Industry 4.0: Challenges and perspectives for the factory of the future and intelligent machining

Industry 4.0: Challenges and perspectives for the factory of the future and intelligent machining

19 Jan 2022 | CAD/CAM, ERP, Machining

In a context of fierce competition where globalization is omnipresent and consumer habits are changing, companies have no choice but to change their manufacturing methods.

The factory of the future will have to be agile and connected in order to ensure its competitiveness and productivity. It will have to handle the diversification and changing needs, producing in shorter time frames, while being environmentally conscious thanks to its energy efficiency. We have been talking about Industry 4.0 for several years. What are the challenges for companies? What does the “factory of the future” mean?

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What is Industry 4.0?

 

Concept and origin of Industry 4.0

A concept first highlighted at the Industrial Technology Fair in Hanover, Germany, in 2011, Industry 4.0 is a reference to the first three industrial revolutions.

The first industrial revolution took place in the 18th century after the invention of steam engines, allowing mechanized production. The arrival of the electricity grid led to the rise of the second industrial revolution at the end of the 18th century. Finally, the automation of production in the 20th century led to the third revolution.

The idea behind Industry 4.0 is to reverse the trend of globalization to the advantage of European industries by encouraging factories to acquire the latest technological tools, all connected via the Internet and the Cloud.

In the new factory, the idea is to put the factory at the service of the operator, not the operator at the service of the factory. Since people are the central factor in this plan, every effort is made to improve the ergonomics, productivity and safety of each workstation. As the evolution of production methods has led the operator to carry out more and more procedures, the objective of the ultra-connected factory is to dematerialize all these phases, so that people are focused on tasks with high added value. To do this, each machine will be connected and communicate with the network, and the information will be transversal to be distributed between the different departments. Information will be disseminated smoothly and efficiently from the customer’s purchase order, through all stages of the manufacturing process, to the shipment of the finished product.

 

Industry 4.0 components: What are they?

The connected factory, or factory of the future, is not going to revolutionize everything. It will use existing equipment, improve it, and then place it at the heart of a network where all the information can be shared.

For this purpose, certain tools are essential to support the change:

  • The Internet of Things will allow the development of newly manufactured products, therefore opening up new market opportunities.
  • 3D printing opens up new production possibilities, able to adapt to the competitive production of small series.
  • Collaborative robots (Cobots): as operator assistance, the cobot will improve the productivity, safety and efficiency of some workstations.
  • Augmented reality: By juxtaposing information related to certain procedures (notably maintenance) to the individual’s visual field, augmented reality will allow you to rapidly intervene by following the displayed procedures.
  • Cyber-physical systems (CPS): They allow new features to be added to physical elements for the purpose of process control and management. It becomes a key element in the information chain.
  • Industrial big data: The gigantic database of the factory of tomorrow will evolve into “Smart data” with the introduction of artificial intelligence. It will notably improve predictive maintenance.

The range of CAD, CAM, ERP and PDM TopSolid solutions

Challenges and perspectives for the factory of the future

 The challenge of the 4.0 factory will be to increase productivity while adapting to a new way of consuming. Today’s consumer is buying more and more and tends to focus on customizing objects. So one of the main challenges of the factory of the future will be to combine productivity with mass customization and reduced series.

To do this, it will be necessary to facilitate the use of programming software to save time, so that the individual can use them very quickly. One of the objectives will be to process the information in a very short time, while maintaining flexibility in the parameters.

The machining of the future will require the implementation of an intelligent system, capable of self-assessment and correction. The goal of Industry 4.0 is to create “intelligent machining”: the collection of know-how and process data, combined with artificial intelligence, for the benefit of production.

 

How does TopSolid fit into Industry 4.0?

Although the concept of “Industry 4.0” appeared only a few years ago, TopSolid did not wait for the fourth industrial revolution to follow this logic of the factory of the future.

TopSolid has been offering a fully integrated digital chain for years via its suite of CAD/CAM software suite, therefore providing total interconnectivity from design to construction.

 

TopSolid continues its evolution towards the CAD/CAM of the future, which involves:

  • Intelligent design: in addition to 3D models already well recovered at the geometric level, the recovery of machining information (PMI) and tolerances, as well as taking into account milling and turning operations.
  • More automation: predictive calculations: vibration calculations, deformation of parts due to clamping; refined tool life management (with calculated cutting conditions); families of similar parts (adapting to customized mass production); automatic range generation.
  • Using the cloud: collecting the company’s BigData, deporting greedy calculations, constantly updating the software.
  • Putting people at the heart of the 4th industrial revolution: change management, setting up certified training courses for the mutual benefit of companies and their employees.

