Siemens PLM Software and Sandvik Coromant set out to standardise tooling data

Manufacturers need to use electronic definitions of tools within their manufacturing planning and shopfloor production systems. However, typically, each cutting tool vendor has their own approach to classifying different types of tools, describing critical tool specifications — such as diameter, lengths, angles — and representing geometric CAD models of those tools. This makes it difficult for companies to access cutting tool information in an automated fashion for use in planning databases and applications such as computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems. The multiple structures, non-standard definitions and varying levels of CAD data, also force engineers to manually enter individual data sets from vendor catalogues into their internal systems – a task that can take thousands of man-hours, often leaving tool library databases sparsely populated. To address this challenge, Siemens PLM Software and Sandvik Coromant say they have defined and developed a new level of standardisation that will be openly available for use throughout the industry. The initiative addresses the three key areas of classification structure, tool attribute definitions, and a standardised approach to 3D model definitions of cutting tool components and how they can be assembled. As a key element of this initiative, the companies have adopted and built upon available ISO and STEP standards. ISO13399 provides a definition for tool attributes and the STEP AP214 standard provides a basis for 3D representation of tool components and automated assembly points. The latter allows customers to more easily make use of 3D models of their cutting tool components and assemblies. "Sandvik Coromant has recognised the tremendous technological development in machining processes, materials, and tooling that is driving the need for virtual machining capabilities. Working with data in varying formats can be a challenge, but we expect that this initiative will not only offer manufacturers a standard format for vital cutting tool data, but will simplify their CAM and virtual machining systems, helping them better optimise productivity and profitability," said US-based Sandvik Coromant manager, business development, Mike Verkamp. "This project will address key needs in virtual machining such as standard tool data format, connectivity to CAM packages, and automatic updates of new data. We are pleased to be working with Siemens, a market leader themselves, to help bring the entire industry forward." Said Stan Przybylinski, director of research at market analyst CIMdata: "Although much effort has been put into developing and promoting standards for tooling systems, we see this as the first time that a major tool vendor has joined forces with a major PLM software and manufacturing equipment provider to define a solution that spans the tooling industry and end user requirements. "This is a pragmatic approach that builds on the available ISO standard with definitions that will be open to all tool vendors and software providers. Given the substantial customer base of both companies and their connections across the industry, we believe that this initiative will go far in addressing the challenge of standardisation in cutting tool information systems." Siemens PLM Software and Sandvik Coromant are collaborating with other major cutting tool vendors to share and drive this initiative across the industry. Specifications and methods will be available to all partners as an open standard. Key manufacturers are being invited to advise on the implementation methods as well as to share their specific requirements for access to tool catalogue data. Siemens PLM Software has also further developed its Manufacturing Resource Library, which is part of the Teamcenter® portfolio. This will enable the company's large base of manufacturing customers to import and manage standardised cutting tool vendor catalogue data, handle the transfer of selected data sets to working areas within tool libraries, and build 3D tool assemblies from component model data. Key elements of this solution are already being used by existing customers. "Siemens PLM Software is focused on providing an open and collaborative PLM computing environment and standardisation is critical to enhancing communication throughout the global manufacturing industry," said Andreas Saar, vice president, manufacturing engineering solutions, Siemens PLM Software in the US. "Standardisation gives cutting tool vendors a business advantage by providing a means to convey information about their products to their target customers in a standard format to help increase manufacturing efficiency. This simplified access to the right tool and associated data will help manufacturers make smarter decisions that result in better products."