A new standard for turning

24 04 2013

The number of tools available on machines directly influences the ability of these to perform complex operations or machine parts requiring extra finish. The race for productivity and quality are also two parameters pushing companies to always find more intelligent solutions for their customers. Pibomulti presents a new tool-holder system adaptable on many machine-tools: Piboturn.
Pibomulti_Eurotec
Principle of the Piboturn tool holder. 1) Cone-face adaptation with compressible hollow cone, 2) manual lateral clamping, 3) cylindrical guiding, 4) automatic clamping

Developed first for machines of Emissa, its sister company; Piboturn tool holders now hits the market of turning with strong assets, both in terms of stiffness and reduced sizes.

New tool-holder…
To answer to the needs of Emissa machines, new turning tool-holders had to be designed. They had to be less bulky and especially offering the possibility to adjust the heights of each tool independently precisely in a repeatable way. These also had to be rigid and controllable easily. The systems already on the market were not suitable for various reasons, including too large sizes. Pibomulti has developed a system of cone with compressible hollow cone HSK type but with a guide on 3 points (face, compressible cone and axis of the cone). This new concept ensures stability on radial efforts that standard hollow cone cannot provide (take-off of the cone).

Compact systems… 25% more tools
The Piboturn system allows the use of very small tools, particularly in turning. That instantly increases the number of available tools and therefore the possibilities of machines. For example, used on turrets and compared to the VDI, the user can set up 25% more tools. The great repeatability allows set-ups in hidden time on usual pre-setting devices of the market.

Pibomulti SA
Jambe-Ducommun 18
CH- Le Locle
Tél. +41 32 933 06 33
Fax +41 32 933 06 30
www.pibomulti.com
info@pibomulti.com

To be discovered in more details in Eurotec’s next issue.


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Categories : Innovation, Tooling

Exceptional first steps

5 04 2013

In our previous edition, we exclusively introduced the Tornos SwissNano machine (download it here). Since then, it has been unveiled for the first time at the Tornos open days in Moutier. We wanted to find out how it had been received by customers and hear about the results of this exhibition. Interview with Brice Renggli, marketing manager.

Swissnano_Eurotec

“It was an exceptional success: We welcomed 340 visitors – a 30% increase on the previous year’s watchmaking days. We sold 25 machines in a week” explains Mr Renggli, by way of introduction. To find another such example of customer enthusiasm for a machine manufactured in Moutier, we need to go back 17 years to the launch of the famous Deco 2000 7/10 mm capacity machines.

And the tablet?
All the machines sold during the exhibition have an integrated PC which allow a connection to the tablet, enabling production to be monitored. “Our customers could see beyond the gadget appeal’. Having the latest versions of the service instructions directly on the tablet, for example, was highly appreciated. Being able to have an integrated PC also brings a wide range of additional possibilities, such as managing stock of parts on the machine, for example” explains Mr Renggli. Customers also liked the customisation of the Fanuc control screens. Developed using the “Android logic’’, these pages are very intuitive and user-friendly.

Tornos store
The company is setting set up a virtual store for downloading applications for the tablet. Mr Renggli explains: “With a tablet running with Android, customers can download a free application which allows them to have a system for keeping service instructions continuously up-to-date, communicating news to them and giving them access to the Forum”. Access to this is restricted to SwissNano customers. (Not on-line yet).

Swissnano_Eurotec_2

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Swissnano_Eurotec_3

Tornos SA
Industrielle 111
2740 Moutier
Tel. +41 32 494 44 44
Fax: +41 32 494 49 07
watchme.tornos.ch

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13003_eurotec-online_500x100


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Categories : High Precision Machining, High precision turning, Machines, Watchmaking

“Everything can be measured”

17 12 2012

EMO Hannover 2013 will be showcasing state-of-the-art image processing systems in a web-based production environment. Faster, more reliable, more accurate, more flexible – the requirements for the production metrology of the future are very demanding.. to be discovered in Hannover.
EMO_2013_Eurotec
The EMO Hannover 2013 will be addressing all the trends of relevance for production operations, responsively showcased for the target groups involved under the motto of “Intelligence in Production”. One of the major focuses here will be how to handle information from measuring instruments in the web-based environment of Industry 4.0.