 

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How do you manage a large interior design project using a CAD/CAM software?

How do you manage a large interior design project using a CAD/CAM software?

3 Jul 2019 | CAD, CAD/CAM, Wood

Carrying out all the work involved in site layout is a part of the daily life of interior designers. As a decoration and finishing specialist, he is called upon to manage projects of all sizes and to work from interior design concepts and execution drawings. CAD/CAM software is a valuable ally for large and complex projects. Let’s find out why together.

What do we mean by a large-scale project?

 

An interior design project is said to be “large-scale” when it is complex, when the surfaces involved are large and when several sectors of activity are involved. In general, designing surfaces larger than 50 m² is considered to be a large-scale job.

Examples of large-scale interior design projects

Designing a complete Hotel is considered to be a large-scale project. A hotel is not only made up of rooms, but also of a lobby, a restaurant, a bar and corridors, which must be harmoniously arranged to form an aesthetic whole. The nautical industry is also strongly affected by large-scale interior design and mainly the luxury yacht market. There are even super-yachts over 150 meters long with several thousand square meters of living space including spas, swimming pools, libraries and a large amount of nesting furniture. The arrangement of such a complicated project is usually entrusted to companies specializing in luxury naval carpentry.

The need for collaborative work

Large-scale interior design projects, such as those mentioned above, require the use of different but complementary professions. Specialized people with valuable expertise will thus be brought together to work in a coordinated manner. But when it comes to collaborative work, you need the right tools. Like BIM (Building Information Modeling), which consists of having employees working on a digital model, a large-scale interior design project can rely on modern work tools such as CAD/CAM software.

 

TopSolid CAD/CAM Product Range

How can CAD/CAM be involved in a large-scale interior design project?

 

A CAD/CAM software allows you to design parts in 3D model (CAD), but also includes the manufacturing part (CAM). It is therefore essential for companies that manufacture furniture using numerical control machines based on drawings. However, some software, such as TopSolid, offers other features which are particularly suitable for interior design projects.

 

TopSolid’Wood software and work by areas

 

One of the significant features of TopSolid’Wood is that it allows the user to work in several workspaces or areas. The concept is as follows: from a master file, the user will be able to create several workspaces in which the interior design of each area will be created. Once the design of each area is completed, the user can then generate a final assembly from the files.

 

Advantages of the “master” file

 

Working with a master file is convenient. But its main advantage is probably the flexibility it provides by facilitating file update processes. In addition, the TopSolid’Wood master file provides an overview using a construction tree that provides access to all workspaces. This allows you to make changes in order to define spaces even more quickly. In addition, TopSolid’Wood allows you to create a master file from the CAD files from other software.

 

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What are the advantages of an open and customizable CAD/CAM solution?

What are the advantages of an open and customizable CAD/CAM solution?

7 Jun 2019 | CAD, CAD/CAM, CAM, CAD/CAM, Machining

As the performance and productivity requirements of professionals increase, design and manufacturing software evolves. An open and customizable CAD/CAM solution is what TOPSOLID offers to support companies for the purposes of unlimited and increasing development. What are the possibilities specifically offered by this type of software? What are the benefits of implementing them in your company? Discover the benefits of an open and customizable CAD/CAM solution through the features of TopSolid’Wood for the woodworking industry.

What is an open and customizable CAD/CAM solution?

 

An open CAD/CAM solution is a software designed to communicate easily with other software.

Thanks to its standard interfaces, the open CAD/CAM solution facilitates and accelerates both import and export. It allows you to communicate smoothly with your customers and suppliers, save time and reduce the margin of error to zero.

Examples of how you can use the TopSolid’Wood software in the wood industry:

  • Possibility of importing architectural plans in DXF or DWG formats into your CAD/CAM software: the designer works directly from these files.
  • Possibility of import 3D models in STEP, Parasolid or IGES formats: the furniture professional works without difficulty with the hardware supplier.
  • Exporting a cutting list in various formats: at the end of the layout project, the open software is able to export the cutting list in a format readable by a software specialized in panel cutting.
  • Exporting images to give the customer a realistic preview of the final rendering.

