Marposs GEM CMS Machine Tool Collision Detection System - Technical Parameters and Selection Guide

#The Marposs GEM CMS (Collision Monitoring System) is a machine tool collision detection and protection system launched by Marposs (ARTIS product line), suitable for metal cutting machines, robots, and handling systems. When an unexpected collision occurs during the machining process, the system outputs an alarm signal within 1 millisecond to emergency stop the machine tool and minimize the collision damage.
—
##The core technical principle of GEM CMS is to continuously monitor the micro scale deformation of the machine tool structure through high-sensitivity strain sensors
-* * Sensor installation * * – Strain sensors are installed on the spindle or key structural components of the machine tool – * * Continuous monitoring * * – Real time monitoring of structural strain at a sampling rate of 25 kHz – * * Threshold judgment * * – When the preset value is exceeded, it is judged as collision – * * Instantaneous stop * * -1ms response speed ensures that the machine tool structure stops in the plastic deformation zone, greatly reducing maintenance costs. **
—
##Core Features
|Characteristics | Description
|* * Response time * * |<1 ms
|* * Collision type * * | High speed hard collision+low-speed quasi-static collision (clamping compression, debugging abnormal contact, etc.)
|* * Sampling rate * * | 25 kHz, 16 bit resolution
|* * Level 3 alarm * * | Three different alarm limits can be set during operation
|* * Multi working modes * * | Threshold limits for different operating conditions corresponding to different modes
|* * I/O interface * * | 3-channel input/4-channel output physical I/O
|* * CNC system independent * * | Connected via I/O or Profibus/Profinet, without restrictions on CNC brand
|* * Black box recording * * | Collision event data recording, password protected, can be analyzed offline
|* * Industry 4.0 Ready * * | The module can be connected to industrial networks to centrally store event data
|Scalability * * | Multi channel cascading, can also be used as a component of GENIOR MODULAR system

—
##Applicable scenarios: GEM CMS can be installed on various metal cutting machine tools and automation equipment, including machining centers, gantry milling, turning milling composite, grinding machines, robot handling systems, etc. Typical beneficiary scenarios:
-* * New program testing * * – Programming error causing tool collision, system detection immediately stops to protect spindle – * * Manual operation/debugging * * – Operator misoperation or abnormal contact during tool alignment – * * Automatic operation * * – Loose workpiece, abnormal fixture or tool damage – * * Robot loading and unloading * * – Collision between robot and workpiece/fixture – * * Low speed feed condition * * – Clamping and compression, quasi-static collision (difficult to recognize with traditional overload alarm)

—
##Customer Value
|Value | Explanation
|* * Reduced maintenance costs by 79% * * | Customer feedback data after one year of use
|* * Avoid prolonged downtime * * |<1ms detection response, limit collision damage range
|* * Auditable event records * * | Password protected event table for easy post analysis and improvement
|* * Insurance cost optimization * * | Mainstream machine tool manufacturers choose and some insurance institutions recognize and reduce insurance premiums
|* * Compatible with existing equipment * * | Not related to CNC systems, old equipment can also be retrofitted

—
**Data Description: * * This report is based on the official technical information compiled by Marpos (ARTIS GmbH), and the product specifications are subject to the latest official version. If you need technical support or further consultation, please feel free to contact us. *Source: GEM CMS color page (2024 version), data manual (2023 version), installation and user manual (2024 version)*

###

FAQ Selected Q&A

**Q: Are GEM CMS collision detection system and probe anti-collision protection the same thing? **
**Answer: * * It’s not the same thing, the two are different dimensions of protection. The anti-collision protection of the probe (such as Renishaw’s probe automatic retraction function) only protects the probe itself when the probe is in the measuring position. GEM CMS monitors the strain state of the entire machine tool spindle/structural components, and can sense abnormal collision forces under any working conditions (cutting, rapid movement, tool change). GEM CMS is closer to the role of “machine safety airbags”, covering a wider range and protecting the machine body rather than a single accessory.

**Q: How much protection can the 1ms response speed of GEM CMS provide in actual collisions? **
**Answer: * * Very crucial. Research data shows that on a typical machining center, the displacement of the spindle within 1ms is approximately 10-20 µ m (depending on the feed rate), which falls within the elastic deformation range of the structural components. If the response is delayed to 10ms, the spindle displacement may exceed 0.2mm, plastic deformation has occurred, and the spindle taper hole and tool holder may have been damaged. The 1ms response speed of GEM CMS ensures that the machine tool receives a shutdown command during the elastic deformation stage of collision, reducing maintenance costs from replacing the spindle (tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yuan) to replacing sensors or simple mechanical calibration.

**Q: Is it complicated to retrofit an old machine tool with GEM CMS? Do you need to modify the CNC system? **
**Answer: * * The modification is relatively simple. GEM CMS is connected to CNC through I/O interfaces (3 inputs/4 outputs) or Profinet/Profibus, without relying on specific CNC brands or system versions. Installation includes three steps: 1) Install strain sensors on the spindle (usually using fixtures or adhesive methods, without drilling); 2) Install the controller module and wire it; 3) Connect emergency stop signal on the PLC side. The entire process usually takes 1-2 days to complete, without the need to modify the core parameters of the CNC or replace the system software. Installing GEM CMS is an economical and efficient “security upgrade” solution for old equipment that has been in use for more than 10 years.