To work faster and more cost-efficiently
The net sees everything, knows everything and forgets nothing: via web-based customer portals, users can already obtain a complete picture of all the data from the measuring instruments and systems being deployed. Most of these portals are based on a service-oriented architecture, thus optimising operational behaviours and significantly shortening repair and maintenance time. Web-based information platforms enable present-day users to work faster and more cost-efficiently, benefiting from simplified access to all instrument information. Thus design engineers, R&D staff or purchasers can get all the data they need on their screens by barcode-scanning of the instruments involved.

With measured tread into the future
The EMO Hannover 2013 will show the direction in which production metrology is moving for the future, more or less with a “measured tread”. A working group of the VDI/VDE Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies (GMA) has already ventured a look into the future with its “Roadmap 2020 for Production Metrology”. It identifies four major focuses for future production operations.

  • Resource-efficient and transparent production processes
  • Quality
  • Productivity and
  • Flexible production (this includes workpiece detection, intelligent robot, gripper and safety engineering with image processing and image-based control)

More and more integrated
Particularly stringent requirements will apply here for process-integrated work-piece and tool measurements. The incorporation of metrological technology into the process ranges from sensors that are utilised directly by the machine concerned to autonomous metrological systems that are integrated via interfaces in the material and information flows of the industrial production processes involved.

www.emo-hannover.de/home

PS: We will come back on integrated measuring systems in Eurotec soon.


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Categories : Control, Trade show

Microtechnology: to cut larger size

6 12 2012

Affolter Technologies has unveiled the Gear AF 110 to complement its range of gear cutting centres towards the realisation of larger parts to diameters up to 40 mm with a module up to 1.0 mm. Why this evolution and with what objectives? To answer these questions we met with MM. Marc-Alain Affolter, general director and Sébastien Giran, marketing and sales office manager.
Affolter Gear110_Eurotec
Gear cutting machines live the same revolution lived in high precision turning with the replacement of cam machines. Though there are two important differences. This evolution is being lived a few years later and machines dedicated to replace cam-controlled gear cutting machines are not only much more efficient in terms of possibilities, but also much more productive. The brakes to purchase high precision turners met; i.e. to find out an often slower solution, does not exist here.

The secret? Innovation
One of the strengths of the Affolter machines is the internally developed Leste NC. Interpolation functions are handled by a dedicated integrated circuit also developed within the company. Immediate gain, the reaction time of the NC is about 90 nanoseconds (transfer time in the integrated circuit). Compared with a classical NC which the calculation requires 200 micro-seconds at best, the Affolter control is incomparably faster. “We can produce parts more quickly; 8-axis interpolation machining is not slowed down by the numerical control” explains Mr. Affolter. He adds: “As our control can handle up to 12 axes, we can also easily control loading and unloading numeric axes to save time”. Development of Leste NC (the company markets today the third generation) represents to date about 30 years/man engineering.

Worldwide presence – Swiss quality
If Affolter historical markets are located in Europe, it is today an important part of its turnover that is carried out in Asia, to the extent that the company has a sales and service subsidiary in China. All machines that are sold in this region of the world are always built in Malleray (Switzerland). When questioned about it Mr. Affolter says: “Customers in these regions that carry out quality products are no different from here, they want to have high-tech production tools. Swiss Made is always a guarantee of quality and we strive to make our machines strengthen this aspect”. He adds: “Things evolve in these countries, wages increase and industrial logic are the same as here in Europe and production is automated to the maximum”.

We will detail this new machine and Affolter’s strengths more in our next issue (meanwhile you can download Affolter’s Flyer here).

Affolter Technologies SA
Grand-Rue 76
CH-2735 Malleray
Switzerland
Tel. +41 32 491 70 00
Fax +41 32 491 70 05
info@affoltergroup.ch
www.affoltergroup.ch


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Categories : High Precision Machining, Machines

Swiss pavilions at Hannover Messe 2013

25 10 2012

The Hanover Fair offers a unique platform for entrepreneurial and sustainable industrial actions to an international audience through solutions and innovations. In budgeting period, it may be an important step to plan for 2013.

As every year, Osec organizes joint booths in the “Industrial Supply” and “Research & Technology” halls. New in 2013, you also have the possibility to exhibit under the Swiss Flag on the “IndustrialGreenTec 2013”.

