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:
First recyclable plastic bicycle frame
igus
Other technologies
Industrial polymer developer and manufacturer, igus has unveiled the first injection-moulded polymer bicycle frame designed for advanced bikes, marking a major milestone in sustainable mobility
Read more...
Vibration test system supports international space industry
TANDM Technologies
Other technologies
Dragonfly Aerospace has launched EOS SAT-1, one of seven satellites in the world’s first agricultural-focused constellation. With optimisation of resources being a key component for Dragonfly, it called on TANDM to assist in creating and heavily expanding its environmental testing capabilities by providing a vibration test system that allowed it to perform in-house vibration and shock testing.
Read more...
RS PRO a key partner for planned maintenance
RS South Africa
Other technologies
RS PRO, the own-brand of RS, offers a comprehensive selection of over 80 000 products spanning all industries and technologies.
Read more...
Addressing water conservation challenges
Other technologies
A recent report by the University of California underscores the urgent need for innovative strategies to improve water conservation efforts. David Strain, director at Technidrive, and an expert on integrated automation systems, explains why quarrying thickeners have emerged as a promising solution.
Read more...
Oil quality sensors for lubrication management
Other technologies
In an era where operational efficiency and machine health are critical, oil quality sensors are indispensable tools for successful lubrication management.
Read more...
New lubrication-free rod ends
igus
Other technologies
The constant need for relubrication of metallic bearing points on rod ends in industrial applications is a time-consuming and expensive exercise and poses a real contamination risk. As a result, igus has developed maintenance-free polymer-hybrid spherical bearings which are a safer and more cost-effective alternative.
Read more...
Millions of tons of grease and oil in our waterways and environment
igus
Other technologies
Shocking statistics reveal that approximately 50% of lubricants used on industrial machines and equipment eventually makes their way into the environment, where just one litre of used oil has the capacity to poison about a million litres of water.
Read more...
Versatile lubricants for all applications
Other technologies
Good lubrication reduces friction, which in turn increases the lifespan of mechanical components. Commercial products that are used in intensive applications like wire ropes at mining and mining processing facilities are not always considered for other less intensive uses.
Read more...
Articulated forklift truck revolutionises warehouse operations
Other technologies
With the warehouse industry requiring ever-greater efficiencies, Toyota Material Handling has introduced an articulated forklift truck that revolutionises warehouse operations and promises heightened agility, unmatched precision, and elevated safety standards.
Read more...
Smart lubrication management solutions for agriculture
SKF South Africa
Other technologies
The developments in agricultural equipment to meet the increasing demand for higher efficiencies, performance, reliability, and reduced emissions are resulting in tolerances becoming finer and finer.SKF has developed a sophisticated range of lubricants and application systems that address these requirements.
Read more...
printer friendly version