Based on the modelling concepts this chapter introduces the “OPC UA Information Model for Metal Forming”. The model is based on the OPC UA model of machine tools, an instance of the Machine Tools specification can be used to describe the metal forming machines with their processes. This Information Model provides the ObjectTypes as illustrated in Figure 8. There are ObjectTypes used for structuring different functional working units, like the ProcessWorkingUnitType and FormingProcessWorkingUnitType and ObjectTypes which instances are part of them, like the FormingPositionsType and CyclicProcessValueType. In addition, there are extensions of the 8:BaseToolType (FormingToolType) and the 8:MultiToolType (FormingMultiToolType). Furthermore, this Information Model specifies types for condition reporting (FormingConditionClassType).

Figure 8 – ObjectType of "OPC UA Information Model for Metal Forming"

An example of a 8:MachineToolType instance with a Metal Forming extension is shown in Figure 9. Only the 8:MonitoringType and the 8:EquipmentType of the 8:MachineToolType are considered, as this is the relevant part of the extension. The example contains metal forming data and process data. A more detailed description of the data and process values is given in the object types (see clause 7). The example displays a metal forming machine with a cooling unit and a slide. The cooling unit is described in more detail by the ProcessWorkingUnitType. The slide is defined more closely by the FormingProcessWorkingUnitType in its position and processes. In the 8:EquipmentType in the example, two specific metal forming tools are defined by the FormingToolType and the FormingMultiToolType.

Figure 9 – Example of "OPC UA Information Model for Metal Forming"