Autodesk, DN Solutions Adopt ModuleWorks Data Exchange

ModuleWorks announces that Autodesk and DN Solutions are adopting the Manufacturing Data Exchange Specification (MDES). The purpose of MDES is to optimally connect different technologies across software and hardware systems.

ModuleWorks introduced MDES as an open specification for exchanging digital representations of manufacturing equipment between various hardware and software systems across multiple process steps. This covers tool components, assemblies, fixtures, stocks, setups and mounting in machine tools. With MDES, ModuleWorks aims to facilitate the formation of an open ecosystem that can be used by any company to efficiently exchange machining data between different hardware and software platforms. 

Autodesk and DN Solutions are among the first companies to adopt MDES. The specification is expected to simplify and optimize data transfer between their two solutions to enable more effective workflows between the CAM programming office and the shop floor.

Yavuz Murtezaoglu, founder and managing director of ModuleWorks says, “As a neutral software provider, we are committed to our partners for the fast-paced development of software components for CAD/CAM system developers, CNC controller manufacturers and machine tool builders. With MDES, we extend our commitment to any manufacturing stakeholder who can benefit from simplifying manufacturing data exchange and reducing barriers to software adoption.”

Autodesk is a strategic partner of ModuleWorks and has integrated ModuleWorks toolpath technology into its Fusion 360 product. The early adoption of MDES enables Fusion 360 users to output MDES data, providing additional information for the machining process and reducing setup time on the CNC machine. 

Al Whatmough, Autodesk’s director of product design and manufacturing solutions, says, “We're eliminating bottlenecks that reduce accurate and effective communication. Smarter machines on the shop floor, using CAM data, will yield better outcomes when they understand an operator’s intent, rather than just blindly following commands. The MDES open standard is the major step the industry needs toward improving the problematic communication between CAM software and machine tools.”

DN Solutions — a provider of integrated, smart manufacturing solutions to a wide range of industries — has a technology roadmap with ModuleWorks to bring more functionality, such as the ModuleWorks Machining Simulation and Collision Avoidance System, to its CNC machines. 

Wonjong Kim, CEO of DN Solutions, says, “Our partnership with ModuleWorks brings additional technological value to our machines by minimizing risks and reducing machine setup time. Early adoption of MDES will ensure that machine operators can harness our latest technology to optimize their processes with less setup time.”