 

A customizable CAD/CAM solution is a software that allows the user to integrate specific issues and know-how.

Each profession has its know-how and each company has its own processes: from one company to another, professional expertise is concretely reflected in the implementation of specific procedures. It is in the company’s interest to preserve this in order to distinguish itself and protect its competitive advantage. To this end, the CAD/CAM software allows you to customize all stages of the design process. Moreover, it is this customizable nature of the software that offers professionals a better productivity potential.

Illustrations with TopSolid’Wood software:

Many different manufacturing processes coexist in the wood industry. The designer does not work in the same way with a professional and a private individual. In addition, he adapts his procedures according to the nature of the work in progress – bathroom, hotel, kitchen, store, etc. A tailor-made part is also necessarily integrated within each project. The furniture manufacturer’s issues, for its part, are radically different – standardization of parts, optimization of production, manufacturing for kit assembly or already assembled furniture, adaptation of processes based on the materials (solid wood, panels, resin, etc.). In this context, a standard CAD/CAM solution is not enough.

By choosing a customizable CAD/CAM solution, such as TopSolid’Wood, the company is importing its own know-how and procedures into the software to optimize its work without altering it. There are a thousand and one ways to design and manufacture using wood, and many benefits to be derived from this diversity. It is up to each professional to preserve his methods with regard to his brand image and production issues, with the support of a customizable software.

The advantages of an open and customizable CAD/CAM solution

 

1. Capitalize on your know-how

You are unique, and that is your strength. Through experience, the company acquires its own know-how on which to capitalize in order to win on the competition’s ground. By customizing its CAD/CAM solution according to its own know-how, the company gains in performance and productivity.

Example: TopSolid’Wood software allows you to create your own component libraries. In addition, customers can import their creations. These component libraries, which can be customized ad infinitum, add to the company’s assets over time.

 

2. Use an intuitive and evolutionary CAD/CAM solution

No computer skills are required to use TopSolid’Wood software. TOPSOLID, to make life easier for the company and its employees, includes in its CAD/CAM software offer comprehensive training for its users, and offers unlimited customer support free of charge for 6 months. The software solution’s intuitive interface allows you to get started quickly, regardless of your initial skill level. After using the software over time, the user makes the most of it by customizing it according to his specific needs: the CAD/CAM solution evolves with the professional.

 

3. A customizable software tool to increase productivity

As the CAD/CAM solution evolves with the professional, productivity increases accordingly. By choosing a solution that can be customized at an early stage, the company is able to integrate all the new data into the manufacturing process over time.

 

4. An open solution to improve performance

Saving time while ensuring a pristine work quality is the major advantage of open software. With TopSolid, the company automatically imports and exports all types of files from its suppliers and customers. This process saves time – no need to redo the work several times, to enter data to be exported, etc. – and at the same time reduces the risk of human error. The company’s performance increases considerably.    

A good design and manufacturing software must adapt over time, without limit, to the evolution of the company. It is in this context that TOPSOLID thinks about its TopSolid CAD/CAM solutions. Thanks to TopSolid’Wood software, an open and customizable solution, professionals in the wood industry are able to develop their products without being limited by software issues. With the same objective of productivity, the TopSolid’Wood CAD/CAM solution also offers the opportunity to preserve valuable know-how and specific business expertise.

 

 

TopSolid CAD/CAM Product Range

 

TOPSOLID is to date the only publisher to offer this innovative integrated solution. Indispensable for saving time, reducing the margin of error, securing and improving processes, TopSolid’s products offer a significant competitive advantage. Discover the software adapted to your needs.

TopSolid’Design at the service of Métallerie Letourneau

TopSolid’Design at the service of Métallerie Letourneau

6 May 2019 | CAD, Steel

Métallerie Letourneau company manufactures metalworking for individuals and industries. Equipped with TopSolid’Design since 2015, the company designs all of its productions using the CAD software from the French editor. A software that is perfectly adapted to the needs of the company since it allows it to meet the specific expectations and requirements of each of its customers.

Do you specialize in the construction of metal structures? Are you looking for a software that is both simple and efficient, allowing you to manage numerous projects?

Find out why Métallerie Letourneau chose TopSolid and how it perfectly meets the company’s quality requirements.

 

Métallerie Letourneau, an expert in the manufacture of metal structures

 

Specialized in the production of metal structures, from computer-aided design to installation, Métallerie Letourneau offers customized solutions to manufacturers, architects as well as individuals and communities. The company designs various and varied equipment for the interior design of traditional homes, architects’ houses, industrial premises and local authority buildings.