Main assets

  • The SWISS Pavilions will be clearly identifiable by its Swissness and offers a strong presence. With its attractive design it will achieve a high degree of attention, which is the ideal requirement for showcasing customer’s products and innovations.
  • The SWISS Pavilions will be prominently situated, which is the ideal platform to highlight your innovations.
  • The SWISS Pavilions reduces your administrative and organisational workload for your participation and ensures a professional service. The Osec project team will take care of all organisational and administrative arrangements – before, during and after the exhibition (in French and German).
  • The SWISS Pavilions provides an efficient infrastructure and professional services, including a fully equipped exhibition module, serviced hospitality and conference facilities and joint marketing and networking activities.

You can download all the information here:

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For more information you can contact Mr. Reto Schoch, project manager with OSEC at Tel. +41-44-400 33 50, Fax +41-44-400 33 51, rschoch@schoch-marketing.ch

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www.osec.ch

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Roughing 400% faster

22 10 2012

GibbsCAM VoluMill has made it possible for Quelch Engineering Ltd to achieve some startling reductions in its machining cycle times. The Uxbridge based company specialises in aerospace, motor sport, petrochemical and electronic components, including parts for the Ariane space rocket.

As a subcontractor, a high proportion of parts are new and unique, leading to a heavy demand for CNC programming. Quelch Engineering first invested in GibbsCAM in 1999, choosing it for its simplicity of operation. Now the company has two seats of the software using it to program all of its 11 CNC machines including Milling, Turning and MTM Mill/Turn. Chairman, Alan See, says “We have a policy of continuous investment to ensure we can keep ahead of the technological demands of our market and deliver high quality products on time at a competitive cost”.

An evolving product
As part of this investment program, Quelch Engineering has continuously invested in its GibbsCAM software adding modules for 4-axis Positional and Rotary machining, solid modeling, multi task machining and full 3D machining With the ability to read native CAD models including CATIA V5, Pro-Engineer, NX-CAD and Solidworks, to name but a few. The VoluMill module was the next logical investment. In 2009 Quelch Engineering became the first company in the United Kingdom to install the GibbsCAM VoluMill Module achieving some truly remarkable results.

Intelligent algorithm
GibbsCAM VoluMill has been designed for ultra high-performance 2, 3 and 4 axis roughing by optimising the feedrate, toolpath and cutting conditions to achieve the shortest possible cycle time.
The intelligent algorithm in the software considers heat dissipation through the chips, keeping the workpiece and tools at a constant temperature, while curves and arcs are introduced into the cutterpath to produce smooth fluid movements of the tool. The software also enables the programmer to rough as deep as possible, to make use of the full length of the tool. It then automatically re-roughs the large steps produced, ready for part finishing.

We will go into deeper explanation on GibbsCAM VoluMill:

  • optimisation of tooling and
  • working conditions and explain
  • the technology advantage of the software package

in Eurotec’s next issue.

GibbsCAM at Prodex
If this post explains the benefits of machining parts of a few decimetres cubes with GibbsCAM, the software also offers dedicated solutions for microtechnology, watchmaking and medical. Many specific modules of GibbsCAM have been developed in the heart of the microtechnology market by Productec, dealer in Switzerland and France and long-time partner of GibbsCAM.
On the K30 stand in Hall 1.1 visitors will be able to discover the all-new version of GibbsCAM ‘GibbsCAM 2012+’, the workshops management tools of CWork as well as programming of multitasking machines (MTM) solutions.

Productec SA
Grands Champs 5
2842 Rossemaison
Tel. + 41 32 421 44 33
Fax + 41 32 421 44 39
info@productec.ch
www.productec.ch

Productec France
Tél. ++33 9 74 76 26 61

www.gibbscam.com


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Categories : CAD/CAM, Companies, Subcontracting

New Laser Micromachining course

15 10 2012

FSRM organizes a new course on laser micromachining on November 12 in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. The course is aimed at engineers, technical managers and those interested in gaining a wider understanding of laser micromachining systems, techniques and applications.

This course is primarily aimed at introducing the basic concepts of laser micromachining and allowing participants to appreciate the practical elements involved in undertaking laser micromachining tasks. It is suitable for those with a basic interest in microsystems, MEMS and general micro-manufacturing and does not require a deep knowledge of mathematics or physics. The course includes numerous videos and examples of high precision laser micromachining.

