From AI philosophy to DELMIA implementation
AI in machining means algorithms that learn from machining data to optimize toolpaths, parameters, and help make decisions—choosing better tools, feeds, speeds, and strategies based on experience encoded in data, not just rules.
This aligns directly with the decision infrastructure from our foundational guide:
- Virtual twins: Model how machining should behave
- Knowledge platforms: Turn tribal knowledge into digital capital
- Virtual companions: Structure reasoning with AI; humans arbitrate trade‑offs
- Generative experience: embedding AI in the process
DELMIA Machining delivers this infrastructure today across transportation, industrial equipment, and aerospace & defense manufacturing. Here’s how:
1. Virtual Twin: Complete NC cell simulation
A machining virtual twin goes beyond static 3D geometry. DELMIA Machining models:
- Machine kinematics + constraints (axis limits, spindle dynamics, spindle speeds, accelerations)
- Cutting tools + cutting conditions (tool geometry, insert grades feed rates, depths of cut, cutting forces)
- Material behavior (workpiece properties, heat generation, surface quality)
- Real machining data (vibration, power consumption, cycle deviations)
Key capability: Program and simulate all NC cells end‑to‑end.
- Improve machine tending through full work cell simulation
- Connect to virtual controllers (NC controller software in the loop for realistic behavior)
- Validate before cutting: Collision detection, reachability, cycle time estimation
This creates the “should” behavior foundation that AI builds upon.
2. Knowledge & Know‑How Platform: NC Knowledge Manager
DELMIA’s NC Knowledge Manager captures and operationalizes machining expertise:
What it captures:
- Company standards and rules
- Tooling and parameter libraries
- Cutting strategies and best practices
What it delivers:
- Assure standards across teams and plants
- Avoid programming mistakes
- Reduce training time for new programmers
- Minimize knowledge loss when experts retire
This becomes the digital capital that powers AI‑assisted decisions.
3. Generative Tool Path: AI‑Driven Automation
DELMIA Machining’s Generative Tool Path implements core AI‑assisted capabilities available today:
Feature Recognition
Retrieve proven programming from similar parts via:
- Automatic feature detection (pockets, contours, holes, bosses)
- Part family matching
- Constraint‑preserving transfer across machining cells
Result: Programming time slashed for repeat/variant parts without starting from scratch.
See it in action: Watch automatic detection of part families and proven program transfer across machining cells.
Demo 1: Feature Recognition
Optimize Parameters
AI‑driven parameter optimization for:
- Alternate toolpath strategies for roughing and pocketing
- Stepover within safe envelopes, and different strategies such as concentric, parallel contour etc
- Balancing cycle time vs tool life
Result: 30–70% cycle time reduction while protecting tools and machines.
See it in action: See AI‑driven parameter optimization balance cycle time, tool life, and surface finish in real time.
Demo 2: Optimize Parameters
Automatic Programming from Know‑How
Generate complete programs from:
- Feature recognition + predefined criteria
- Company standards and tool queries
- Axial and prismatic operation, as well as finishing automation
Result: 40–75% programming time reduction for standards‑compliant parts.
Current reality check: Generic geometries (holes, basic pockets) work perfectly. Complex user features may require multiple know‑how cells—but standards are preserved.
See it in action: Observe complete program generation from company standards and feature recognition.
Demo 3: Automatic Programming from Know‑How
4. Virtual Companion: From Chatbot to Virtual Companion
DELMIA’s virtual companion sits alongside programmers, providing:
Today:
- Context‑aware operation suggestions
- Documentation and standards lookup
- Automatic summary of shared expert knowledge inside the company
How it works:
- Analyzes part geometry + manufacturing constraints
- Surfaces relevant knowledge (similar parts, proven templates)
- Proposes strategies with trade‑off analysis
- Documents reasoning for audit/compliance
Critical: The programmer remains the decision‑maker. The companion structures options; humans arbitrate trade‑offs.
Additional developments are underway to make the product even more powerful and user-friendly.
5. Measurable outcomes across industries
DELMIA Machining customers see (aligned with industry benchmarks):
Programming Efficiency:
- 40–75% NC programming time reduction (automatic programming + feature recognition)
- 1,000+ hours saved annually per shop (high‑mix production)
Machine Performance:
- 30–70% cycle time reduction (feed & speed optimization)
- Extended cutting tool life through learned parameter envelopes
Process Quality:
- Reduced scrap/rework via standards enforcement
- Consistent quality across programmers/shifts/plants
- Faster ramp‑up for newer team members
Target industries (transportation/mobility, industrial equipment, A&D):
- Transportation: Frequent design changes → feature recognition shines
- Industrial Equipment: High‑mix prismatic → know‑how reuse scales
- A&D: Complex multi‑axis → full virtual twin validation critical
6. The DELMIA difference: End‑to‑end infrastructure
Unlike parameter automation tools that bolt AI onto existing workflows, DELMIA Machining builds the complete decision infrastructure:
| Capability | Parameter Tools | DELMIA Machining |
| Virtual Twin | Basic kinematics | Full NC cell simulation |
| Knowledge | Static templates | Live know‑how platform |
| Companion | None | Context‑aware copilot |
| Generative Experience | Limited | Execution data feedback |
Table 1: Parameter tools vs. DELMIA’s complete infrastructure
7. Get started today
Ready to implement AI‑assisted CAM programming with full infrastructure?
- Start with NC Knowledge Manager: Capture your current standards
- Enable Generative Tool Path: Automate feature recognition + optimization
- Validate with virtual twin: Full NC cell simulation before cutting
- Learn continuously: Feed execution data back into the system
Learn the philosophy → AI‑Assisted CAM Programming
See it in action → Request DELMIA Machining Demo
Contact → Get the answers to your questions
Conclusion
DELMIA Machining doesn’t just add AI features—it delivers the complete decision infrastructure that makes AI work in production.
From virtual twins that model “should” behavior to knowledge platforms that capture tribal wisdom, from virtual companions that structure options to AI that learns “actual” outcomes—every element works together.
The result: 40–75% programming time reduction, 30–70% cycle time improvement, and manufacturing intelligence that compounds as your organization learns.
The future of CAM: Programmers focused on trade‑offs, not trial‑and‑error.
DELMIA Machining is an advanced, CATIA/SOLIDWORKS-native CAM solution designed for complex multi-axis machining in aerospace & defense, automotive, industrial technology, combining AI-assisted programming with full process control to reduce NC programming time while maintaining production-grade reliability.
DELMIA Fabrication Roles Portfolio Director