Founded in 2010 by Simon Letourneau, its current manager, and now made up of a dozen people, the company located in the Burgundy region, manages all types of metalwork manufacturing projects, from the simplest to the most complex.

 

Variety of services offered by Métallerie Letourneau

 

The SME offers a wide range of services, constantly adapted to each of its customers; it builds and installs metal structures intended for the development of their interior and exterior spaces: staircases, gates, doors, railings, pergolas, awnings, glass partitions, etc.

Surrounded by a team of seasoned experts, the young manager in his thirties, creates unique, tailor-made and personalized equipment, integrating various materials (steel, aluminum, stainless steel, etc.). And to provide a turnkey solution and impeccable quality to its customers, the company frequently collaborates with all areas of the building industry. The manager models the different parts in the design department and creates the assemblies, all using the latest version of TopSolid’Design.

Even if the “functional” aspect of their equipment is essential, it undoubtedly has a decorative purpose; as a result, Métallerie Letourneau makes it a point of designing resolutely aesthetic works that will blend in perfectly with their customers’ interior designs and the architecture of the building.

Providing a wide range of services is an asset for the company, but it also represents a real challenge: the engineers must be able to bring to life all the equipment previously imagined for their customers.

 

TopSolid’Design: the ideal software to design large-scale metal structures 

To date, the company uses TopSolid’Design CAD software to design all their parts and assemblies; this software solution allows them to manage all types of projects, from the most classic to the most ambitious; thanks in particular to the large assembly management feature, the company can manage the modeling of very large assemblies.

Before making his choice, the head of the metalworking company analyzed the CAD software market at length. What he was looking for above all, was a simple to use, intuitive software that would allow him to manage all his customers’ projects. He also needed a robust solution with extensive and powerful design along with simulation capabilities.

TopSolid’Design is both simple and very powerful. Its intuitive interface guarantees its users a quick start and easy and optimal use, without unnecessary waste of time. This tool includes an infinite number of features that allow it to manage complex projects.

This solution has the advantage of being very ergonomic: thanks to its dashboard listing the latest documents and current projects, you have an overview of your current projects at a glance. Moreover, to design your sheet metal parts and assemblies, you will appreciate its sparse, very functional and customizable interface which is adapted to your needs; you can easily add or remove some features, as you wish, to lighten the interface.

Securing your designs was an asset that seduced the Burgundy company. The design of your parts is fully secured thanks to the integrated PDM (Product Data Management) which will ensure the complete management of all your data. You do not lose any information, all data is saved, no matter how it is manipulated or modified.

This application manages all files, links between parts and assemblies as well as all the changes made to the project: if you move a file, rename the documents, everything is saved automatically.

TopSolid’s integrated PDM allows you to manage large-scale projects with complete peace of mind. Let’s say you want to go back to the original project for some reason. With TopSolid’s integrated PDM solution, you are protected against data loss: you can restore an earlier version or recover the original version. You can easily reuse elements from other designs to re-inject them into other projects, which guarantees exceptional productivity benefits.

For Métallerie Letourneau, this integrated solution was a decisive factor in the final choice: convinced of the importance of data security, the company was immediately reassured.

 

Conclusion 

It is a great satisfaction for TOPSOLID to see that the software allows Métallerie Letourneau to access various and varied markets, and to be able to respond to the demands and quality requirements of major customers such as SNCF.

Do you want to acquire a simple, intuitive and efficient CAD software?

Do not hesitate to ask for a demonstration of the software: you will see for yourself that this software is ideal for designing and producing any type of work.

 

TopSolid CAD/CAM Product Range

TOPSOLID is to date the only publisher to offer this innovative integrated solution. TopSolid products are essential for saving time, reducing the margin of error, securing and improving processes. They provide a significant competitive advantage. Discover now the software adapted to your business.

How TOPSOLID supports you throughout the process of using your CAD/CAM software

How TOPSOLID supports you throughout the process of using your CAD/CAM software

6 May 2019 | CAD, CAD/CAM, CAM, Machining

From its implementation to its handling, the roll-out of a CAD/CAM software within the company is a major project, which requires the mobilization of human resources over time. Aware of this central issue, TOPSOLID places support and proximity to its customers at the heart of its value. In doing so, the CAD/CAM software solution publisher enables the company to overcome the obstacle of complexity inherent in the implementation of tools that are essential to its development. The company makes sure that its project is completed more quickly. How does this proximity translate? How does TOPSOLID support TopSolid users in the long term? Explanations.

