Presseinformation
Press Release
Communiqué de presse 26/2010
Mechatronic competence for machining
The dynamic adjustment of tool cutting edges for flexible contour machining, machining processes with closed control cycles, and
Bluetooth technology for easier tool setup are just some examples of the massive trend in the machining sector for the optimisation of production processes using mechatronics. The mechatronic components developed for tool systems by the KOMET
GROUP meet the special requirements of machining technology and open up opportunities for innovations for other production equipment, too.
Clearly, people involved in today's optimisation of production processes and equipment will indeed strive to improve individual aspects.
However, real innovation is increasingly achieved by the optimisation of the whole, i.e. the interdisciplinary interaction of different components. One example is the integration of precision mechanics, electronics, and software into the KOMET KomTronic
®
U-axis systems , which has led to new territory being entered in the realm of machining.
Thanks to sensors and/or actuators, tool adjustments can be made and monitoring functions for the tool or machining process can be achieved. Thus, the tool systems of the KOMET GROUP already constitute classic examples of mechatronics.
A variety of specialised companies are involved in the development of mechatronic solutions. As a rule, however, the actions of these companies are driven by the user (i.e. customer) and their products are thus largely oriented towards a specific application or at least a specific sector. This means that the components developed have specific properties which are suited to specific applications but which are not ideal for other application areas or which do not provide the properties they require People who use such solutions must be prepared to make compromises to a lesser or greater extent. However, the development of special solutions involves questions of know-how and economic viability - the latter of which also depends on volume. What is therefore more obvious than to look for a suitable solution within your own sector or, as in the case of the KOMET GROUP , to offer solutions developed specially for use for other production facilities in the surrounding milieu?.
Interdisciplinary know-how has been built up over decades
With the aim of compensating for wear and enabling flexible cutting edge adjustment, KOMET
®
has been involved in the development of mechatronic components since the end of the 1980s. The NCcontrolled U-axes described previously constitute the latest state of technology. During recent years, this tool specialist has built up extensive know-how on mechanics, electronics, and software - disciplines which today fall under the auspices of a separate division called "Mechatronics". "We decided that we ourselves needed to become involved in all of these disciplines because of the special requirements of
KOMET GROUP GmbH
Zeppelinstr. 3
D-74354 Besigheim, Germany
Tel.: +49 (0) 71 43 37 30
Fax: +49 (0) 71 43 37 32 33
E-mail: info@kometgroup.com
Internet: www.kometgroup.com
Press contact/PR:
Michael Rauscher
Head of Marketing Support
Tel.: +49 (0) 71 43 37 30
Fax: +49 (0) 71 43 37 35 74
E-mail: info@kometgroup.com
Internet: www.kometgroup.com
Großpietsch Produkt-PR ®
John Großpietsch
Waldstr. 18
D-77736 Zell am Harmersbach, Germany
Tel.: +49 (0) 78 35 54 040
Fax: +49 (0) 78 35 54 04 20
E-mail: john.grosspietsch@produkt-pr.de
Internet: www.produkt-pr.de
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Presseinformation
Press Release
Communiqué de presse metal machining" explains Dr.Ing. Jürgen Fronius, head of this division. These special requirements start with the adverse environmental conditions, including the presence of chippings and cooling lubricants, which - naturally - are not easy to reconcile with the use of electronics.
In this context, impenetrability and robustness have priority. In addition, the lack of space in machine rooms, which is further restricted by the interference contours of the workpieces, constitutes a further challenge. This gives rise to the need for as compact a design as possible.
However, in connection with the forces which occur during machining, relatively high torques and power densities are also required. Moreover, the highest possible level of precision must be ensured despite high dynamics with quick speeds and movement sequences. The weight of components and the effects of centrifugal forces on the mechanics and electronics also deserve special attention. "One of the greatest challenges is energy and data transfer on rotating and translational systems" adds Fronius.
Modules for use in other systems
A major step in the evolution of the mechatronic tool systems of the
KOMET GROUP was achieved thanks to the KOMET KomTronic
®
HPS U-axis systems project. The primary aims of this project are to achieve high-speed machining, the further miniaturisation of tools, and the implementation of component modularisation. Among other things, this has led to the development of a drive unit consisting of a motor, gearbox, sensors, and control electronics, which, being compact and having an impressive power density, corresponds to what companies like KOMET were looking for. Its external electronics - on a PCB which is smaller than a bank card - are striking. The drive system is completed by components which enable contact-free energy and data transfer. This opens up the possibility of these drives being used flexibly in rotating or other moving production facilities in the most varied of installation situations.
Possible fields of application for these drive solutions - offered in two motor sizes - include robotics, picker arms, feed systems, handling systems, and clamping systems. For example, the clamping force in intelligent workpiece holders could be adapted in line with component properties and machining forces. Moreover, chucks in lathes could be controlled in relation to the sensitivity of the material. Another possible application with the aim of improved quality - at least for components for contact-free energy and data transfer - arises in conjunction with measuring equipment used during machining.
In summary
The modules resulting from the development of mechatronic tool systems have properties which are optimised for metal machining and which combine precision with torque properties and a higher performance density. Their uniqueness is also noticeable in their flexibility with regard to the possibility of spatially separate installation with rotating or translational components, giving rise to completely new opportunities for innovation.
The KOMET GROUP, which markets the brands KOMET and JEL
®
®
, DIHART
®
, is a leading global manufacturer of precision tools for bore
,
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Presseinformation
Press Release
Communiqué de presse machining, reaming, and threading. The group has been at the forefront of innovation in the sector for over 90 years: a tradition that began with the early indexable insert borers and continues today with their mechatronic tool systems. The company currently employs around 1,400 staff in its 20 subsidiaries and is represented in around
50 countries.
Note:
Bluetooth is a trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
Komet-1026-AMB Mechatronikkomponenten-BE
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