CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
3 September 2012
Implementation Investments
PWO Selects NX CAM from Siemens PLM Software to Manufacture Components for "The Cars of Tomorrow"
Progress-Werk Oberkirch AG (PWO) is now using Siemens PLM Software’s NX™ software for its manufacturing processes. Specifically, PWO selected NX CAM for its functionality and real-time manufacturing simulation, enabling a reduction in processing times and error rates in the manufacturing process. PWO has used Siemens PLM Software’s Solid Edge® software with synchronous technology as its CAD solution for several years. The combination of compatible CAD and CAM technology allows PWO to integrate its processes on a single platform to ultimately increase productivity and process efficiency.
PWO develops and manufactures high-tech mechanical components from steel, stainless steel and aluminum that are used in vehicle electrical and electronic systems, as well as in safety components in the airbag and the steering mechanism, and as lightweight structures in the body and chassis. The CAM software PWO previously used to manufacture these components was no longer meeting the company's requirements, so a benchmark was initiated among several software providers. In the end, PWO selected Siemens PLM Software’s solutions to enable increased productivity and efficiency across its entire product development and manufacturing process.
As documented in various case studies, the use of NX CAM allows for cuts in processing times and for fewer errors in simulation. This helps avoid post-processing errors and duplication of production steps, which saves time and increases efficiency. NX also includes synchronous technology which allows components to be imported from a variety of third-party CAD systems and to be processed immediately. Another argument in favor of NX CAM is the compatibility of the system with Solid Edge. The consistency of the solution allows for improved and faster access to data, increasing productivity and process efficiency.
"The result of the CAM benchmark was apparent to us quite quickly. The consistency of the solution and the reduced error rate makes our work so much easier. We can thus better utilize our manufacturing employees and make optimal use of all our resources,” says Ralf Fischer, who is in charge of all CAx (CAD/CAM/CAE) systems at PWO. "With Siemens PLM Software, we also know that we can count on top quality support in Germany and abroad. As we have sites worldwide manufacturing components for the cars of tomorrow, that is, of course, particularly important for us.”
PWO has plants in Canada, China, Czech Republic, Germany, and Mexico. In the coming years, the company plans to align all of the sites through the use of one PLM system.
"It is absolutely essential to be able to rely on your design software, particularly for such delicate, almost invisible components like those that PWO manufactures," says Urban August, senior vice president and managing director for Germany at Siemens PLM Software. “Using Solid Edge in combination with NX CAM enables PWO to have an integrated process – from the tool design to the CNC machine – on a single platform, resulting in greater efficiency, speed, and above all, safety.”
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