Q5D, a prominent manufacturer of wire harness automation equipment tailored for additive manufacturing, has recently clinched a noteworthy grant totaling £918,169. This funding is earmarked for the continued advancement of the software that propels the CY1000 wiring automation robot, which was unveiled earlier this year.
In collaboration with key partners, namely the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), an esteemed independent research and technology organization, and Emixa, a digital transformation specialist and leading Siemens Partner in Europe, Q5D aims to propel the development of the CY1000’s software to new heights.
The CY1000, a cutting-edge 5-axis CNC robotic handling cell, revolutionizes the process of integrating electrical wiring and terminations into products. With the potential to deliver productivity improvements ranging from 5X to 10X, this innovative solution boasts a range of distinctive features.
Of particular note is its groundbreaking ‘Electrical Function Integration’ technology, which eliminates the need for cumbersome and costly wiring harnesses. This not only enhances flexibility for product designers but also slashes manufacturing and supply chain costs and mitigates associated risks. Furthermore, the machine offers precision polymer deposition and deposition of conductive inks, allowing for intricate operations on complex-shaped surfaces.
The seamless operation of such intricate functionalities necessitates advanced software solutions. The grant will facilitate the next phase of software development, focusing on three interconnected layers: Machine control, User Interface (UI), and CAD/CAM integration.
While Q5D handles the in-house development of machine control and UI, Emixa has spearheaded the creation of post processors tailored for Siemens NX CAD/CAM software. These processors are pivotal in creating a digital twin of the hardware and generating the requisite machine code to control it based on CAD designs.
Although the software is currently operational, its full potential is yet to be realized. Streamlining the workflow from design to manufacturing and enhancing user accessibility are paramount goals in the upcoming development phase. This entails simplifying interfaces to cater to non-expert customers.
The project is poised to usher in a new era of software sophistication, paving the way for successful deployment at the Manufacturing Technology Centre. Scheduled to run until December 31, 2024, this collaborative endeavor promises to unlock unprecedented capabilities, empowering end-user companies with cutting-edge solutions poised to redefine manufacturing paradigms.