Multiple equipment makers behind open machine-to-machine communication protocol
The Internet of Things (IoT) generates lots of discussion in the popular press these days. Where innovations really count however, such as advanced manufacturing, there’s a usable standard that’s available now. It’s called MTConnect, an open, royalty-free standard that will allow greater interoperability between both devices and software applications. MTConnect creates an open channel of communication for plug-and-play interconnectivity between devices, equipment and systems, allowing sources to exchange and understand each other’s data. This common communication is facilitated by XML and HTTP technology to provide real-time data throughout a factory. It’s all about productivity, and with an open standard, manufacturers can choose from off-the-shelf communications protocols, or develop custom systems to suit their processes.
MTConnect: organized, managed development
The MTConnect Institute (a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization) has been established to further the development of the MTConnect standard and publish related materials. The organization includes a Board of Trustees, a Technical Advisory Group (TAG), Technical Steering Committee, as well as various working groups to further the standard in specific technology areas. Any company or organization can be a member and aid in furthering the development of the standard by joining the TAG. Membership is free, simply requiring agreement to the MTConnect Intellectual Property Policy.
Latest release adds new user features
The latest release of the MTConnect standard, V.1.3.0 also includes the new MTConnect User Portal, a community site for implementation best practices and shared experiences about implementation of the standard, located at www.MTCup.org.
“The addition of version 1.3.0 of the MTConnect standard is a huge step forward for manufacturing and MTConnect. With 1.3.0, we can expect a new level of innovation and capabilities from manufacturing software vendors because of the ease of access to shop floor data MTConnect affords the industry,” said Courtney Hill, President and Chairman of the MTConnect Institute Board.
Almost any type of equipment can use the MTConnect standard. OMAX waterjet systems, for example, can be connected and remotely monitored with MTConnect compliant software.
See it in action in Chicago
The fourth edition of the MTConnect conference, [MC]2 will take place at Chicago’s McCormick Place, presented by the AMT (Association For Manufacturing Technology) and the MTConnect Institute. The conference will run from April 28-30, 2015 and will feature multiple experts and digital manufacturing though leaders. The conference theme is “Enabling Digital Manufacturing.” Topics covered at the conference will include:
- Digital manufacturing, Industrial Internet of Things, and Industry 4.0
- Product optimization and maintenance, including manufacturing intelligence, smart machines, big data, predictive analytics, and predictive maintenance
- Supply chain and intra-logistical visibility
- Quality management
- Enablers of the Industrial Internet of Things, including interoperability standards and sensor technologies
- Industrial cybersecurity
- Case studies and lessons learned
Real world applictions of the standard will also be on display, such as Mazak’s iSMART factory concept. The protocol is a key enabler of the company’s iSMART Factory concept as well as its SMOOTH TECHNOLOGY platform that encompasses the new Mazak MAZATROL SmoothX machine tool CNC and new version 1.3 MTConnect-specification adaptors.
“MTConnect-enabled digital manufacturing is the future, which is why Mazak supports and promotes the standard and participates in the (MC)2 event,” said Brian Papke, president of Mazak Corporation. “At our Kentucky factory, we have long demonstrated a commitment to growth and technological advancement, with a critical part of that strategy being MTConnect and plant-wide connectivity, automation and optimized production flow. While, in turn, we also provide our customers the ability to establish their own extensive and open channels of communication for plug-and-play interconnectivity between devices, equipment and systems to improve their operational efficiency and to optimize productivity.”
Mazak is an example of a machine builder that endorses, and uses MTConnect. 40 machines in the firm’s Kentucky plant are networked with the standard.
Mazak’s iSMART Factory concept uses advanced manufacturing cells and systems together with full digital integration to achieve free-flow data sharing in terms of process control and operation monitoring. The MTConnect open communications protocol works with process support software and provides connectivity and the capability for Mazak to monitor then harvest data from all its different production floor machines, cells, devices and processes.
For more information on or to register for the (MC)2 MTConnect Conference, please visit www.mtconnectconference.org.
