Product Exclusive: Unified CNC user interface

Enhancements to Siemens Sinumerik Operate user interface add convenience, features.

January 14, 2012

Siemens Sinumerik Operate user interface improves machine tool performance and convenience by integrating three interfaces. Sinumerik Operate combines the HMI-Advanced, ShopMill, and ShopTurn operator and programming interfaces to create one consistent user interface for use with machine tools. The user interface contains animated elements and is designed to facilitate intuitive operation and programming. Even the most complex workpieces can be set up with ease and produced in one clamping operation, due to a range of new functional features.

Sinumerik process measurement cycles are available for automatic workpiece and tool measurement processes with the familiar look-and-feel of Sinumerik Operate. For these efficient cycles and other new functional features, the input masks are provided with animated elements using the Sinumerik high-level language programGuide and, with ShopMill and ShopTurn, include a simulation capability. Measured values can be automatically updated and used for tool correction and zero offset.

Animated elements are designed to support machine operators with predictive graphic animation of operating and programming steps. ShopMill’s programming functionality now also offers graphical support for display of the rotary axis in position patterns, new pocket calculator functions with fit indication, and ability to hide selected positions in position patterns. Cylinder surface transformation and multiple workpiece clamping are also included in this new package.

Sinumerik Operate tool management has expanded to include new grinding tool types, new measurement probe types, and new depiction modes for tools using graphics and detailed picture views. All turning, milling, and grinding tools are displayed with the same familiar look-and-feel. New shortcuts, such as the Ctrl-F function, allow simplified search operations in most operating areas such as files, tools, or in the editor, for substantially improved usability.

Program management is more efficient, allowing PDF files or picture documents in .jpg, .png, and .bmp formats to be saved in directories on local drives for paper-free production.

Sinumerik CNC user interface improvements include new cycles and functionalities, also available with the new version of the Sinumerik Operate-based training software SinuTrain.

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