies
The SU Puresonic Hygienic ultrasonic sensor from ifm detects flows of conductive and non-conductive media with high precision.
Read more...
Fault analysis for lifting equipment
Other technologies
Ensuring the sustained performance of capital equipment such as crane rails, ropes, hoist rails, gantry rails, and runway beams, which guide lifting equipment and support heavy loads, is essential for safety, reliability, and efficient operation.
Read more...
Bringing true mobile welding capability to SA agriculture
Other technologies
Bolt and Engineering Distributors has launched the new Fronius Ignis Battery. This is a next-generation, battery-powered welding system engineered for mobility, reliability and performance in off-grid agricultural environments.
Read more...
printer friendly version