  • Introduction to lasers & optics
  • Current status of laser micromachining
  • Basics of laser ablation
  • Types of lasers used in micromachining
  • Laser micromachining systems
  • Optics for laser micromachining systems
  • Laser micromachining techniques
  • Industrial applications of laser micromachining
  • Emerging developments

For more information.
Subscription.

www.fsrm.ch


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Simultaneous turning and milling, multi-spindle production

15 08 2012

Chiron presents eight machining centers with live demonstrations of metal-cutting at the AMB 2012 in Stuttgart. With the motto “Seconds ahead”, the company is presenting highly productive and efficient production solutions for countless applications in a wide variety of industries.

With the FZ12 MT to be discovered at AMB, simultaneous turning and milling is possible.

In hall 5, stand C12, the machine builder is showing solutions with which Chiron customers can best gain competitive advantages in terms of speed, precision and economy. There are two highlights in particular: For the first time in Germany at a trade fair, the FZ12 MT is being shown. It is for simultaneous turning and milling and the efficient six-sided complete machining of bars. The four-spindle TZ15 W Magnum is being premièred with new space saving background magazine for up to 4 x 52 (!) tools.

Simultaneous milling and turning means double the productivity
The FZ12 MT offers double the productivity thanks to halved throughput times. The compact and fast machining center with swivel head, turning spindle, tool revolver and opposed spindle make turning and milling possible at the same time by simultaneous use of two tools. For the greatest accuracy, it is equipped with up to eleven controllable axes with direct path measurement systems. The range of applications for the FZ12 MT is broad: The opposed spindle with swivel axis permits complex five-axis operations and six-sided workpiece machining with the highest surface quality. This innovation can be seen in the equipment variation with bar loader for the manufacture of brass circuit board carriers.

Four spindles with space saving background magazine
For especially complex machining on the four-spindle TZ15 W Magnum, Chiron is presenting for the first time a newly designed, space saving background magazine. The tools are vertically arranged in spirals, with the modular design permitting expansion up to 254 tools. The version shown at the trade fair has 4 x 52 tools. The TZ15 W Magnum, as a compact machining center, features very high productivity within a small area, thanks to its four spindles and high dynamics. For economic 5-sided machining of components, the machining center can also be equipped with a workpiece changing mechanism with integrated 2-axis NC swivel rotary tables. The machining of thermostat housings out of aluminium can be seen live.

Chiron-WERKE GmbH & Co. KG
Kreuzstraße 75
D-78532 Tuttlingen, Germany
Phone 074 61-940 0
Fax 0 74 61-940 8000
info@chiron.de
www.chiron.de


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Categories : High Precision Machining, High precision turning, Machines, Milling

The machine is only the beginning…

25 06 2012

A manufacturer, whether it be watchmaker, active in medical or aerospace for example, do not consider a machine as an end in itself, but as a solution to reach its objectives. He is looking for a mean of production that perfectly fits its needs (present and sometimes future), provides an interesting return on investment, guarantees the required accuracy and quality while being trouble free. What a challenge for manufacturers of machines!

We met Mr. Guy Ballif, responsible for sales with Bumotec, a machines manufacturer who fully understands the complexity of the needs of its customers and that has developed its business accordingly. Mr. Ballif says: “We assure our customers that our promises will be kept and we sign on it”.

Bumotec is specialized in the realization of high-quality parts. Linear guides allow a never faulted precision which guarantees the production in high cadences. The parts are completed in one clamping from bars. Production is thus simplified and allows a better control of the process.

Innovation to the service of quality: linear guides
The machines range includes quite a lot of innovations that allow Bumotec to push the boundaries further. The machines are equipped with linear motors to replace ball screws (traditionally a weak part in the industry of machines). Provided without mechanical element, the transmission of movement ensures very high precision and repeatability without fault. Thus small precise machining can be guaranteed (for example a diameter very accurately milled using interpolation). Another advantage of this technology is provided by the electromagnets ensuring movements; the frames being drawn onto each other with a great force the rigidity of the machine is thus significantly increased. Furthermore this driving concept requires no maintenance.

