The future of virtual toolpath optimization

Siemens NX CAM integrates SenseNC, to eliminate iterations on CNC milling operations

Siemens is excited to announce the integration of Productive Machines’ SenseNC solution, a toolpath optimization add-on, now available from within your  Siemens NX CAM software. SenseNC is the world’s first automated milling optimization software that solves the common problems of chatter vibrations, excessive cutting tool wear and tool breakages.

Using the parameters defined in your Siemens NX CAM setup, SenseNC applies advanced physics and AI to simulate countless machining permutations tailored to your machine to take the guesswork out of milling, and achieve the best toolpaths with optimized feed rates and spindle speeds across multi-toolpath operations

Adaptive machining for enhanced productivity

Adaptive CNC machining is especially important for industries like aerospace, automotive, medical and industrial machinery, where fast, accurate, chatter-free CNC machining is essential to maintaining tight production schedules by cutting machining time and improving surface finish to produce the highest quality components on schedule.

Alastair Cupples, CNC Engineer at AMIC, shared his experience using SenseNC:

The part originally had severe chatter. After the process optimization with Productive Machines’ SenseNC platform, we machined the part 21% faster with no chatter and with a 40% better surface finish.”
Alastair Cupples, CNC Engineer at AMIC

This integration enables CAM programmers to achieve the quality, productivity and cost requirements from the start, eliminating trial and error. Commonly used trial and error iterations to achieve optimization heavily rely upon experienced engineers and operators, at a time when the industrial skills gap continues to widen, and competition continues to squeeze margins. With continuous improvement cost reductions limited to 3-4% at best. By using NX CAM and SenseNC, our customers achieve 15-25% annual cost reduction through optimization.

This collaboration highlights Siemens commitment to driving innovation through partnerships, showing how the strength of collaboration accelerates the introduction of leading-edge innovation. By working with exceptional partners like Productive Machines, Siemens empowers its users with even more advanced technologies to stay competitive in an evolving manufacturing landscape, and deliver:  

Reduced Cycle Times: Streamline your operations and reduce production time with optimized machining parameters.

Lower Tool Wear and Breakage: Extend tool life and reduce costs associated with frequent tool replacements.

Enhanced Surface Finish: Solve issues like chatter vibrations, achieving up to a 40% improvement in surface finish and consistently high-quality output.

Proactive Maintenance: The optimization of toolpath parameters also supports preventative maintenance, helping you address potential issues before they become costly problems.

We truly value working with our technology partners. They can use the flexible and open architecture of NX software to quickly develop tailored solutions that our customers need. This integration with Productive Machines reflects Siemens dedication to expanding our NX CAM offerings and strengthening our partner ecosystem. Together, we’re delivering advanced solutions like SenseNC to boost our customers’ productivity,”
Armin Gruenewald, Siemens Vice President Part Manufacturing Business Line

Developed by experts from the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), with over 100 years of machining experience, SenseNC combines machining, physics, AI, and software development expertise into easy-to-use software that simplifies the tasks of CAM programmers and manufacturing engineers. Proven by extensive data and real-world use, SenseNC has delivered an average 20% improvement in cycle times and cost reduction across various machining applications and materials.

A Real-World Success: AML Case Study

In a recent AML case study, the results clearly showed how they cut production costs and improved part quality. It also highlights how advanced digital manufacturing solutions, like NX CAM and SenseNC, can help aerospace companies reshore part manufacturing. This makes them more competitive globally and strengthens their bottom line.

The power of NX CAM is already well-known in the industry, with its reputation solidified by the part manufacturing community on peer review sites like G2, which has rated NX CAM as the #1 computer-aided manufacturing software.