HAIMER exhibited its complete tool management solutions at EMO 2019 in Hanover

At EMO 2019 in Hanover , the HAIMER Group showed how modern tool management works with high-quality, process-reliable components, consistent digitalization and fully automated tool presetting using a robot cell.

The HAIMER Group, world market leader for tool shrinking and balancing technology, has established itself as a system provider for complete tool management and is taking it step by step into the future. The basis is the high-quality product program, which ranges from a wide variety of tool holders, shrinking and balancing technology, tool presetting devices to solid carbide tools and sensors.

HAIMER bundles all these components in Tool Room solutions, a functional, ergonomic workplace design. A new software that enables the consistent exchange of tool data finally links them to a digital Industry 4.0 system.

HAIMER DAC networks tool management

DAC (Data Analyzer and Controller) is the name of the tool management system developed by HAIMER, which has been used for some time now in its own manufacturing facility in Igenhausen and is for sale after EMO 2019. It manages the exchange of target and actual values as well as other tool data between the individual tool room stations and establishes the connection to the corporate network. In combination with RFID data chips, which HAIMER tool holders can be optionally equipped with, or via QR or Data Matrix codes (which can be read out and evaluated by different systems via a scanner), the HAIMER DAC allows a clear identification of the complete tool. Through the network connection, it also provides additional tool data: assembly instructions, article numbers, stock adjustment, and 3D models. In addition, DAC supports the user in the analysis of production data and process optimization.

This is how the HAIMER DAC tool management works: In the CAD / CAM system, a tool order is generated and sent to the DAC. There, a tool identifier ID is assigned, which accompanies the tool from now on. These are followed by stations assembly (e.g., shrinking), measuring and balancing, all of which are communicating with the DAC. After the last value transfer, data is sent to the machine tool control and the magazine location is specified there. Depending on the balancing quality, an adaptation (for example, reduction) of the maximum speed on the machine takes place. After processing, a retransmission of the remaining tool life to the DAC takes place. A confusion of the magazine location can be eliminated by scanning the tool ID number on the machine. The user controls the entire process only by clicking and confirming or accepting values. Since no manual input is required or possible, there are no false inputs or collision risks. Managing Director Andreas Haimer explains, “With the DAC, we want to make digitalization in tool management feasible for small and medium-sized companies as well.” The concept is therefore scalable from small to large. It can flexibly be connected to existing presetting devices as well as various CAD / CAM or control systems.

Full automation for the tool room

Another highlight at the HAIMER trade fair stand was a robot cell with which tool presetting can be completely automated. It contains a tool trolley that is equipped with tool holders and tools. On a presetting device Microset VIO linear toolshrink, the tools are custom shrunk and preset. After cooling, the balancing quality of the respective complete tool gets checked. The completely assembled and tested tool is then stored on a second tool trolley and is thus released for use. The complete handling is done by a robot. Andreas Haimer points out that automation is meaningful and promising only “if the implemented hardware is 100% reliable. All of our products are so robust and designed for durability that they ensure maximum process reliability and are suitable for all types of automation. “

New tool clamping technology for turning and milling

HAIMER also focuses on tool (clamping) solutions for turning. With HAIMER Duo-Lock™ and shrink fit collets for driven tools, the tool change can be realized in a highly accurate and reliable manner in the machine – which results in reduced set-up times and thus leads to productivity leaps. The shrink fit collet range was extended by sizes ER 11 and ER 32. In order to optimize the tool change for shrink fit collets, a newly designed shrinking device was presented in Hanover, which masters the heating and cooling of the collets in different lengths easily.

There are also new tool holders for cutting tools: For example, HAIMER will be offering BT30 and BT40 tool holders with a face contact, that will contribute to even greater precision and process reliability, especially at high speeds. In October, these tool holders are available from stock as shrink fit chucks in Standard Shrink Chuck, Power Mini Shrink Chuck and Power Chuck versions.

For more information, please visit http://www.haimer.com.