Innovation to the service of quality: spindles
Tools considered as fixed, required for turning or even broaching operations are introduced into the spindle usually dedicated to so-called rotating tools. Turning operation with interrupted cut for example may generate important shocks onto the spindle and can badly influence the quality of hybrid bearings. To solve this problem, Bumotec has developed a system of “disengagement” of the spindle bearings in machining position. Thus, the potential shocks that may affect accuracy are dissipated into the cast iron sheath and not into the mechanism of the spindle and bearings. Product life, accuracy, quality and surface finishes are therefore preserved for a long time.

Innovation to the service of quality: thermal stabilization
With cycle times reaching several dozen of minutes (depending on the part), manufacturers cannot afford to machine setting parts out of tolerance. Mr. Ballif said: “We have designed machines with integrated cooling at the level of the spindles, the linear motors and the B axis. The purpose is to ensure that the first part is already good and we reach it. We have made many measures that demonstrate a machine stability in the order of 2.5 micron on a full day of production; from as early as a few minutes after starting it”.

To stick to the market: the application
On the basis of a modular machine, Bumotec specialists build custom machines. The building on standard modular elements ensures quality and reliability. For example, the S191machine counter-operation system can be set up with a vice or a complete counter-spindle ensuring 5-axis machining or a combination of a rotating spindle and specific chucks… everything is possible to meet the needs.

You will be able to discover more about Bumotec’s machines in our next issue.

Bumotec SA
Les Communs
1625 Sâles
Switzerland
Tel : +41 26 917 84 01
Fax : +41 26 917 81 18
admin@bumotec.ch
www.bumotec.ch


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Categories : Companies, Grinding, Hard turning, High Precision Machining, Machines, Medical, Milling

New powRgrip® tool clamping system for micro-cutting

11 06 2012

Micro machining is a rapidly growing market – even complex geometries on a miniature scale can now be reliably mass produced with materials difficult to cut.

The new Rego-Fix Tool holder with cutting-edge technology for micro machining.

To meet stringent, high-precision requirements, the toolholding system plays a key role as the interface between the cutting tool and machining center – which is where the new powRgrip® PG 6 system size from the Swiss tool manufacturer REGO-FIX comes in. With concentricity of <0.003 mm, a minimal outside diameter profile and fine balancing for high speed spindles, this new tool holder has been specially designed to meet the stringent high-precision requirements involved in micro machining.

Optimally designed for micro-machining
Micro machining has its own special requirements, particularly when it comes to tool clamping. In medical technology and mold construction, for example, the tool holder must demonstrate the following properties:

  • high concentricity
  • maximum vibration dampening
  • a small body profile
  • long projecting lengths for deep pockets
  • and a high degree of flexibility in tool clamping.

The collet holder has an outer diameter of 10 mm and offers a small body profile. Small tool shafts of between 0.2 mm and 3.175 mm can be reliably clamped in this system. The clamping principle employed by the powRgrip® system enables a high precision in tool presetting an maximizes the repeatability during tool changes. This is achieved without heating by means of a small table top hydraulic press. Precision length preadjustment is performed by means of an adjustment screw integrated in the powRgrip® collet. The repeatable accuracy of the adjustment length is <10 μm.

PG 6 is finely balanced, making it perfectly suited for high-speed cutting (HSC). The low concentricity of <0.003 mm for the overall powRgrip PG 6 system (collet and collet holder) makes it ideal for high speed spindles. This reduces tool wear and is a prerequisite for excellent surfaces.

The flexibility of the powRgrip® system and the different sizes (PG 6, PG 10, PG 15, PG 25, PG 32) provide a wide range of tool clamping options. PG6 collet holders and collets are compatible with the PGC 2506 clamping unit from REGO-FIX for clamping small diameters by means of a hydraulic hand pump. If the customer already has such a clamping unit, only one additional adapter for PG 6 is required. The clamping procedure is quick, easy and reliable.

The user will find PG 6 an efficient and extremely durable tool holding system for micro-machining. Even after many years of use, it will continue to offer the same level of precision as on the first day of usage.

REGO-FIX AG  
Swiss Precision Tools
Obermattweg 60
4456 Tenniken
Switzerland
Ms. Sarah Brutschi
Phone: +41 61 976 14 66
Fax: +41 61 976 14 14
sbrutschi@rego-fix.ch
www.rego-fix.com


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Categories : Tooling

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