Grinding machines with NUM controls: SOFLEX offers a unified manufacturing control system (SOFLEX-PCS) for tool production
In addition to the major machine manufacturers Walter and Rollomatic, each of which has its own control system, an interface to NUM controls has now also been developed. This is based on the open OPC-UA FLAMES interface.
Tool manufacturers rarely use just one machine manufacturer. The partnership with NUM opens up new possibilities for integrating NUM-controlled grinding machines into existing automation concepts.
Long-standing collaboration with grinding machine manufacturers as a foundation
For years, SOFLEX has been collaborating with machine tool manufacturers in the grinding machine sector. The integration of Walter and Rollomatic machines into the SOFLEX production control system forms the technical and operational foundation for this. During this time, a deep understanding of the requirements of automated grinding processes has been developed.
NUM as another key to standardized interface architecture
The collaboration with NUM now places this approach on an even broader foundation. NUM enables all grinding machine manufacturers that rely on this control platform to use SOFLEX control systems.
For companies, this means: Those already using an automation concept (e.g., Walter ATP or Rollomatic Smart Factory) can integrate NUM-controlled and compatible grinding machines without further interface adaptations.
Core functions of the integration
The OPC-UA FLAMES interface connects NUM-controlled grinding machines with the SOFLEX production control system. The control system handles central coordination tasks:
- Detailed planning of production orders, including calculation of resource requirements
- Central control of autonomous workpiece loading and transport
- Transmission of measurement data to the respective grinding machine for NC compensation
- Integration into existing IT structures such as ERP and MES
Unified solution for global tool production
The result is a standardized and unified solution that works across machine boundaries. Manufacturing companies worldwide can consolidate their tool production—regardless of the machine tool manufacturer used—under a unified production control system. This reduces complexity and creates a scalable foundation for automated tool production.
