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Frequently Asked Questions 

Everything you need to know about closed-loop manufacturing, how Clooma works on your CNC machines, and what to expect from deployment. Can't find your answer? Talk to our Chicago team.
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What is closed-loop manufacturing?

In machining, closed-loop manufacturing means that part measurements are automatically turned into machine corrections. The part is measured, the right tool offsets are calculated, and they are sent back to the CNC without manual entry. The loop between measurement and machine is closed, so every part stays in tolerance. The term is also used in other contexts, such as circular economy or product lifecycle management, but Clooma focuses on process control in precision machining.
 
 
What is the difference between SPC and closed-loop control?
SPC detects drift; closed-loop control corrects it. Traditional statistical process control tells you when a process moves out of control, but someone still has to decide on the correction and enter it on the machine. Clooma includes real-time SPC and goes one step further: it calculates the correction and sends it to the CNC automatically.
 
 
What is automatic tool offset compensation?
Automatic tool offset compensation adjusts the CNC’s tool offsets based on measured part dimensions, without manual calculation or entry. It compensates for tool wear, thermal drift and other process variations, so the machine keeps producing parts at the nominal dimension.
 
 
Why not just let operators adjust offsets manually?
Manual adjustments depend on each operator’s experience, and they tend to overcorrect: reacting to normal variation as if it were a real drift. This increases variability instead of reducing it. Clooma applies the same statistical logic on every shift, correcting only when a real drift occurs.

How does Clooma work on the shop floor?
The operator measures the part with your existing measuring equipment. Clooma analyzes the result against the tolerances and the process history, calculates the right tool offsets, and sends them to the CNC. The whole cycle takes place after each measurement, with no manual calculation. See how it works

Do operators need statistical training to use Clooma?
No. The statistics run in the background. Operators measure the part and follow clear on-screen feedback at the machine. Quality engineers and managers can go deeper into control charts and capability analysis if they want to.

Does Clooma work for short runs and high-mix production?
Yes. Clooma’s configuration can be generated automatically from your CAD and CAM files, which makes setup fast enough for short runs as well as high-volume production. Automatic configuration is currently available with AlphaCAM, TopSolid, GibbsCam with more CAM systems in development.

What types of machining does Clooma support?
Clooma works on simple and highly complex parts, in turning, milling and multi-process machining.

How does Clooma avoid overcorrecting?
Clooma’s machine-learning algorithms distinguish real process drift from normal variation. A correction is applied only when the data shows the process has actually moved, which avoids the overcorrection typical of manual adjustments.

Which CNC controls does Clooma work with?
Clooma connects to major CNC brands, including Fanuc, Tornos, Haas, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Mazak, Heidenhain, Okuma and Beckhoff. If your controller isn’t on this list, contact us: we’ll check compatibility for your specific machines.

Do I need new measuring equipment?
Not necessarily. Clooma works with the measuring equipment you already use. During the on-site assessment, our team reviews your measurement setup and confirms what is needed.

Can Clooma connect to our MES or ERP?
Yes. Clooma provides an API for integration with MES, ERP and other production systems, and supports data import and export via CSV and other formats.

Is Clooma cloud-based or on-premises?
Both options are available. Clooma is fully web-based and can be deployed in the cloud (SaaS) or on-premises, depending on your IT and security requirements. Users access it from any browser, on desktop, tablet or smartphone.

How is Clooma deployed?
Deployment follows three steps: an on-site assessment of your machines and processes, a preparation phase to configure Clooma for your parts, and on-site training for your teams, typically three to four days depending on the complexity of the parts. Many customers start with a pilot project on a few machines before rolling out further.

Can we start with a pilot on a few machines?
Yes, and it’s often the best way to start. A pilot lets you measure results on your own parts and machines before deciding on a wider rollout.

Who supports us in the US?
Clooma is supported by a Chicago-based team, backed by Ellistat’s engineering team in Europe.

How much does Clooma cost?
Pricing depends on the number of machines, the modules you need and the deployment option (cloud or on-premises). Contact our team for a quote based on your shop.

What results can we expect?
Results depend on your processes and starting point. As an example, LISI achieved a 95% reduction in scrap rate and a 75% reduction in machine tool setup time. Read the LISI case study

How quickly does Clooma pay for itself?
Payback depends on your scrap rate, setup frequency and machine hourly cost. Gains are measured in your own production data, machine by machine, so you can track exactly when the investment pays off. Our team can estimate the potential ROI for your shop during the initial assessment.

Does Clooma replace our setters and machinists?
No. Clooma takes over repetitive offset calculations and adjustments, so your experienced machinists can focus on higher-value work: process optimization, tooling and training new operators. It also helps newer operators get up to speed faster.

Does Clooma help with AS9100, ISO 9001 or ISO 13485 audits?
Yes. Clooma automatically records every measurement and correction, building a structured, audit-ready record. It supports ISO 9001, AS9100 and ISO 13485 quality requirements.

Does Clooma support FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
Yes, Clooma supports FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance for medical device manufacturers.

Which quality indicators does Clooma track?
Clooma calculates Cp, Cpk, Pp and Ppk, tracks capability trends over time, and generates live control charts (X-bar & R, p, np and more), with drift alerts and automated inspection reports.

Who is behind Clooma?
Clooma is the US company of the Ellistat Group. Ellistat is a French software company founded in 2017, specializing in quality and process control for precision machining, and built on more than 15 years of research in statistical process control. About us

Which industries use Clooma?
Clooma is used by precision manufacturers in aerospace, automotive, medical devices, defense and general machining.

Still have questions?
Our team can walk you through Clooma on your own parts and machines.
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