NX X CAM in the cloud for flexible manufacturing at WERSOMA
When production planning needs to remain flexible, even in the event of last-minute machine changes. Unplanned machine changes, fluctuating requirements and an increasing variety of variants are part and parcel of everyday life in tool and fixture manufacturing. WERSOMA has addressed this very issue and, using NX X CAM in the cloud, standardised post-processors and targeted NXOpen automation, has created a CAM environment that is flexible, consistent and efficient all at once.
Customer
Wersoma GmbH was founded in 1994 and has evolved from a traditional manufacturer of jigs and special-purpose machinery into one of the market leaders in tool and special-purpose equipment manufacturing.
With a high degree of vertical integration, state-of-the-art technologies and decades of expertise, the company creates bespoke solutions rather than mass-produced goods. Quality, reliability and flexibility are at the heart of everything we do – a commitment that makes WERSOMA a reliable partner for customers in Germany and across Europe.
Project / Initial situation
Digital foundation
In its production department, WERSOMA operates several machines with different tool holders and control systems. Until now, last-minute machine changes have involved a considerable amount of manual work. Tools had to be adjusted, operations checked and programmes recalibrated – a process that was time-consuming and prone to errors.
At the same time, the existing on-premises CAM environment was reaching its limits: IT overhead, complex licence management and limited scalability made it difficult to respond quickly to new requirements.
The aim was to establish a consistent NC logic by switching to NX X CAM in the cloud and developing standardised post-processors, thereby simplifying machine changes and making production planning more flexible, transparent and efficient overall.
Project
Cloud. Standard. Automation.
In collaboration with the d.u.h.Group, WERSOMA modernised its entire NX CAM environment – from the licence structure right through to the machine logic.
The focus was on migrating to NX X Manufacturing, supplemented by a new post-processor family concept and the automation of recurring work steps. This resulted in a seamless, digitally controlled CAM environment that adapts flexibly to manufacturing requirements.
Particular attention was paid to the integration of machine simulation (CSE) and the development of a bespoke NXOpen tool: ‘Tool Change’. This enables machine changes to be carried out automatically at short notice – including tool replacement, reordering of operations and a full process check.
Challenges & Solutions
1
IT overhead and licence management for on-premises solutions
The d.u.h.Group supported the migration to NX X Manufacturing in the cloud. Thanks to token-based add-on licensing, functions can be activated as and when required and automatically deactivated once they are no longer in use. New users can be provisioned quickly, whilst updates are made available continuously and without interruption.
2
Differences in NC logic and the need for extensive training on the machinery
All post-processors have been redesigned as part of a standardised family concept – including CSE machine simulation. This has resulted in a uniform NC logic across the entire machine fleet. The operating procedures, structure and simulation are consistent, which shortens training times and reduces sources of error.
3
A high level of manual effort and a high risk of errors during last-minute machine changes
Using the d.u.h. ‘Tool Change’ tool, an NXOpen-based automation system has been developed that completely rethinks machine changes. Tools and operations are no longer adjusted manually, but are transferred to the target machine fully automatically.
Implementation in detail
NX X CAM in the cloud as a driver of flexibility and speed
WERSOMA has systematically migrated its CAD/CAM workstations to NX X Manufacturing. The familiar NX CAM architecture and user interface remain unchanged, whilst traditional IT overheads and rigid licensing models are eliminated. Thanks to the token-based add-on model, the team now operates in a significantly more scalable manner. Functions are available exactly when they are needed. This makes production not only more flexible, but also more cost-effective. Particularly in tool and fixture manufacturing, where batch sizes and requirements vary greatly, this cloud model proves to be a clear advantage.
Implementation in detail
Standardised post-processors as a solid foundation
In parallel with the transition to the cloud, the d.u.h.Group redeveloped all post-processors as a scalable family concept, including CSE machine simulation. The result is consistent NC logic across all machines. Programmes behave consistently, simulations reliably replicate real-world processes, and updates can be managed centrally. Extensions can be rolled out on a modular basis, ranging from prismatic machining to 5-axis applications with NX CAM.
Implementation in detail
NXOpen: Automated tool change without manual intervention
Building on this solid foundation, WERSOMA is focusing specifically on automation. The d.u.h.Group ‘Tool Change’ tool accesses the NX CAM Tool Database and utilises existing classifications to automatically identify suitable alternatives where required. If a scheduled machine is unavailable at short notice, the tool handles the entire changeover process in the background. Compatible tools are identified, swapped fully automatically and all operations reassigned, without any manual intervention and without interrupting the setup. Changing machines becomes a routine task rather than a stressful situation.
Highlights & Achievements
- Same NX CAM architecture and user interface as the on-premises version, with significantly lower IT overhead
- Flexible cloud licensing with a token-based add-on model
- Rapid deployment of new workstations and continuous updates
- Consistent NC logic across the entire machine fleet
- Reduced training requirements and lower susceptibility to errors
- Modular, scalable extensions and centralised update management
- Fully automated machine changeovers in just a few steps
- Greater transparency, significant time savings and increased efficiency in production planning
“The ‘Swap Tools’ feature has revolutionised the way we work. Whereas before it required a great deal of manual labour and mistakes were easily made, today there is clarity and control – everything is sorted in just a few clicks.”
WERSOMA
Consultancy
Are you planning to standardise your manufacturing processes digitally and future-proof your NX CAM system? The d.u.h.Group is here to support you with bespoke consultancy, cloud solutions and automation expertise – from analysis through to implementation.
Topics
Success stories
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