Top 10 Machine Tool Apps
04.15.2015
As we enter the age of the machine tool app, it’s fascinating to see which apps are gaining the most traction, from a usage standpoint. When we launched the Okuma App Store (www.myokuma.com) in August 2014, we offered 21 apps. Today there are 31, with more being added on a regular basis. We designed the App Store with one primary goal: to empower Okuma users so you can continuously enhance CNC machine processes and productivity. Apps help you grow your business, reduce overall costs, and even compensate for a scarcity of skilled labor. So which apps are people grabbing most often? Here’s a snapshot – the Top Ten Machine Tool Apps, based on downloads in March 2015.
Top 10 Machine Tool Apps
(March 2015 Downloads)
- Okuma MTConnect Agent & Adapter
This app sends data to connected MTConnect agents when data are changed. Okuma’s MTConnect Adapter continuously monitors machine data that are selected in the Tags configuration of the application. As a result, machine data is available to any MTConnect-compliant software packages.
- SCOUT
SCOUT stands for System Compatibility Output Utility, and it’s designed to quickly identify if your CNC machine is compatible with App Store apps. All applications have certain system requirements, and SCOUT takes the burden off the user to determine which apps are compatible.
- Machine Alert
Machine Alert allows the user to assign machine alarms to be sent via email or text message, so CNC machine operations can be monitored remotely.
- STEP-NC Machine®
This app enables machining directly from a 3D model instead of antiquated G-codes. When machining from models you can check and correct programs in real time.
- Renishaw GUI for Mills
The Renishaw GUI is a user interface for use with Renishaw’s Inspection Plus, EasySet and tool setting software. It allows cycles to be selected with minimal user input.
- OSP Variables Manager
This application is meant to be a more user-friendly interface for common variables. It allows the user to focus on only the variables that are important, with the possibility to associate a comment for each variable.
- Okuma OSP Message
Have you ever used the command M00 to program stop and put in text for what the CNC operator should do next? This easy-to-use application offers a better way. The app reads the text inside the parentheses of your M00 command and displays it as a prompt on the CNC screen.
- OSP Alarm Notifier
The OSP Alarm Notifier, developed by Morris Midwest, is an application that enables you to receive Okuma machine tool alarm messages via email, along with a screen shot of the current state of the CNC controller. If you're running lights out, or just need to leave the shop for a few hours, this is the perfect app to keep you connected to the shop floor.
- Sandvik Milling Calculator
The Milling Calculator from Sandvik Coromant is designed to support engineers, programmers and machinists when working with milling tools. This includes machining calculations and cost calculations. You can also compare two different solutions to see the effect of changed cutting parameters.
- Screen Blocker
Many shops use a piece of paper to cover the control screen so they can alert shop workers to “stay away” while a maintenance function is being performed. Screen Blocker is better than paper, because it does more than merely cover the screen – it prevents people from accessing the control screen by using password protection.
The apps offered at www.myokuma.com have been developed by Okuma, our distributors, and members of Partners in THINC. They address common process scenarios amongst machine shops, and provide the easiest way to get started with machine tool apps. But the opportunity is even bigger than that. Due to the open architecture of Okuma’s OSP control, you customize an app that no one else has, for your own unique requirements. This gives you an immediate productivity advantage while enabling you to become more competitive. We encourage you to try out machine tool apps – before your competitors do.
Learn More: Read the blog post by Okuma America President & COO Jim King, “Machine Tool Apps: The Next Great Frontier.”
Which apps are you using? Better yet, which ones would you like to have? Please comment below and share your thoughts. If you’d like help getting started with machine tool apps, contact us, or your local distributor, and we’ll help you take advantage of these productivity-enhancers.
Discover the potential
The open possibilities created by our App Store empower you to customize your Okuma machine to increase productivity and profitability.
