Demonstration of a standardized, flexible interface for machine tool data exchange at EMO Hannover 2019

Ruemlang, Switzerland – September 13, 2019 – BIG KAISER, a global leader in premium high-precision tooling systems and solutions for the metalworking industries, announces that it has become a partner of the umati (universal machine tool interface) standardization community, a VDW initiative to transform the connectivity of machine tools for Industry 4.0. At EMO 2019 in Hannover, Germany, September 16-21, 2019, BIG KAISER will participate in an umati demonstration located at the umati booth in Hall 9, E24.

BIG KAISER will, of course, also be showcasing its latest line of automated machine tool products at its company stand (B14 in Hall 3), exhibiting a machine tool and the EWA automatic boring head connected to a PC, which can then upload information to the cloud and other PCs using umati.

Jose Fenollosa, Head of R&D at BIG KAISER, said, “BIG KAISER is always looking for innovative ways to apply new technology to its tools, to help customers achieve the full benefits of automation and computer systems. Working with umati will enable us to add another layer of capability to our products, making cross-system integration as easy as possible, giving our users the connectivity that they need for Industry 4.0. For example, the data gathered by the multiple sensors in our cutting tools can be uploaded for further analysis, enabling customers to ensure their machining processes are running as efficiently as possible.”

Umati creates a standardized, flexible interface for machine tool data exchange, whereby machine tool users benefit from seamless communication between various machines, systems and software from multiple manufacturers. Based on the OPC UA international interoperability standard, umati makes it exceptionally easy, quick and secure for users to integrate machines and components such as cutting tools into their IT systems, saving time and money.

Umati was originally launched by the German Machine Tool Builders’ Association (VDW) at EMO Hannover in September 2017, and now has wide international adoption: today, some 70 companies from 10 countries are involved in the project. The umati interface is based on an open standard, which enables machine tools and peripherals to efficiently connect to customer-specific IT ecosystems.

About umati

umati - universal machine tool interface is an industry initiative of the VDW. Its goal is to achieve an open standard for data exchange based on the global interoperability standard OPC UA. It also defines all necessary framework conditions to ensure seamless and secure integration of customers' machines and software. The ultimate goal of the umati brand is to provide international visibility and support its partners' marketing and quality assurance efforts. The standardisation activities of the Joint Working Group set up with the OPC Foundation are now followed by almost 100 companies all over the world. www.umati.info