Closing the Gap Between Engineering and the Shop Floor
In today’s fast-paced manufacturing environment, success depends on more than just cutting-edge machines—it requires seamless collaboration across design, engineering, and production. However, in many factories, the workflow from computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programming to the shop floor remains fragmented. NC programmers create toolpaths offline, but once the part reaches the machine, operators often face unexpected issues: missing tools, urgent schedule changes, or last-minute design revisions.
This disconnect can result in downtime, scrap, and costly delays.
Dassault Systèmes has addressed this challenge with DELMIA Shop Floor Machining (NC Shop Floor Programmer). Built on the 3DEXPERIENCE® platform, this solution empowers machinists and operators to create, validate, and adapt NC programs directly on the shop floor—without breaking enterprise standards.
What Is DELMIA Shop Floor Machining?
DELMIA Shop Floor Machining—also referred to as the NC Shop Floor Programmer—is a role within the DELMIA portfolio that gives shop-floor operators the tools they need to handle day-to-day NC programming tasks.
Traditionally, machinists rely heavily on upstream programmers. But this can slow down production when minor adjustments are needed at the machine. With DELMIA Shop Floor Machining, operators can:
- Program directly on the shop floor with a user-friendly CAM interface.
- Reuse proven strategies and templates developed by NC programmers.
- Stay connected to engineering data through the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
- Respond instantly to disruptions, such as tool unavailability or urgent jobs.
In short, DELMIA bridges the knowledge gap between engineering and machining operations.
Key Capabilities of DELMIA Shop Floor Machining
1. Intuitive Shop-Floor Programming
The NC Shop Floor Programmer provides an environment tailored for machinists—not CAD/CAM experts. Its interface is streamlined and focused on the needs of operators, enabling quick programming and editing without advanced CAM training.
This makes it possible to:
- Create toolpaths for 2.5-axis and 3-axis milling operations.
- Apply machining strategies with minimal clicks.
- Ensure programs are simulation-verified before execution.
Explore: DELMIA CNC Machining software overview
2. Powered by the 3DEXPERIENCE® Platform
One of the standout advantages is its integration with Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform. This delivers a single source of truth, connecting engineering and production data seamlessly.
- Shared Tool Libraries: Operators access the same tool libraries fromtool providers) as upstream programmers.
- Consistent Templates & Standards: Machinists don’t have to reinvent strategies—company best practices are embedded.
- Cloud Collaboration: Updates and edits are automatically synchronized across the enterprise.
This ensures everyone—from designers to machinists—works on validated, up-to-date data.
3. Knowledge Capitalization and Reuse
DELMIA Shop Floor Machining captures machining knowledge in the form of templates, feature recognition, and best-practice strategies. Operators can apply these with minimal effort, guaranteeing consistency even when multiple programmers or operators are involved.
For example:
- A template for pocket milling automatically applies the right feeds, speeds, and cutting strategies.
- Feature recognition ensures similar parts are programmed consistently.
This reduces the dependency on tribal knowledge and supports workforce transitions—critical as experienced machinists retire.
4. Fast Response to Real-World Changes
Manufacturing rarely goes exactly as planned. DELMIA empowers operators to adapt quickly without waiting for engineering:
- Tool missing? Operators can substitute with an available one while maintaining validated parameters.
- Urgent job? They can prioritize new parts without derailing existing production.
- Design revision? The platform propagates changes automatically, reducing reprogramming time.
The result: maximum spindle uptime and minimal downtime.
Benefits of DELMIA Shop Floor Machining
1. Reduced Errors and Scrap
Because operators work with validated data and templates, there’s less risk of inconsistent toolpaths or undocumented changes. Simulation further ensures programs are collision-free before reaching the machine.
2. Faster Setup and Programming
Shop-floor teams no longer wait for engineering to make minor edits. They can resolve issues immediately, keeping machines running and lead times short.
3. Empowered Operators
Machinists leverage their real-world expertise—like tool availability and machine quirks—while staying aligned with enterprise standards. This reduces frustration and builds confidence.
4. Connected Workflow Across the Enterprise
The 3DEXPERIENCE platform ensures a closed-loop digital thread:
- Designers → NC Programmers → Shop Floor Operators → Production Managers.
Everyone accesses the same data, eliminating silos.
Learn more about 3DEXPERIENCE Manufacturing solutions.
Why DELMIA Shop Floor Machining Matters in Industry 4.0
Manufacturers are moving toward smart factories where flexibility and connectivity define competitiveness. DELMIA plays a critical role by ensuring:
- Digital Continuity: A single digital twin connects design, programming, and machining.
- Agility: Operators respond instantly to market or production changes.
- Sustainability: Reduced scrap and optimized machining strategies minimize waste.
As companies embrace Industry 4.0 and digital transformation, solutions like DELMIA Shop Floor Machining will become indispensable.
Smarter, Faster, More Connected Manufacturing
DELMIA Shop Floor Machining empowers machinists to do what they do best—operate machines, solve problems, and keep production running—while staying connected to enterprise-wide data and standards. By bridging the gap between NC programming and shop-floor execution, manufacturers gain:
- Reduced errors and downtime
- Consistent, validated machining strategies
- Agile, real-time responsiveness to change
For manufacturers striving to stay competitive in a digital-first world, this solution is more than just a convenience—it’s a strategic advantage.
Learn more about DELMIA NC Shop Floor Programmer here.
Getting Started: Step-by-Step Tutorials
For those who want to see DELMIA Shop Floor Machining in action, here are three practical tutorials that walk you through key workflows.
Video 1: NC Shop Floor Programmer Overview
This video introduces the NC Shop Floor Programmer role within the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. It explains how shop-floor machinists can program simple parts, access tool libraries, and reuse machining templates. You’ll see how the intuitive interface is designed for operators, not just CAM specialists.
Video 2: Programming a Part with DELMIA Shop Floor Machining
In this tutorial, you’ll see a complete programming sequence for a part on the shop floor. The video covers geometry setup, tool selection, and applying machining strategies using predefined templates.
Video 3: Simulating and Validating Toolpaths
This video focuses on simulation and validation—critical for ensuring safe, collision-free machining. It shows how machinists can verify programs before sending them to the CNC machine, reducing the risk of errors and scrap.