BMW AG has introduced OPEN MIND Technologies AG, developer of the CAM system hyperMILL, as one of its CAD/CAM software suppliers. Following multi-phase benchmark tests, the modular hyperMILL complete CAM solution won over the IT department at the BMW Group and the experts in tool engineering, prototyping and series production. As a result, BMW departments and plants all over the world can now use the high-endhyperMILL CAD/CAM system.

 The results of the benchmark tests revealed that thanks to the exceptional advantages of the hyperMILL CAM solution, BMW AG has introduced OPEN MIND as a permanent CAD/CAM software supplier. The IT department, the specialist tool engineering and prototyping departments as well as serial production see hyperMILL as an intuitive, high-end CAD/CAM system with a high degree of technical fulfilment. BMW plants around the world can now select and employ hyperMILL in consultation with IT headquarters.

The selection process
18 months ago, the central IT department of the BMW Group began searching for a new CAD/CAM system. The goal was to find a CAD/CAM solution with a high level of coverage for the many different NC application areas in the specialist departments. This resulted in a comprehensive technical evaluation and a cost-benefit analysis for all participants in the benchmark tests together with the specialist departments.

Intensive benchmark tests
In the autumn of 2014, the BMW Group invited OPEN MIND and five other CAD/CAM manufacturers to take part in benchmark tests. A multi-phase selection procedure saw the CAD/CAM systems undergo intensive testing in the following main categories: ‘tool making’, ‘series production’, ‘prototyping’ and the internal BMW category ‘CAM light’. This was followed by a technical evaluation based on presentations and programming tasks. To make the shortlist, the system had to successfully pass the economic evaluation. OPEN MIND came out on top thanks to the technical and economic benefits of hyperMILL. This cleared the way for the pilot phase with milling tests in early 2015. Users from the specialist departments at BMW M GmbH, Material testing, Tooling in Munich and Dingolfing were provided with training and began to use the OPEN MIND system to programme components and tools.

High standards
hyperMILL is a modular CAM solution that integrates a comprehensive concept for 2D, 3D as well as 5axis milling/mill turning and machining operations like high-speed and high-performance cutting (HSC and HPC) in one interface. Complete machining with just one CAM software and one postprocessor for all turning and milling processes results in integrated processes and minimised machining times.

Automated CAM programming
Automation represents the highest degree of perfection in CAD/CAM systems. At BMW, the trimming dies for the automation task were selected in the benchmark tests. The task was to create NC programs automatically for ten trimming dies. “We defined an optimised process for these trimming dies and at the push of a button, it’s possible to reproduce these best practices on any of these geometries,” says Martin Herrmann, Product Development Manager at OPEN MIND. “In terms of automation, we are not only able to significantly reduce programming times, we can also create NC programs that guarantee perfect, highly optimised machining quality,” adds Volker Nesenhöner, CEO at OPEN MIND Technologies AG. The programming times and milling results achieved won over the specialist departments at the BMW Group.

Kennametal Inc announced that the company was among three suppliers recognized at the 2014 BMW Supplier Innovation Awards in the productivity category.

Kennametal, the only tooling supplier to be nominated for the award, also was recognized for more than 30 years of partnership with BMW. Among reasons BMW cited for the honor was innovative new tooling that increased productivity in the manufacture of engine blocks at BMW’s Steyr, Austria production facility. Kennametal devotes an engineered solutions team to collaborate with BMW on such productivity-enhancing refinements.

“We are honored to have been recognized among more than 200 suppliers at BMW’s supplier awards,” said Gérald Goubau, vice president and general manager of Kennametal’s tooling business. “It is a great affirmation and reminder of our mission to provide innovation that customers value; something we strive to do every day.”

The BMW Group considers innovation the foundation of a company’s economic success and future competitiveness. The only way to master the challenges ahead for the automobile industry is through a high level of creativity and inventiveness. The BMW Group therefore recognizes its most innovative suppliers as key partners who play a crucial role in the successful implementation of new developments. The Supplier Innovation Award is designed to pay tribute to their achievements.