From parts manufacturer to strategic partner.

Focus industries such as aviation and space, medical, and mobility depend on reliable and technically skilled suppliers. The backbone of this supply industry is made up of small and medium-sized manufacturing service providers, known as job shops.

“Their challenge is to fulfil increasingly demanding orders under growing cost and deadline pressure. Productive machine running times, stable processes, and reduced changeover costs are therefore key success parameters. This work requires a high degree of flexibility and technical expertise,” explains Dr. Markus Glose, Head of Product Management at DMG MORI Bielefeld. He sees the reasons for this in shorter development cycles, greater product diversity, and increasingly complex precision components. “Added to this is an increased demand for skilled workers. Well-trained employees and versatile, high-performance manufacturing technologies are therefore essential to remain competitive.”

Job shops are transforming themselves from pure parts suppliers to solution partners – even in the manufacture of complex workpieces

Since job shops make up a significant portion of DMG MORI’s customer base, the machine tool manufacturer is very familiar with these challenges. As a partner to small and medium-sized businesses, it supports companies with both the necessary CNC technologies and numerous services, including training and continuing education for skilled workers.

Into the future of manufacturing with Machining Transformation (MX)
In view of the increasing demands placed on components and production processes, modern manufacturing solutions are a crucial basis for competitive business development.

“5-axis simultaneous milling and 6-sided complete machining on turn and mill centers are an important basis for efficient and quality-oriented manufacturing processes today because they drastically reduce throughput times and increase spindle running times,” explained Glose, citing the turn and mill centers of the CTX beta TC and CTX gamma TC series as examples.

“The multitasking machines turn, mill, and grind precision components for the automotive and energy sectors, among others. In addition, gear teeth can also be manufactured and components measured directly on the machine. Job shops benefit from this process integration through optimal machine utilisation, higher precision due to the elimination of changeover processes, and more energy-efficient production. This is because, given the high variety of components, setup times can account for 30 to 50 per cent of machine time without well-thought-out standardisation strategies.”

Demanding components and high-quality requirements are standard in numerous industries, and job shops must also meet these standards

Process integration is a cornerstone of Machining Transformation (MX). With this concept, DMG MORI is paving the way for the future of manufacturing. Other cornerstones include automation, Digital Transformation (DX), and Green Transformation (GX). According to Glose, the modernisation of machinery is often followed by automation.

“Pallet handling systems such as those in the modular PH Cell series or robot-based workpiece handling systems such as Robo2Go are particularly attractive for job shops because in many cases they can also be retrofitted at a later date.”

Most DMG MORI machines are available with optional interfaces. Automation solutions extend production into unmanned shifts and create space for skilled workers to perform qualified tasks in work preparation or quality control, an investment that usually pays for itself quickly.

Automation solutions such as Robo2Go – shown here on a CTX beta 450 TC – are an essential component of future-proof manufacturing systems for DMG MORI

End-to-end digitisation has similar effects
The DMG MORI portfolio ranges from software solutions for clear order planning and innovative programming tools to monitoring systems that support quality control and maintenance. DMG MORI facilitates entry into the digital world with the CELOS X manufacturing platform. The app-based system simplifies workshop-oriented programming, even for complex applications, while various tools optimise machine utilisation and increase energy efficiency.

Exploiting technological potential with professional expertise
Since the success of a company depends on good personnel, the promotion of skilled workers deserves special attention. Demographic change opens up opportunities. Young talents in particular can be inspired to pursue technology-based manufacturing professions. Digital working environments, modern learning systems, and flexible working models increase the attractiveness of CNC professions. Job shops that invest in training and qualification position themselves as preferred employers and secure a long-term knowledge advantage. The DMG MORI Academy is positioning itself precisely here with special training packages for training companies and a wide range of training courses covering all disciplines of CNC technology.

“In this way, we support our customers in staying up to date with the latest knowledge so that they can get the most out of future-proof manufacturing solutions,” said Dr. Markus Glose, explaining this commitment.

With the app-based manufacturing platform CELOS X, DMG MORI is creating a foundation for end-to-end digitalised production processes

Innovation driver of the industrial value chain
With optimised personnel and technological capacities, job shops have an ideal framework for further developing their range of services – from classic parts manufacturers to competent partners throughout the entire product development process. One example of this is design for manufacturing, an approach that takes machining options into account as early as the design stage. Comprehensive documentation of the manufacturing process is also becoming increasingly mandatory. Job shops secure their competitive position through sophisticated quality management and appropriate certifications.

DMG MORI supports job shops on their way to this new role, helping them to successfully master the transition from volume-oriented parts suppliers to flexible solution partners.

“The focus on the continuous development of personnel, manufacturing technologies, and business models also makes small businesses more resilient to influences such as climate change or geopolitical developments. DMG MORI’s extensive range of products and services creates a holistic ecosystem. It enables job shops to combine quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness at the highest level and to become a driver of innovation in the industrial value chain,” concluded Glose.