CloudNC has developed a world-first autonomous manufacturing technology, able to program CNC machines automatically using AI technology direct from CAD and is collaborating with DMG MORI to support its expansion and its aim to produce fully autonomous factories.
At the heart of the technological advance developed by CloudNC is the use of AI, advanced manufacturing processes and an industry-leading manufacturing culture. Cloud NC’s Theo Saville said: “We’re leveraging this software to produce components to aerospace-grade quality at breakthrough prices. Reduced cycle times and a total lack of CAM programming costs are just part of the picture. We’re building an all-encompassing Factory Operating System to automate and streamline all aspects of the precision manufacturing process.”
Proof of concept is taking place at CloudNC’s Factory 1 in Chelmsford, and it has agreed on a collaborative partnership with DMG MORI, to supply, install and maintain its CNC machine tools. Already the company has chosen the DMU 50 3rd Generation, 60 eVo linear and DMU 95 monoBlock platforms and is using Factory 1 as a testing ground for the machines, their configuration and its software and methods.
Theo continued: “We intend to replicate the successful configuration of Factory 1 at our future manufacturing plants, and we identified DMG MORI as a company capable of manufacturing and delivering the volume of advanced machinery we will require. It has an excellent reputation, an international presence and a support and service network which will match our plans to bring autonomous machining to market, regardless of where we go.”
With autonomous manufacture, CloudNC is making the future of manufacturing a reality. Up to now, metal additive manufacture has been seen as the future solution for high-value parts, but the technology is faced with significant problems such as speed, quality of finish and the need for post-manufacture machining operations to achieve the required accuracy.
Theo added: “Clearly, additive manufacture has its place for parts which are impossible or very difficult to manufacture with subtractive techniques. However, it is a niche application, and the technology we have developed will make it possible to manufacture simple to complex parts in any volume with no human intervention directly from the CAD data. Our Autonomous Machining Technology iterates through millions of possible manufacturing solutions for any part to find the optimum method, delivering the cost and time-saving benefits associated with mass production for small quantities. Perfect parts delivered in any quantity in a matter of days, on-time and to-spec every time, at half of today’s price will gradually become the status quo.
“This service is in beta testing across a range of clients, and we’re now expanding capacity to add more.”
Commenting on the partnership, Steve Finn, Managing Director of DMG MORI UK said: “CloudNC’s concept of an autonomous factory is very exciting and once realised will initiate a significant change in high-value part manufacture. We are delighted to be selected as the collaborative partner and, with our international support network and our machine building capacity we will be able to provide the level of service and support that this project requires.”
