Different technology stacks are used for machine connectivity interfaces across the industry, ranging from self-developed REST APIs to data models like MTConnect. 3YOURMIND uses the OPCUA/umati standard to harmonize this data. Despite our efforts, the support for our desired Use Cases varies based on the technologies (and their implementations). Find out more below:

Use case coverage: Some technologies/interfaces support more of our Use Cases than others. Most vary due to their lack of standardization.

Standardized data: If the technology/interface provides a standardized data representation, the mapping to umati is more consistent and allows plug&play of machines.

Usage within AM: Is the technology/interface used within the AM industry and is provided by different machine types and vendors?

Extendable: In order to implement further use cases a technology/interface needs to provide some kind of extendability.

Real-time data: Some technologies/interfaces do not publish data changes automatically which may result in the loss of data between requests.

2-way-operational: Automation requires data to be pulled from a machine but also pushing control instructions or job files to it.

Safety: Most technologies/interfaces come with encryption and multi-layer authentication and authorization processes. Those marked with may or may not support those based on the implementation.

Complexity: A less complex technology may be easier to implement but lacks a lot of functionality needed within an industrial environment.

 

OPC/UA + umati CS

OPC/UA (custom)

REST API (Octoprint)

REST API (custom)

MTConnect

MQTT
(currently not supported)

Use case coverage

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standardized data

 

Usage within AM

Extendable

 

 

 

 

 

Real-time data

2-way-operational

 

 

 

Safety

 

 

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Complexity