The German government’s initiative ‘Industry 4.0’ reacts to the current challenges of the manufacturing industry. These challenges forced the advancement of CIM-strategy (Computer Integrated Manufacturing), which was initially introduced in the 1980s. The ‘fourth industrial revolution’ utilizes cyber-physical systems to link physical objects with virtual models. Essentially, the product to be manufactured is designed to operate its production processes on its own. The potential of this futuristic project is revealed in the value chain of production lines with decentralized process control, which organize themselves drawing upon concept ‘Industry 4.0’. By contrast, the ‘predecessor’ CIM had the disadvantage of using a centralized and thus inflexible process control.
These new factors of digitalization are considered drivers of significant innovation in Mechanical Engineering and the Machine Tool Industry.
The target of the new GAP-project is to develop an all-encompassing system that plans and controls processes according to ‘Industry 4.0’. The project focuses on the production of rotation-symmetric precision tools. ToolProduction (TP) is the name of a GAP project that digitally models the whole process of precision tool manufacturing from incoming order to design, simulation, production, quality management,
controlling, as well as warehouse and distribution logistics. This sector-overlapping interconnectivity is enabled by TP’s modular design, which also works across borders, regardless of the respective production location. The modules ToolDesign and ToolSimulation are the centerpieces for the digital construction and simulation of tools.
