MMTS 2014 : SPRING Technologies showcases WYSIWYC® - the mobile and synchronized NC simulation solution

The award-nominated system features the shop floor appropriate Panasonic Toughpad equipped with NCSIMUL Player 9.1, the CNC simulation reviewer of NCSIMUL Machine.

SPRING Technologies, developer of software solutions that enable manufacturers to optimize their CNC machines, is exhibiting in booth 868 at the MMTS (Montreal Manufacturing Technology Show), from May 12 to 14.

SPRING's exhibit will highlight the features, benefits, and applications of company's flagship simulation software, NCSIMUL Machine and Player 9.1. Specifically, with the growing adoption of remote and mobile software accessibility, SPRING will demonstrate its recently introduced mobile system called WYSIWYC® (What You See Is What You Cut).

Thanks to NCSIMUL Player 9.1 embedded on a fully rugged, mobile Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 and connected to machine tool controllers such as Fanuc CNCs, shop floor operators and managers are able to interact remotely – in 3D and in real time using intuitive touch controls – with one or several CNC machines and their machining processes, as they execute the CNC program on the machine.

3D animations of CNC machining processes, as well as related work instruction sheets are directly accessible from the mobile application.

RETHINKING THE WAY YOU WORK GENERATES CONSIDERABLE SAVINGS

To further strengthen the system, real time synchronization of both 3D CNC simulations and work instruction sheets with real machining processes are available as optional features of NCSIMUL Player 9.1.

This breakthrough capability is a valuable decision-making asset in the production environment that enhances shop floor communication. Because of the instant access to vital information, decreasing machining errors, supervising multiple machines, and conducting smoother changeovers, the productivity gains can reach at least 25% according to the company.

"I frequently get the question as to why our system features a Toughpad as opposed to the ubiquitous iPad," says Philippe Solignac, Corporate Marketing Director for SPRING Technologies. "It's simple," he states.

"The Panasonic Toughpad is designed and built for the shop floor environment which can often be harsh. The Toughpad is able to run any enterprise software, even 3D demanding ones, thanks to the latest Intel core chipsets integrated technology. The less powerful, less open, and more delicate iPad can only offer simulation viewing capabilities, which is rather useless to shop floor staff, especially NC operators."

CHANGING THE WAY YOU INTERACT WITH NC MACHINES - ATTRACT GEN-Y TALENT

WYSIWYC® offers both real time and synchronized:

• 3D realistic machining simulations and cutting conditions
• Technical sheets - full integration of our shop floor documents publishing module plus reviewing capabilities and all the benefits therein, such as relaying axis, spindle and tool positions
• The machining context thanks the virtual machine, with all kinematics and machine parameters included

All of those aspects, plus a robust, Windows-based tablet PC housed in a sturdy, forgiving package are what's required for true 100% mobility and optimization in a manufacturing cell.

"Another key point," continues Mr. Solignac, "is this technology will help draw in talent from the Y generation and the new wave of NC operators for whom mobility, fun, and touch applications are at the core of how they want to do their jobs. The SPRING Technologies solution is also an ideal way to integrate training modules either by institutions or in company instructional programs and apprenticeships (5-axis, mill-turn, and special machines), without the need for a huge investment.

Our Toughbook Engage partnership agreement with Panasonic and the collaboration with FANUC CNC in the development of this advanced solution underscores that WYSIWYC® is the most practical and sustainable answer available on the market today. Further, it will continue to be enhanced and made even more relevant for the long term as companies begin to embrace its capabilities."

Last but not the least, WYSIWYC® has been nominated from among 107 Innovation submissions and 35 selected products in the Technology category for the Trophées de l'Innovation – Innovation Awards - at Industrie Paris 2014, a prize that acknowledges a product or solution that creates value from a new technology.