ModuleWorks, Siemens Partnership Adds Collision Avoidance to CNCs

ModuleWorks, a supplier of CAD/CAM software components for machining and simulation, and Siemens AG have announced a product partnership that enables ModuleWorks’ real-time collision avoidance software to be used with the Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl CNC.

The Sinumerik 840D sl is a high-performance controller for milling and turning applications including grinding, laser machining, gearwheel machining and multitasking machining. The new partnership enables users to add the ModuleWorks collision avoidance software to the Siemens controller to provide real-time verification and crash detection during the milling or turning process.

The ModuleWorks software takes the real axis positions, machine geometries and workpiece position and uses the same motion data as the real servos to provide a fully integrated and visually realistic simulation of the machine kinematics, tools, jaws, clamps and fixtures as well as the material removal process. Collision detection and avoidance is available in both auto and jog modes using look-ahead motion data. If a collision is detected, the machining process is stopped before an actual collision occurs to prevent expensive machine damage and downtime, the company says.