When you talk to Michael Trenkle, mechanical engineer, about his automatic tool changer design, you might lose yourself in the details. 

He’ll tell you about speed and accuracy down to the micron, and about how he ensures his subassembly interfaces with others in this 5000-part 3D model. He’ll describe the challenges of laying out piping and cabling for the oil, coolants, and the pneumatic air that runs through the system.

All of it is fascinating from a design and engineering perspective.

But while Trenkle sweats the small stuff, in another country, someone waits for the finished machine. That someone has contracts with robotics, automotive, and agricultural machinery companies, and a reputation for precision to uphold. That someone supports employees, a busy shop floor, and even apprentices from the local community.

The truth is, most of us participate in a larger supply chain, whether we’re the customer, the software vendor, the OEM, or the subcontractor’s subcontractor.

Roland Köchl, design team lead

In the video below, we take you to the company where Trenkle works, DMG MORI, a global manufacturer of machine tools, turning centers, lathes, ultrasonic and laser machines.

Then you’ll cross the border, from Germany to Austria, where Metalltechnik Vils  machines precision parts for brand names like Bosch, Georg Fischer, Trumpf, Swarowksi, and others—using equipment from DMG MORI.

Where does PTC Creo fit in? We’re the software DMG MORI uses to build the machines…that build the machines… that build the machines. “By using PTC Creo, skeleton models, layouts, parametric family of parts, simulation and cabling features, we quickly create detailed models from concepts and ensure we minimize any need for physical prototyping,” says Trenkle. “We are more flexible in what ideas we explore.”

Creo model from DMG Mori (Source: Video)

For example, with PTC Creo Simulate, engineers optimized DMG MORI’s latest duoBLOCK® design for dynamic and static masses.

“We reduced the dynamic mass (mass of moving parts) by 50% and increased the static mass. This results in higher stability, long-term precision and lower overall energy usage,” says design team lead Roland Köchl.

And with PTC Creo View MCAD, the engineering team no longer needs to create 2D technical drawings. “There’s no need for them,” says Reinhard Musch, head of manufacturing for DECKEL MAHO. “The 3D model is significantly easier for teams to understand, is precise, and can be directly used for manufacturing – it’s very efficient.”

 But now we’re getting into the details again, aren’t we? Watch to see the inside of both companies:

You can also read more about these companies and the solutions they use in our expanded customer story.

Top Seven Reasons to Choose PTC Creo

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