How TOPSOLID supports you throughout the process of using your CAD/CAM software

Support starting from the preliminary phase of the CAD/CAM project

 

 A CAD/CAM project is carried out in several stages. In advance, the company defines its objectives and establishes its specifications in order to choose the most suitable solution. This step can be difficult for the company: what are the business specificities to be taken into account when choosing the software? What features are required to get the maximum benefits from the tool? Managers do not necessarily have an outside perspective of their business, nor do they necessarily have an in-depth knowledge of the workings of CAD/CAM software.

This is why TOPSOLID deploys its teams to your company even before choosing a software.

A sales representative and a specialized technician will have a meeting with you in order to identify the technical and economic constraints related to your project and/or business, and will therefore explain your technical requirements.

Your technical requirements and the necessary budget are then evaluated.

At the end of this meeting, a second meeting is organized at your location in order to make a customized presentation to your teams. The demonstration/presentation is adapted according to the requirements jointly determined during the first meeting. You are able to make an informed decision when choosing your tool by discovering how it works and the benefits of a customized solution for your company’s needs.

Installing a CAD/CAM software is a long-term investment, therefore it is essential to choose the most suitable solution: this is what TOPSOLID allows you to do thanks to its support and personalized advice starting from the preliminary stage of your project.

 

Certified training for your teams in our TOPSOLID agencies

Each TopSolid offer includes a comprehensive training course provided to your users at a TOPSOLID agency. The publisher of TopSolid products has at least five agencies in France, for  beneficial geographical proximity. Paris, Nancy, Nantes, Lyon or Toulouse: you can deploy your training teams in the agency of your choice.

TopSolid training courses are recognized by the French State and are saved in the CNCP inventory. Being holders of recognized certification, your teams have significant added value and firmly expand their field of expertise. The company is reaping considerable benefits.

Do you have specific constraints? TopSolid course instructors can travel to your location: a dedicated consultant will visit your company directly for whatever period of time is required to successfully deploy and configure your solution and at the same time, ensure that your teams are efficiently trained.

Expert advisers available by telephone to answer any question

Holder of a CAD/CAM software license, you can benefit from unlimited customer support for a minimum period of 6 months via the TOPSOLID hotline. You can therefore benefit from direct and priority contact with professionals based in France: thanks to a competent and responsive customer service, able to individually monitor your portfolio, you are supported in the initial stages of the implementation of your CAD/CAM solution. This form of telephone support is reassuring: the teams using the TopSolid tools know that they can rely on experts if ever there are any questions, doubts or difficulties whatsoever.

Your project is implemented in the best conditions, quickly and efficiently.

 Please note: using the hotline services is an opportunity for TOPSOLID to identify the recurring problems of its customers. TopSolid products can therefore be regularly updated and improved in line with the requirements and needs of users expressed during their conversations with customer service representatives. Thanks to its close relationship with customers, TOPSOLID is able to offer even more efficient and better adapted solutions.

 

Maintenance throughout the duration of your CAD/CAM license for long-term relationship

At the end of the six-month free hotline service, you can opt for a specific maintenance contract. You will have unlimited access to a dedicated customer support for the duration of your license agreement. This contract also gives you access to every new version of the software, thus guaranteeing the sustainability of your investment.

 At the same time, TOPSOLID offers you access to the new training courses that are essential in the context of the development of your TopSolid CAD/CAM software. You should provide your users with certified training each year.

TOPSOLID is the only player on the market to offer an integrated modeling (CAD), manufacturing (CAM) solution via its TopSolid products. Beyond in-depth business expertise, TOPSOLID develops its close relationship with its customers on a daily basis. This is essential to develop CAD/CAM software in accordance with the user needs. TOPSOLID sets itself apart by supporting its customers in the field and offering a personalized consulting service throughout all phases when implementing their CAD/CAM software. This is why companies of all sizes have trusted TOPSOLID and have entrusted it with their projects for more than a quarter of a century. From small and medium sized companies to large groups, every company has a lot to gain from implementing innovative tools internally. TOPSOLID allows you to access it. Take a look at some of our loyal customers.

TopSolid CAD/CAM Product Range