Siemens introduced the Sinumerik Motion Control (MC) open, industrial PC-based CNC for fabrication and metal-processing machines at Fabtech 2019. The introduction is an affirmation of the growing trend to use Edge Computer platforms to integrate all control & automation functions in a machining work cell including CNC, PLC, Drives, motors, safety and other production related functions to achieve higher levels of productivity and profits. 
Many manufacturing company leaders are understanding the need to make technology investments to remain competitive with digitalization of manufacturing.
Manufacturing digitalization is the next logical step in the modernization journey that includes the re-platforming of enterprise systems with high performance technologies including real-time ERP, analytics, AI, and cloud applications. This integration of manufacturing automation into the enterprise is essential to accomplish the digitalization transformation and to be competitive applying powerful edge computing.
PC-based CNC system
The new Sinumerik MC controller is a universal open platform industrial PC-based CNC system. Its optimized motion control, high-performance automation and integrated Windows 10 operating system design has a controller for fabrication and specialty machines, including woodworking, stone-cutting, laser and even conventional basic grinding machines. It is also suitable for certain additive manufacturing, metal-forming, adhesive applications, plate-cutting, grinding and laser or waterjet cutting. The Windows 10 operating system provides easy integration of customized software for these machines.
Siemens spokespeople noted that the open operating concept and the extensive range of interfaces make it a universal, open control, which can be easily utilized in existing fabrication machine solutions. Sinumerik Motion Control (MC) features the latest generation of the proven Sinumerik numerical control (NC) kernel software to meet the demands of the fabrication industry. The motion control is designed for maximum accuracy and uses industry-standard G-code programming. The integrated Simatic S7-1500F PLC runtime engine increases the speed of response which, in turn, improves the automation performance. Sinumerik MC offers integrated safety and implements the multi-layer Defense-in-Depth-Concept for IT-Security.
Sinumerik MC applications can be created using Siemens Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) Portal which is a highly integrated engineering environment. Conventional PLC languages and high-level language programming are available in the TIA Portal to create automation programs for the control system. This is assisted by fast and simple commissioning offered by Sinumerik Operate, the graphical user interface of the Siemens CNC system. Sinumerik Motion Control (MC) is a rugged industrial PC Edge Computer platforms to integrate all control & automation functions in a machining work cell including CNC, PLC, Drives, motors, safety, and other production related functions to achieve higher levels of production profits.
Digitalization architecture
The Sinumerik Motion Control (MC) is the edge device which is part of an overall architecture that can include Siemens virtual design and management tools including Sinumerik Run MyVNCK, and MyMachines application running on Mindsphere cloud. During FABTECH , Manage MyMachines remotely connected to various exhibitor booths as well as Siemens Technical Application Centers located around the globe to show machine status, operating mode and program status in real-time. Machine builders and end-users can accurately monitor machine performance for their globally installed base or factory production network located around the world. This provides a clear picture for the assessment of machine performance, predictive maintenance and OEE.
Sinumerik Run MyVNCK allows users to create their own control-specific virtual world by embedding the original CNC kernel into a virtual machine and then seamlessly integrating it into their normal product development process. Sinumerik Run MyVNCK empowers machine users to create their own control-specific virtual world by embedding the original CNC kernel into a virtual machine. This allows efficient verification and optimization of production steps in a virtual environment to identify programming errors and collisions. This approach greatly reduces design, commissioning and training time as a machine builder’s customer can use the machine in simulated production prior to its build phase.
